In 2005 we were literally green to the business of roof decking, the "green roof" movement was just beginning and looking down on the New York City roofscape was a stark sea of blacktop.  Everyone dreamed of kicking their feet up, taking in some views and enjoying a cocktail over their outdoor space or roof deck. Problem was, what flooring do you put on top of a waterproof surface that wont damage it, yet maintains the access to the surface underneath. Meeting stringent code requirements and safety concerns were just some of the challenges we faced.  We needed a decking system that was durable, fireproof and most importantly MODULAR.  We saw so many of these patios and roof decks with ugly surfaces that were barely usable, yet had complicated utilities across them which can not remove, yet another issue. The answer was to go up in height and cover them completely yet maintaining the access with a modular paver that was supported on pedestals.

 

For the most part decks and patios above living spaces have always been an issue for homeowners to commercial roof deck owners. What contractors used to do, is waterproof the area, then apply a mudset layer with stone or porcelain tiles on top.  Then roll the dice that the waterproofing is sound and the deck wont leak underneath the tiles. Can you imagine doing that on a 3000 sq ft city roof deck?

 

Well.... those days are over now.  Very rarely do we here about this type of installation any more. When we do, we cringe at the thought that the owner paid for this type of installation which may last only a few years or at worst a few months.  The most common reason for the failure is that water will eventually penetrate through the grout and seep underneath,  once it freezes it can cause the sub surface to crack and then the following year guess what? You have a leak into your living space underneath under a floor you cannot remove. 

 

Fast forward to 2017 and we have come along way with decking technology.  More and more we see the need to utilize a roof deck, or a balcony space.  Its part of the home, its part of our lives to have a connection to the outdoors.  Thus was born our company Eco Arbor Designs.  Our first product was an interlocking deck tile flooring system that once installed,  covered an ugly surface with beautiful hardwood floor. Our wood is all eco friendly and has a 20-30 year lifespan.  WIN!  However we found the need to have a raised floor system to hide ugly conduit and even add crawl spaces under the flooring. So our structural paver line was born which includes porcelain pavers in 2cm, Stone with fiberglass backing and our hardwood structural pavers. This created a floor that was not only inviting, but functional in that it protects the waterproofing underneath, but most importantly maintained access to the waterproofing.  This new raised floor system creates amazing value to any property whether you are a restaurant, hotel or homeowner with a roof deck.  With a durable raised floor you are now protecting your waterproofing system from sun and elements increasing the lifespan of the roof itself.  WIN! WIN!

Green roof deck with porcelain pavers

 

Pavers and pedestals as shown above allow you to install a level floor with your desired finsh to any outdoor space. The advancement of leveling pedestals has been a huge key to green roof design. Allowing one to run utilities under the floor, electric puck lighting, irrigation lines or gas lines for fire pits. 

 

For surface pavers, they are all available in stone, genuine hardwood, composites and porcelain the deck tile and paver design possibilities are endless. Modern, traditional, zen japanese are all easy to obtain with our current portfolio of product.  Whether you have a simple condo balcony you would like to use, or a large roof deck which will give you views and outdoor container gardens, we have the tools for you to do so.  We now do complete take off and design services for our customers and work through all the variables of good deck space design. From planters to green roof trays, to our modular flooring  we have your green roof covered. So go ahead and add that entertainment space in the budget and you will reap the benefits of outdoor living.  Dont worry,  we will help you get there.