Building a roof (sort of...)

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Okay board-rippers and nail-pounders, help !

I have a deck on two sides of our house. I need to dry-in the area underneath. I need to install a ceiling (so to speak) that will hang down from the joists that support the deck.

I want to use a transparent material to allow some light below. I've found some vinyl/pvc roofing material that would seem to meet those requirements. It's very similar to standard ridged metal roofing, just the different material.

Since it won't be laying on anything, I'm trying to figure out a resonably easy method of attaching it. It will need to be sloped for drainage since the deck floor is 2x? planking.

Looking forward to suggestions. And I'll try to provide additional details as needed.

Thanks.

j

-- j (jw_hsv@yahoo.com), September 07, 2000

Answers

personally, i would not recommend your approach. debris under joists and on top of "roofing" cannot be cleaned out adequately to prevent dry-rot and roofing deterioration. suspending the roofing is a challenge, though. anything you do will create another joist or rafter system.

try to stay away from pvc or fiberglass roofing. their performance is poor and lifespan is short. polycarbonate ("lexan" is GE brandname) is best performing product, but also costs the most. try to keep whatever roofing you use properly: right side up, minimal 2/12 pitch, etc.

i would stongly recommend using a waterproof system over existing joists. a layer of 3/4" acx is needed. keep underside open for proper ventilation. try to attain 1/4" or better in 12" slope for good drainage. here in seattle area Gaco makes a good surface and has just come out w/residential kits called dek-it (deck kit). its probably the least expensive "paint on" applied product, going for about $.25/sf for coating and about $.80 for acx. the coating kits provide tools needed, crushed walnut husk for non-skid topcoat and a video.

write back if more detail is needed on any of my suggestions.

-- Mr. Sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), September 07, 2000.


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