Following installation of a terrace system, access to the space below will still be required for servicing and maintaining rooftop mechanical and electrical equipment and supply systems, checking and repairing insulation and waterproofing layers and cleaning out drainage gullies.
To minimise disruption, features such as heavy planters and planter systems should ideally be located away from areas where access is most likely to be required, but what about other areas such as walkways and gathering spaces?
Fixing with screws
Roof terraces generally feature decking or tiles for these zones. Timber and wood-resin composite decking (which shouldn’t be used on buildings with residential space 11 metres or more above ground level) may be held in place with screws, but these can be unsightly and with regular use over time will lose their gripping strength.
Fixing with mastic
Adhesives and mastics are an option if access is only likely to be required in an emergency rather than for routine maintenance, but as these deteriorate due to exposure to sunlight and weather they can also become unsightly.
Relying on gravity
Many terrace systems are designed to allow decking and tiles to drop into a framework, where they are held in place by the framework and gravity. If heavy materials such as concrete pavers or stone slabs are used this is often sufficient, but where design or the underlying roof structure requires lighter weight materials, more may be required.
Any slight movement of decking and tiles that are not securely held in place may give the impression of a poorly-laid or unsafe surface, and if the terrace is situated where it is particularly exposed to high or gusting winds, wind uplift could be an issue.
Clipping in place
Raaft composite decking, porcelain decking and porcelain tiles are all designed to resist wind uplift. An unobtrusive groove cut into the edge accommodates a design-protected anti-uplift clip that is almost invisible when fitted, yet resists uplift at all typical UK windspeeds.
Even if uplift isn’t a problem, Raaft anti-uplift clips – available in nylon and stainless steel – are an excellent way of ensuring decking and tiles stay firmly in place until they need to be removed. Uplifting and re-laying is fast, easy and requires no tools.
We want your roof terrace to be easy to work with and keep its good looks for many years to come. Much of that depends on getting it right in the early stages, so if you are designing, specifying or installing a roof terrace system, contact our technical team on +44 (0)20 3146 7879 for friendly, professional advice and support.
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