Requesting suggestions for a roofing system that will stand up as a rooftop dog walk.
A green roof - with trees and fire hydrants?
I would go “green roof” or perhaps a sport type surfacing – like the type used for running tracks.
Nothing “gooey” that a well-placed paw can’t get into-- literally-- on a hot day. Also, a lighter color for less heat retention and perhaps a “leafy” surface similar to outdoor carpet may tend to cool the surface.
Oh, yes, but this goes with roofing-- washable!!!
Lynn:
You’ve made my day.
If you use a light color, don’t make it too light, or the glare could hurt the eyes on a really sunny day. (I realized this while walking across a Travertine plaza on one of those days…)
If you need tough and non-chewable, I would think about some type of protected membrane roof.
The product doing the protecting could be Pavers big enough to pass the ASTM “Pit Bull Masonry Unit Pull Test” or a fluid-applied lightweight concrete.
My first thought is urine and feces. Working on animal shelter years ago, big issue was effect of urine on floors; urine highly affects/deteriorates more “commonly-used” materials/finishes and one has to consider high(er) performance systems/finishes. Any roofing/walk surfacing system been tested for affects of urine?
“Any roofing/walk surfacing system been tested for affects of urine?”
Perhaps not officially… or do they have an ASTM for that, too? (Pit Bulls? Really? 
)
I think a green roof with pavers has the advantage of two substances that have withstood the test of time with respect to excrement: Dirt and concrete pavers (unless there’s something about concrete pavers I’m not aware of). The dirt would have to be of sufficent depth to absorb the urine, or it will reach the bed and you’re back to square one. Not sure how you’d determine that, though. Is this a high-dog-traffic area?
Isn’t a dog on a roof automatically a “high dog?”
Speaking as someone who has small dogs, any type of paver would have to be close enough together that it wouldn’t cause a problem with small paws possibly getting stuck or slipping off an edge and causing an injury. And, I can tell you that heat coming off the surface would be a concern because it’s very easy for the pads on the dog’s feet to get burned.
While urine and feces are a concern and something to take into consideration when determining the walking surface, including shade and possible seating would be nice for people to take a breather if they wish. Including stations that have disposable bags for the dog owners to use to collect the waste (in case they didn’t bring their own) and companion waste containers would be highly recommended.
I would like to think that most people are responsible dog owners who pick up after their dogs but you also need to make it as easy as possible to dispose of the waste once it is picked up.
C’mon, Tracy, it’s in a bag-- just toss it over the edge of the roof!!!
[without revealing yourself to people below]
I know you’re joking, Ralph, but that would sure be the quickest way to get the dogwalk removed.
Since I show my dogs in conformation and we also participate in performance events, I can tell you it is becoming harder and harder to find hotel/motels that accept pets because of the irresponsible dog owners that are out there that do not pick up after their dogs.
Here’s my dog-related website if you’d like to see at least “my” good dogs! www.aardehondbts.com
Seriously, probably the easiest would be an extensive green roof with compacted gravel paths, and the amenities that Tracy suggests. A more wonderful solution would be an intensive green roof, providing shade in addition to the paths. I’d include a watering station for the dog’s sake. (I also think the humans would appreciate a fake fire hydrant or 2)
Tracy, my wife and daughter are conformation people too; my wife also does agility and obiedence.
My daughter is a non-practicing vet-tech and a registered AKC handler, very talented in the ring; very knowlegeable and successful [for a part-timer; easily goes head-to-head with the professional handlers, and wins]. We had one guy get an Award fo Merit at Westminster one year-- real hoot!
They will be in Eaton,OH this weekend.
Me-- I stay home and act a kennel boys [and to those of you who perceive that as me going to the dogs-- you’re right!!!]
Ralph:
We’ll have to talk at the convention this year!! I didn’t go to Eaton (was practicing earthdog in Dayton instead on those two days) but my breeder was there and she got a Group 1 both days with my girl’s father!
A little clear, concise, correct, and complete is needed here. I’m assuming that the conformance, agility, and obedience applies to the dogs shown by Ralph’s wife and daughter and Tracy’s breeder, and not to the individual humans referred to; other readings are possible that could give rise to claims and disputes.
Mr. Kabza, the give away is in my post-- “my wife also does…obiedence”
Now you’ve got to know that not true!!!
You are correct, Phil … there’s a whole 'nuther language when you’re talking “dog”, ha!