Flat Roofing in Brooklyn & NYC
Most Brooklyn rowhouses, brownstones and apartment buildings have flat or low-slope roofs. We install and repair five flat roofing systems: TPO, EPDM rubber, modified bitumen (SBS, torch-down or cold-applied glue-down), built-up roofing (BUR) and rolled roofing, including double-layer (multi-layer) rolled roofing. The right system depends on your building, roof traffic, sun exposure, drainage and budget, and we explain the options with photos of your roof before you decide.
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Free Flat Roofing Estimate
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Compare flat roofing systems
| System | What it is | Estimated life* | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPO | TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane, usually white, whose seams are welded together with hot air. | 7–20 yrs | Sunny roofs over top-floor apartments |
| EPDM | EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane, usually black, used on flat and low-slope roofs. | 15–25 yrs | Rowhouse and brownstone roofs with little foot traffic |
| Modified Bitumen | Modified bitumen (often called a modified bitumen system, or MBS) is asphalt roofing reinforced with polyester or fiberglass and modified with polymers, installed in rolls on flat and low-slope roofs. | ~20 yrs | Roofs with HVAC equipment or regular foot traffic |
| Built-Up (BUR) | Built-up roofing, often called tar and gravel, is made of several alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing roofing felts, finished with a surface of gravel or a mineral cap sheet. | ~30 yrs | Larger flat roofs and older buildings with existing BUR |
| Rolled Roofing | Rolled roofing is mineral-surfaced asphalt roofing sold in rolls and nailed or adhered to low-slope roofs. | Not listed | Garages, sheds and porches |
*Estimated life expectancy from InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart, assuming regular maintenance. Guidelines, not guarantees or warranties. "Not listed" = no figure in that source.
Flat Roofing systems we install and repair
Flat Roof Repair
Leaks, open seams, blisters, ponding and flashing on any flat roof system.
Flat roof repair →TPO Roofing
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane, usually white, whose seams are welded together with hot air.
TPO guide →EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane, usually black, used on flat and low-slope roofs.
EPDM guide →Modified Bitumen Roofing (SBS, Torch-Down & Glue-Down)
Modified bitumen (often called a modified bitumen system, or MBS) is asphalt roofing reinforced with polyester or fiberglass and modified with polymers, installed in rolls on flat and low-slope roofs.
Modified Bitumen guide →Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing, often called tar and gravel, is made of several alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing roofing felts, finished with a surface of gravel or a mineral cap sheet.
Built-Up (BUR) guide →Rolled & Multi-Layer Roofing
Rolled roofing is mineral-surfaced asphalt roofing sold in rolls and nailed or adhered to low-slope roofs.
Rolled Roofing guide →How to choose
Low-traffic rowhouse or garage roof
EPDM or modified bitumen are common choices; rolled roofing is a budget option for small, low-use roofs.
Sunny roof over a top-floor apartment
A white TPO (or white EPDM) membrane reflects more sunlight than a dark surface.
Roof with HVAC units or regular foot traffic
Multi-ply modified bitumen or built-up roofing gives thicker, more puncture-resistant layers.
Building where open flame is a concern
Cold-applied (glue-down) or self-adhered modified bitumen, or an adhered EPDM/TPO membrane, avoids a torch.
Not sure? We inspect your roof, explain the options with photos and give a written estimate. Request a free estimate or call (347) 888-9591.
Flat Roofing Projects: Before & After
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What Brooklyn Customers Say
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Flat Roofing FAQ
What is the best roofing material for a flat roof?
There is no single best material. EPDM is flexible and easy to repair, TPO has heat-welded seams and a reflective white surface, and modified bitumen and built-up roofing are thicker multi-layer systems that handle foot traffic well. The best choice depends on how the roof is used, its drainage, sun exposure and your budget.
How long does a flat roof last?
InterNACHI's estimated life expectancy chart lists EPDM at 15–25 years, TPO at 7–20 years, modified bitumen at about 20 years and built-up roofing at about 30 years, assuming regular maintenance. Drainage, installation quality and upkeep matter as much as the material.
What's better, TPO or EPDM?
TPO seams are heat-welded and the white surface reflects heat; EPDM is a proven rubber membrane that is flexible and simple to patch. For a sunny, larger roof TPO is often preferred; for a small rowhouse roof EPDM is a common, repair-friendly choice. We recommend one after seeing your roof.
Can you install a new flat roof over the old one?
Sometimes, but we usually recommend tearing off down to the deck so we can repair rot and wet insulation, and because extra layers add weight and hide problems. Building codes limit how many roof layers are allowed.
What is the minimum pitch for a flat roof?
So-called flat roofs should still slope toward drains or scuppers so water does not pond. Low-slope membrane systems are designed for this; the exact minimum depends on the product and code. We check drainage and can add tapered insulation where water sits.
Have a leak or a roof question? Talk to a roofer today.
Open 7 days, 7 AM–11 PM. Free, no-obligation estimates.