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Porches & Decks

Hand rails on torch down surface?

15 years ago

Hi everyone. Husband and I are in the process of adding a 2 story addition that includes a second story 8x15 deck over living space. Had we known the difficulty of waterproofing this living space, I am not sure we would have chose this plan but we did and now are in a bit of a quandry.

Contractor has experience in roofing and has said the only way to waterproof the living space below is to use a torch-down roof. Okay. So, we have a torch-down roof but now he says he doesn't know how he's going to install the required hand rails because he can't puncture this torch-down surface.

I am trying to get passed the first question as to why he went to the trouble of putting down the torch-down when he didn't have a plan for the hand rails and then I am trying to get passed the second question as to why install the torch down before putting up the siding and still using this area for 2 story access. But what I really need to know is how to keep this roof deck from not being a major problem down the line.

What are the options for installing these handrails at this stage? Could we attach the rails outside the perimeter of the deck- basically attach to the exterior wall? Could we build a sort of knee wall instead of railing, on top of the torch-down??

Related questions, can we use another water-proofing method in addition to the torch-down surface?

-A membrane like Schuler Ditra or Kerdi or Noble membrane. Used primarily in shower construction as a waterproof/uncoupling membrane for tile installation, even though we are not sure if we can or want to use tile.

-Another membrane like DeckRite which waterproofs but also provides an attractive walking surface?

-Contractor says liquid/roll on membranes such as MerKote would probably not stick to the tar surface? Could we put another layer of ply down and then use the roll on membranes?

-Is there surface material, other than PT wood, that could be considered for the walkable surface? rubber tiles for instance?

Now that the torch-down has been installed, what can we do to protect it? Cardboar or tarp be sufficient?

TIA!

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Comments (4)

john_hyatt
15 years ago
No need to add anything on top of a corectley installed torch down modified roof with all needed flashing those things are a done deal for 20/30 years or so.

We lay 2x acq stringers 16'' on center in the direction of the flow with a strip of modified under them,screw decking to the stringers,not past them into the roof.

Dap out the rail posts 1 1/2 x however wide the rim joists is,bolt the posts to the rim joists.The Dap out lets the post sit on top of the decking.

Its a good idea to figure out what kind of surface you want to walk on a little bit ahead of time, for sure dont plan on walking on the roof. Not really sure about the siding thing, flashing needs to be behind it and over the top of the roof or melted to the flashing by another strip of modified. J.
nene2013
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks so much for the reply john hyatt! Feeling a little more confident in the choice of materials....

I think I get the general idea here- basically build a floating deck over the torch-down surface?

But I don't understand what "dap out" means? Sorry, could you please explain?
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john_hyatt
15 years ago
Dap out,or cut an 1 1/2'' x say 12'' slot out of the bottom of the rail post so it can sit on top of the decking thats screwed to the stringers that are laying on the roof over a strip of modified.

I will kinda float on the roof because its not fastened to it although the rail posts are adding uplift protection.

This kind of roof top deck is not new at all, Ive done it for a lot of years and its been in comm jobs forver.Steal rail can be used also with the end caps on the posts screwed to the decking its not as strong far as pushing on it but they seem to stay in place.

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theporchguy
15 years ago
I've used membrane over living space for second floor decks with good success. There are some photos in my album.

The Porchguy

Here is a link that might be useful: My Album

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