Rooftop & Pedestal System Install
Rooftop and Raised Floor Installation for Engineered Porcelain Deck Systems
Mbrico’s rooftop and raised floor systems are engineered for high-performance environments where stability, drainage, and wind uplift resistance are critical.
Unlike traditional pedestal paver systems that rely on loose-laid surfaces, Mbrico tiles mechanically lock into a track-based system, creating a structurally aligned, self-spacing, and free-draining assembly.
This installation method delivers a stable, zero-wobble surface designed for rooftop applications where movement, water management, and long-term durability cannot be compromised.
Rooftop Pedestal Install Summary Sheet
Rooftop Pedestal Install Tutorial Video
Engineered for Rooftop Performance
- 4,500 lb Load Rating
- Supports rooftop amenities, furniture, and high-traffic environments
- Wind Uplift Resistant (Miami-Dade NOA)
- Mechanically-fastened system resists high wind conditions. Tested up to 160 MPH at FIU’s Wall of Wind facility
- Zero Wobble Stability
- Locked system eliminates movement common in loose-laid pedestal pavers
- Free-Draining Assembly
- Open-joint design allows water to pass through and away from the surface
- Freeze-Thaw Stability
- Extremely low water absorption prevents cracking or shifting in exposed environments
- Class A Fire-Rated Porcelain Surface
- Provides enhanced fire performance for rooftop and elevated applications
- Optional Stair System
- Pre-designed solution for seamless stair integration
Roof Structure and Substrate
Ensure the flat roof structure and substrate have been properly constructed and meet or exceed all local and national codes. This includes verifying the condition and quality of the roof assembly, slope, structural support, and attachment to surrounding elements.
Mbrico systems are designed to install without penetrating the roof membrane, preserving the integrity of the waterproofing layer and minimizing long-term risk.
Raised Floor System Integration
Mbrico rooftop systems are commonly installed over raised pedestal assemblies on flat roof applications, balconies, and large surface areas.
The open-joint design allows water to drain through the surface into the cavity below, while the underlying waterproofing layer directs water away through proper slope.
Pedestal supports are designed with wide bases and rounded edges to protect the roofing membrane and insulation layers, while also allowing space for routing mechanical systems such as piping and wiring beneath the deck surface.
Built for Precision Installation
Mbrico systems are designed for skilled installers using standard tools and methods.
The tongue-and-groove track system ensures consistent spacing, precise alignment, and a stable finished surface without the need for adhesives, grout, or mechanical fastening through the tile surface.
Once installed, the system requires minimal maintenance and eliminates the ongoing refinishing associated with traditional decking materials.
System Design Goals
Mbrico was engineered with two priorities:
- Deliver a long-term, maintenance-free deck system that protects the underlying structure and enhances property value
- Simplify installation while maintaining precision, stability, and long-term performance in rooftop environments
Installation
Step 1: Verify the roof
Verify roof is waterproof and clean for installation.
Step 2: Verify height clearance
Verify height clearance is at least 2-5/8” or higher (contact salesperson for lower clearance alternatives).
Step 3: Verify slope of roof deck
Verify slope of roof deck and all adjoining floors & doorways to ensure correct pedestals were ordered to reach desired finish floor height. Refer to provided Mbrico project shop drawings for pedestal key and color-coded pedestal layout map.
Step 4: Place first row of pedestals
Place first row of pedestals, per provided project layout, at your designated starting edge. Refer to provided Mbrico shop drawing suggested control/starting point for your project. Place pedestals 30” on center.
Step 5: Adjust pedestal height
Adjust pedestal height to meet desired finish floor height (remember to account for the 1-5/8” rack and tile thickness).
Step 6: Place your Mbrico Offset L-Track
Place your Mbrico Offset L-Track into click-adapter on top of pedestal. Press down until track “clicks” into pedestal click adapter.
Step 7: Join two pieces of tracks together
To join two pieces of tracks together, attach an 8” aluminum sleeve connector with provided stainless screws. Pre-drill and place one screw on each side of 8” sleeve connector. The sleeve connector is used to connect two pieces of 12’ tracks end to end as needed. Note: a pedestal needs to be place at this connection.
