roof access?

"I'm looking at very cheap, cramped apartments that will be hot in summer, so roof access would be a big plus. Any advice on how to figure this out?"

Unless they specifically say "rooftop access", you aren't allowed on the roof, period.

Most buildings' roofs are not built to hold the weight of people, and are designed only to bear the weight of snow in the winter time. Yes, wet snow can be extremely heavy, but unless it's piled ten feet high, the pounds per square foot are negligible compared to the pounds per square foot of a 150-pound (or heavier) person.

Yet somehow the roofers themselves manage to install the roofing without damaging it as they go. Maybe they wear snowshoes to spread the weight out.

Restricting access is more a liability issue. If your kid has access and tries out for a Darwin Award by jumping to the next building or something, the building doesn't want to get sued.

Even so, the usual "Alarm Will Sound" lock is often unlocked, so check it out when you go to see a rental.

Matt, consider going on a reducing diet.

noraj, there's a huge tradition of going up to "tar beach", but it's a policy of tolerance that can't be discussed, so you'll need to rely on conversations with other tenants (most of whom will be unaware and uninterested regarding roof matters).

many blds do not allow roof access because the roof gets damaged & then leaks occur. It is expensive to repair/install new a new roof. In reality, tar beaches really suck. It's way more pleasant to lie on the grass in a park or go to a sandy beach.

Or to bring grass up to tar beach, Sandy.

kool, alan, but nothing too strong or I get trippy

Many buildings are not designed for roof access and it's a real liability issue for the building. If there was a problem the insurance carrier might not cover. If a building is looking the other way they may regret it. And for many buildings residents could really hurt themselves.

Ask the other tenants.

"Restricting access is more a liability issue."

Actually, it's not.

Foot traffic on the roof damages it, and causes leaks ... because of the weight of the people on it.

And yes, obviously workmen WERE on the roof to install it. For a very limited time, and not clustered in a group around a hibachi and beer keg.

Agree with dwell -- in reality roofs kinda suck. They tend to be hotter than the street below, particularly is its a dark, tar roof. PAINFUL to be up there, especially with nothing to shade you. Good at dusk/night though, although that won't help you in your hot apt during the day.

Advice: invest in a solid air conditioner and don't worry too much about the roof.