Wood rooftop deck installed with Eurotec

Rooftop Decks: How to Measure Roof Pedestal Heights Correctly

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Flat roofs are a great place to build a rooftop deck. You can improve your property value, increase your outdoor living space, and improve your quality of life. Before you get started with a rooftop deck, here are a few tips to help you save time, money, and aggravation.

Garapa_rooftop_deck_by_the_Organic_Gardener-1-1

Rooftop decks add fun and function to an otherwise wasted space

 

First off, you will find “flat roofs” are never perfectly flat. Far from it. There are often drainage areas, scuppers, height variations and lots of other high and low spots. So, before getting started with a rooftop deck, it is very important to measure your high and low spots. That way, you can order the right adjustable rooftop deck pedestals.


RELATED: 6 STEPS TO BUILDING A ROOFTOP DECK


How to measure a rooftop deck for pedestal heights?

The simple way to measure your roof heights is to fasten a string line with a bubble level across the roof in several spots. Set your string level at the height you would like the top of your decking. Then measure the height from the top of the roof to your string line. This will give you an exact measurement of the roof heights in various areas. We can help with the rest.

string level

Using a string level is quick and easy

 

Another method to measure the high and low spots on your roof is to use a laser level. If you don’t own one, you can rent one. They will pay you back, (and you’ll look smart at the same time).  Your neighbors will notice and may think, “Wow. They really know what they’re doing.”

 

using a laser level

Laser levels are accurate and effective. If you have one, use it.

The good news is that the rooftop deck pedestals come in various heights, and they are all adjustable within a certain height range.

Rooftop Deck System Height MeasurementMataverde Eurotec Rooftop deck pedestals adjust to a certain height range, making rooftop deck installation easier

 

Why should I do a rooftop deck survey?

Failure to measure the high and low spots and ordering the wrong pedestal heights, can bring your job to a screeching halt. And cost you more. So, always measure your roof heights first for best results.  Each pedestal can adjust to a specific low height and a specific maximum height. But they can't go any lower or higher on their own. 

That's why measuring your roof heights is so important - before you order your final materials.  By measuring, we can help you order and receive the correct height range for your adjustable deck pedestals. Avoid construction delays. Avoid the extra expense of additional pedestals.

So, after you measure the various highs and lows, let us help you. Send us your highs and lows and we can help plot it for you on our layout drawing. We can put the correct adjustable pedestals in the right spots.  Here's an example of a Mataverde Eurotec rooftop deck layout, complete with the correct number of adjustable pedestals.  When you measure the heights, we will color code the pedestal heights. This makes your job easier and the results better.

typical Eurotec Rooftop deck layout from Mataverde 

Example of Mataverde Eurotec rooftop deck layout, complete with pedestals and aluminum joists


Looking for rooftop deck design ideas?

Download the Rooftop Deck Project Portfolio today.


Need more rooftop deck information? Follow any of the links below:

 

Rooftop Deck Design 

Rooftop Deck Installation

Eurotec System Deck Components

Eurotec Deck Fasteners 

Rooftop Deck Technical Info


Ready for budget pricing for your rooftop deck?

Request a rooftop deck quote today.

 

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