Bulkhead & Roof Hatch Repair and Waterproofing in NYC
Bulkheads and roof hatches are the openings that let people reach the roof, and they are common leak points. Failed flashing, worn gaskets and cracked masonry let water into stairwells and top floors. East NYC Roofing, in business 20 years, repairs and waterproofs them on buildings across the five boroughs, Nassau and Westchester.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Water stains or dripping inside the top-floor stairwell
- Rusted or warped roof hatch cover that no longer closes tight
- Worn gaskets and weatherstripping around the hatch
- Bulkhead door that leaks at the threshold or frame
- Cracked brick, parging or mortar on the bulkhead walls
- Failed flashing at the base of the bulkhead or hatch curb
- Peeling paint and rust on metal doors and frames
- Water entering around the hatch curb during storms
- Hatch hardware, springs or ladders that no longer work properly
Bulkhead & Roof Hatch Repair explained
A bulkhead is the small structure on a roof that encloses a stairway to the roof, and a roof hatch is a smaller hinged opening, usually reached by a ladder. Both penetrate the roof, so they depend on good flashing, a sound curb and tight seals. Over time, hatch covers rust and warp, gaskets harden, mortar and parging crack, and flashing at the base fails. Repairs range from replacing gaskets and hardware to rebuilding the curb, re-flashing into the roof membrane, repairing masonry and waterproofing the bulkhead walls. Egress and safety matter here, so work should keep access safe and meet applicable building requirements.
Options and materials
Hatch cover and hardware replacement
New hatch lid, springs, hinges, latches and gaskets so the opening closes tight and operates safely.
Curb rebuild and re-flashing
Rebuilding or repairing the curb the hatch sits on and flashing it into the roof membrane to stop base leaks.
Bulkhead masonry and parging repair
Repointing, replacing damaged brick and repairing parging or stucco on bulkhead walls, then sealing them.
Bulkhead door repair
Re-hanging, repairing or replacing the door and frame, adding thresholds, weatherstripping and rust treatment.
Bulkhead waterproofing and coating
Applying a waterproofing or elastomeric coating to walls and roof of the bulkhead to protect the structure.
Our process
- Find the leak pathWe inspect the hatch, bulkhead walls, door, curb and flashing, and check the stairwell or ceiling below for water entry points.
- Written estimateYou receive a free written estimate listing the repairs, replacement parts and any masonry or door work involved.
- Prep and protectionWe protect the stairwell and roof surfaces, set up safe access and remove failed components, rust and loose material.
- Repair structureCurbs, masonry, doors and frames are repaired or replaced, with new gaskets and hardware installed where needed.
- Flash and waterproofBase flashing is tied into the roof membrane and bulkhead walls are sealed or coated to shed water.
- Test operationWe confirm that hatches and doors open, close and latch correctly, clean the site and photograph the completed work.
What affects the price
Scope of repair
Replacing a gasket costs far less than rebuilding a curb, re-flashing and replacing the whole hatch assembly.
Hatch or door size
Larger hatches and heavier bulkhead doors need more material, hardware and handling.
Masonry condition
Cracked walls, failed parging and deteriorated mortar require more repair before waterproofing can hold.
Roof membrane tie-in
The roof type and how much membrane must be cut back and re-flashed around the opening influence labor and materials.
Rust and metal work
Corroded frames and covers may need fabrication or replacement rather than simple repair and repainting.
Access and approvals
Roof access, occupied stairwells and any required filings or board approvals affect scheduling.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every bulkhead & roof hatch repair job includes
- Free written estimate and leak inspection
- Permit handling where required for the work
- Protection of stairwell, roof surfaces and property
- New gaskets, weatherstripping and sealants as needed
- Re-flashing tied into the roof membrane
- Masonry or parging repair within the agreed scope
- Dumpster and debris removal
- Jobsite cleanup
- Photo documentation and written workmanship warranty reference, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.