Residential Flat Roofs | New York Roof Pro

There are a vast amount of flat roofing systems on the market, and just like the commercial side of our business, we will always choose a roof system that best suits the need and conditions for the given environment and use.   Here are the factors we consider when designing the best flat style roof system for a home.  Life expectancy / durability / Cosmetics and Cost.

The most important thing to consider when designing your roof is the “flashings” and “drainage” systems are done correctly.  We can assume that the “field” of your roof can be installed properly in most cases, but it is the flashing and drainage that will lead to its failure more times than not.

So regardless of the roof system, lets make sure the things that make the roof fail are done right and by the book. Also there are State and County laws that provide great detail in procedure and rules on how a flat style roof should be done and maintained.

– Wall tie-ins
– Pitch
– Drains systems
– Gutters
– Traffic
– Edge metals
– Skylights
– Doors / window pans
– Pitched “v”transitions Weight and live load
– Plumbing pipes
– Chimneys
– Positive roof
– Railing
– Foot
– Ice conditions
– HVAC equipment

We find that most residential roofing contractors are not trained properly to install “Commercial” flat style roof systems. Therefore when they run into one on a residential structure, there are usually major deficiencies in technique and workmanship.  The same procedures that apply in the commercial environment must also be applied in a flat residential roof environment.  Please review the many systems and flashing procedures in the Long Island Residential Roofing section of our web site. In addition note: most residential structures are “wood framed” and under no circumstance should a roof system be installed that uses an open torch procedure (they are very dangerous to install). Please see Don’t use Torch Down Roofing.