Roof Reinforcement

Structural Upgrades

Most Chicago rooftops were built to code minimums for weather loads—not for the concentrated weight of a hot tub, the point loads of a pergola, or the combined live load of a party on your deck. A filled 6-person hot tub with occupants weighs approximately 4,000 pounds spread over 42 square feet, requiring load capacity of 100+ PSF when typical roofs are engineered for 20-40 PSF. Before you can build the deck you envision, the structure beneath it needs to safely carry what you're adding.

Reinforcement begins with structural assessment. Our engineer evaluates existing framing—joists, beams, headers, bearing walls, and the foundation path below—to identify exactly where additional capacity is needed. Solutions vary by building: sistered joists to double capacity, steel beams spanning between bearing points, new columns transferring loads to the foundation, blocking to distribute concentrated loads, or upgraded connections at critical junctions. Each reinforcement design is specific to your building's existing structure and your planned deck loads.

Reinforcement work happens before deck construction, with structural steel or lumber installed while the roof membrane is still accessible. Chicago permit requirements for roof deck construction often include structural drawings stamped by a licensed engineer—we coordinate engineering, permit submission, and construction so the structural work integrates with your complete deck project. When finished, you have a rooftop that safely supports hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, planters, and the gatherings that make the space worthwhile.