Covered roof to deck/lanai

[hpp4me]

Has anyone looked into (or built) a covered rooftop lanai or deck in Puna. I am wondering what the issues are, given the climate. I am sure this can be done, as I see these all over SE Asia, in areas that get lots of rain and have lots of humidity. My question is should it be done. The structure itself will be concrete and steel (no wood).

[hotinhawaii]

Will the concrete be the roof for the structure below? Why not build out of wood and cover with a waterproof membrane? What leads you to ask if it should be done? I am a bit unclear as to what you are asking.

[hpp4me]

We are asking if it should be done because of all of the rain that Puna gets. I wonder if the sheer amount of rain makes this a bad idea.

We plan a woodless house built of concrete and steel. I don't want to feed termites.

[Rob Tucker]

Your question seems to be whether or not to build a flat roof and then use that flat roof for a lanai. In that sense a flat roof in this climate is indeed a bad design.

However... you also mention a covered roof deck. In this case, if the covering you refer to is a well designed roof with adequate eaves and drainage then I say go for it.

My company specializes in non wood building methods. Perhaps this is something to work together on.

Aloha,

Rob Tucker
www.castleblock.com
965-1555

[Carey]

There are houses that have a deck above the roof, and others that have 2nd floor walkout decks, some even have sightseeing decks in the yard that looks more like a playground fort...

We have an older non-wood SIP - but there is some wood in almost every home, and termites will snack on trim, furniture, shelving, doors, doorframes - and we have had the joy of replacing all of the above!

BTW exterior doors sold here do not come standard with treated wood!, we found out after replacing a couple & finding the telltale piles - you can special order your door with non-wood frames or can purchase non-wood frames, if you like to frame...

[hotinhawaii]

I know of a couple concrete and steel homes in Puna. Rust is a MAJOR concern. If the only steel is rebar in the concrete you are okay. If there are steel posts and support beams, beware. Take any precaution you have to to protect it. It will rust fairly soon.

I don't know if you are set on a concrete house, but a properly treated and protected wood house should not have structural termite problems.

[Rob Tucker]

I have a number of steel posts and other exposed steel with no problem for fifteen years. If the steel is well galvanized it holds up very nicely without any maintenance.

[hpp4me]

Thank you, everyone!