One way to gain extra outdoor gathering space at a house or business is by creating a deck on a flat roof. Not only will you have a great view of the surroundings, but you’ll be able to take advantage of a space that typically would go unused. You just need the right type of flat roof tiles to finish the space safely with the perfect design.

Apartment owners can use these tiles to create a desirable space that residents can share. Businesses can develop an outdoor relaxation area for employees. And home owners will add to the value of the property by designing an outdoor space that looks amazing.

To find the best flat roof tiles for your particular situation, it helps to think about how you want to use the deck flooring, followed by selecting a material that matches your usage requirements.

Rubber rooftop tiles. Rubber flat roof tiles are a popular choice to create a gathering area. For starters, rubber is extremely durable, meaning you’ll receive a great value for the price you’ll pay.

Rubber mats and interlock tiles are available. With the interlocking design, you don’t need adhesive to keep the flooring in place. If you ever need to repair the surface, you can simply pop out the damaged tile and insert a replacement tile.

This is a smart material to use in an outdoor setting, as it provides a high level of traction for walking, even when the tiles are wet. Rubber does not absorb water, and it will not freeze or crack in extremely low temperatures, so you can leave it in place for any kind of weather.

To allow the draining of rain water along the rooftop, rubber tiles and pavers often will have small pedestals or legs that lift them slightly off the subfloor.

When comparing rubber vs concrete pavers in a flat rooftop setting, the rubber material will carry about half the cost of the concrete material. Rubber also weighs quite a bit less than the concrete, which makes it safer to use in certain buildings. The installation of concrete is far more difficult than the dry lay of the rubber tiles.

Rubber is naturally heavier than some other common flat roof tiles materials, like foam or PVC plastic. So if you’re concerned about weight on the roof, look for a thinner rubber tile measurement. The extra weight can be advantageous in other, areas, however. Especially if exposed to high winds.

Plastic rooftop tiles. Using a plastic decking tile is another popular selection for flat roof tiles. With multiple color choices available, the PVC plastic delivers a modern style that’s perfect for almost any roof deck design.

In areas that receive a lot of rain, look for plastic tiles that have perforations that run through the entire thickness of the tile. They also should have small legs to lift them off the subsurface, allowing for complete drainage of rain water.

When you want to perform a DIY install, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of laying out the plastic deck tiles. They often use a hidden interlock system, creating perfectly square seams or causing the seams to almost disappear. Because they are not as dense as rubber, you easily can cut the PVC tiles with a utility knife or a circular saw, simplifying the process of achieving a perfect fit.

Plastic tiles don’t carry as much weight as rubber, and they have a lower cost too. Their biggest drawback is their durability, which is not as good as rubber.

Rubber foam blend rooftop tiles. When you want the lowest profile in flat roof tiles, rubber foam material works nicely. These tiles are thin, yet they provide a satisfactory level of cushioning. With multiple colors available in a temperature stable material, they don’t heat up uncomfortably during sunny days. You’ll love walking on this flooring in bare feet.

Because of the lightweight nature of the foam rubber tiles, installation is an easy process. But you will need to glue down the pieces to eliminate the possibility of wind damage.

By using adhesive on these tiles, they don’t need small legs to lift them off the subsurface or perforations through the thickness of the tile to allow for water drainage. The water will simply drain across the surface of these tiles when installed over the proper slope.

The drawback to rubber foam is that it is susceptible to punctures and scratches from high heels, animal nails, or sharp legged furniture.

Flat roof tiles buying guide. As a final bit of advice, it’s important to ensure proper drainage during rains.

Should you want a bit more information on these products, we’ve collected additional materials in our guide. Just click on the links here to find design build ideas, buying options, testimonials, videos, and install tips.