Most row houses, brownstones and apartment buildings in New York City have flat or low-slope roofs. They work well when maintained, but because water does not run off as quickly, small problems turn into leaks fast.
Common flat roof problems
- Ponding water that sits for days after rain and wears the roofing out
- Blisters and cracks in the roofing material from sun and temperature swings
- Failed flashing around parapets, chimneys, skylights, vents and bulkheads, which is the most common source of leaks
- Clogged drains and scuppers that back water up
- Damaged parapet walls and coping that let water into the top of the wall
Repair or replace?
A repair usually makes sense when the roof is in good condition overall and the leak comes from one area, often flashing or a single damaged spot.
A replacement is usually the better investment when:
- Leaks keep coming back in different places
- The roof has several layers or widespread blistering and cracking
- The insulation underneath is soaked
- The roof is near the end of its life
Do not ignore small leaks
Water from a roof leak can travel along joists before it shows up on a ceiling, so by the time you see a stain the damage is often bigger. Having the roof checked once a year, and after major storms, catches problems while they are still small repairs.
Learn more about our flat roof repair, roof leak repair and roof replacement services.
Have a roof leak? Call Golden Stone Construction Inc. at (718) 313-8233 or request a free estimate. We are licensed (NYC Home Improvement Contractor License #2106387-DCA), fully insured and serve all five boroughs.