FAQ

What are the benefits of adding a rooftop patio?

Can double the life expectancy of the roofing membrane by protecting it from sun exposure & elements

Gain “free” square footage in otherwise unusable space

Increase rental revenue by offering a beautiful, peaceful, easily accessible outdoor space for tenants and guests

Encourage work/life balance through creative rooftop spaces like restaurants & bars, dog parks, playgrounds and outdoor work areas

Reduce energy bills by gaining R-value

Create an incredible entertaining area where friends and family will always want to be

Why do I need to use pedestals?

Simplicity, speed and ease of installation

Aesthetics - compatible with concrete pavers, Ipe deck tiles, porcelain tiles and framed decks with wood or composite decking

Leveling - create a perfectly level patio on roofs with up to a 7% slope

Maintain Waterproof Integrity of the roof by resting on top of roofing membrane without puncturing it

Proper Drainage - SkyJack pedestals create unifrom 3/16" spacing between pavers to allow water to flow unimpeded to the drains below

Prevent Damage to the Roofing System by elevating abrasive concrete or wood deck materials off the roof

Roofing Warranties - skyjack pedestals can accommodate the specific warranty requirements of any roofing membrane manufacturer

Service and Repair - Tiles on pedestals can be quickly and easily removed to access the roof below for service, inspection and leak repair

Increased 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

Pros – Long lasting, very durable, low-maintenance, attractive, affordable, withstand freeze/thaw cycles very well, higher wind uplift resistance.

Cons – Heavy weight, will likely need a contractor for installation

Poured Concrete Paver

Pros – Low-maintenance, attractive, affordable

Cons – Heavy weight, will likely need a contractor for installation, shorter life expectancy in freeze/thaw zones

Porcelain Tiles with Fiberglass Backing

Pros – Light weight, low-maintenance, attractive, mid-level pricing, medium difficulty to install without a contractor

Cons – Susceptible to cracking, wind uplift can be an issue

Ipe Deck Tiles

Pros – Light weight, long-lasting, durable, attractive, easy to install with or without a contractor

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?

An 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?

Determining pedestal heights can be a bit tricky but Skydeck USA provides estimation assistance.

Once 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)

Make a mark on the wall at this spot. This will determine the height of the rest of your patio.

Using 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.

If 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.

Once the measurements are taken, send the drawing to info@skydeckusa.com. If you have a tapered roof insulation layout, send that along with the drawing for more accurate estimates.

How do pedestals work?

Pedestals are used to elevate patio floor tiles off the roof to create a level patio surface.

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.

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.

See “How do I know what height pedestals I need?” for more information on determining which products will work best for your project.

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?

First, organize your pedestals based on height.

You will begin installing your first pavers on pedestals at the doorway that steps out onto the rooftop patio area.

Take 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.

If you determine that you don’t need to cut your first paver, then place the first paver along the wall.

Continue 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.

Once 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.

Continue to lay pavers in rows out from your first two rows, leaving all edges open for cut pavers to be laid last.

Be 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.

Once 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?

Stackable .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.

Adjustable pedestals start at 3/8" tall.

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

SkyJack Pedestals can accommodate heights up to 38” using our SkyHeights Pedestal Reinforcement System.

Pedestals over 21.75” require cross bracing. We also recommend self-leveling heads.

Contact info@skydeckusa.com 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 info@skydeckusa.com or call 616-308-6309.

More FAQ Below

What tools will I need to install a paver pedestal system?

How do I place an order?

Orders can be placed via email to info@skydeckusa.com

Payment is due at the time of order. Credit cards are accepted at an additional cost.

If you need assistance in determining which products you need to order, please visit the “Contact Us” page on our website and complete the information regarding your project.

Pedestals and Standard Size (2’ x 2’ x 2”) Tier 1 pavers can be fulfilled and shipped within 48 hours of payment. Tier 2 or custom size pavers are made to order and have a 2-3 week lead time.

What is the lead time on products?

How are materials shipped?

Pedestals are shipped in cardboard boxes either on pallets via freight or via USPS 2-Day Priority Mail depending on order size. Freight shipping does not include unloading unless arranged prior to placing order. So, a forklift will be needed to unload.

Pavers are shipped on flatbed and will require a forklift for unloading.

Note that freight shipments must be unloaded within 2 hours of driver’s arrival or shipper will begin charging additional fees.

Can I arrange my own shipping or pick up my order from your location?

How do I determine what products I need?

First, determine what flooring you’d like to use. See “What are the differences between concrete pavers, deck tiles and porcelain tiles for a rooftop patio?” to help choose what’s right for your project.

Next, determine the quantity of pedestals you will need. As a general rule, you can multiply the total square footage of the patio area by .375 to determine the quantity of pedestals you will need. Keep in mind, this is just a general rule but will vary based on the shape of the patio and how many cut tiles you have.

Then, determine the height of pedestals needed. See “How do I determine what height pedestals I need?”

Lastly, add 1/16” rubber shims to your order. Typically, we recommend dividing the total # of pedestals needed by 2 (ie – if you need 100 pedestals, order 50 shims).

What are the benefits of using Skydeck USA?

