Architecture/Rooftop Decks

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Expert: - 6/3/2010


Question
I am installing a deck on top of my garage roof which is flat and is a concrete slab. It is covered by rolled roofing material.
I am using pressure treated 2x4 stringers and 5 quarter decks boards.  I want to elevate the stringers from the actual roof in order to avoid them sitting in water and become subject to rot even tho they are P/T.  Can you please suggest a way I can do this?  Thanks.

Answer
Adrian - thanks for your question!

I have just the thing - galvanized steel hat channels.  They're used for all sorts of construction situations, most often as "stand offs" for wall panels and are available everywhere.  Search for "metal hat channels" on the web.

You'll put them down on your roof slab and attach the stringers/sleepers to them.  You probably want to screw up thru the hat channels from below into the stringers, then flip the stringers over and secure the channel flanges to the deck.

That will keep your wood off the deck by the height of the channels, and keep standing water away.  Be sure to orient the channels in the direction of the drainage, and seal or gasket wherever you penetrate the roofing with screws.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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