Source
r/HomeImprovement•
threejayg

Opinions on tiling my roof with floor tile

I have a flat roof that's used as a deck. It has a frame built over top of a torch down roof. When you step out onto the deck, you step up to the deck and when you go back into the house, you hit your head when stepping down

I've been removing deck boards because they're cracked and old. I thought the roof below was fine but I fell through it on super bowl Sunday just as it started to rain. A quick patch has held fine so far.

So obviously the deck and rotted roof need to be removed new t&g plywwood installed. I'd prefer to avoid another torchdown and deck above it. Never a fan of that setup.

Fiberglass is a popular option here in Philly for roof decks but it's pretty pricey.

I was thinking t&g plywwood, hardibacker, redguard, and tile. Looking for some thoughts.

Posted Mar 8, 2018, 7:28 PM UTC

48
DesolationRobot•

Have you thought about deck tiles? They have draining built in to let your roof be the roof and the tiles be your walking surface. They're also built to be outside permanently. You'd have to check with the roofing product manufacturers as to what roofing product should go under them.

5
Yareaaeray•

Start with an engineer. I suspect the roof framing might need to be beefed up, and you will have to figure out a railing system as well.

3
gearh•

PO did tile on my deck. A disaster. Redguard didn't hold, especially in corner along walls. Water got in grout and cracked from freezing. I would use 2 layers of plywood - no movement - with ditra. Make sure it drains well.
Edit: upvote for DesolationRobot

3
decaturbob•

indoor materials not made for exterior use...just saying

3
randomized_botanist•

Nope. Those products aren't designed to work in an outdoor environment where they have to endure temperature and humidity swings and heavy sunlight exposure (namely UV exposure). Your best bet is a rubber roof, then some sleepers, then the deck material.

2
Triabolical_•

I have a tiled porch. Plywood, ditra, kerdi to waterproof it, and porcelain tile. It doesn't get really wet, but it does get some rain and it still looks perfect. 9' x 24'.

2
RahchachaNY•

Be prepared to spend some money. What you want to accomplish can be done but corners can't be cut and the right materials need to be used. It's not easy. https://laticrete.com/en/solution-center/applications/exterior-floors-plazas-and-decks/exterior-plaza-and-deck-system

1
threejaygOP•

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll probably go fiberglass

1