Garage Advice Requested

[decolores9]

I am preparing to build a garage, and have a few questions. The garage will be 16' x 29', with a 3' x 10' "ell" behind the existing one car garage. The new garage will have a deck above it.

1. OSB prices haven't come down. I'm on a budget. I'm thinking about using let in metal bracing and foam board or other less costly sheathing, then using fiber cement siding instead of vinyl to add some strength. Is this a reasonable approach? Are there alternatives I should consider?

2. What should I do with the flat roof? One thought is to sheath with plywood, then put EPDM roofing over it - but the roofing won't stand up to foot traffic. Another option is to build a full deck over the EPDM roof, but that duplicates framing. Is there an option I'm missing?

Thanks!!

[Rich]

I can answer the first part of your question. Grumpy may be able to help with the second.
What I've done in the past for garages or workshops is to put 3/4" sheathing only on the corners and then flushed out the rest of the building with 1x4's. What you suggest will also work - make sure the metal bracing goes from top plate to bottom plate at a 45 degree angle or steeper. It should also be nailed to each stud.
I guess I do have an option on the flat roof. You can put EPDM roofing down and then put roof pavers over that.

[decolores9]

Thanks for the reply.

When you say you "flushed out the building with 1x4's", do you mean you installed them vertically on top of the studs, to provide a level to nail the siding? Not quite sure how you used the 1x4's

I'm not familiar with roof pavers. Could you tell me a little more about them, or point me to a link or manufacturer?

Thanks!!

[Rich]

"flushed out the building with 1x4's" I installed them like purlin - so they were horizontal. Siding material was a T-1-11 product and metal - which installs a little differently than running siding. You would probably have to install them vertical or use a homosote or insulation board instead.
Roof pavers are essentially light weight concrete tile - just another name. You could use stone or tile for that matter.

[decolores9]

A friend recommended just putting indoor/outdoor carpet over the epdm - think that would work?

Another "brain teaser" - how to install the railing. I assume it's best to avoid piercing the epdm, so around the edge, attached to the wall seems best, but then what do I do about the gutters?

[Rich]

I/O carpet would probably work alright.
You can pierce the EPDM - but you will need to take precautions to make a "boot" around the posts. Proper wrapping details will keep it waterproof.