Replies

1. 
   Fred_Matthews | Nov 29, 1999 09:29am | #1

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   John: What type of traffic? Occasional walk-through, or will this space be subject to more than the occasional pedestrian? I suggest you look to a single ply membrane roof such as EPDM, PVC, or CPE. Thes type of roofs are usually designed as fully adhered, mechanically adhered or ballasted. Most mfrs have details for traffic pads for light traffic, or sleeper details for decks. It is important that, based on your roof system, you follow mfr's standard details for your particular application and carefully design your drainage.

2. 
   Guest_ | Nov 30, 1999 07:59am | #2

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   John,

   Fred has some good advice. A live load exterior roof can be a blessing or a curse. A good vinyl pan over copper with a bed of wire and mud with stone tile makes a good surface to walk on. You'll need scuppers to drain off the rain.

   It can be expensive. Don't skimp. You'll be sorry.

   Good luck,

   Ed. Williams

3. 
   Ron_Budgell | Dec 01, 1999 10:58pm | #3

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   One product I've used for light traffic areas is simply heavyweight 2-ply modified bitumen heat-welded. Go for the 250gm/sq. metre top sheet, or even heavier. I did one job some years ago with a Soprema product called "antirock" torched right to the plywood roof deck with no underlay. (Despite the good results in this case, I don't recomment this - that roof will have to be replaced someday and the torch-on will not come off easy.) The manufacturer claims the "antirock" will withstand wheeled traffic or tracked vehicles - as long as they don't turn, of course. For anything other than occasional traffic, listen to Fred.

4. 
   Guest_ | Dec 04, 1999 07:52am | #4

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   John... we are a commercial flat roofing contractor and do a lot of this type of application.. I do not reccomend any of these as a DIY application. Quite often they will work sufficiently for a period of time but will fail in the detailing. i.e. at the perimeter edges and wall junction. If these are not done properly according to the manufacturer details, they will not last as long as they could. We send our guys to training with the manufacturers each year to brush up on their installation techniques.
   As for your application, if you want the roof surface to be the decking there is a PVC membrane made specifically for use as a deck. This is fully adhered to plywood and is heat welded at the joints. As in a vinyl floor, the plywood needs lots of screws to keep it flat and smooth as any joints etc will show through the membrane.
   If you are installing a wood deck on top, an EPDM is less expensive and you can lay wood sleepers on top and fasten your deck to the sleepers. Do not fasten the sleepers.
   Again this is generally not a DIY project. Hire a professional roofer that has experience in this type of installation. It will pay off in the long run by not having to lift wood decking to do repairs and repair damaged drywall in the space below.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 05, 1999 01:54am | #5

   *I use Dura Deck.It needs to be installed by a dealer but comes in a variety of finishes & has a grat warranty.

5. 
   John_Mcneece | Dec 06, 1999 08:39am | #6

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   O.K., guys...I need to clarify the situation in order for you to come up with realistic solutions.

   First: The deck is 5'6" X 15'. Not big enough for larger contractors to work with.

   Second: The traffic will be very light...occasional walking and use of chairs.

   Third: I am in very rural location...small contractors usually not familiar with sophisticated materials and techniques...therefore, DYI is best way, if at all practical.

   What are the thoughts on some form of resin applications?

6. 
   Guest_ | Dec 07, 1999 01:33am | #7

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   I have been using liquid applied elastomeric roofing by Snow Roof Systems for about 8 years on flat roof and decks. I have not had any problems.

   http://www.snowroof.com/index.html

   Their products are easy to use, easy to maintain and available at most home center stores or through Ace hardware.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 07, 1999 07:56am | #8

   *John , have You considered a wet mop application of roofing cement and then cover it with that green plastic artificial grass tha comes in a roll. It should be able to handle the traffic, it's great in a rural setting and is ready made for the do-it yourselfer. If You are in a high wind area (top of some lonely mountain) You may want to drive a couple of 16 penny nails through it to hold it down. Need advice with anything else? Skip

7. 
   John_Mcneece | Jan 04, 2000 11:56pm | #9

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   I'm building a sunroom with a flat deck above it. There will be traffic on the deck (plywood) and I would like some suggestions on a material that is waterproof, resists UV degradation and is tough enough to withstand people walking on it. Any advice and suggestions is appreciated. Thanks