When creating a rooftop deck, there are many factors that are part of the planning and building process. Sustainability, low maintenance, drainage, as well as building codes and regulations are all factors for rooftop decks.
Drainage:
One of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed when constructing a rooftop deck is making sure there is proper water drainage beneath the installation. Utilizing porcelain pavers and pedestals to create floating deck ensures water is able to easily flow through the spacing between the pavers and not pool up on the surface. This avoids water stains as well as mold and mildew buildup. By creating these narrow gaps between pavers, water is able to flow unimpeded to the roof drains, avoiding potential costly water damage to the roof membrane. Contractors and architects alike can be rest assured that using a pedestal system will prevent any complications with drainage from the rooftop.
Slope Compensation:
All rooftops are required by building codes to have some amount of slope for drainage purposes. A pedestal system creates a level surface regardless of the amount of slope on the rooftop. Prime pedestals, for example, are equipped with a self-leveling head, which allows for automatic slope compensation up to five degrees. This saves contractors the time of having to measure slopes and adding additional slope correcting tools, such as shims. By using a Prime pedestal, they can have the slope compensation automatically factored in when completing their installation.
Height Adjustment
Pedestals allow for simple height adjustments. Prime pedestals have a dual telescoping head which allows the height to be adjusted when needed. Three prime pedestals cover the height range from 2 ½”—16 ½” as well as being able to go up to 37” with extensions, when required. This covers just about any rooftop deck height requirements. Having such a wide range of heights that can be used gives architects greater flexibility when in the design stage, as well as contractors feeling more comfortable with their ability to make any height adjustments. In the past, failure to measure high and low spots on a roof could derail a project. But with how simple pedestals can be adjusted to meet different heights, that is largely a problem of the past.
Fire Regulation Requirements
Using noncombustible steel pedestals, a rooftop deck installation will be able to meet all fire code requirements. With a class A fire rating, steel pedestals will not catch fire or contribute to any smoke or spreading of flames. Covering a height range of 1”—19 ¼” steel pedestals are able to cover an extensive height range, offering needed flexibility, while maintaining a fireproof installation. Changing fire codes in cities can suddenly make installations suddenly no longer in compliance, leading to costly retrofitting. This leads to projects having to be redone with the properly fire-rated materials. However, using steel pedestals to begin is generally a similar cost to traditional pedestals, and it ensures the installation will meet any future fire codes.
Design Aesthetic:
An important part of architecture is the aesthetic appeal of a project. Certain materials can be limited in their design options. Whether it is a small color selection, or a limited range of styles, materials such as wood and concrete can hold installations back. Porcelain pavers, however, come in a wide array of colors and styles. Porcelain pavers can mimic different types of wood, natural stone, and even traditional concrete. This gives architects a lot more options when it comes to their design, because they can achieve the look they want for a project, while not having to question the materials longevity.
Sustainability:
In an era where sustainability matters more than ever, porcelain pavers are an eco-friendly choice. Porcelain pavers are made from all natural materials. They are also fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Being able to reuse porcelain pavers from past jobs or when pavers need to be cut certain ways for a particular job, allows them to be a more sustainable product, compared to materials that simply have to be thrown away after use. The long lifespan of porcelain pavers means less replacements, minimizing waste.
Solar Reflectance:
Another aspect of sustainability is porcelain pavers ability to assist in mitigating the urban heat island effect. It is common for roofs to be darker colored, making buildings hotter. In cities, when many buildings like this are grouped together, it makes the overall temperature rise. However, light colored porcelain pavers have a high solar reflectance. This allows buildings to reflect more heat than they absorb, helping to keep the roof at a lower temperature and not contribute to the urban heat island effect. Rooftop decks that reflect more heat will also help save on energy costs, particularly in the summer when it is the hottest.
Low Maintenance:
Porcelain pavers are exceptionally low maintenance. They require no sealants or staining to keep them looking pristine. Porcelain paver can simply be cleaned with water and soap or a mild detergent periodically. Compared to wood decks that need routine staining and sealants to maintain their structural integrity, porcelain pavers can maintain their integrity without frequent upkeep. The nonporous surface of porcelain pavers means that there is less worry of staining from items such as spilled liquids, since porcelain pavers absorb less than 0.5% of moisture. Rooftop decks using materials with porous surfaces such as concrete are highly susceptible to stains from absorption of liquids. Which is why commercial rooftop bars that use concrete often times have stains scattered throughout the installation after frequent use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why porcelain pavers and pedestals are the best choice for rooftop decks. With key features such as longevity, sustainability, and low maintenance, a porcelain pavers and pedestal system stands tall amongst the alternatives. For rooftop installations, having materials that have a long lifespan, minimal upkeep, and are able to have good drainage is key for architects who do not want to worry about how long their installation will be structurally sound.
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