Everyone’s experienced walking across a pool deck or patio barefoot and feeling the scorching heat under their feet. When summer sets in, having a too-hot roof deck can be not only uncomfortable for you and your guests but also potentially dangerous – even for pets. If you’re installing or renovating a roof deck, consider these four key factors that can help mitigate its surface temperature and make it more enjoyable for all who visit.

1. Deck Paver Material

Since some materials are naturally hotter than others, the material you choose for your roof deck will make a big difference in its surface temperature once the project is complete. For example, natural stone tends to be cooler than concrete paving slabs, while porcelain paving tiles tend to stay cooler than both of these.

Real wood products, like our ipe wood deck tiles, also tend to run cooler than stone. However, hardwood tends to wear faster than porcelain pavers and is less weather-resistant, making it a less ideal choice for roof decks.

2. Roof Deck Color

You may not realize it, but the color of your roof deck can significantly affect its surface temperature. As a general rule, the darker something is, the more sunlight it absorbs and the hotter it is. Lighter colors, however, reflect heat rather than absorb it. Reflecting heat causes the surface temperature to remain lower, making it more comfortable for you to stand on.

This same principle translates to your roof deck. The lighter the color of the material, the less hot it will be underfoot. Tile Tech’s Cool-Roof pavers are one example of this. Made of premium, ultra-white raw materials, our Cool-Roof pavers have a high reflective value and low emissivity rate that help to reduce the roof deck’s surface temperature. By keeping the roof tiles’ surface significantly cooler, Cool-Roof technology also reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, reducing energy use and utility bills for the property owner.

3. Location of Roof Decks

The location of your roof decks can also play a large part in how hot they get during the summer. Because of their higher elevation, roof decks naturally receive more solar radiation than ground-level decks or plazas. There also tend to be fewer opportunities for shade because plants, trees, and the building itself can’t block out the sun as they do with a ground-level deck.

To minimize your roof deck’s heat absorption, consider which areas of your rooftop will have the most shade during the time of day that you’re most likely to be outside. Note the location of taller neighboring buildings or other features which can provide shade and some much-needed relief during peak sunshine hours.

4. Lack of Heat Mitigation

Despite your best efforts, your roof deck may still sometimes get uncomfortably warm during the summer. To further mitigate hot surface temperatures and scorched feet, add shade in key areas using furniture or plants. Add mats to high-touch surfaces for enhanced comfort, or install misters for periodic relief. You can also incorporate a forced or radiant HVAC system during your renovation to keep guests comfortable year-round.

If you’re tired of suffering through scorched feet every summer, renovate your pool deck or rooftop patio to be cooler and more comfortable. With Tile Tech porcelain pavers, the whole family can enjoy the warm weather worry-free. We can help you choose the right paving tile for your renovation, and we have hundreds of product options that will suit every need. Give us a call at (888) 380-5575 to find out more, or fill out our online quote request form. We’re always happy to help in whatever way we can, whether that’s a free catalog or convenient product samples for you to try out at home.