How much does a roof cost in NYC?
A typical asphalt shingle roof replacement in NYC runs $8,000 to $18,000 for a single-family home, depending on size, material grade, and pitch. Premium materials (architectural shingles, metal) run $12,000 to $30,000+. Slate or copper: $35,000+. Flat roof (EPDM/TPO): $7-$14 per sq ft. We provide free written itemized estimates.
How long does a roof last in NYC?
Architectural asphalt shingles: 25-30 years. 3-tab basic shingles: 15-20 years. Flat roof EPDM rubber: 25-30 years. Flat roof TPO: 20-25 years. Modified bitumen: 15-20 years. Slate: 75-150 years. Copper: 100+ years. Lifespan depends on installation quality, ventilation, and storm exposure.
How long does roof replacement take?
Most NYC single-family asphalt roofs: 1-2 days. Larger or steeper roofs: 2-3 days. Multi-family flat roofs: 3-5 days. Brownstones and slate: 5-10 days. We work fast without cutting corners. Our one-day roof replacement service handles most single-family homes in a single day.
How often should I replace my roof?
Replace your roof when it shows: curling/missing shingles, granule loss in gutters, daylight visible through attic, sagging deck, recurring leaks, water stains on ceilings, or moss/algae growth. Most asphalt roofs need replacement at 25-30 years. We offer free inspections to give you a straight answer.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in NYC?
Yes — most full roof replacements in NYC require a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) permit. Simple repairs and like-for-like reshingles may be exempt. Permits run $300-$800 depending on scope. We pull every required permit at no extra charge to you.
What is the best roof material for NYC?
For sloped roofs: GAF Timberline HDZ architectural asphalt shingles offer the best balance of durability, warranty, and cost ($110-$150/sq). For flat roofs in NYC: EPDM rubber (best long-term value, 25-30 years) or TPO membrane (white reflective, energy-saving). Slate and metal are premium options for historic estates.
How do I find a roof leak?
Visible signs: water stains on ceiling/walls, dripping water, peeling paint, mold growth in attic. To find the source: check the attic during rain for active drips, look for daylight through the roof deck, inspect around chimneys/skylights/vents (#1 leak sources), check valleys and flashings. A roofer can usually pinpoint the source within 30 minutes of inspection.
What causes flat roof leaks in NYC?
Top 5 causes: (1) Failed seams between membrane sheets, (2) Cracked or split membrane from age/UV, (3) Failed flashing around vents/skylights/HVAC, (4) Ponding water (>48 hours after rain), (5) Parapet wall failure on row houses and commercial buildings.
Do roofers work in winter NYC?
Yes — but with limits. Asphalt shingles can be installed down to about 40°F daytime temperature. Below that, sealant strips don't bond properly. Flat roof EPDM can be installed in cold weather. Emergency leak repairs done year-round, any temperature. Best installation season in NYC: late spring through early fall.
What is the best time of year to replace a roof?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) is ideal in NYC: temperatures support proper shingle sealant bonding, weather is more predictable, and you have time before winter. Summer is peak roofing season — book early. November-February: emergency repairs only, generally not full replacements (cold makes sealants fail).
How much does roof repair cost?
Small leak repair (one or two shingles): $200-$500. Medium repair (5-10 shingles, flashing): $500-$1,500. Large repair (full slope or major flashing): $1,500-$5,000. Emergency tarp + permanent repair: $500-$2,500. We provide free written estimates.
What is a parapet wall?
A parapet wall is the short wall extending above the roofline on row houses, brownstones, and commercial buildings. They're common in NYC and a major leak source. They need: through-wall flashing, proper coping caps (limestone, terra cotta, or metal), and sealed mortar joints. Parapet wall repair is one of our specialties.
What is Local Law 11?
NYC Local Law 11 (FISP — Façade Inspection Safety Program) requires buildings 6+ stories in NYC to have facade inspections every 5 years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). If repairs are needed, we coordinate with your QEWI engineer to perform the masonry, parapet, stucco, and roof work.
What is GAF Master Elite?
GAF Master Elite is the highest contractor certification level from GAF (largest US shingle manufacturer). Only ~3% of contractors qualify. Master Elite contractors can offer GAF's strongest warranties (Golden Pledge, etc.) and have proven their experience and ethics. Always ask if your roofer is GAF Master Elite — it's a key trust signal.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
Repair if: roof is under 15 years old, damage is localized, no other signs of widespread failure. Replace if: roof is 20+ years old, multiple recurring leaks, widespread granule loss, sagging, daylight through deck, or insurance claim approved. When in doubt: get an honest assessment from a contractor who will tell you the truth (we will).
What is EPDM rubber roofing?
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane used on flat roofs. It's the most popular flat roof material in NYC: 25-30 year lifespan, comes in 45-mil or 60-mil thickness, installed in large sheets seamed together. Best long-term value flat roof material.
What is TPO roofing?
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white reflective membrane used on flat roofs. Lifespan 20-25 years. Energy-efficient (the white surface reflects heat, lowering AC bills). Costs slightly more than EPDM but saves on energy. Popular for NYC commercial and multi-family buildings.
What is modified bitumen?
Modified bitumen ("mod bit") is an asphalt-based flat roof material reinforced with rubber polymers. Installed by torching down sheets ("torch down") or peel-and-stick. Lifespan 15-20 years. Common on older NYC commercial buildings and brownstones. Less expensive than EPDM/TPO but shorter lifespan.
How do I file a roof insurance claim?
Step 1: Get a written damage assessment from a roofer (we provide this free). Step 2: Call your insurance company to report the claim. Step 3: Adjuster comes to inspect — your roofer should be there too. Step 4: Insurance approves and pays. Step 5: Roofer completes work, you pay only deductible. Most NY policies require claims within 1 year of damage event.
Should I be home during a roof replacement?
Not required, but recommended for the start (to confirm scope) and end (final walkthrough). During the day: you can come and go normally — but expect noise. Park cars away from the house. Cover anything in attic that's sensitive to dust. Keep pets indoors and away from windows.
How do I know if my roofer is licensed in NYC?
NYC roofers need a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP). Verify at nyc.gov/dca. Ask for license # and full insurance certificates BEFORE work begins. Avoid: unlicensed door-knockers, anyone asking for cash-only, anyone wanting full payment upfront.
What is a "roofing square"?
A roofing square = 100 square feet of roof area. Used for measuring and pricing. A typical 2-story Queens single-family home has 18-25 squares of roof. When your roofer says "your roof is 22 squares," that's 2,200 sq ft of roof surface area.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes — we're a bilingual contractor. Our owner and several crew members speak Spanish. We can provide all estimates, contracts, and communications in either English or Spanish. Hablamos español. Llámenos al 917-900-0555.
Are you open on Saturday?
Yes — open Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. Mon-Fri 7 AM to 7 PM. Sun: emergency only. We have a 24/7 emergency hotline at 917-900-0555 for active leaks any day, any time.
Do you offer financing?
Yes — 0% APR for qualified buyers (12-24 months) or low-APR longer terms (60-84 months). Most decisions in minutes online. See our financing page for details and sample monthly payments.
What is the warranty on a new roof?
Our 10-year workmanship warranty covers anything we did wrong (leaks, lifted shingles, etc.) at no charge. The manufacturer material warranty (separate) covers defects in shingles — typically 25-50 years from GAF, Owens Corning, etc. Get both in writing before work starts.
