Accessories for raised deck terraces – system elements that determine durability

Important elements that not only improve functionality and adapt the system to project requirements, but also increase the safety and comfort of using the terrace.

What are accessories for raised deck terraces?

Accessories for raised deck terraces are a group of supplementary elements that not only support the operation of the entire system but also facilitate proper installation.

Although they are often treated as add-ons, in practice they determine the stability of the structure, protection of the waterproofing, and the quality of the installation.

Each accessory serves a different function, but their main tasks are often:

  1. Protection - of the terrace structure, building, and waterproofing
  2. Improving user comfort
  3. Facilitating terrace installation

In a raised deck terrace system, there are no random elements, and each component serves a specific technical function.

If you want to learn the basics of the technology:

→ See also: What is a raised deck terrace

The most important types of accessories

Accessories for the MAX terrace pedestal increase its usability

Rubber shims on pedestals

The most commonly used accessory on terraces with pavers are rubber shims on pedestals. They are made of rubber with a thickness of 1.5 mm and are placed between the pedestal and the paver.

Their main purpose is:

  • leveling minor differences in paver thickness
  • improving acoustics - if sand gets between the paver and the pedestal, there is no grinding effect

Protective rubber shims under the pedestal

SBR rubber pads are used under pedestals or support pads.

Their main functions are:

  • protecting the waterproofing from abrasion
  • reducing vibrations and noise
  • improving support stability
  • improving acoustics

Due to the improvement in acoustics, they are particularly important on flat roofs and terraces above living/day rooms.

More about layer protection:

See also: Drainage of a raised deck terrace - how does it work and how to do it correctly?

Gumowe podkładki pod wsporniki

Terrace pedestal on SBR rubber pad with SH rubber shim under the paver Adjustable pedestals laid on torch-applied roofing membrane with SBR rubber pads

Joint spacers

Joint spacers are responsible for maintaining an even gap between pavers. They are used in two widths - 3 or 5 mm.

They ensure:

  • an even and aesthetic layout of the surface
  • proper water drainage from the terrace surface
  • compensation of stresses caused by weather conditions

On choosing the appropriate spacer thickness:

Gap or joint on an external terrace - how to choose the right width?

Disc spacer 3 mm

Assembly of spacers for screws in standard pedestals 3 and 5 mm Adjustable pedestals with 5 mm spacers for pavers with laid concrete pavers

Joist adapters

Adapters facilitate the installation of joists on pedestals and ensure the stability of the joist support.

Thanks to them:

  • the joist is securely fastened
  • the structure does not shift
  • precise leveling is possible

More about the terrace construction with joists::

See also: Elevated terrace made of composite decking (WPC)

Joist adapter SPIRAL & MAX h=26 mm

Mounting the joist adapter on the screw of the standard adjustable pedestal Standard pedestals with joist adapters laid with aluminum joists on a ground-level terrace

Slope compensators and leveling elements

Typically, terrace substrates are sloped for water drainage, but to keep the usable surface perfectly level, accessories that compensate for this slope must be used.

They allow you to:

  • compensate for the slope
  • maintain the level of the surface
  • increase installation precision

Slope compensators, self-leveling heads, and expansion wedges are very useful installation accessories, especially in the case of large terrace heights or irregular slopes.

Leveling wedge 3%

Laying the pedestal on the slope correction accessory for terrace slopes up to three percent kp

Clips and Fascia Boards

The edges of the terrace have a significant impact not only on the visual aspect but also on the durability of the structure.

Fascia boards are used to hide the substructure, maintain aesthetics, and protect the terrace from animals. Up to wall clips protect vertical structural elements (walls, parapets) by compensating for stresses in the pavers caused by weather conditions.

Why are accessories crucial?

Without the right supporting accessories, the raised deck terrace system can suffer from:

  • loss of stability
  • lack of user comfort
  • damage to the waterproofing
  • impeded water drainage or pooling

It is the accessories that "complete" the system and determine its durability.

Up to wall clip for raised deck terraces on adjustable pedestal lime Terrace pedestal solver at the wall with KD accessory

Most common mistakes related to accessories

  • lack of SBR rubber pads on the waterproofing membrane - even though the pedestals do not have sharp edges, it is worth protecting the delicate waterproofing membrane
  • lack of spacers between pavers - they cause uneven gaps - not very aesthetic and causing problems with water drainage
  • incorrect fastening of joists - joists shifting on the pedestal head
  • using components from outside the system - no guarantee that the required functions will be fulfilled
  • lack of slope adjustment - uneven contact of the head with the paver or joist (weakening of the system)
  • lack of pads between the paver and the pedestal - squeaking or crunching when walking resulting from debris found between the paver and the pedestal

More:

→ See also: Most common mistakes during the installation of raised deck terraces

Summary

Accessories for raised deck terraces are not an addition, but an integral part of the system.

They are responsible for:

  • structural stability
  • protection of the substrate
  • installation precision
  • durability of the entire terrace

A well-chosen set of accessories guarantees that the terrace will function as intended for many years.

If you want to see the basic components of the system:

→ See also: Adjustable terrace pedestals - application, construction and selection rules

→ See also: Support pads for terrace pavers – when to use and how to choose?

Maskownice na tarasie wentylowanym na gruncie z akcesoriami w systemie tarasów wentylowanym