Roof Paver Systems using Porcelain Pavers or Wood Tiles

Roof paver systems are revolutionizing how we utilize rooftop spaces, transforming them into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. Roof deck pavers and tiles of either porcelain or Ipe wood supported by adjustable height deck supports offer a versatile solution for enhancing the design of roof decks, terraces, pool decks, and plazas on both residential buildings or commercial spaces such as hotels and rooftop bars and restaurants. Pedestal paver systems not only significantly simplify site preparation, delivery of materials, and construction but also transforms these spaces into functional and visually appealing environments.

Adjustable height pedestals are the key to leveling roof pavers and tiles on sloping or uneven surfaces, ensure a flat, stable surface crucial for comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Archatrak’s wide diameter, flat base ‘Prime’ adjustable height paver supports are compatible with TPO and EPDM roofing systems and are designed to avoid damage or penetration of existing waterproof membranes. This eliminates the need for wood or steel structures, enabling pipework, ductwork, and cabling to be hidden from view, yet still permitting easy access for inspection and maintenance. Additionally, effective drainage is integrated, enhancing the usability of the space. Precise height adjustment is achieved by simply screwing the columns of the pedestals either up or down. For the lowest roof deck elevations, stackable rubber pads are used, providing support from as low as 1/4″.

For locations with strict fire codes, porcelain pavers provide a totally fireproof rooftop deck flooring surface. And rather than being supported with plastic adjustable height pedestals, we now offer a range of non-combustible steel paver supports – with continuous height adjustment from as low as 1″ up to a max. of 20″, ensuring compliance with the strictest safety standards while maintaining design flexibility.

Adjustable deck supports can be used to support all types of structural roof pavers – porcelain planks and slabs, structural wood tiles, concrete pavers, wood, and composite wood planks – for a simple-to-build, perfectly level, rooftop deck flooring solution. This adaptability ensures that any rooftop or terrace can be customized to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.

Alternatively, for a quick and easy Do-It-Yourself solution, particularly in smaller spaces on residential structures, our interlocking Ipe wood deck tiles can be a great option for a flat roof deck, since you lay the tiles directly over the roofing membrane – no paver supports necessary.

A rooftop patio is under construction, featuring Nut wood look tiles being expertly installed on adjustable pedestals. Black metal railing elegantly surrounds the area, enhancing safety while framing a stunning cityscape. It's an inspiring project for anyone looking to build a rooftop deck.

Porcelain Pavers

With an exceptionally wide range of color and style options including pavers that faithfully replicate the look of natural wood, slate, travertine, limestone, sandstone, terracotta, concrete and terrazzo, exterior porcelain pavers offer a roof paving system that is totally fireproof, stain resistant, fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant and low maintenance.

The lightweight roof deck pavers are typically supported only under each corner in a roof paver system using adjustable pedestals, subject to paver size and application. At the lowest elevations, stackable rubber support pads are typically used up to an elevation of approx. 1 ½”.

Porcelain pavers are built to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, providing durability and protection tailored to the specific environmental challenges of their location.

In certain locations, wind uplift mitigation and break through protection may need to be implemented, depending on deck height, application and location. Archatrak offers several solutions for both wind uplift and break through protection when building a rooftop deck.

We also offer an electric snow melt system that can be installed under just a few roof pavers for a snow free walkway or an entire rooftop deck, on either new installations or retrofitted under existing elevated roof paver systems.

SEE PORCELAIN PAVERS DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

A spacious rooftop lounge with Oak wood look porcelain planks, featuring sofas, a coffee table, and a gallery-like view. Large glass windows offer a stunning city skyline backdrop. Several people are enjoying the open area with greenery visible through the windows.

Porcelain Planks

Resembling natural wood planks, porcelain wood grain plank style pavers offer a totally fireproof solution for rooftop decks, an increasingly important consideration in high density urban locations. Porcelain is also highly resistant to staining, fading, color change, growth of mold, moss and mildew. Plus there’s no twisting, warping, cracking, decay or splintering – a porcelain deck will look essentially the same year after year.

Porcelain planks are typically 8”, 12” or 16″ wide and up to 94″ long. Most planks feature a simulated wood look but some planks are also available in other styles including cement and stone.

