Rooftop deck requires proper drainage

By Shell Busey

Jan. 1, 2009

Q: I have an existing tar and gravel roof and wish to utilize it as a summer deck. Other than laying down new tar and gravel plywood and fibreglass, can you suggest another solution to finish the area that would give me total water protection since there is a finished room under this area?

A: Fibreglass would not be my first choice for reasons of maintenance and heat. Probably one of the most common methods of waterproofing an upper-level deck is to lay down a waterproof membrane. My suggestion would be to use Duradek vinyl, which has a 60-mil grade that qualifies as a roof membrane and is installed by professional contractors providing a fire-rated, building-code-approved roof deck system.

To begin, remove all the loose gravel from the roof and the perimeter flashing. To prepare for a flat sundeck surface, a sleeper joist system will be required. Calculating the dimension of the sleeper joist will require taking a level off the top of the perimeter facing board and taking a measurement. Use 2 x 4 treated lumber at 16 inches on centre (shimming with treated cedar shingles where required) to give a slope to one or two sides to run water; or proper drains may be required to adapt to existing drains.

Note: Around the perimeter it is best to install 4 x 4 treated lumber to prepare for secure safety railings such as ProBuilt’s Aluminum Do-It-Yourself Railings. Finish surface with tongue-and-groove select fir plywood.

Contact Duradek at 1-866-591-5594 and they will refer you to the appropriate installer in your area.

Q: I have a fibreglass shower that is starting to show some cracks. It is not leaking, but I would like to try to apply some sort of finish to cover the cracks. Any suggestions?

A: For fibreglass repair:

1. Using a Dremel tool, V out the cracked area.

2. Using a pot scrubber pad and my Shell Busey’s Home Cleaning Formula, wash, rinse and allow to dry.

3. Fill V area with fibreglass two-part filler.

4. If structural integrity has been compromised you may need fibre-cloth tape to apply to seam. Note: To repair a crack that’s leaking, wherever possible, approach the job from the underside or back.

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