The DeckWise®, Altitudes Pedestal® System has been engineered to build perfectly horizontal decking over underutilized spaces such as sloped roof tops and plaza areas. Pedestals elevate and support 24" x 24" modular hardwood deck tiles over uneven concrete, rooftops, plazas, or walkways allowing anyone to build new beautiful living spaces.
The Altitudes Pedestal® System enables anyone to easily and quickly build an elevated all-natural hardwood deck surface. Install deck tiles on sloped or uneven rooftops to hide service pipes, cabling, drains or service ducts without the need to construct extensive sub-framing. Build luxurious decking where it was once impossible into a gorgeous family or party area to enjoy for years to come.
Pedestal systems utilize a head, a base and Schedule 40 PVC pipe to make installations simple for multiple height accommodations. The Altitudes Pedestal® System heads an bases have drainage holes for water; are exceptionally stable with 4” PVC Schedule 40 Plain End Pipe; and are resistant to freeze thaw cycles from the use of 20% Talc added to a polypropylene resin.
U.S. Patent Numbers D728,185, D738,589, 9,556,621, and 9,803,377. Other patents pending.
Each pedestal system has the ability to accommodate multiple minimum heights. Choose from 4-5/32”, 2-21/32”, or 1-1/2” for the lowest heights (this includes PVC pipe) up to 24 inches at their maximum safe height.
Precise 3/16 inch spacer tabs are integrated into the head to produce perfect tile gap spacing and are easily punched out for deck tile placements where tabs are not needed; such as around corners or around circumferences for added support. Additional pedestals are needed when supporting heavy objects such as planters and grills.
Current minimum heights of the Altitudes Pedestal® System are:
Sleepers, shims and blocking can be used for shorter deck tile supports.
The screw-jack base works in combination with the standard self-leveling head for pitched roofs and uneven installation areas. The self-leveling head compensates for slopes from 0% up to 5% pitches. The screw-to-adjust (screw-jack) base makes final adjustments effortless for perfectly level hardwood deck tile surfaces.
This system uses a stationary base (non-adjustable) for areas with little slope or flat surfaces in combination with the self-leveling head. The self-leveling head will compensate for slopes from 0% to 5% pitches. It can be mixed and matched with the screw-jack base for multiple pitched surfaces.
As the shortest pedestal offered, it also uses a stationary base (non-adjustable) for installation areas with no slope. This system comes with a non-adjustable flat head for short level installation surfaces. These can be mixed and matched with the screw-jack base system and/or the taller stationary base system for areas with a wide range of multiple slopes.
The self-leveling head comes factory assembled as one (1) piece. Loosen the stainless steel center insert with a 3/16" hex wrench prior to installation. Tighten the insert during leveling and final height adjusting to secure the slope of the head in place.
Spacer tabs precisely space deck tiles with a 3/16” gap. To remove tabs: strike with hammer to punch them into the head cavity.
After determining a level top of pedestal height, cut Schedule 40 PVC on site. PVC is press-fit into the head and the base.
Drill 23/64” holes in the PVC through the designated holes in the head and base to insert pine tree fasteners.
The screw-to-adjust base comes pre-assembled with the coupling fully seated. Prior to installation, turn the coupling out 1 full turn for adjusting up or down during installation; approx. 1/8” of threads will show.
The stationary base is a shorter base when leveling and height adjustments are not needed. Use in combination with all pedestal systems.
Pivot and slide the self-leveling head to match the desired slope in accordance to your pitched installation area to create a level pedestal surface.
Factory installed pine tree fasteners fit into the bottom of deck tiles for extreme hold-down. (The Lockit Down Washer™ will be tightened during final installation.)
To remove a fastener, cut with a knife or clip with wire cutting pliers as needed.
PVC pipe is press-fit into the head as well as secured by two (2) side mounted pine tree fasteners.
Prior to installation, turn the coupling out 1 full turn from its seated position. Adjust base height up or down with the exposed threads; approximately 1/8” of threads will show. Do not extend the base out more than 4 full turns.
Pine tree fasteners accompany all orders for securing the base and head to the Schedule 40 PVC.
Drill 23/64 inch holes through the base holes into the PVC to insert the pine tree fasteners.
