Deck Tiles for Rooftops and Balconies in Milwaukee, WI

Understanding Your Rooftop or Balcony Structure

Before selecting any deck tiles, it is crucial to understand the structural capabilities of your rooftop or balcony. Elevated structures are designed to bear specific loads, and adding a new surface material can impact this. Consult with a qualified structural engineer or your building's management to confirm the permissible live and dead loads for your specific area. This step is non-negotiable for safety and compliance.

Rooftops often feature a waterproof membrane beneath the surface. Any deck tile installation must protect this membrane and not impede its function. Balconies, particularly those cantilevered, also have specific load limits. Be aware of any existing drainage slopes and ensure your deck tile system allows for proper water runoff, preventing pooling that could compromise the structure or waterproofing.

Consider the existing surface material. Is it concrete, a finished membrane, or another substrate? The chosen deck tile system, whether interlocking or pedestal-supported, must be compatible with this base and allow for sufficient airflow and drainage underneath to prevent moisture buildup.

Navigating Building Permissions and Codes in Milwaukee

Installing deck tiles on a rooftop or balcony in Milwaukee, WI, may require building permits or approval from your condominium association or landlord, especially if it involves changes to the building's exterior or significant weight additions. Check with the City of Milwaukee Department of City Development or your building's management office regarding specific requirements.

Key aspects to verify include fire safety regulations for rooftop installations, wind uplift considerations for elevated decks, and any restrictions on material types or heights. Even if a permit isn't strictly required for the deck tiles themselves, ensuring your project adheres to all local building codes and association guidelines can prevent future issues.

Prepare a clear plan detailing the chosen deck tile material, dimensions, and the proposed installation method. This documentation will be essential for any approval processes.

Door Thresholds and Drainage: Critical Measurements

One of the most frequent challenges in rooftop and balcony deck tile projects is managing door thresholds and drainage. The finished height of your deck tile surface must be below the bottom of any doors to prevent water ingress and allow for proper door operation. Measure the clearance from the existing surface to the bottom of your door's threshold carefully.

For drainage, ensure that the deck tile system does not obstruct existing roof drains or balcony scuppers. A sufficient gap should be maintained around these elements to allow unimpeded water flow. Pedestal systems can be particularly effective here, as they raise the deck tiles above the substrate, creating a clear pathway for water to reach drains and allowing for inspection of the waterproofing layer.

Consider the slope of your existing surface. Deck tiles themselves are typically flat, so if your roof or balcony has a slope for drainage, the deck tiles will follow this slope.

Choosing Your Deck Tile Material: Ipe, Garapa, and Cumaru

Lumber Plus offers hardwood deck tiles in three distinct species, each with unique characteristics suitable for Milwaukee's climate:

Ipe deck tiles: Known for their deep chocolate tones and exceptional hardness, Ipe offers a classic, rich appearance. Ipe is a dense wood that can withstand significant foot traffic and exposure. (Source: S1)

Garapa deck tiles: Featuring warm golden tones, Garapa brightens any outdoor space. It is a durable option that provides a lighter aesthetic compared to Ipe or Cumaru. (Source: S1)

Cumaru deck tiles: With rich reddish-brown grain, Cumaru provides a robust and characterful tropical hardwood option. Its natural strength contributes to its suitability for demanding outdoor applications. (Source: S1)

All three species are available in 12 x 12 inch and 24 x 24 inch formats. The 12 x 12 inch tile is a compact square format ideal for smaller areas or layouts with more intricate edges and transitions, while the 24 x 24 inch tile is a larger format suitable for more open surfaces with fewer tile seams. (Source: S1)

When making your selection, consider how each species' natural color will complement your building's facade and the surrounding environment. While all are durable hardwoods, their aesthetic differences can significantly impact the final look and feel of your outdoor space.

Worked Example: Planning Deck Tiles for a Milwaukee Balcony

Let's consider a hypothetical balcony project in Milwaukee. Imagine a rectangular balcony measuring 10 feet long by 4 feet wide. The existing concrete surface has a slight slope towards a single drain. The door threshold is 3 inches above the concrete surface.

First, we confirm with the building management that adding a deck tile system is permissible and the balcony can support the additional weight. We also verify that no permits are required for this specific non-structural change.

Next, we measure the door threshold clearance. We decide to use 24 x 24 inch (2 ft x 2 ft) Garapa deck tiles for their warm aesthetic.

For the layout: The balcony is 10 feet (5 tiles) long and 4 feet (2 tiles) wide. This means we can lay out 5 tiles along the length and 2 tiles along the width without any cuts, resulting in 10 tiles. The total area is 40 square feet, and since each 24x24 tile covers 4 square feet, 10 tiles are needed. This ideal scenario assumes perfect dimensions and no need for cuts around obstacles or to accommodate the drain.

This will require cutting some tiles. For example, if the drain is centered at one end, we might cut two tiles to fit around it, ensuring the cut edges are smooth and do not impede water flow. We would purchase 10 tiles for the main area and anticipate needing 1-2 extra tiles for cuts and potential waste, depending on the exact drain placement and cutting strategy. For a 10x4 foot balcony, purchasing 12 tiles would provide a buffer for cuts and allow for a clean finish around the drain.

The interlocking base of the Garapa deck tiles will sit directly on the concrete, allowing water to flow underneath to the drain. We'll ensure the drain remains fully accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

This example highlights the importance of precise measurements and accounting for cuts and waste, even in seemingly straightforward layouts. Always order a small percentage of extra material to cover unforeseen cuts or damaged tiles.

Before you order

• Confirm structural load capacity of your rooftop or balcony with a professional.
• Verify building permits and approvals from local authorities or building management.
• Measure door threshold clearance accurately to determine maximum deck tile height.
• Assess existing drainage points and plan for unimpeded water flow.
• Select deck tile species (Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru) based on aesthetic and durability preferences.
• Choose tile size (12x12 or 24x24) considering project scale and layout complexity.
• Calculate required tile quantity, including extra for cuts and waste.
• Plan for edge finishing and transitions to other surfaces.
• Consider future access needs for waterproofing or structural inspections.

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.

This is a planning guide for projects in Milwaukee, WI. Ask our team to confirm availability, delivery to your ZIP code and which branch can support your order.

Questions to help you decide

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