O.k. let’s get the I’m crazy out of the way. I’m crazy.
…but…
has anyone ever built a removable roof section to allow for a rooftop deck/balcony and what words of wisdom could they impart?
This is supposed to be for a fun cottage. I was thinking a 10′ shed dormer on a 36′ 6/12 roof where the apron was removable.
My contractor says forget the dormer just make 10′ ‘raisable’ from somewhere past the peak to the wall, turning the loft into a covered porch.
Either way, I was looking to avoid waterproofing balcony deck issues.
Replies
You're crazy
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Well, sometimes even crazy ideas can be built. But they take some slick engineering. The wind loads and wind-blown water issues boggle my feeble mind, let alone hinges and bearings, and the sheer weight of such a thing. Who ya gonna get to lift it, yer DW? Hydraulic cylinders?
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
PS: In the long run, it would be far easier to waterproof a deck. And way cheaper too. I admit though, the cool factor would be way lower.
Edited 9/15/2008 8:19 pm ET by MikeHennessy
I don't think it should be that heavy, and was thinking a couple SIP panels might help. Let's say 3 4'x8' panels. Making in total a 12'x8' balcony in front of the shed dormer towards the roof. The apron part, if I'm using the correct terminology.The overhang from the shed dormer should allow it to be 'relatively' protected from water. Latches to secure. Contractor suggested something about boat lift. I guess some kind of jack if nescessary, but I'm still thinking removable pieces, but agree water tightness will be a problem, could make it waterproof/draining.And yeah, wouldn't it be fun/kewl, impress the neighbours! James Bond move over.Off to take my medication :)
A. Does the cottage have power?
B. Can you describe the hight and pitch of the roof?
C. Is there an existing roof or is this all new construction?
D. Is there now or going to be a porch around the perimeter of the cottage?
E. Is this cottage used year round or only during the warm(er) months?
I am thinking doing a panel system, all hinged at the ridge. The panels overlap adjacent panels - either right to left, vise versa, or center to sides, vise versa.
Another option would be for them to slide down the rafters creating a greater overhang, however this would impact the accessibility to the cottage along its perimeter. Don't know if that would be an issue other than at the entrance.
Either way, you will need a good hinge system or sliding system. Doing it in panels decreases the energy required to open/ close and decreases the span of each movable parts and therefore the size of each panel's structural framing. If the place is powered, you can install a motor to do the work for you.
Shooting from the hip, but then again, YOU are the crazy one.
Frankie
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Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
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A. Does the cottage have power?
yes
B. Can you describe the hight and pitch of the roof?
see response to frenchy
C. Is there an existing roof or is this all new construction?
new construction
D. Is there now or going to be a porch around the perimeter of the cottage?
porch on opposite corner
E. Is this cottage used year round or only during the warm(er) months?
building for 4 seasons, but realisic use is 3note this is just for the apron area between the dormer face wall and main wall as shown in picture in response to frenchy.
j88
Ignore the neh sayers. Just do it. Figure out how to do it and do it.You can't believe what fun it is to achieve things that others say can't be done..
Here is a jpg from 3dha of how I see it. Hope this makes it clearer. This is uncovered, so I guess it really is just a deck needing some sort of cover for snow/rain.Approx. Details:
6/12 pitched main roof
2/12 pitched dormer roof
dormer is 12' wide on 34' wide x30' roof
dormer is 10' from ridge to dormer face wall
'balcony/deck' is 6 from dormer face wall to main wall
10' main walls, 1st floor framed at 8' so already have approx. 1' balcony wall height at main wallMy contractor says setting the dormer back is structurally unsound, I don't really understand why. The ceiling joists (2x10's) are already being used for the loft. He says make the whole dormer roof area 'raisable' with no dormer.While sounding neat, also seems more complicated.Thanks for the encouragement frenchy!
J88
I can think of several problem areas and several things to be alert about but if I wanted it I'd darn sure build it after I thought everything through and came up with complete solutions to those areas of concern..
While that's not what I'd want, if I did want it I sure wouldn't let others discourage me.. If you're going to build it yourself you can try a variety of approaches untill you get a workable solution (do so on a scale model is a lot easier and cheaper) or if you want someone else to do it for you I'd still make the model so they can grasp the whole concept visually which should simplify communications..
Then I'd go find the contractor crazy enough to think something like this would be fun.. What you don't want is the guy who's an accountant first and then a creator..
Good Luck!
Why would you remove it?