Rooftop Decks in Chicago, Built Roof First
A rooftop deck is a rooftop first. At Reveal Design, we start with what's under your feet, then design a space you'll use more often and maintain less. We've been designing and building Chicago rooftops, garage rooftops and decks since 2011.
Led by Sean Kelley, owner
Landscape architecture degree from the University of Illinois (2004), postgraduate residential design study in Oxford, England, and 30 years in the trades. Sean personally oversees every project, and our own crews install it.
Why does the roof matter before the deck?
Everything you build is only as good as the roof and structure below it. We've had to rebuild a $200,000 rooftop that never should have been built over an unaddressed roof. Before we design
Review the original building documents
Ask about leaks or moisture, especially in the garage, so we fix them during the rebuild
Plan structural penetrations so they avoid the membrane and wall caps, or are flashed correctly
What is the best decking for a Chicago rooftop?
We usually recommend modular 24 by 24 inch porcelain or paver tiles on adjustable pedestals over composite. Pedestals keep drainage clear, and we can lift a few tiles to inspect or repair the roof without touching any framing.
How much maintenance does a rooftop deck need?
Every year: Clean scuppers and drains
Every 4 to 5 years: Check roof penetrations, vents, doors and skylights, since flashing and silicone wear out.
Why do rooftop decks cost more than backyards?
Everything has to be carried or hoisted up. Planting a boxwood in a backyard takes two people about an hour. On a rooftop, it can take five hours. Rooftop labor can run 2 to 4 times higher, which is why we always start with an honest rough budget.
Should I build my whole rooftop at once?
Not always. You'll use the space closest to your kitchen and living room most, so we design that down to the square inch. Larger rooftops can be phased: build a third to the nines, rough in electrical and irrigation, and expand later.
Phasing a Chicago New Build's Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor TVs placed at the right distance
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Louvered pergolas for shade and rain cover.
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Outdoor kitchens and aluminum cabinetry
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Infrared heaters and screens or glass to extend the season
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Insulated planter boxes with engineered soil and irrigation
3
Rooftop Deck FAQ
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Often. If the roof is aging or has leaks, fix it first. Tearing out a finished deck to repair it costs far more.
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Yes, but most Chicago rooftops have no drains, so we walk you through maintenance first.
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Yes, garage rooftop decks are one of our specialties in Chicago.
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Chicago and the suburbs, including Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Lake Forest, Park Ridge, Glen Ellyn, Western Springs, Glencoe, River Forest and Oak Brook.
See It in Person
Visit our outdoor rooftop showroom, where we test every product in real Chicago weather.