Understand Your Existing Drainage System
Before laying a single deck tile, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your existing roof drainage system. This includes identifying the type of drains (e.g., scuppers, internal drains, perimeter drains), their exact locations, and how they are designed to function. Some systems might rely on a slight slope in the underlying surface to direct water towards the drains, while others might have raised grates.
Knowing the specifics will inform your deck tile layout and help you determine if any modifications are needed to the drain itself, such as adding a taller grate, or if the deck tile system needs to be adapted to the existing drain height and function. Consult your building's roof plans or a qualified roofing professional if you are unsure about any aspect of your drainage system.
Maintaining Access for Maintenance
Roof drains require periodic inspection and cleaning to prevent clogs from leaves, dirt, and other debris. Your deck tile installation must allow for easy, unobstructed access to these drains. This means avoiding permanent fixtures over drains and opting for a design that permits individual tiles, or sections of tiles, to be removed without dismantling a large portion of the terrace.
For pedestal-supported deck tile systems, this is often straightforward, as individual tiles can typically be lifted. For interlocking systems, careful planning of the tile grid around the drain is crucial to ensure that the tiles directly over or adjacent to the drain can be disengaged and removed. Consider how often drain maintenance is likely to occur and design for the simplest possible access.
Ensuring Unimpeded Water Flow
The primary function of a roof drain is to remove water from the surface. Your deck tile installation must not hinder this process. Water must be able to flow freely from the surface of the deck tiles, through the gaps between them, and down to the underlying membrane and then to the drain. The height of your deck tiles relative to the drain is a critical factor.
If the deck tiles are installed too low, they can create a damming effect, causing water to pool around the drain. Conversely, if the tiles are too high, water may not easily reach the drain. Pedestal systems often allow for precise leveling and height adjustment, which can be advantageous in achieving optimal water flow. Ensure that the gaps between the deck tiles are sufficient to allow water to pass through effectively.
Choosing the Right Deck Tile Species and Size
Lumber Plus offers Deck Tiles in various hardwood species and sizes, each with distinct characteristics. Ipe, with its deep chocolate tones, and Cumaru, featuring rich reddish-brown grain, are known for their strength. Garapa offers warm golden tones, suitable for bright terraces. These tropical hardwoods are durable choices for outdoor applications.
Deck tiles are available in '12 x 12' (12" x 12", 1 square foot per tile) and '24 x 24' (24" x 24", 4 square feet per tile) formats. The choice of size can influence how you manage cuts and access around drains. Consider the visual impact and practicalities of cutting when selecting your tile size.
For example, 'Ipe Deck Tiles' are a popular choice for their durability and appearance, while 'Garapa Deck Tiles' provide a lighter aesthetic. 'Cumaru Deck Tiles' offer a reddish-brown alternative. Each species is suitable for exterior use and can be integrated into a well-designed drainage plan.
Product link: Deck Tiles
Product link: Ipe Deck Tiles
Product link: Garapa Deck Tiles
Product link: Cumaru Deck Tiles
Worked Example: Planning for a 6-inch Diameter Drain
Consider a rooftop terrace measuring 10 feet by 15 feet with a single 6-inch diameter circular roof drain located 5 feet from one long edge and 7 feet from one short edge. We plan to use 24-inch x 24-inch deck tiles.
1. **Locate the Drain on the Grid:** First, sketch your terrace and mark the drain's exact center. Since the tiles are 24 inches (2 feet) square, you can overlay a 2-foot grid. The drain's center is at (5 ft, 7 ft) from a corner. This means the drain falls within a tile, specifically the tile whose corner starts at (4 ft, 6 ft).
2. **Determine Access Strategy:** To maintain access, the tile directly over the drain must be easily removable. For a pedestal system, this is straightforward; the tile rests on pedestals and can be lifted. For an interlocking system, the interlocking tabs around this tile would need to be considered. It might be necessary to cut the tabs off the four surrounding tiles where they would connect to the drain-covering tile, allowing the drain-covering tile to be placed without interlocking, or to use a specific border trim around the drain. Alternatively, a custom-cut tile could be used, or the drain could fall on a seam between four tiles.
3. **Cutting for the Drain Opening:** A 6-inch diameter drain requires a circular cut. For a 24-inch x 24-inch tile, a 6-inch diameter hole would be cut from the center of the tile covering the drain. This requires careful measurement and a jigsaw or appropriate cutting tool. The remaining portion of the tile will sit around the drain, ensuring that the drain grate is clear and accessible.
If the drain has a raised dome grate, the tile cut must accommodate this height.
5. **Perimeter Considerations:** If the drain is close to an edge, you might need partial tiles. For instance, if the drain was 1 foot from an edge, a 24-inch tile would be cut to 12 inches to fit the space, and the drain cut would be made within this smaller section. This example assumes the drain is not directly at a tile seam for simplicity; if it were, four tiles would need quarter-circle cuts.
Before you order
- Identify the exact location and type of all roof drains on your project surface.
- Measure the diameter and height of each drain, including any grates or domes.
- Review your chosen deck tile system (interlocking vs. pedestal) for how it accommodates drain access.
- Plan your deck tile layout grid to minimize complex cuts around drains, if possible.
- Decide on the method for creating drain openings in the tiles (e.g., circular cuts, using multiple tiles with partial cuts).
- Confirm that the planned tile height will not impede water flow to the drain.
- Ensure that tiles covering or adjacent to drains can be easily removed for maintenance.
- Consult with a roofing professional if you have concerns about existing drainage or waterproofing.
- Consider ordering extra tiles to account for potential cutting errors around drains.
Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.
Questions to help you decide
Can I install deck tiles directly over a roof drain?
You should not install deck tiles directly over a roof drain without ensuring proper access and water flow. The tiles must be cut or arranged so that the drain remains fully functional and accessible for cleaning and maintenance. It is often recommended to have the drain grate exposed or covered by a removable tile section.
How do I ensure water drains properly with deck tiles installed?
To ensure proper drainage, verify that the underlying surface has an adequate slope towards the drains. The deck tiles themselves should be installed with sufficient gaps between them to allow water to pass through to the sub-surface. For pedestal systems, adjust pedestal heights to ensure the tiles do not create a damming effect around the drains. The drain's opening must remain clear and unobstructed by the deck tile assembly.
What tools do I need to cut deck tiles for drains?
Cutting deck tiles, especially hardwood ones, requires appropriate tools. For straight cuts, a miter saw or circular saw can be used. For circular cuts around drains, a jigsaw is typically needed. Always use blades suitable for hardwood and wear appropriate safety gear. Practice on scrap pieces if you are new to cutting these materials.
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