faq

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of adding a rooftop patio?

logo bullet point Can double the life expectancy of the roofing membrane by protecting it from sun exposure & elements
logo bullet point Gain “free” square footage in otherwise unusable space
logo bullet point Increase rental revenue by offering a beautiful, peaceful, easily accessible outdoor space for tenants and guests
logo bullet point Encourage work/life balance through creative rooftop spaces like restaurants & bars, dog parks, playgrounds and outdoor work areas
logo bullet point Reduce energy bills by gaining R-value
logo bullet point Create an incredible entertaining area where friends and family will always want to be

Why do I need to use pedestals?

logo bullet pointSimplicity, speed and ease of installation
logo bullet pointAesthetics - compatible with concrete pavers, Ipe deck tiles, porcelain tiles and framed decks with wood or composite decking
logo bullet pointLeveling - create a perfectly level patio on roofs with up to a 7% slope
logo bullet pointMaintain Waterproof Integrity of the roof by resting on top of roofing membrane without puncturing it
logo bullet pointProper Drainage - SkyJack pedestals create unifrom 3/16" spacing between pavers to allow water to flow unimpeded to the drains below
logo bullet pointPrevent Damage to the Roofing System by elevating abrasive concrete or wood deck materials off the roof
logo bullet pointRoofing Warranties - skyjack pedestals can accommodate the specific warranty requirements of any roofing membrane manufacturer
logo bullet pointService and Repair - Tiles on pedestals can be quickly and easily removed to access the roof below for service, inspection and leak repair
logo bullet pointIncreased Life Expectancy of Roofing Membrane - Pedestal patios protect the roof from UV rays, Hail and Wind which age and damage the roof

What are the differences between concrete pavers, deck tiles and porcelain tiles for a rooftop patio?

Pressed Concrete Pavers
logo bullet point Pros – Long lasting, very durable, low-maintenance, attractive, affordable, withstand freeze/thaw cycles very well, higher wind uplift resistance. logo bullet point Cons – Heavy weight, will likely need a contractor for installation
Poured Concrete Paver
logo bullet point Pros – Low-maintenance, attractive, affordable logo bullet point Cons – Heavy weight, will likely need a contractor for installation, shorter life expectancy in freeze/thaw zones
Porcelain Tiles with Fiberglass Backing
logo bullet point Pros – Light weight, low-maintenance, attractive, mid-level pricing, medium difficulty to install without a contractor logo bullet point Cons – Susceptible to cracking, wind uplift can be an issue
Ipe Deck Tiles
logo bullet point Pros – Light weight, long-lasting, durable, attractive, easy to install with or without a contractor logo bullet point Cons – Some annual maintenance, higher price point, wind uplift can be an issue

How do I know how much weight my roof can handle for my rooftop patio?

logo bullet pointAn engineer or architect should be able to determine the weight load capacity of your rooftop area. Do not add a rooftop patio to your roof without consulting a professional to ensure that your roof can handle the additional weight load.

How do I determine what height pedestals I need?

logo bullet pointDetermining pedestal heights can be a bit tricky but Skydeck USA provides estimation assistance.
logo bullet pointOnce the roof area with waterproofing membrane is complete, measure the height between the top of the roofing membrane and the bottom of the door threshold (where you’d like the top of the flooring to line up at the doorway). Subtract the thickness of your floor tile from that measurement (ie – 6” from roof to door threshold – 2” thickness of paver = 4” pedestal needed at doorway)
logo bullet pointMake a mark on the wall at this spot. This will determine the height of the rest of your patio.
logo bullet pointUsing a laser level, take height measurements at every high and low point on the roof. This includes each drain, along the parapet walls and roof edges. If the roof has saddles or crickets, be sure to measure heights along these as well.
logo bullet pointIf you have an architectural drawing, write out these measurements on the drawing at each location a measurement was taken. If you don’t have an architectural drawing, make a sketch that includes measurements of each edge of the patio in addition to the pedestal height measurements.
logo bullet pointOnce the measurements are taken, send the drawing to [email protected]. If you have a tapered roof insulation layout, send that along with the drawing for more accurate estimates.

How do pedestals work?

logo bullet point Pedestals are used to elevate patio floor tiles off the roof to create a level patio surface.
logo bullet point Pedestal heights will vary across the roof using shorter pedestals at higher areas of the roof. Pedestals will get incrementally taller as the roof slopes toward drains or roof edges.
logo bullet point There are two types of pedestals – adjustable and stackable. Stackable pedestals are used when very low height pedestals are required. They stack on one another to achieve various heights required across the roof and start at just 1/16” tall. Adjustable pedestals have a screw ring that allows the pedestal height to adjust by increments of just millimeters by twisting the screw ring. Adjustable pedestals can be used for heights from 3/8” and up.
logo bullet point See “How do I know what height pedestals I need?” for more information on determining which products will work best for your project.
logo bullet point Pedestals are placed on the corner of each floor tile. So, each pedestals has four tiles resting on it.

How do I install pedestals with pavers, Ipe deck tiles or porcelain tiles?

logo bullet pointFirst, organize your pedestals based on height.
logo bullet pointYou will begin installing your first pavers on pedestals at the doorway that steps out onto the rooftop patio area.
logo bullet pointTake measurements to determine where to start the first paver so that you don’t end up with a small sliver of a paver at any of the patio edges. This may mean that you need to cut your first row of pavers shorter so that you have cut pavers along each patio edge.
logo bullet pointIf you determine that you don’t need to cut your first paver, then place the first paver along the wall.
logo bullet pointContinue to place pavers parallel to the doorway wall using a laser level to ensure a level patio surface along the entire row. When you reach the patio edge, leave a gap where your final cut paver will be placed. Don’t begin to set cut pavers into place until several rows of pavers are in place, straight and level.
logo bullet pointOnce you complete the first row that is parallel to the doorway wall, start the next row perpendicular to the doorway wall, creating a “T” shape with your pavers.
logo bullet pointContinue to lay pavers in rows out from your first two rows, leaving all edges open for cut pavers to be laid last.
logo bullet pointBe sure to use both a standard level and a laser level at each paver as you go. It's also helpful to use a 90 degree angle to ensure your rows remain straight.
logo bullet pointOnce all of the center pavers are laid, begin cutting your pavers for the perimeter. Use a wet masonry table saw for best results.

I have very little height clearance under my door threshold. What options do I have for installing pedestals and pavers?

logo bullet pointStackable .25" pedestals make it easy to work with nearly any threshold height. 1/16" thick rubber shims can be used in combination with .25" pedestals for easy height adjustment.
logo bullet pointAdjustable pedestals start at 3/8" tall.

I need tall pedestals. What options do I have in order to achieve heights of over 8.25”?

logo bullet point SkyJack Pedestals can accommodate heights up to 38” using our SkyHeights Pedestal Reinforcement System.
logo bullet point Pedestals over 21.75” require cross bracing. We also recommend self-leveling heads.
logo bullet point Contact [email protected] for more information on this system.

Do you have a local distributor?

Skydeck USA is located in Grand Rapids, MI but we sell all over the continental US. We do not use distributors to keep our costs as low as possible for the end users. Whether you are an architect, general contractor, roofing contractor, landscaping company or home owner, you can buy directly from us by contacting us at [email protected] or call 616-308-6309.

More FAQ Below

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop