Elevate your home’s outdoor living with a custom rooftop deck. With proper planning and design, these versatile spaces can transform into cozy dining and lounge areas with sweeping views.
Prioritize structural integrity to ensure that your roof can support the additional weight of a deck and occupants. Expert engineers can help you determine load-bearing capacity and make recommendations accordingly.
Space Planning and Layout
When space is limited in city homes and condos, homeowners are going up — to the roof. This formerly reserved amenity has become a popular addition to many new construction buildings and older neighborhoods, transforming rooftops into cozy, inspiring outdoor retreats where residents can entertain friends, enjoy the weather and relax.
However, unlike decks on the ground, these elevated spaces present unique challenges that can be solved by working with a professional contractor.
As a result, the design and construction of a rooftop deck requires specific knowledge about roofing systems and materials, building codes, permits and more. Homeowners should also work closely with their contractors to understand how these unique applications differ from those on the ground and plan for special considerations like drainage, wind conditions and fire code requirements.
Depending on the intended use of the space, there are several different types of rooftop decks to choose from. For example, a raised platform deck is positioned on the surface of the roof and can be reached with a staircase, while a multilevel layout features multiple levels and an uncovered or covered area. Additionally, there are also rooftop gardens, which incorporate lush greenery, and pergolas that offer shade, which are both great options for relaxing or entertaining.
When it comes to materials, roof deck designers must balance durability and weight with visual appeal and ease of maintenance. For example, wood looks the most natural but may require periodic staining or water proofing. Plastic offers a less expensive option but can be slippery and not as attractive, while metal is durable but often heats up in the summertime.
Innovative rooftop deck designs can also utilize pavers, stone slabs and other decorative elements to define spaces and create a sense of ambiance and style. For example, a fire table can double as a coffee table while offering warmth and illumination, adding a sophisticated focal point to a lounge area.
When it comes to choosing a durable rooftop turf, SYNLawn Chicago uses high-quality, eco-friendly synthetic grasses that are ideal for high foot traffic areas. The material is non-toxic, fire-rated and carries an ASTM E108 Class A fire rating to meet stringent city code regulations. It is also sanitized, heat-resistant and anti-static, making it safe for people to walk on with shoes on.
Choosing Materials and Finishes
When designing a rooftop decks chicago, it’s important to consider the purposes you will use it for. Whether you want it for entertaining, relaxing, grilling or gardening, the design must be made to accommodate these uses and provide safe and sturdy support. The materials you choose to use on your deck will also impact the aesthetic and durability of your space.
The team at Chicago Roof Deck & Garden, a local landscaping and deck company in the Bucktown/Lincoln Park neighborhood, works with clients to create unique, multi-functional outdoor spaces. Their designers and engineers take a holistic approach to design, ensuring that the overall experience is a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.
During the initial consultation with a client, Chicago Roof Deck & Garden will ask a series of questions to gain an understanding of what the clients wants their space to look like, function as and feel like. Then they will come up with a plan that maximizes the space for its intended purpose while enhancing the visual appeal.
This allows the client to get a good idea of the cost, scope and timeline. From here, they can begin to make the necessary decisions that will allow their dream deck to become a reality.
Marie Delgavio, owner of a loft in the West Loop, wanted to turn her rooftop into a comfortable, functional lounge space that she could relax in, entertain friends and tend to her potted plants. Before making any changes, she knew that the Chicago’s Building Code Modernization Ordinance would have an impact on her project.
The revisions to the ordinance mandate that any rooftop structure built in Chicago must be constructed with noncombustible materials. Fortunately, the team at Chicago Roof Deck & Garden was able to help Delgavio find a solution by utilizing the Evolution steel deck framing system from Fortress Building Products. The fire-smart solution has earned a Class A rating from Intertek, an independent product testing, inspection and certification organization, meaning that it is highly unlikely to contribute to a fire and reduce the risk of structural damage.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Many urban dwellers have limited ground-floor outdoor space, so a rooftop deck offers the opportunity to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere for relaxing and entertaining. The right deck design and furnishings can transform your patio into a multi-functional living area, bringing the comfort of home to your city apartment or townhouse.
For example, if your family loves to entertain, consider installing a cozy fire pit or outdoor fireplace to add warmth and atmosphere to the space in cooler months. You might also install an outdoor kitchen or dining area, complete with BBQ and table to make mealtimes on the rooftop more convenient. You could also add a relaxing lounge area with comfy sectional sofas or hammock to encourage guests to relax and soak up the sun and view.
Alternatively, your family might prefer to use the rooftop as an exercise or relaxation space. A workout space is a great place to practice Yoga, Pilates or your Britney dance routine without the neighbors hearing you. A rooftop deck is also a wonderful spot for enjoying breakfast with the family, or hosting friends for an al fresco dinner party or game day celebration.
Whatever you’re planning to do on your rooftop deck, working with an experienced rooftop deck designer and builder who understands your lifestyle will help you create a custom outdoor space that fits your needs perfectly. The team at SYNLawn Chicago, for instance, can design and install eco-friendly synthetic turf to transform your roof into a private, luxurious green space that’s perfect for lounging, playing or dining.
For rooftops with scenic vistas, it’s important to keep the decor in harmony with the natural surroundings. For example, if your rooftop overlooks the water, opt for decor with beach-inspired colors like sandy browns and whites. This helps tie the space to its surroundings, and it’s more visually appealing than using decor that clashes with your surroundings.
Safety Considerations
In recent years, more and more apartment and condo buildings and single-family homes have turned rooftops into chic outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. However, homeowners must keep several important considerations in mind when designing their own rooftop decks.
The most significant is safety. Having too many people in one area at once, even if they’re just hanging out and relaxing, can pose serious fire hazards. For this reason, it’s a good idea to limit the number of people who use a rooftop deck at any given time.
A second key safety consideration is the structural integrity of a roof deck. It’s critical to check with a professional engineer to ensure that the existing building can support the additional weight from the deck and its occupants. This is especially true for older buildings, where rooftop decks have been added without a thorough analysis of the building’s load-bearing capabilities.
In addition, the location of a rooftop deck can also impact its safety. If it’s located in a windy city, it’s important to incorporate ways to block or redirect winds without compromising the structure’s integrity. This can be done by adding planters or gazebos to define areas of the space, installing screens for privacy and incorporating wind-resistant materials into the design.
Finally, a rooftop deck should include a water feature or other features to provide a cooling effect and help prevent overheating. A water feature will also add a soothing sound to the space, helping to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Lastly, rooftop decks must comply with local and state codes. For example, in Chicago, the Building Code Modernization Ordinance requires that all rooftop structures be made from noncombustible materials. This includes all deck surfaces, except for walking surfaces that may be constructed of combustible materials.
If you are interested in transforming your urban living space into a luxurious, green oasis, a qualified landscape architect can help. The experts at Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design, for instance, consider a variety of factors like weather patterns and local regulations to ensure that their rooftop deck designs are safe and code-compliant.
