We recently installed a rooftop deck. Floating framing about 1/2 inch over the membrane. Internal drainage. It was our first install, and I have potential concerns about the longterm viability of this. Please advise!
The majority of rooftop decks where the structure was never designed for a deck have problems! Was the structure built to handle the additional weight of the deck? That is a bunch of heavy lumber!
Without knowing more about the structure, the roof membrane covering, drainage, etc., it is almost impossible to predict what will happen.
There is a fantastic deck construction group on Facebook called Deck Construction Tips and Tricks, populated by deck pros that would be more than happy to pick your photo apart and offer constructive criticism.
Being that you’re in Southern California, certainly, prints of the structure & permits are required.?
As mentioned by Scott, that is a lot of weight and the structure needs to be able to handle that weight, that would be the job of a Structural Engineer and should have been included in the overall design of the deck.
Don you have the name of this group. I would love to join. Many thanks!
If you didn’t get a permit you better do it before you go any further. Without being there a structural engineer would have to determine the dead load, live load, wind load and seismic load assuming snow is minimal. Plus the connection to the roof. That privacy fence would require a separate design check along with the connection between the deck and privacy fence. The weight of the roof top structure would likely factor into the seismic loading on the entire building. The engineering fee including and design drawings could add up to a few thousand dollars.
Not Darren but I think it is called:
Everything has been fully permitted and engineered. And passed by the city. My questions mostly pertain to drainage, roof quality. The structural load is 90 lbs/psf.
What is the roof slope and what is the farthest distance the water has to go to drain off?
The slope of the roof is 2 percent. The longest distance the water has to travel is 20 feet. I hope the picture shows up in the structural plans.
The radial center members seen do touch the membrane. Leading towards the drain.
Debris buildup may cause ponding, which can be an issue. Second are you incorporating a section around the roof drain that can be removed for inspection and cleaning?
You’ll probably need to remove some boards periodically to clean the debris. Roof decks are definitely appealing but with LOTS of potential problems. Over here in Maui where everyone is trying to get a look at the ocean I see quite a few of them and most have leaked at some point.
The penetrations are a weak point for sure. The inspection process from the city, etc. focuses a lot on structure which is good but they don’t seem quite as worried about how the roof is put on and that the supports are properly installed/flashed (do they even do roof inspections in your area? Many jurisdictions don’t).
Simple question Jogani; what type of “debris” are you concerned about building up?
Leaves, dirt. There is an oak tree nearby, and i had a lot of plants on the deck as well. I have removed these today.
Why are the OP’s posts being flagged?
I know I’m being very simplistic in my suggestion, but before you spend tons of money on your approach or ideas, why not leave it as is for a period on time and routine maintenance? Get an electric blower if you don’t have one already, and blow it as needed. Everyday if necessary when when the debris may be at worst. If you are away for while, lay plastic sheathing down.
I just don’t see spending thousands on a deck, then thousand more for an afterthought
Good question Ryan. I just noticed that too. Maybe the one flagging knows something we don’t and will enlighten us? 
I posted a link to a plastic tile i was considering. Thats seemed to get flagged. I wanted to know if anybody had experience with those simple drainage tiles. After removing the wood. The issue is, i have a gallery below and a leak would be fairly catastrophic. I am using my company email to post, i don’t if that should flag it.
