Rooftop decks are becoming more popular commercial property features for office buildings, restaurants, and hotels. When planning the design of your rooftop patio, you can look for creative ways to provide guests with a unique experience.
While they can give you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, they can also reduce your monthly heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, they also make quite the space for entertaining clients. However, building a rooftop deck can come with its own set of challenges.
Before you start building your patio, here are a few important factors to consider when planning a commercial rooftop deck.
1. Plan for the Right Materials
When planning the construction, you must choose the right materials. Roof patios have the most exposure to weather extremes. So, your flooring choice will be one of the most crucial factors in your decision-making process.
Vinyl, PVC, and composite decks are more likely to have issues when exposed to direct sunlight. Consider engineered wood or flat concrete flooring for this type of project. Engineered wood flooring is easy to maintain, resistant to moisture and the sun, and is durable.
Whichever material you choose, be sure it’s insulating, shock-absorbing, and mold-resistant.
2. Regular Maintenance Is Important
Maintenance is the one thing many people take for granted, but it’s one aspect you shouldn’t ignore. Most commercial roofs require some degree of upkeep, accessibility, and organization. To maintain your rooftop deck the proper way, be sure to check for damage and leaks.
Rooftop patio maintenance is a surefire way to prevent further damage and ensures the HVAC system runs smoothly.
3. Add Greenery
Plants are an essential part of making your commercial property attractive. They provide a natural feel that enhances the overall appearance of the space. Consider placing tree shrubs around the patio area for privacy.
Synthetic grass can also make a great addition to improve interior insulation and lower energy bills. You have plenty of ways to add greenery, which can offer you numerous benefits, like shade and ambiance.
4. Pay Mind to the Furniture
Comfortable and lightweight furniture is a must-have for enjoying the scenic view. However, you should consider placing the right type of furniture in the outdoors. Water-resistant furniture is the best choice for rooftop patios. Some options include teak wood or wrought-iron furniture.
Moreover, cast aluminum furniture is a weather-resistant option that provides durability to withstand every season. However, this type of furniture can also be more on the pricey side. The important thing is to pay mind to your choice of material. And if you need to protect your furniture, make sure to place it in a corner where it will receive shelter from the weather.
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Commercial rooftops need good airflow for proper ventilation. When you allow that to happen, your roof will remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, adequate ventilation helps prevent moisture and mold from collecting on the roof’s materials.
To ensure proper ventilation, talk with an HVAC professional to help you plan carefully. While ventilation is helpful for insulation and airflow, it also extends the life of your roofing materials.
6. Add Heating and Shade
No matter the time of day you’ll be using this space, the weather on rooftops can be extreme. When you’re up high, you’re much closer to the sun, not to mention the wind. If you plan to use your rooftop patio in the evenings, focus on making it warm for chilly nights. You can invest in a firepit and standing heaters to maximize the level of warmth for a rooftop gathering.
If you decide to use it during the day, make sure to install umbrellas or a pergola. These will provide you with optimal shade, especially when it gets too hot in the summer.
The only part you have to guarantee is securing these features properly. You can either use a strong base or attach them to the roof’s structure with hooks. That way, your umbrella won’t go flying off the top once it gets windy.
Constructing Your New Rooftop Deck
Rooftop decks are an excellent feature to have for relaxing outdoors. However, it’s important to make sure you plan your design wisely to make the most of the construction experience. Now that you have a few ideas, you can use these six tips to ensure you’re building a functional and enjoyable rooftop!
Author Bio:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.
