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| The need for outdoor living space has long been driving city dwellers to the suburbs. Rooftop decks are starting to curb that trend by providing an urban oasis for homeowners. By day, the rooftop deck offers the perfect spot to relax in the sun, and by night it affords a hangout spot for friends - one with a unique ambiance and quite often a spectacular view. Rooftop decks are becoming more popular in many US cities. In fact, a number of home buyers are asking their realtors to search for homes with roof decks. |
Rooftop Deck Costs |
The price tag for a rooftop deck can run from around $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and structural building requirements. A larger deck, or a luxury deck may cost from $20,000 to as much as $55,000. |
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The good news is that homeowners in many cities are recovering this amount or better when they sell their home. However, it is a good idea to consult a local Realtor to see what the trend is in your area before you determine how much you want to budget on this home improvement investment. Yes, roof decks have become a selling feature, that 'edge' that could make one home stand out from the other listings. Some urban home buyers won't even consider a place that doesn't have a deck. |
Rooftop decks' popularity can be seen in the increased number of permits. Baltimore, Maryland for example has, over the past five years, seen a 300 percent increase in permits being issued for roof decks. |
Get a Permit to Build your Rooftop Deck |
To make sure that your deck will be safe and that your roof can structurally support the added weight of new decking, have plans drawn up by a architect or engineer. Such a professional will not only be familiar with local code requirements, but will also be able to design a deck that harmonizes with your home's exterior. The plans will also need to include a point of access for the rooftop deck, either by exterior stairs to the roof or a pop-up entrance on your roof, called a doghouse. Keep in mind that historic districts, should you live in one, will have certain restrictions for your home's exterior, especially as to what can be added if it is visible from the street.
Once you have your plans, it is a good to inform your local neighborhood association about your deck. Then apply for a building permit for your rooftop deck through your city's local permitting office. |
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Anne and Lee love their urban roof deck. Anne plants flowers boxes every year, usually impatiens or geraniums. "Our deck faces the back, providing privacy, and we're surrounded by a lot of trees and greenery from neighboring yards," Anne says of her second story deck. "Our flower boxes always do well in the summer, giving us a sense of gardening without the work of landscaping or cutting grass." "It is also the perfect place to set up my laptop and work. " |
| They can access their deck from inside as well as from the ground. Additionally there are stairs that go up to another level. "We barbeque and entertain on our deck a lot." Lee states. " The evenings are especially nice. I like to think of it as our own private pub patio." |
Decking Materials |
Wood
Wood has long been used for decks. Softwoods such as Cedar and Redwood are popular as they look good and resist rot. Imported hardwood can be also be used. It is generally more pricey and you should make sure that it is FSC certified. Wood decking however, does require a lot of maintenance. Each year a wood deck will need to be power washed, sanded and resealed or painted to prevent warping, twisting, splintering or cracking of the wood. A less expensive and lower maintenance wood option is pressure treated wood. |
Non-Wood Alternatives
- Composite Lumber - Usually composed of 50% wood byproducts like sawdust, wood fibers or wood flower and 50% recycled polyethylene (like recycled plastic bags) or polypropylene plastic (hard plastic).
- All Plastic Lumber - HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic.
- Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Lumber - Plastic mixed with glass fiber.
- Aluminum - aluminum with a powder coat paint finish.
Learn more about
Differnet Decking Materials! |
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Vinyl Decking :
Another non-wood alternative is vinyl decking. An application of this product by Duradek is shown to the left on some rooftop decks in Maryland, USA.
Duradek is a 'waterproof vinyl roof and walking deck membrane system' that works together with Durarail, an aluminum rail system. When properly cared for and maintained this decking system can last up to 15 to 20 years. |
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In the winter deicers, like rock salt or kitty litter, can be used on Duradek surfaces. Just make sure you thoroughly clean your deck in the spring with soap and water to wash away the chemicals from the deicers. Otherwise these chemicals will 'bake' into the Duradek surface and cause damage. The synthetic decking materials that are on the market today have quite a number of applications beyond decks, including stairs, docks, pool decks, benches and garage floors. |
| RenovationExperts can help you get skilled deck contractors in your area to construct your rooftop deck. Why wait? Enjoy your deck this summer! |
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