A flat roof offers an opportunity to take advantage of usable space to create an area for people to gather for meals, relax and enjoy fresh air, and take in the city skyline. Creating a floating deck on a flat roof takes advantage of space that may otherwise remain empty.
Installing a floating deck over a flat roof creates a gathering space and provides beautiful views. It can even help to reduce heat island effects found in cities by using light colored materials and including plants and vegetation in the design.
At ground level, a floating deck is built just above ground level and isn’t attached to the structure. These types of decks are typically constructed with a frame onto which the decking is attached. A floating deck over a flat roof looks different than a floating deck on the ground.
What Is a Floating Deck Over a Flat Roof?
A floating deck can be constructed at ground level and on a flat roof. A rooftop floating deck is a deck that doesn’t lay directly on the supporting surface, in this case, the rooftop. Unlike ground level applications where a frame is constructed on the ground to raise the decking up, a floating deck over a flat roof can use a few different installation systems:
Pedestal system
A pedestal system is typically used to install concrete or porcelain pavers. It consists of adjustable pedestals that are positioned at the four corners of each paver to raise it off of the roof deck surface. The pedestals can be adjusted to create a level deck surface. This system can be complicated to install, and using concrete or porcelain pavers adds significant weight to the roof which may lead to the need for additional structural support.
Deck frame
A deck frame for a floating deck over a flat foot is constructed with an exterior frame with joists running parallel to one another. Roof decking is then attached to the joists which allows space underneath for water drainage. This system can be used for wood decking or porcelain planks.
Grid system
A grid installation system for a floating deck over a flat roof consists of grids that lay directly on the surface of the roof, but lift the pavers above the surface to create space for water drainage. This system is used for Aspire Roof Deck Pavers and a similar system is used for interlocking wood tile decking.
Aspire Is the Best Material for a Floating Deck Over a Flat Roof
Our patented grid system doesn’t hover above the roof deck surface like a pedestal paver or framed system, it does create space between the deck’s surface and the surface of the roof for water to drain away from the roof surface to reduce the threat of moisture related damage.
Benefits of Aspire Pavers
Quick and Easy Installation
Aspire Pavers are quick and easy to install with less labor than a pedestal system. All you need are Aspire pavers, the grids that they are shipped on, and a jigsaw or miter saw to cut the edge pavers to size.
To install Aspire pavers, simply dump the pavers from their shipping grid onto the surface of the roof. Lay the grid in the correct spot and place the pavers on the grid in the desired pattern while ensuring that the pavers overlap the grids in both directions. For more complicated patterns that use multiple colors, we have provided guidance in our Installation Guide.
Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Aspire pavers are ⅓ the weight of traditional pavers, so they are much easier to transport and lift to the roof. Once on the roof and during installation, they are easy to carry and move to their desired location. Unlike concrete pavers which can require multiple people to lift and position into the right place, Aspire pavers can be moved by one person.
Sustainable
Our pavers are made with up to 95% post-consumer recycled material. This includes recycled scrap tire rubber and plastics that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
Multiple Colors and Sizes to Choose from
We offer four different paver colors:
Boardwalk - Inspired by the colors of shorelines and beaches, Boardwalk pavers will transport you to the beach even in the middle of a bustling city.
Olive - Natural and earthy, Olive draws from earth tones and is the perfect color to compliment tans, reds, and greys.
Redwood - The deep red of Redwood pavers is reminiscent of traditional brick pavers, which adds a nostalgic note to a floating rooftop deck.
Waterwheel - This soft grey paver resembles concrete and is the perfect neutral base for large projects. It can be accented with a splash of color.
Each color stands on its own to create a stunning floating deck over a flat roof, and the colors can be mixed and matched to design a one-of-a-kind rooftop oasis.
No Maintenance
Aspire Pavers won’t crack, chip, crack or stain like typical concrete pavers. This will give you peace of mind as you create and enjoy your floating rooftop deck.
Choose Easy Installation and Low Maintenance Aspire Pavers for Your Floating Rooftop Deck
With all of the benefits that come with Aspire Pavers, it's easy to create a floating deck over a flat roof. Our patented installation grids double as drainage mats which allows water to drain from the surface of the deck. There is no hassle of a pedestal or frame system, so you can install your floating deck quickly and efficiently.
Contact the experts at Aspire today to see how easy it can be to design and install a floating roof deck!
