Introduction: Why use Pedestal Accessories?
Pedestal systems make rooftop deck installations easier and cleaner. But to get the best results, you also need the right accessories. These tools help you save time, protect your rooftop and solve some common problems. Let’s explore the most popular SkyJack pedestal accessories and how they can help you.
Pedestal accessories are designed to:
- Level uneven surfaces: Handle slopes with ease.
- Protect roofing materials: Prevent damage to waterproof membranes.
- Ensure stability: Keep pavers and decking secure.
- Speed up installation: Make adjustments quickly and efficiently.
- Dampen Sound: Reduce sound from walking.
Accessory Breakdown
Self-Leveling Heads
- Best for: Sloped rooftops greater than ¼” per foot slope.
- Function: Automatically adjusts to create a flat surface on slopes up to 8%.
- Benefit: Eliminates the need for manual adjustments, saving time.
- Product: SD-XL-SLH for all adjustable pedestal sizes.
If you’re working on a roof with greater than a ¼” per foot slope, self-leveling heads are one of the smartest accessories you can add. These snap right onto the top of your adjustable pedestal and automatically adjust under load to create a level surface. No need for tedious manual adjustments.
Base Slope Correctors
- Best for: Compensating for roof slopes up to 8%
- Function: Snaps onto the bottom of pedestals to correct slopes.
- Benefit: Ensures pedestals stand upright, distributing weight evenly.
- Product: SD-BSC for SD-M, SD-L, SD-XL pedestals only.
For any standard slope, base slope correctors are a great choice. These snap onto the bottom of SD-M, SD-L, and SD-XL pedestals and can be twisted to correct slopes from 0 to 8%. They ensure the pedestal stands straight up, spreading the weight of the pavers over the entire pedestal without creating any pressure points. Additionally, if you’re using pedestals to construct a framed deck or if you’re using pedestals greater than 21.75” tall, you will need base slope correctors, so the pedestal head is flat rather than tilted.
Pro tip: If you have greater than an 8% slope (often in areas where you have crickets), you can combine both the self-leveling head and the base slope corrector.
Shims
- Best for: Leveling out tile thickness differences & sound dampening.
- Function: Thin pads placed under pavers to adjust height.
- Benefit: Quickly fixes minor irregularities and reduces noise.
- Product: SD-XL-SH2 for all adjustable pedestals. Each shim is 1/16″ thick and can be cut into halves or quarters to fine-tune your adjustments.
Shims are the quickest and easiest way to level your patio. If you’re dealing with minor tile irregularities or rocking pavers, a shim (or two) is your best friend. They also help with sound dampening—especially for porcelain, Ipe and turf grate patios that sit over living spaces.
Roof Protection Pads
- Best for: Protecting waterproof membranes and reducing impact sound.
- Function: Rubber pads placed under pedestals to prevent damage.
- Benefit: Protects roofing materials and reduces noise transmission to any living spaces below.
- Product: SD-PP for use with tile spacers, stackable pedestals and adjustable pedestals.
If you’re installing over a waterproof membrane, don’t skip the protection pads. These rubber pads sit under each pedestal to prevent the plastic base from sticking to or damaging the roof membrane.
Pro tip: Use these for installing pedestals over a Modified Bitumen roof. The tar in that product heats up and will clog the weep holes in your pedestal, preventing them from draining properly.
Order the following product:
Joist Adapter Heads
- Best for: Installing decking planks on pedestals.
- Function: Holds 2×4 or 2×6 joists in place on top of pedestals.
- Benefit: Ideal for building wood or composite decks.
- Product: SD-AD for all adjustable pedestals.
Planning to build a wood or composite deck using joists instead of pavers? You’ll need the joist adapter head. It snaps right onto the top of any adjustable pedestal and holds a 2×4 or 2×6 joist in place. They are super useful when you’re framing out custom wood decks or mixed material spaces.
Height Extender Sleeves
- Best for: Building tall pedestals over 13.75 inches.
- Function: 8” extender sleeves add height to pedestals; stackable up to 38 inches.
- Benefit: Achieves desired elevation without compromising stability.
- Product: SD-XL-EXT work with the SD-XL pedestals.
