I'm plan to re-do the railings/posts on my front portico roof. It's essentially a flat roof about 5' X 11', with a rubber membrane. The current wooden railings are rotted and were toe-nailed into/through the rubber roofing by the builder 8 years ago.

Can anyone suggest some options on how to secure the vinyl posts to the roof?? I like the idea of a notched 4 X 4 post on the outside of the outer corners, thus not penetrating the rubber roofing at all. But then when I slide the vinyl posts over the 4 X 4 the post base will overhang the edge of the roof, so I think I need to stay within the roof surface area.

Thanks Again,
Ed

Can you post a picture(s) of what you have to work with?
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My digital camera is on the fritz right now. But, the roof is flat, rectangular, 5' X 11'. It is metal/lead flashed against the house up under the lowest clapboard. The flashing then extends down from under the clapboard and then at a 90 degree angle goes out over/on top of the rubber membrane by about six inches. Floor slopes slightly inward against house.?????

The floor has the rubber membrane, is in two sections glued together, drip edged, and ice/water flashed. The wooden railing system is toe-nailed into the rubber membrane. The existing 5 X 5 wooden posts are toe-nailed into the membrane, just inside the outer corners, and the end railings are secured to the house via two wooden blocks/plates on each side.

Hope this description helps. I just can't figure out my choices on how to best secure the new vinyl posts to the rubber membrane. Toe-nail a 4 X 4 post into the membrane, then silicone all around the edges to prevent water from getting under the 4 X 4 and leaking down into the nail holes, and then sleeve the vinyl railing on over the 4 X 4, or what???

Thanks
Ed

Find a way to fasten the railings around the perimeter so as not to puncture the rubber roof.

If you must secure posts into the roof they will need to be flashed with uncured EPDM.

Why would your builder slope the roof towards the house?
While I have heard/seen dumber things done by builders perhaps there is a reason for it.

The above in addition to saying your builder toe nailed posts into the EPDM with out flashing them and the metal flashing being described indicates that your builder may indeed be an idiot.
If this is the case you may have bigger issues.

You should borrow a camera from somebody because this didn't sound right in your last thread and it still doesn't sound right.
Perhaps you are mistaken in your description and assessment.

More threads with the same question isn't going to change the responses over time.
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I don't need no freakin' signature, I Am Roofer.

-Axiom- wrote:

You should borrow a camera from somebody because this didn't sound right in your last thread and it still doesn't sound right. Perhaps you are mistaken in your description and assessment. More threads with the same question isn't going to change the responses over time.

Yep, another thread where pics are essential for a decent answer.

Sorry I can't provide a detailed picture.

If I wanted a condescending attitude from an "expert", I could get one here at home. And, yeah, I'VE already called my builder an idiot. But anyway, now, that aside,

I didn't think it was a huge deal, 99.999% of porticos (at least here) are secured in some way onto the rubber roof membrane within the roof borders (pitch pockets or flashing and cement). If you secure it to the side of the roof edge as suggested, with a notched post or something, and then sleeve a 4 X 4 post railing over it, a portion of the post would be stand outside the roof edging, and would look ridiculous.

I thought it was a relatively straightforward, simple question of someone with more experience than me that might be able to help with a suggestion. Thank you both for your time.

C'mon you guys, it's just a roof

Box the posts in and wrap with torchon or rubber or whatever...done.
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Thanks Kage,

I think that's probably the easiest and best way to handle it.

Much appreciated.

Ed

You can nail/secure your posts onto the rubber roof, it is done very frequently.
If you do this the posts will have to be flashed, ideally you will have a couple of the posts firmly secured to a wall, for bracing.

The problem with toe nailing your posts is that it is not a very secure connection in regards to lateral movement.
If your posts and railings move back and forth when subjected to normal use it can damage the flashings and create leaks.
So it is important to do it right the first time, there is a lot of work involved to correct the problem if it occurs.

If your roof slopes toward the house I can only assume that the water drains off of both sides and down your siding.
It is possible and even probable that the water is getting behind your siding extensively damaging your walls.
Termites, carpenter ants, and mold just love wet wood.

I can only assume that there is a door that accesses this deck, with the roof sloping towards the house it is vitally important that the bottom of the door be flashed.
You may need to remove the door to get the rubber under it.
You can use a termination bar and water cut off mastic for under the door but this is less than ideal for the long term.

How high is the bottom of the door above the roof deck?

What type of walking surface do you have over the rubber roof?

You can get a cheap digital camera for $100 and a memory card for $10 - $15.
If we had some pictures we can be of more help and offer suggestions as to other options available to you.
Otherwise we are just guessing based on your description and our own personal experiences with these types of roofs.


Is your roof similar to this




Or more like this



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Nice work Axiom.
_________________
WHATS A HOUSE WITHOUT A ROOF!?!
Steeper The Better!!

Thanks Axiom,

Apreciate it!
I should have a camera by Tuesday this week and will upload some photos. Understood on the posts being a little shakey. Again though, this is a portico over a front door, so there will be no traffic or anyone ever even coming in contact with the railings/posts on the small roof over the door, strictly ornamental. I just don't want it blowing down in a wind - ha-ha.

Thanks again.

Ed