Rooftop retreats gain traction in urban living

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Homeowners turn to their rooftops for fresh air, freedom and prime city views. 

When space is tight and backyards are rare, urban dwellers are looking up, literally. Rooftop patios are becoming an increasingly popular solution for homeowners in dense cities, offering a private escape with panoramic views and according to roofing veteran Al Torrella, owner and operator of Elite Roofing, there’s a lot more to consider than throwing a grill on the roof. 

Al joined the AskARoofer Podcast to share his four decades of experience building rooftop retreats. And he’s quick to point out the appeal: “The roof actually has the best views of the whole area. People want to go out and have a hot dog or a hamburger or just smell the air and not be with other people but your family,” he said. 

But building a rooftop patio isn't just about aesthetics. It’s about vision, structure and compliance. Al stressed the importance of starting with a plan based on lifestyle. “You want to know how you want to live first,” he said. “Do you want a garden scene or do you want a wrap-around couch or a bar system?” 

Before any construction begins, Al recommends hiring an architect to ensure the roof can withstand the load. “You really want to start with hiring a professional architect and making sure that you can put something up there that's going to be stable first. That's square one.” 

From there, it's all about collaboration, smart materials and staying on top of local regulations, which can vary widely. Al recalled a recent project where, after a year of planning and permitting, “the inspector says, ‘Oh, we can't pass this. You need two ways of getting off the rooftop deck.’ Where were you two years ago to say this?” 

And while rooftop patios may sound like luxury, Al views them as an everyday lifestyle upgrade. “You feel free when you're on top of the roof,” he said. “You're on top of your building, you're on top of the world.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how rooftop patios are transforming urban homes and the practical steps needed to do it right!