FAQ
Flat roof questions, answered straight
What homeowners, property managers and boards ask us before they sign.
Have a question not listed here? Call (201) 267-3000 or request an estimate.
01Are flat roofs more prone to leaks than pitched roofs?+
Only when they are badly detailed or never maintained. Water leaves a flat roof slowly, so a clogged drain or an open seam matters more than on a pitched roof. A properly sloped, properly flashed membrane that is inspected twice a year is as reliable as any shingle roof.
02How long does a flat roof last?+
Fifteen to thirty years depending on the system, the installation and the maintenance. EPDM, TPO and PVC sit at the top of that range; modified bitumen and built-up roofs a little lower. A restoration coating can add 20 to 50 warranted years to a sound membrane.
03Which flat roof system is best for New Jersey?+
For homes, modified bitumen or EPDM: thick, easy to detail around walls and pipes, proven in freeze-thaw. For commercial buildings, TPO or PVC: welded seams and a reflective white surface that cuts summer cooling costs. PVC where there is grease, chemicals or standing water. We put the reasoning in writing with the proposal.
04Can my flat roof be coated instead of replaced?+
If the deck is sound and the insulation is dry, usually yes. We confirm with a moisture scan and core samples; wet areas are cut out and replaced, every detail is repaired, then the silicone or acrylic system goes on with a manufacturer warranty of 20 to 50 years depending on the package. If more than about a quarter of the insulation is wet, replacement is the better investment and we say so.
05Will the work disrupt my tenants or my business?+
We plan for it not to. Sections are phased, entrances are protected, noisy work is scheduled around your hours, tenants get notices, and the roof is closed watertight every evening. Your property manager gets a photo report every day.
06Do you work on flat roofs in winter?+
Yes. Repairs and emergency work run all year, and membranes can be installed in cold weather with the right adhesives and welding settings. Coatings need the temperatures the manufacturer specifies, so restoration jobs are scheduled from spring to autumn.
07What maintenance does a flat roof need?+
Twice a year and after major storms: clear drains and scuppers, remove debris, check seams, flashings and walkway pads, and photograph anything that changed. Our maintenance plans do exactly that and keep the manufacturer warranty valid.
08Which manufacturers do you install?+
Elevate (formerly Firestone), Versico, Polyglass and Johns Manville membranes, GAF commercial systems, and Karnak and APOC coating systems. We are certified by each, which is what lets us register their full-system warranties for you.
09Where do you work?+
Residential flat roofs across Northern and Central New Jersey, including Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Sussex counties. Commercial and multifamily projects across the whole of New Jersey, and larger projects in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
