Building A Roof Deck

By Robert Robillard on Decks And Porches

Building A Roof Deck

Railing Requirements:

The beauty of the Azek system is that the baluster spacing conforms to the International Residential Code [IRC] calling for on-center baluster spacing to be less than 4 inches. The IRC also requires that a guardrail be 42 inches in height and the entire assembly be strong enough to resist a 200-pound horizontal load (or 20 pounds per linear foot, depending on the local code).

The Azek railing system meets this requirement and can be ordered so the balusters do not need to be cut to reach the 42 inch requirement. By eliminating the need to cut the balusters we saved time and labor.

NOTE: Check local code requirements prior to installation. Most building codes require that a 4” sphere shall not pass though the rail at any point.

Building A Roof Deck

The Devil Is In the Details:

We spent time making sure the siding, and trim were installed properly by flashing all of our joints and not nailing anywhere with in 8” of the deck to ensure we did not penetrate the rubber roofing that ran up the side wall.

One detail that we changed from the original design was to run a horizontal trim board, a skirt board, along the deck. This board allowed us to install our fasteners up high as opposed to installing and fastening clapboard siding down to the deck as it was to the earlier deck. The fewer nail hoes the better!

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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