Replies

1. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Aug 08, 2001 01:30am | #1

   *
   Steve, I don't know THE best way, but one good way:

   1. In the square hole where your post will go, make an X in the epdm corner to corner. After the epdm is glued down, put your posts in, and wrap them with uncured epdm, forming a little boot. Seal the seams with butyl caulk.

   Mike

1. 
   Robert_Sanders | Aug 08, 2001 02:39am | #2

   *I use a rather clever creation thought up by a friend of mine. It's a hunk of square steel tubing welded to a piece of flat stock, with weep holes allowed on all 4 sides. The flat stock is fastened to the finished rubber deck/roof with flat head screws thru countersunk holes (use caulking to install screws)into blocking provided under deck/roof. This is then flashed over with more rubber and caulk, being careful not to cover weep holes. Your 4X4 posts are then fit inside tubing and shimmed plumb. I have them fabricated in my area for under $25 each.

1. 
   Tim_Kline | Aug 08, 2001 04:59am | #3

   *b WBA At Your ServiceSteve, I have included a sketch showing how we do all of ours. Having access to the framing below provides you the best opportunity now to secure the posts. Depending on the design, we often use PT 4 x 4's for sub-posts. These could be larger or smaller. After the sub-posts are secured, then we patch or install the plywood deck. The roofer then arrives to install the membrane which he wraps about 4" to 5" up the sides of each new post. The finished posts which have been preassembled as four sided boxes with a hole top and bottom. The finished posts are plumbed and shimmed and then nailed in place. The finished posts cover the membrane for protection. You can then install wood base as a decorative element.

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Aug 08, 2001 04:04pm | #4

   *There's an article in the current JLC that might help.

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Aug 08, 2001 04:51pm | #5

   *Mount the square posts on steel pipe w/plate lagged to structure and use EPDM plumbing vent boots around the steel pipe. In other words, treat the supports as if they were another 'acceptable' type of penetration in an EPDM roof.Jeff

2. 
   Mike_Galt | Aug 08, 2001 06:27pm | #6

   *When you mount a wood post through a flat roof it will always draw water through the roof to the interior framing and deck. Could you mount the fence to the fascia or wood deck ( that was loose laid on the roof membrane) or loose lay the fence and posts on the roof, relying on the end of the fence being attached to adjacent walls and being of strong construction. If you cannot do this, roof in a block of pressure treated wood. Covering sides and top with roofing materials. Then mount the post to the top of this block, bedded in caulking or mastic for the screws or nails I have replaced enough flat roofs and found extensive rot under the through roof posts or screws piercing the roof membrane. The wood post cannot be kept painted or sealed enough to stop the wood from drawing moisture. Mike Galt Ontario, Canada

3. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Aug 09, 2001 03:54pm | #7

   *Steve - I tried to answer your e mail last night, but it came back as undeliverable. The JLC web address is jlconline.com.

2. 
   Steve_Kuhl | Aug 09, 2001 03:54pm | #8

   *
   Quick! Name the best way to pass railing posts through a new epdm roof! As the carpenter/builder in charge of this project it appears to be up to us to figure out the best way to secure a short, decorative railing to a new flat roof. We have narrowed it down to a few alternatives but thought it best to bounce this deal off our piers. We are of course tearing everything out down to the decking, so we have access to the framing beneath if need be. We sure would appreciate any advice.