How to Install Porcelain Pavers or Ipe Tiles with a Pedestal Paver System
With any roof deck pedestal system, the following requirements must be met.
The roof deck must not exceed the load capacity of the pedestals.
The substrate should slope slightly to give positive drainage
Roof decks must comply with all local building codes including fire regulations and wind uplift.
Any area not bounded by a parapet or wall must be ‘boxed-in’ so the pavers cannot move.
Any gaps around the perimeter must not exceed 1/8”. We recommend using spring clips for perimeter walls which prevent both the outer row of pavers from shifting after installation and maintain a 1/8″-1/4″ gap between the parapet wall and paver edge.
For deck heights greater than 4”, especially in high traffic commercial applications such as bars and restaurants, steel protection plates or self-adhesive protection sheets should be installed on the underside of the pavers to avoid possible injury should any paver break due to hard objects being accidentally dropped from a significant height.
Step 1. Estimate the Quantity of Pedestals and Pavers Needed
The first step in constructing a roof deck with a pedestal system is to estimate both the number of pavers and pedestals required. To simplify this task, we have developed an online Pedestal Estimator which can quickly calculate both the number of pavers and pedestals of each size to cover a defined area. You can get immediate access to our Pedestal Estimator here. Or if you prefer, just send us the details of your rooftop paver project including all measurements, heights around the perimeter, slopes, drainage points, etc. and we can provide the estimate for you with a print-out showing the recommended laying configuration.
If the gap between the underside of the pavers used and the substrate on any area of your deck is lower than about 1 1/2″, be aware you will need to use stackable rubber support pads to build up the height since the minimum working height of most adjustable pedestals is 1″ – 1 1/2″.
Step 2. Mark Out the Position for the Pedestals
After cleaning the area, mark out the approx. position where the pedestals are to be laid. Depending on the size of pavers, pedestals will normally be placed in an array spaced at 24″ in both directions. The first row of pedestals should be placed as close to the perimeter or parapet as possible. In one of the initial steps, the video shows the base of pedestals installed around the perimeter being cut. This only applies with our ‘NM’ Pedestals. Our ‘Prime’ pedestals already have a pre-cut section on the base of these paver supports. Note that trimming the base of the pedestals is typically only required where the pedestal heads need to be as close to the wall as possible e.g.when the pedestals are supporting a narrow section of cut paver (less than approx. 12″ wide) or where a cant strip is installed at the foot of the perimeter wall which restricts the pedestals being placed directly against the wall.
Step 3. Lay Out the First Two Rows of Pedestals
At the corners of the deck, snap off all the spacer tabs on the pedestal heads as the paver in each corner completely covers the pedestal head. With the pedestals along the perimeter, snap off all tabs parallel to the perimeter.
Adjust the pedestals to bring their height to the required height of your deck, taking into consideration the thickness of pavers to be placed on top. Using a spirit level, check the two rows of pedestals for level, both parallel and perpendicular to the wall.
Step 4. Install Break-Through Protection Plates (if Used)
If using Spansafe protection plates, lay these plates over the pedestals, looping each corner over the spacer tabs.
Step 5. Lay the First Row of Pavers
Carefully lay the first paver in the corner, making sure not to damage any of the spacer tabs. Lay the rest of the pavers along the initial row, making sure the pavers are butted as tightly as possible against the spacer tabs. Check constantly for level as you proceed. ‘NM’ and ‘Prime’ pedestals can be adjusted from above using the special height adjustment tool.
Step 6. Continue Laying the Pedestals and Pavers
Continue to lay the remainder of the deck in a similar manner, row by row, first laying out the pedestals, adjusting their heights for level, laying down the break-through plates (if used) and then laying down the pavers. Constantly check for level as you go.
Step 7. Laying Pavers at Perimeter
Since your deck width or depth is unlikely to be a precise multiple of a paver size, some pavers will inevitably need to be cut at the last row or at the sides. With porcelain pavers, you should not lay any cut paver with a width less than 8″ wide, which may entail cutting pavers at both sides of the deck rather than just one side. With Ipe wood tiles, it is equally important to ensure that the strength of the paver is not compromised with any cutting.
Note there should be no gaps more than 3/8″ between the edge of the pavers and the wall around the perimeter. We supply spring-loaded, stainless-steel spacers which are placed over the pedestal heads before laying the final row of pavers which are designed to maintain a ¼”-3/8” gap between the paver edge and the wall and allow water to drain away freely. The steel clips are specifically designed for use with Archatrak ‘Prime’ or ‘NM’ pedestals.
Step 8. Check the Installation
Check carefully that no pavers are rocking, that gaps between pavers are consistent, no gaps more than 3/8″ exist around the perimeter and that the surface is level, adjusting where necessary with the top entry height adjustment tool.