When applicable, fastening hardware can be used to secure the base to substrate. NOTE: Puncturing any roofing membrane may void its warranty. Check with the manufacturer prior to securing the pedestal to a roof.
A: The screw-jack base comes completely seated. We allow 4 complete turns out however, if the PVC is cut to the correct length (or close) in the first place, there should not be any need to use 4 turns out. Typically 1/4 to 1/2 turns or even 1 full turn will adjust for incorrectly cut PVC and minute adjustments for level. 1 full turn will raise the pedestal 1/8".
A: You would hold the PVC still/tightly and just rotate the bottom base because we suggest using the pine tree fasteners to secure the PVC to the head and the base. If the PVC pipe were rotated while the pine tree fasteners are installed, that would rotate the head.
We suggest using a buffer pad under the base between the roofing membrane materials as well. This not only helps to protect the roofing membrane but also can help with twisting the screw-jack base - if the deck tile load isn't already extremely heavy. If the load is too great to twist the base, remove the deck wile or lift it up to release the load prior to adjusting.
An option would be to install the pine tree fasteners on the screw-jack base and PVC only – not on the head. Then the PVC pipe could be twisted which would only turn the screw-jack base.
This pedestal head is intended for short level installation areas without the need for any adjusting for slope.
Pre-installed pine tree fasteners snap into the bottom of each hardwood deck tile to secure it to the pedestal. (The Lockit Down Washer™ will be tightened during final installation.)
To remove a pine tree fastener, cut off with wire cutting pliers or knife.
Schedule 40 PVC is press-fit into the pedestal head. Pine tree fasteners are not used on this head.
There is no adjusting to this base other than utilizing shims for small slope compensation. Precisely cut PVC should adequately establish the height needed.
Pine tree fasteners accompany all orders for secured the base and head to the PVC.
Drill 23/64 inch holes into the PVC to insert the pine tree fasteners.
NOTE: The Self-Leveling Slope Compensating Head can also be used with this Non-Adjustable Base. Pine tree fasteners would then be installed on the head to secure it to the PVC.
When applicable, fastening hardware can be used to secure the base to substrate. NOTE: Puncturing any roofing membrane may void its warranty. Check with the manufacturer prior to securing the pedestal to a roof.
The Schedule 40 PVC pipe fits inside the cavity of the pedestal heads and the pedestal bases. To acquire the correct height of the PVC, subtract the head and base from the overall desired “top of pedestal” height/elevation for accuracy.
The screw-to-adjust base will provide final height adjustments or shims with the Stationary bases.
The PVC pipe fits inside the cavity of the pedestal heads and the pedestal bases. To acquire the correct height of PVC; the head, base, and the nominal thickness of the deck tile must be subtracted from the finished elevation of the deck tile surface for accuracy. The screw-to-adjust base will provide final height adjustments or shims with the Stationary bases.
The “press fit” connection of the PVC to the heads and bases requires no gluing.
Convenient job-site PVC can be ordered and shipped to make pedestal installations much quicker with less headaches. Pre-cut pieces measure 4" in diameter and are 24" long to allow for maximum pedestal heights as well and multiple smaller PVC support heights for an efficient installation.
Orders can range from single pieces or by the case.
Call for availability 1-866-427-2547
Deck tiles are secured to the pedestal with pine tree fasteners (rated up to 166 lbs. of wind hold-down strength) and our patented adjustable Lockit Down Washer™. The washer fits into the corner kerf cut slots of deck tiles which, in turn lock and hold down deck tiles to the pedestal head.
Insert the Lockit Down Washer™ into the corner kerf cut slot of all 4 hardwood deck tiles where they meet on a pedestal. First, slide a washer into 2 tile kerf corner slots and hand thread the 3/32" stainless steel screw into the stainless steel insert of the pedestal head. Install a 3rd deck tile by sliding the washer out of the way and place over the pine tree fastener. Next install the 4th deck tile onto the pedestal's 4th corner in the same manner. Once all 4 deck tiles are in place and levelness is checked, center the washer and securely tighten the screw for maximum hold-down.
To remove a deck tile: loosen the stainless steel screw and slide the washer to the side into adjoining deck tiles and out of the way. All 4 corners of the deck tile that is to be removed, will need to have the washer loosened and slid to the side for deck tile removal.