Intelligent design collaboration

We ask great questions and try to understand the project

We anticipate needs and problems

We simplify and streamline the process from estimation, ordering, shipment to installation

We provide estimation and takeoff assistance

Coaching

We provide installation consultation

We help value engineer your project

Fanatical Customer Service

We provide fast fulfillment and shipping

We are detail oriented

We are relationship driven

We develop customers for life

Products That Work in the Real World

SkyJack Pedestals install up to 5x faster than similar products on the marketFewer pedestal sizes make ordering and installing easierProducts come fully assembled to save labor

What are Skydeck USA’s Core Values?

To simplify the project process for our customers

Our collaborative approach, fast-installing, easy to use products make it simple for you to estimate, buy and install your rooftop patio.

Fanatical customer service

We stand behind our products and customers to ensure that we build relationships for life.

Become better every day

We view every customer interaction as a learning opportunity to help us better meet the needs of our customers and make your life simpler.

How do I deal with wind uplift requirements for my rooftop deck?

In general, heavier flooring products have less of an issue with wind uplift.

Wider spacing between flooring tiles can reduce wind uplift concerns.

Thicker and heavier pavers should be used along roof edges where wind uplift is greater.

When using lighter flooring products, refer to architectural or engineering requirements which typically include fixing flooring tiles to the top of each pedestal.

Call Skydeck USA at 616-308-6309 to further discuss your project’s wind uplift requirements.

Can I lay my roof tiles in a poured concrete bed and grout them?

You can do this but in general, pouring concrete on top of roofing membrane is a bad idea for many reasons:

It voids the roofing membrane warranty which would normally be 15-20 years or more.

During freeze/thaw cycles, the concrete will expand and contract creating abrasive movement on the roofing membrane which causes premature leaks.

Roofs are sloped to allow water to move freely toward drains. Concrete prevents water from flowing as it was intended, potentially causing areas where water will pool on the roof.

Concrete is water permeable so leaks can occur underneath the concrete area.

If you have a leak under the concrete, the only option is to tear out the entire patio area, find and fix the leak and then replace the entire patio which over the lifetime of the patio will cost astronomically more than a paver on pedestal system.

So, why do architects or builders consider pouring concrete on a roof?

Cost – Initial installation may be a little cheaper than paver pedestals

Familiarity – Paver on pedestal systems are relatively new to the US market and many firms have not worked with them before. On the other hand, tiles laid in concrete beds have been used both for interior and exterior purposes for many years. So, many architects and builders may not understand the benefits of using pedestals.

Is there really any difference between various brands of pedestals?

Can I fasten the pedestals to the top of the roof?

Yes, but we do not recommend it. By fastening pedestals into the waterproofing membrane, you will not only void the membrane manufacturer warranty, you will create points that will definitely leak prematurely. Even if you caulk around the screws, water will work its way into the screw holes over time causing leaks. Flashing around the base of the pedestals also won’t work because no pedestals on the market are watertight. To properly install pedestals, simply set them on top of the waterproofing membrane. If wind uplift needs to be addressed, please contact us at info@skydeckusa.com or call 616-308-6309 to discuss your project.

Who should I call to install my rooftop patio?

Many commercial roofing companies or ground floor paver installers are familiar with installing paver pedestal systems. For residential projects, roofers or general contractors should be able to help. If your installer is new to paver pedestal systems, we’d be happy to help them through the process via phone, facetime or creating videos specific to their questions. Skydeck USA also has preferred contractors whom we can refer you to for commercial project. For more information, contact us at info@skydeckusa.com or call 616-308-6309.

Can I install a paver pedestal system myself?

What type of flooring can I use with pedestals?

Does Skydeck USA install rooftop patios and decks?

Can I Build A Framed Deck on SkyJack Pedestals?

Vicki Smeby

We had a great experience with Skydeck USA. Their team was extremely responsive and easy to work with and the customer service was excellent from start to finish. The Shop drawings were clear and helpful, which made the whole process go smoothly. Best of all, the finished roof deck looks amazing. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Highly recommended!!

Jackson Vanderwall

We install roof decks regularly and choose Skydeck for all of our projects. Their customer service is outstanding, the products are simple and intuitive to work with, and shipping is consistently fast and reliable. They ship products really quickly which keeps our jobs on schedule. Skydeck makes our installs easier…. highly recommended.

Lilok Meni

I did a project with SkyDeck and had a great experience. Sarah was extremely helpful throughout the process, and everything arrived quickly and exactly as promised. Highly recommended.

Dawn Walker

Skydeck was fantastic to work with! They helped support our project from beginning to end, and were incredibly knowledgeable. Their paver products and pedastal systems were easy to install and the final project turned out great. Our clients were very pleased with the look and high quality of the finished deck. I would highly recommend and plan to use them again!

Pure Michigan Bike Riding

Great company and great customer service. Their roof top pavers and pedestal products are excellent.

Ben Parees

Fantastic experience working with this company. They responded to emails the same day (sometimes multiple in a day), as well as getting on the phone to answer questions I had about the product + installation. I'm a residential homeowner who was DIYing a first time install of a pedestal paver system and Cori + Sara treated me with the same professionalism as a veteran contractor. Their service + products fully met my expectations and I'm thrilled w/ my new patio.

Michaela Schneider

Cori and Sara were great to work with throughout our whole project!

Rudy Mercado

Working with Sara has been amazing. Quick helpful responses and solutions. Order details continuously given. They were able to match our pavers very well and their pedestal system was intuitive and easy to get exact heights. Really happy with SkyDeck and their team.