Flat Roof Repair, Replacement & Installation in NYC
Most New York City buildings have a flat or low-slope roof, and drainage is what decides how long it lasts. East NYC Roofing repairs, restores and replaces flat roof systems, with close attention to seams, flashings, drains and the edges where leaks usually begin.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Ponding water that stays after rain
- Blisters, bubbles or alligatoring in the surface
- Open or peeling seams
- Cracked or lifted flashing at parapet walls
- Clogged or poorly sloped drains and scuppers
- Leaks that appear only in heavy rain
- Torn or punctured membrane from foot traffic
- Tar patched over tar patched over tar
- Wet or compressed insulation under the surface
- Roof surface that is hot, brittle or shrinking
Flat Roof explained
A flat roof is not truly flat. It has a slight pitch toward drains or edges, and it relies on a continuous waterproof membrane rather than overlapping shingles. Common systems include modified bitumen, EPDM rubber, TPO and PVC single-ply membranes, and built-up roofing. Because water sits longer on a flat roof, every seam, flashing and penetration matters. Repair suits localized failures. Restoration or replacement suits roofs with widespread wear, repeated leaks, or wet insulation that no surface patch can fix.
Options and materials
Modified bitumen
Reinforced asphalt-based sheets, applied by torch, cold adhesive or self-adhesion, in multiple layers. A durable and repairable choice that is common on NYC buildings. We explain the tradeoffs before you decide.
EPDM rubber membrane
A single-ply synthetic rubber sheet, usually black, seamed with adhesive or tape. Flexible and practical for many residential flat roofs, and straightforward to patch. Ask us which suits your building best.
TPO and PVC single-ply
Heat-welded white or light-colored membranes that reflect sunlight. Seams are fused together, which gives strong, continuous waterproofing across the whole roof surface. We walk you through this option in plain language.
Built-up roofing
Alternating layers of felt and bitumen finished with a protective surface layer. A long-established system that is still used where it suits the building and its budget.
Restoration coating
A fluid-applied coating over a sound existing roof to extend its life, used only where inspection and moisture checks show the roof is a good candidate.
Our process
- Inspection and moisture checkWe walk the roof, document ponding, seams and flashings, and check for wet insulation to decide between repair, coating or full replacement of the system.
- Drainage reviewWe look at slope, drains and scuppers, because fixing the membrane without fixing the drainage invites the same leak to come back within a few seasons.
- Written scope and system choiceYou get a clear written scope with the recommended system and alternatives, and what each one includes, so you can compare them side by side.
- Prepare the roofOld roofing or damaged areas are removed, wet insulation is replaced, and the surface is cleaned and prepared so the new membrane has a sound base.
- Install membrane and flashingsThe membrane goes on, seams are sealed, and flashings are built up at walls, curbs, drains and penetrations, where most flat roof leaks begin. You can ask us questions at any point.
- Final check and warrantyWe inspect seams and details, clean up, provide photos, and issue the written warranty. A full new roof carries our 10-year warranty.
What affects the price
Roof area
Cost scales with square footage, though small roofs have a minimum setup cost that makes the per-foot figure higher than it is on larger roofs.
System selected
Modified bitumen, EPDM, TPO, PVC and built-up each differ in material cost and installation method, which changes both the price and the expected service life.
Insulation condition
Wet or damaged insulation must be replaced. Adding tapered insulation to improve drainage adds material but helps the roof perform better over the long term.
Number of penetrations and edges
Vents, hatches, equipment and parapet walls each need custom flashing work that adds time, so a busy roof costs more per square foot than a bare one.
Access and staging
Roofs reached through bulkheads or on tall buildings require hoisting and extra protection of the building, stairwells and entrances during the work.
Repair versus replacement
A localized repair costs less than a full replacement, but it only makes sense when the rest of the roof is sound and the insulation is dry.
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 flat roof job includes
- Roof inspection and drainage review
- Written scope and system recommendation
- Permit handling where required
- Protection of the building and surrounding areas
- Removal of failed roofing and wet insulation
- Membrane, seams and flashings as scoped
- Drain and scupper detailing
- Dumpster and debris removal
- Photo documentation and cleanup
- Written warranty: 10 years on full replacements, workmanship warranty on repairs, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.