Step 8: Place the next row of pedestals
Place the next row of pedestals per your layout at designated location. Offset row of pedestals 50% from previous row so each row of pedestals are staggered. This eliminates any possible deflection in the system.
Step 9: Adjust pedestal height
Adjust pedestal height to reach desired finish floor elevation. Each pedestal is threaded for adjustment up or down.
Step 10: Place Mbrico T-Track
Place Mbrico T-Track into click-adapters and press down to “click” tracks into the top of each pedestal. Refer to Step 7 for sleeve connectors attachment as needed.
Step 11: Slide Mbrico T-Track and row of pedestals into position
Slide your Mbrico T-Track and row of pedestals into position. The gap between the 2 prepared tracks should be ½” wider that the width of your ordered tile. For example, if using 24×24” tile, the tracks will be 24.5” apart for this step until fully secured.
Step 12: Pre-drill track and crossbrace
Using a 1/8” drill bit, pre-drill track and crossbrace before attaching with provided stainless screws. Repeat attaching crossbrace under the track every 6 foot on center. One stainless screw will be used at each intersection of 12’ track and 12’ cross brace channel. Cross brace channels are installed under the tracks running perpendicular and maintain perfect spacing and gaps in tiles over time.
Step 13: Place a dab of the provided noise dampening adhesive onto the tracks
Place a dab of the provided noise dampening adhesive onto the tracks where all four corners of the tile will sit on each track. The adhesive dab should be approximately the size of a quarter.
Step 14: Place a row of Mbrico tiles
Place a row of Mbrico tiles at the designated location in between both rows of track and pedestals.
Step 15: Seat tile with mallet or hammer
Using a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer, slide the Mbrico tile, track, and pedestals towards your previous track until all tile grooves are fully seated in the track and your two tracks are snug and parallel. Verifying each tile is snug and tongue and groove is fully engaged allows you to easily maintain perfect spacing as you continue.
Step 16: Verify with a laser or level
Verify with a laser or level that all tiles are sitting level and free from movement before moving to next row.
Step 17: Attach crossbrace channel to T-Track
Attach 12’ crossbrace channel to T-Track. There will be only one screw per intersection of track and crossbrace. Remember to pre-drill track and crossbrace for easier fastening.
Step 18: Repeat steps 8 through 17
Repeat steps 8 through 17 until you reach the final row of tile.
Step 19: Place final row of pedestals
Place final row of pedestals in position and verify all heights and level. Allow for 1 5/8” track and tile thickness for appropriate final system finish floor elevation.
Step 20: Cut final offset L-Track
At final row of tile, cut final offset L-Track ½” shorter than the length of 2-3 tiles and place track on top of final row of pedestals. Press down until the track “clicks” into place in the pedestal click adapters.
Step 21: Pre-drill and attach final row of tracks
Using 1 provided screw, pre-drill and attach your final row of tracks to cross brace channel underneath the track.
Step 22: Place adhesive dabs on track
Place dabs of provided Mbrico adhesive onto the track where all four corners of tiles will sit on tracks.
Step 23: Slide tile into designated location
Slide tile from track end into designated location. Repeat previous 3 steps to complete this segment of tracks.
Step 24: Repeat steps 20-23
Repeat steps 20-23 until you reach the final tile.
Step 25: Cut & remove bottom lip of last tile
Cut the bottom lip of the last tile with a porcelain blade. Remove the bottom lip of a grooved edge of a tile.
Step 26: Slide final tiles into T-track
After applying 4 adhesive dabs on the tracks, slide the final tiles grooved edge into your T-track and gently place down cut edge onto offset L-Track.
Step 27: (Wind uplift projects) Install optional ledger/base around Mbrico system perimeter
For projects with wind uplift requirements, install optional ledger/base around entire Mbrico system perimeter. Ledger/base supplied by others. Materials example: Aluminum, Composite, Masonry. Contact your Mbrico salesperson for details.