On balconies and rooftops, porcelain plank installations mostly use a rail system where the planks are laid over an array of hollow aluminum beams mounted on pedestals, laid either in running bond or stack bond configuration.

Wind uplift mitigation and break through protection may need to be implemented, depending on deck height, application and location.

SEE PORCELAIN PLANKS

A rooftop being surfaced with Ipe wood tiles, surrounded by a tall railing, featuring construction workers and a skyline view.

Structural Ipe Wood Deck Tiles

The ideal option for a classic wood look roof deck but avoiding the need for extensive support structures.

24” x 24” wood tiles are typically supported under each corner only with adjustable height pedestals. 24” x 48” tiles are also available.

Fire codes may restrict usage in some localities and long-term maintenance requirements need to be taken into account.

Archatrak structural wood tiles are available exclusively in Ipe wood due to its exceptional hardness, durability and wear resistance.

In some locations, wind uplift of roof top decks may need to be considered. Archatrak supplies a screw and washer hold down assembly which you can use to secure the corners of each wood deck tile to the pedestal head during installation of the Ipe wood tiles, offering a degree of wind uplift mitigation. Additional mitigation could be achieved by gluing the pedestal base to the substrate.

SEE IPE WOOD TILES DOWNLOAD DATASHEET

A rooftop deck surfaced with Ipe wood tiles placed in a horizontal pattern, featuring a pair of outdoor chairs facing a skyline.

Interlocking Ipe Wood Deck Tiles

Typically laid directly over roof membranes on smaller areas as a Do-It-Yourself installation option, these 12” x 12” or 12“x 24” modular tiles offer a quick and easy rooftop deck flooring solution with a level surface by simply snapping together, each tile automatically aligned and precisely spaced, thanks to the connecting tabs on the integral plastic base.

Be aware however that the rooftop deck floor will slope in the same direction as the existing rooftop since these interlocking wood deck tiles are not designed to be supported by pedestal support systems. Hence they cannot be used to cover pipework, ducts and cabling.

Fire codes may restrict their usage in some localities although Ipe is generally classified as a Class A material by the NFPA.

Ipe tiles will gradually fade to a silvery grey over time even if our recommended regime of regular care and maintenance using decking oil is maintained.

SEE INTERLOCKING TILES DOWNLOAD DATASHEET

Porcelain paver of FRP grating panel

Roof Deck Systems for High Volume Commercial Traffic

Where impact damage to an elevated roof deck may be a concern, laying porcelain pavers over Archatrak Span Trak FRP grating is recommended. Archatrak ‘SpanTrak’ 4′ x 8′ panels are first laid over ‘Prime’ adjustable pedestals and held in place with C-clips.

Porcelain pavers are then laid over the FRP grating panels, using 1/4″ high rubber pads with inbuilt spacer tabs placed under the pavers at each corner. The pads ensure precise spacing and reduce noise transmission.

FRP grating panels can also serve as the base for artificial turf on roof decks or as a support for green roof trays for creating an ‘extensive’ green roof.

SEE FRP GRATING SUPPORT

FAQ

What are the disadvantages of a roof paver system?

Not all buildings can accommodate a roof deck. Installing a roof deck paver system may require structural modifications to ensure the roof can support the additional weight although both porcelain pavers and Ipe wood tiles are much lighter than concrete pavers. On a raised deck with lighter weight pavers however, the downside is that potential for wind uplift of the ‘floating’ pavers must be taken into consideration. Care must also be taken when installing any roof paver system to ensure no danger to any waterproof membrane is likely to occur.

Is a roof deck a good idea?

One of the main benefits of a roof top deck is that it opens up a fantastic area for entertaining or relaxing, with views that are generally so much better than ground level. A well-designed roof deck can also increase the property value. With a raised deck system using pavers laid over pedestals, the temperature of the roof surface can be lower on hot days due to the air gap under the pavers, thus lowering cooling costs in rooms below the roof deck.

Can I add a roof deck to my house myself?

Although a roof deck paver system using porcelain pavers and pedestals is much simpler to install than a more conventional wood plank on joists system, realistically it is best to engage professionals when constructing a roof deck.

What are the most crucial factors in building a roof deck?

The extra weight and potential for wind uplift are generally the most critical factors to consider. Fire regulations may also be an issue if considering a wood deck. However, porcelain pavers are completely non-combustible and are available in styles which very closely resemble natural wood.