When renovating your rooftop deck, it’s common to wonder about the practical benefits of certain hardscaping materials, such as porcelain deck tiles. We receive all kinds of questions about durability, installation techniques and maintenance requirements. However, functionality isn’t the only consideration; comfort is important as well.

Whether you’re transforming your family’s rooftop patio or building a hotel pool deck, you want your roof deck to be comfortable and enjoyable for all who use it. That means you don’t want your paving tiles to be too hot underfoot. When installing outdoor deck pavers in direct sunlight, consider these four crucial factors before moving forward with your rooftop deck installation.

1. Decking material

Some materials stay cooler than others, so keep this in mind when selecting your rooftop deck tiles. Natural stone, for example, tends to stay cooler than most dark concrete paver products, although this depends on factors such as stone material, color, texture and more.

Tile Tech’s Cool Roof porcelain pavers were specially manufactured with this in mind, which is why they’re the preferred solution for rooftop decks across the country. Cool Roof pavers are engineered to reduce rooftop temperatures by utilizing innovative heat-reflective technologies. Our Cool Roof pavers emit absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of heat absorbed into your tiles and transferred to your building below. This not only keeps your deck cooler and more comfortable underfoot, but it even makes your building more energy efficient and can reduce utility bills in the summer.

2. Paver tray color

One of the factors that makes Cool Roof pavers effective is the color, and this effect is generally true among deck tiles of any material. White or light-colored pavers will generally remain cooler under sunlight because white reflects light rather than absorbs it. Black and dark-colored pavers will absorb much more sunlight and become significantly hotter to the touch.

If you want to keep your rooftop deck as cool and comfortable as possible, consider light-colored options such as Tile Tech’s Terrazzo White porcelain outdoor tiles, Quartzite White porcelain outdoor tiles, and Rustic Maple wood-look porcelain pavers.

3. Roof deck location

The location of your decking application is another factor that will influence how hot your deck will get. A rooftop deck will unavoidably be hotter than a ground-level deck simply because it’s higher up and has fewer objects to cast shade on. Whereas balconies or ground-level patios may receive shade during certain times of day from surrounding buildings, rooftop decks will likely always be under direct sunlight.

4. Landscaping, furniture, and accessories

Even though your rooftop deck is unlikely to receive shade from neighboring buildings, you can work to create your own shade using landscaping, furniture, and other deck accessories. This will not only keep the deck a bit cooler, but it can also keep your guests more comfortable.

Add mats, rugs, artificial turf, misters or even a radiant cooling system to help keep people more comfortable during their time on your rooftop deck. Adding patio loungers and other furniture will also help reduce the amount of time guests are on their feet, minimizing any potential discomfort. 

If you’re looking to utilize rooftop space for your residential or commercial project, choose a paver product uniquely suited to roof decks. With superior durability and undeniable beauty, all of Tile Tech’s roof deck paver products will improve the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space. We have one of the largest inventories of high-quality paving tiles on the market, including adjustable deck supports for a level roof deck every time. To find out more about product availability, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog, or quote for your next project.