Rooftop terraces and multi-story elevated decks are some of the most rewarding outdoor spaces — and some of the most demanding to engineer correctly.
Wind and lateral loads
The higher a structure sits, the more wind it sees. Tall posts and rooftop railings must be designed to resist lateral forces and overturning, with bracing and connections detailed to match.
Waterproofing and drainage
On an occupied roof, the deck structure has to coexist with the building’s waterproofing membrane. Pedestal-supported systems keep the finished surface level while allowing water to drain freely beneath it.
Load paths back into the building
Unlike a ground-supported deck, a rooftop deck transfers its loads into the existing building frame. That path has to be verified so the roof structure below is never overloaded.
Whether it is a city rooftop lounge or a hillside elevated deck, our engineers deliver code-compliant, stamped drawings tailored to the structure. Explore our deck structural design service.