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Everything you need to know about roof terraces
Following the various lockdowns and the development of teleworking, we are all looking for a time out at home. However, more and more buildings are appearing and it is sometimes complicated to create your own green space. Then comes the solution: the roof terrace. Suitable for flat-roofed houses and buildings, these terraces allow a living space in height, without vis-à-vis and which offer multiple layout possibilities.
But then, how to create it? What are the prerequisites and steps? In this article, we give you all the information you need to know before embarking on the creation of your roof terrace!
The conditions for creating my terrace
Dreams sometimes collide with the reality of things. In order to avoid disappointment, it is essential to follow a few steps in order to be able to create the terrace that will suit you. There are then three essential questions to ask, which we will deal with together.
Once the answer has been given to each of these questions, you can move on to fitting of your roof terrace.
1. Do I have the administrative authorizations to build my roof terrace?
Indeed, transforming the roof of your house, your garage or any other part of your home, requires a prior declaration to obtain authorization from the town planning department of your city, through a building permit. To build the latter, you can use the Local Urban Plan of your city available on the internet, as well as the support of a professional to ensure the feasibility of your terrace. Attention, if you are in joint ownership, make sure you have the authorization of the latter.
2. Is my roof easily accessible?
The second criterion to which it is necessary to be vigilant is the accessibility and feasibility of your terrace. Indeed some roofs, although may seem very welcoming, do not necessarily have the solidity and the structure made to accommodate a terrace. A professional or the trustee of your building will be able to provide you with the answer.
3. Are the 3 essential criteria for a roof terrace verified?
In order to avoid any unpleasant surprises once your terrace has been installed, it is essential to check 3 criteria: the insulation of your roof terrace and therefore its sealing, its solidity and its safety. Regarding these criteria, only professionals will be able to ensure the quality of these checks.
Sealing: crucial point of the construction of your terrace, it is essential that a professional checks and carries out this technical part. Entrusting this part to a competent person will guarantee your safety and will prevent leaks which can have serious consequences.
He will also make sure that your roof has gutters to allow the flow of rainwater.
In the same way, checking the insulation of the roof terrace will save you future expenses and save energy..
Security: essential criterion for a roof terrace, even if you don't have children!
An accidental fall can happen quickly. It is therefore necessary to provide guards to avoid them.
Solidity: as mentioned before, some roofs are not designed to carry the weight of a deck. Indeed, the structure may not be built to support more than solar panels or TV antennas.
Therefore, to avoid unpleasant surprises, check the solidity of your roof !
The layout of my roof terrace
How to make a roof terrace on pedestals?
The first question that can be asked after having checked the three previous criteria is the following: concretely, how can I build a terrace on my roof?
The first step, and the one that most characterizes the creation of a roof terrace, is waterproofing. Indeed, the latter makes it possible to avoid the infiltration of water and air inside your home, and at the same time, save energy. How to waterproof your flat roof? There are 2 main types of membranes:
The bituminous membrane, so as to obtain a hot seal. it is resistant to shocks, UV and it lasts over time (20 years on average).
The elastomer membrane, which allows cold sealing, practical for large surfaces. In the same way, it is very resistant and has an even longer lifespan (about 35 years).
Once the installation of the waterproofing membrane is complete, the following steps are similar to those for a terrace on the ground: calculation of the number of pedestals necessary to create your terrace and calculation of the number of boards/ joists/ pavings that you will need. To do this, you can use a plan made in advance of your future terrace and our dedicated article, here.
For the installation of a wooden terrace roof, you can refer to our dedicated article; in the same way for that of a roof terrace in pavings.
Which coating to choose?
The final step in the creation of your roof terrace, the choice of covering can sometimes be a difficult choice to make. The wooden slats, warm, timeless and lighter, are opposed to the pavings of tiling, which are more resistant but heavier. The choice is therefore made in question of the structure of your roof and its load capacity, but also of your personal tastes and the look you want to have for your little paradise.
If you can't decide and are looking for a clear answer to the question: "wooden terrace or paving terrace?", we will guide you in this article!
And There you go ! All you have to do is set up your roof terrace as you wish: outdoor lounge, barbecue, plants, relaxation areas and deckchairs in the sun. Be careful, however, to arrange the weight fairly so as not to weaken the structure and at the same time, your roof.