How to Install Pedestal Supported Structural Ipe Wood Tiles
Rooftop elevated wood decks constructed with structural wood tiles laid over adjustable height pedestals can be installed much easier and quicker than decks constructed with straight run deck planks laid over wood joists. Installation using pedestal supports greatly simplifies installation and overcomes any issue where no ‘permanent’ structures are permitted or concerns that materials used might damage waterproof membranes.
Installing structural wood tiles is very similar to installing porcelain pavers on a pedestal system as described here. The primary difference is that Archatrak Ipe wood tiles are supplied with a slot cut in each corner to accommodate a special screw and washer component. The screw is invisibly screwed into the pedestal head with the washer “locks down” the tiles onto the pedestal, ensuring a safe, secure and level surface.
Adjustable Pedestal Selection
We recommend using Archatrak ‘Prime’ adjustable pedestals for installing structural wood tiles since just 3 models are required to cover the height range 1 1/4″ to 16 1/2″. ‘Prime’ pedestals also feature self-leveling heads which ensure a perfectly level head support surface for the wood tiles even if the substrate slopes in more than one direction up to 5°. This not only saves installation time,but avoids the need to measure slopes and then add slope correction shims or devices either at the base or on the head of the pedestal.
Because wood tiles are significantly lighter than concrete pavers or porcelain pavers, some contractors prefer fixed heads on the pedestals to provide extra rigidity. No problem! A simple add-in headlock component which is simply clipped into the center of the pedestal head gives the ability to easily switch to fixed heads.
General Considerations when Installing Structural Wood Tiles
If any wood tiles need to be cut, it is very important that the structural integrity of the tiles is maintained. This may require relocating one (or two) of the support battens and re-attaching these to the slats from the underside of the tile. It may also be necessary to drill and countersink additional holes when re-inserting screws.
It is also important that an adequate number of pedestals are used around the perimeter of the paved area, and that the tiles are restrained around the perimeter by a low wall or some other restraining structure to prevent the tiles from moving.
Wind Uplift Considerations
The potential for wind uplift of any Ipe deck tile installation using a pedestal system should always be considered, especially in regions subject to hurricanes, tornados and strong wind gusts. Hence our structural wood tiles are produced with a slot in each corner to accept a special washer and screw hold-down device. This integrated screw and washer assembly secures the wood tiles to the ‘Prime’ pedestals without being visible from the deck surface or penetrating or damaging the wood.
Installing the Lock-Down System
Place a ‘Prime’ adjustable pedestal under two adjacent pavers and level the pavers using the adjustment tool.
Move the pedestal slightly towards you and insert the fastening screw into the hole in the center of the pedestal head.
Using a Pozidriv #2 bit (not a Philips bit) turn the screw until the washer is level with slot cut in the tiles.
Push the pedestal back towards the tiles so the tabs on the head butt firmly against the tiles and the washer engages the slots.
Install the other two tiles on the pedestal head, then tighten the screw with the screwdriver to secure the corners of all four tiles.
Be aware that although the height adjustment tool which is designed to be inserted top down into the pedestal head, cannot be used to adjust the height of the pedestal after the screw has been inserted, you can still adjust the pedestal height if required by turning the pedestal base.
Wax Treatment of Wood Slats
As supplied, Archatrak structural Ipe wood tiles do not have any factory applied oil coating. However, in accordance with normal industry practice, a wax material is applied to the ends of the slats to reduce the possibility of end checking. Be aware that this wax can ‘bleed’ a short distance along the top surface of the slats after installation, especially when the tiles are exposed to hot, sunny conditions and when the tiles have not been coated with a good quality decking oil after installation. There can often be a significant color contrast between the partially weathered body of the tiles and the wax impregnated ends, appearing as if the ends of the slats have been saturated with water.
Although this phenomenon should disappear over time as the tiles weather naturally and the wood color begins to fade, we nevertheless strongly recommend the tiles are coated with a good quality decking oil as soon as practical after installing structural wood tiles to reduce the potential for ‘bleeding’, to maintain the attractive wood color as long as possible and reduce the rate at which the wood will weather naturally to a silvery grey color. Even when some weathering has occurred and the wood color has become consistent over the length of the slats, some wax can remain in the pores of dry wood, effectively providing some waterproofing to the ends of the slats, manifesting as a difference in color between the wax impregnated tile ends and body of the slats when the tiles are wet.