Raised Tiles on Fibreglass roof Balcony

[Robbb]

Hi,

 

I wanted to get some advice on a balcony that I want to fit with tiles. I was thinking to have them raised on pedestals. The tiles we've chosen are 90x60 cm. I was planning to lay these in a brick like pattern. With six pedestals per tile. The theory is that the pedestals should allow the water to flow underneath. I was going to put a thin layer of rubber padding under the pedestal to protect the roof. These could then easily be lifted if any roof repairs were required. It are there. Any thoughts on this approach or any advice I should consider?

[Mr Punter]

I have done similar but with 600 x 600 tiles 18mm and a pedestal in each corner.  Make sure they are non-slip.  There is not much room under so you will need to set the pedestal heights and positions spot on as you won't be able to adjust them later. Laser level may be useful.  The fillet under the sliding doors looks a bit awkward.

[Robbb]

Thanks, yeah they are non slip. Yeah a laser level is a really good shout.

 

The fillet under the door might be a little annoying. I was originally thinking to have some rubber pads on the fillet and sit the tiles on that.  Also allowing for proper drainage from the drainage holes in the frame. Although, looking at it more closely, I think I'll need to try to avoid having any strain on that fillet. Perhaps have some shallower pedestal to sit butted up against the fillet with some leveling underneath.

[SteamyTea]

What gap will remain between roof covering and tile base?

 

While GRP is water proof, the life is shorted by constant immersion in water, and freezing/heating cycles can cause problems.

 

Have you thought of just using a suitable waterproof grout to adhere them in place?

[Robbb]

I was worried with that approach that the water would find it's way through and it would make it worse. Also if there was an issue then it would be harder to repair. With pedestals they could be easily lifted up.

We only just had the GRP laid when we had a leak with the previous roofing. It was a bit of a nightmare. I was planning to have about a 5cm clearance underneath. Also its a bit of a suntrap there so figured it would dry out quickly. If the sun ever shines.

 

I guess though if the tiles were grouted then this would allow for far better run off. The area around the door frame might be a bit tricky though. I'm not sure if I need to allow for drainage under the door sill (see picture). What do you think?

Edited yesterday at 08:18 by Robbb

[Conor]

We have a GRP balcony with 600x400 pavers on pedestals, brick pattern. You need one at each corner. They are fine set directly on the fibreglass, no other layer needed.

 

For up against the edges, you can normally cut off one side of the pedestal base so you can pretty much get it right up to the wall. I put a dab of adhesive on the ones at the door thresholds that were partial cut slabs. Keeps them steady.

 

I'm assuming your deck has a fall? You might need to mess around with glazing packers to get things right if the fall is greater than the float in the pedestals.

 

It's an easy, satisfying job. I wouldn't even consider adhesive and grout, it'll fail eventually. 

Edited yesterday at 08:23 by Conor