Project Spotlight: Private Roof Deck with Spiral Stairs at 156 O St, South Boston

This South Boston waterfront project at 156 O St stands out as another example of Abacus Builders & General Contractors’ expertise in custom roof deck construction. With stunning water views and a prime location, the project had all the right ingredients for success. Working with fantastic clients and solid architectural plans, we were thrilled to bring this private roof deck to life.

Project Scope and Key Features:

The project began with a thorough inspection of the existing rubber roofing system beneath the proposed deck location. After confirming its condition, we performed preventative maintenance on the roof edge seams to extend its lifespan.

Next, we installed roofing sleeper curbs—a method pioneered by Abacus—to evenly distribute the deck’s weight across the roof structure. These curbs play a critical role by:

• Spreading the weight of the deck across the roof’s surface area.
• Creating a small crawl space for future maintenance.
• Allowing unobstructed water and snow runoff.
• Preventing deck weight from sitting directly on the roof framing, which, in many cases, is over 100 years old.

Once the curbs were in place, we lowered in structural steel I-beams to further support the deck, ensuring it wouldn’t rest directly on the roof’s surface. This strategic design maximizes durability and offers greater height for panoramic views of the surrounding skyline.

We then framed the deck with pressure-treated wood, using structural tie-downs and hangers for added strength. After passing rough inspections, we craned in a custom-made black metal spiral staircase, which was installed perfectly to connect the rear deck with the roof deck.

For the deck surface, the clients chose Trex composite decking, known for its durability and low maintenance. We completed the project with matching custom-made handrails that seamlessly tied into the spiral staircase.

Why Abacus Builders?

This classic Abacus roof deck showcases our tried-and-true methods and attention to detail. With over 30 roof deck projects of this type completed in South Boston, we’ve perfected our process, making these projects run smoothly and efficiently.

For homeowners in urban areas with limited outdoor space, adding a private roof deck with features like spiral stairs and composite decking is the perfect solution to maximize your property’s potential.