What Roof Material Can I Build a Deck Over?
Adding a deck to a home adds both aesthetic appeal and practical access to more outdoor living area. Raising the deck and installing it over a portion of the home can make an ideal location for sunning or possibly having a hot tub. When considering putting in a raised deck, be sure to first assess the type of roof over which it will be located and the roofing material. Some rooftops lend themselves more readily to additions than others. Does this Spark an idea?
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Asphalt/Composite Shingle
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The classic asphalt shingle is an excellent material for adding a deck. Although not strictly asphalt as in years past, today's composite shingles are very durable and--more important to the deck project--very versatile. The deck joists and support column may need to be fastened directly through the shingling material. With various caulks and other sealants, making any nail or screw holes through the shingle watertight is not difficult.
Galvanized Steel
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What is ubiquitously called a "tin" roof is actually galvanized sheet steel. Found most in older homes and rural areas, a steel roof is both very durable and strong enough to resist the harshest weather. Although installing a deck over galvanized steel is possible, there are some drawbacks. First, the metal reflects a tremendous amount of heat in bright sunlight. This could make the deck in summer very uncomfortable. Also, water drainage will have to be 100 percent. Any puddling of collected water under the deck around the joist or support column could lead to quick corrosion. Although the zinc-coated galvanized steel is corrosion-resistant, constant exposure to standing water can rust through quickly.
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Tile
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Tile roofs such as those found on Spanish- or Western-style homes do not lend themselves well at all to a covering deck. It's impossible to fasten through the ceramic tile. Compromising the roof in several places to be able to secure the decking to the roof can lead to many areas no longer watertight.
Tar
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A tar roof found on a flat-roof building is perfect for adding a deck. It not only covers the black tar surface but also can be easily sealed against water with tar caulk. It's important, however, to make sure drainage under the deck is 100 percent, just as with the galvanized steel roof. Any collected water can damage the tar seal and eventually lead to leaks.
Wood Shingle
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Wood shingling can be conducive to adding a deck if the wood can be easily drilled. If the wood used is cypress or hickory, each attempt to drive a fastener will probably split and ruin the shingle. However, other woods used for shingling, such as fir and redwood, may be more amenable to deck installation. Just be sure to properly seal each fastener location.
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References
- Photo Credit roof image by Eldin Muratovic from Fotolia.com