Each SD-XL pedestal maxes out at 13.75″—but if your rooftop requires more height, add the 8″ height extender sleeve. You can stack up to three extenders to reach 38″ tall.
Important: Once you pass 21.75″ in height, you should use the SkyHeights stabilization system to prevent pedestals from swaying.
Wall Clips
- Best for: Holding perimeter pavers in place.
- Function: Clips onto pedestal heads to secure edge tiles.
- Benefit: Maintains uniform gaps and prevents tile movement.
- Product: SD-WallClip can be used on top of any adjustable pedestal.
Wall clips are a little accessory that make perimeter pavers much more stable. When you install cut pavers along the perimeter, they don’t always sit securely like full tiles. The wall clips sit on the top of the pedestal head and act as a little bracket to hold perimeter tiles in place and keep a uniform gap between the paver and the wall.
Gap Spacers
- Best for: Uniform tile spacing.
- Function: Ensures consistent gaps between pavers.
- Benefit: Provides a clean, professional finish.
- Product: SD-GapSpacer 3/16” will automatically come in the box with your adjustable pedestals. SD-GapSpacer 1/8” are also available upon request. Both can be added parts if you need extras.
Standard on all SkyJack pedestals, the 3/16″ gap spacers help you keep pavers evenly spaced. You can snap off one or more spacers when working along perimeter walls or with irregular tile layouts. If you’re laying planks or custom shapes, the spacers can be eliminated entirely.
Drill Bit Tool
- Best for: Fast pedestal height adjustments.
- Function: Attaches to a drill to quickly adjust pedestal height.
- Benefit: Speeds up installation, especially for taller pedestals.
- Product: SD-DRILLBIT works with SD-M, SD-L and SD-XL pedestals
If you’re using taller pedestals, put this bit onto your drill and zip through height changes in seconds. Great for getting your crew off the roof faster!
Hand Tool
- Best for: Precision pedestal adjustments.
- Function: Manual tool for fine-tuning pedestal height.
- Benefit: Allows for adjustments after tiles are laid without removal.
- Product: SD-HANDTOOL works with SD-M, SD-L and SD-XL pedestals.
Use this when you need to fine-tune the height of a pedestal—especially helpful during final leveling after the tiles are laid. Consider leaving this tool with the building owner—it’s useful for fixing any future rocking pavers without needing to lift them off the pedestals.
Quick Reference Chart
| Accessory | Use Case |
| Self-Leveling Head | Sloped surfaces (up to 8%) |
| Base Slope Corrector | Correct slopes up to 8% |
| Shims | Fine-tune level, absorb sound |
| Roof Protection Pads | Protect membrane, reduce sound |
| Joist Adapter | For framed wood/composite decks |
| Height Extenders | To make pedestals over 13.75″ tall |
| Wall Clips | Support perimeter pavers |
| Gap Spacers | Uniform tile spacing |
| Drill Bit Tool | Quick height adjustments using a power drill |
| Hand Tool | Manual height tweaking after pavers are laid |
The right accessories can transform a frustrating job into a smooth install. If you’re ever unsure what tools you need—or want to get your hands on samples—reach out. We’re here to help you make every project faster, simpler and economical.
Questions? Need samples or a product takeoff?
Email us at info@skydeckusa.com or visit shop.skydeckusa.com to learn more.
FAQs About Pedestal Accessories
Q: What’s the difference between a self-leveling head and a base slope corrector?
A: A self-leveling head adjusts automatically to create a flat surface on sloped areas, while a base slope corrector is manually adjusted to correct the slope beneath the pedestal.
Q: Do I need roof protection pads for all installations?
A. It’s recommended when installing over waterproof membranes to prevent damage and reduce noise.
Q: Can I stack height extenders beyond 21.75 inches?
A. Yes, but it’s advised to use a stabilization system to prevent swaying at greater heights.
Q: How do I choose between 1/8″ and 3/16″ gap spacers?
A. It depends on the desired spacing between tiles; 3/16″ is standard, but 1/8″ offers a tighter gap.
Q: Is the hand tool necessary if I have the drill bit tool?
A. The drill bit tool is great for initial adjustments, but the hand tool allows for fine-tuning after tiles are laid.