Pine tree fasteners additionally secure each deck tile to the pedestal head.
Pre-drilled holes under each deck tile precisly position each tile on the pedestal head.
The self-leveling pedestal head can be level or adjustable for slope compensation. 0-5% slopes are easily managed by positioning the self-leveling head at the desired angle in accordance to the overall deck tile height needed.
Any intended installation area of a pedestal hardwood deck tile system must fit tight inside the walls of the installation cavity and be restrained and contained. Roof tops must have parapet retaining walls, concrete dividers or other structural perimeter restraint capable of resisting lateral forces including seismic and wind. Blocking must be installed where deck tiles change heights such as stepping up or down.Deck tiles and pedestals will move if all sides are not tightly fit.
Perimeter "structural" framing and edging boards located at the outside of the deck tile perimeter must also be installed to provide restraint. No movement greater than one spacer tab should be allowed at the perimeter of the deck pedestal system. Cumulative movement in excess of 3/16 of an inch will void the Altitudes Pedestal® System Limited Warranty.
The substrate surface which will receive the deck tile pedestal system must be clean and free of any projections and debris. It must be compact and structurally capable of carrying the live and dead load projected which, if not, may impair the performance of the pedestal system. The use of protection board, insulation and waterproof membrane must meet or exceed local building codes.
Prior to installation, verify all cavity elevations, desired pedestal heights and overall installation dimensions. Inspect the roof top substrate to confirm that it has been correctly prepared. If roof top preparation is the responsibility of others, notify the construction designer, contractor and architect in writing. Any deviations from the manufacturer's recommended installation guidelines will void warranty or create an unsafe surface. Attention to, and inspection of hardwood deck tiles and pedestals must be completed prior to installation.
Review of the deck tile pattern, layout grid, threshold starting point, and finished elevation should be shown on a plan view architectural drawing. Plans, CAD drawings and/or illustrations should be prepared and approved by an accredited architect or construction designer. Owner approval and sign-off of plans should be in writing and documented. Install deck tiles and pedestals in accordance with Altitudes Pedestal® Systems and any other product manufacturer's guidelines. Installation requirements will vary for any individual job site.
Planters, grills and heavy objects must have 6 pedestals underneath each deck tile for additional support. Add a pedestal to the sides of all deck tiles that will receive additional weight.
Safety value for maximum permissible load of 1,200 lbs. per pedestal shall not be exceeded. Specific usage is intended for pedestrian terrace roofs, plazas and technical floors. The various components of the DeckWise® Altitudes Pedestal® System are manufactured from polypropylene resin charged with talc 20%.
The DeckWise® Altitudes Pedestals® have been tested by an independent laboratory. Four tests were run using three samples per test with a zero slope and a 5% slope. A hydraulic press capable of generating 55 tons of downward pressure was used for testing. A 50 Kip MOREHOUSE load cell in combination with a Fluke data acquisition unit was used to record the loading of the sample. Samples were set in the press and loaded until failure.
| Height | Level Head: Base Retracted |
Level Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
5% Slope Head: Base Retracted |
5% Slope Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altitudes Pedestal® | 6.75" | 11,483 lbs. | 6,389 lbs. | 13,939 lbs. | 5,974 lbs |
| Height | Level Head: Base Retracted |
Level Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
5% Slope Head: Base Retracted |
5% Slope Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Competing Device 1 | 6.75" | N/A | 4,240 lbs. | N/A | 3,770 lbs |
Altitudes Pedestal® utilized Schedule 40 PVC to reach height requirement. Competing device 1 pedestal screw threads fully extended to reach height requirement. *According to competitor's published device data.
| Height | Level Head: Base Retracted |
Level Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
5% Slope Head: Base Retracted |
5% Slope Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altitudes Pedestal® | 24" | 11,483 lbs. | 6,389 lbs. | 13,939 lbs. | 5,974 lbs |
| Height | Level Head: Base Retracted |
Level Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
5% Slope Head: Base Retracted |
5% Slope Head: Base Extended 4 Times |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Competing Device 1 | 24" | N/A | 3,737 lbs. | N/A | 3,355 lbs |
Altitudes Pedestal® utilized Schedule 40 PVC to reach height requirement. Competing device 1 pedestal screw threads fully extended and couplers added for additional height requirement. *According to competitor's published device data.
