When you’re planning and building a rooftop deck, wood deck or pavers is a choice you will have to make. Both offer certain advantages and disadvantages, so the choice comes down to your particular needs, budget, maintenance goals, and design aesthetic.
Wood Rooftop Deck Pros and Cons
Wood rooftop decking typically comes as interlocking wood tiles made from Ipe or another durable wood:
Pros
Wood creates a natural aesthetic that can be both warming and calming.
It is a low cost choice for projects working within a smaller budget.
It can be stained in a wide variety of colors to complement the existing aesthetic.
Cons
Wood requires significant maintenance over the course of its life. Maintenance includes staining and sealing as well as checking for and replacing warped or split boards. Unsealed wood is more likely to absorb water which leads to more problems like swelling and warping.
Wood can be rough and cause splinters if walked on barefoot.
Interlocking wood tiles can be removed and relocated when necessary or desired. In some cases, this would fall into the “pro” column, but this means that they’re not as durable as more permanent solutions.
Paver Rooftop Deck Pros and Cons
Traditional pavers are made of concrete or porcelain, and like wood, they have pros and cons that should be considered before making your final decision:
Pros
These materials are durable.
Porcelain pavers resist stains and scratches.
Concrete works well in areas that see frequent rain because they won’t become slippery.
Concrete is an affordable option for rooftop deck pavers.
Both materials are more fire resistant than wood deck tiles.
Cons
Concrete and porcelain pavers are both extremely heavy.
The additional weight of these pavers may require additional structural support to accommodate the added weight.
They use a pedestal installation system, which makes them difficult and time consuming to install.
Choose An Alternative Material: Composite Pavers from Aspire
Wood and more traditional pavers, like concrete and porcelain, can be used to create a beautiful rooftop deck, however composite pavers provide many benefits that can help you create a safe and usable space, but without the maintenance and other disadvantages of the other materials.
With Aspire Pavers, there’s no need to choose between a wood deck or pavers.
Fire Resistance
If you’re planning on installing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, choosing a fire resistant material, like composite pavers, is a good option to increase the level of safety in the space. Aspire Pavers have a Class A fire rating which makes them a fire resistant option.
No Maintenance
A rooftop deck should be for enjoyment and not add extra work to either the homeowner, building owner, or maintenance team. Composite pavers from Aspire don’t require any maintenance over the course of their life except for occasional cleaning to maintain their aesthetic quality.
Easy Installation
Aspire Pavers are installed using a patented grid system that lays directly on the roof surface or on the old material. The grids make installation easy, and they can be installed in 40% of the time that it takes to install traditional pavers. They are lightweight, so it’s easier to get them to the installation site, and they can be cut to size with common household tools, so there’s no need for specialty cutting equipment or specialized knowledge.
To install Aspire Pavers, simply lay the grid on the rooftop deck’s surface and place the pavers on the grid in the desired pattern. In areas where wind uplift is a concern, adhesive can be used to secure the pavers in order to ensure that the pavers will stand up to winds.
Cost
The cost of composite pavers will likely be higher than other materials like wood or concrete, however installation is easier, which may reduce installation costs. The durability of composite pavers means you won’t have to deal with ongoing maintenance that can become expensive over time.
Design Continuity
If you want to maintain a consistent aesthetic and achieve design continuity, composite pavers are the best choice because of their versatility. Not only can they be used on a rooftop deck, but they can also be used for pool decks, patios, raised decks, and walkways. This means that you can achieve the same look in all spaces.
Sustainability
Aspire Pavers are made with up to 95% post-consumer recycled material, including recycled scrap tire rubber and plastics. The pavers themselves, and the scraps from installation, are recyclable, which lessens their environmental impact over the course of their entire life.
Guaranteed To Last
Aspire Pavers come with a 10-year limited warranty and an additional lifetime no-crack guarantee in residential applications. Backed by the Brava name and high standards, you will be able to enjoy a rooftop deck that lasts for many years.
Contact the experts at Aspire today and request a free sample kit to begin planning your rooftop deck!
