Flat Roof Replacement & Installation in Brooklyn, NY
When patching stops working, a new flat roof ends the leaks for the next 20 years or more. We replace and install flat roofs on Brooklyn brownstones, rowhouses, walk-ups and commercial buildings, with DOB permits, Landmarks paperwork and cleanup included in one written price.
Signs It’s Time to Replace, Not Repair
Only one problem area? A flat roof repair may be all you need.
- The roof is 20+ years old and leaks in more than one place
- Cracks, blisters or bare spots cover large parts of the surface
- Soft spots underfoot: the insulation underneath is wet
- You’ve paid for repeated repairs in the last two years
- You’re adding a roof deck or solar, or renovating the top floor
Choosing Your New Flat Roof: TPO vs EPDM vs Modified Bitumen
For most Brooklyn brownstones we recommend TPO: it reflects summer heat and meets city reflectivity rules without an extra coating. We’ll explain the trade-offs for your building at the inspection.
| TPO | EPDM (rubber) | Modified bitumen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | White single-ply membrane, heat-welded seams | Black synthetic rubber, taped or glued seams | Layered asphalt sheets with a granular cap |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 20–30 years | 15–25 years |
| NYC cool-roof rules | Meets them as installed | Needs a white coating | Needs a reflective cap sheet or coating |
| Best for | Brownstones, townhouses, lower cooling bills | Tighter budgets, easy future repairs | Roof decks and roofs with foot traffic |
| Typical NYC price | $8 – $13 / sq ft | $6.50 – $11 / sq ft | $8 – $14 / sq ft |
Flat Roof Replacement Cost in Brooklyn
A full flat roof replacement in Brooklyn typically costs $8 to $12 per square foot, including tear-off, insulation, the new membrane, flashing and permits.
What moves the price: how many old layers come off, deck repairs, insulation thickness, the system you choose, crane or hoisting needs, and Landmarks requirements.
| Building | Typical roof size | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Brownstone or rowhouse | about 1,000 sq ft | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Larger townhouse | about 1,500 sq ft | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Walk-up apartment building | about 3,000 sq ft | $24,000 – $36,000 |
Permits, Landmarks and NYC Energy Code, Handled
- NYC Department of Buildings permit. Required for a roof replacement in New York City. We file it and include it in your estimate.
- Landmarks Preservation Commission. If your building is in a historic district, the LPC must approve the work. Roofs not visible from the street usually qualify for faster staff-level approval. We prepare the application.
- NYC Energy Conservation Code and cool-roof rules. A new roof gets insulation and a reflective surface that meet current city requirements, which also keeps your top floor cooler.
Our Flat Roof Replacement Process
- Inspection and core cutWe count the existing layers and check the deck and insulation.
- Written estimateSystem recommendation, scope, price and timeline.
- Permits and approvalsDOB filing and, where needed, Landmarks.
- Tear-offOld roofing removed down to the deck; damaged decking replaced.
- InsulationNew insulation to code, tapered toward drains so water doesn’t pond.
- Membrane and flashingInstalled to the manufacturer’s specification, with new flashing at every wall, vent, skylight and hatch.
- Final inspection and cleanupPhotos, warranty paperwork and a clean site.
Most brownstone replacements take 2–5 working days once permits are approved.
Commercial Flat Roof Installation & Replacement
We install new TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen roofs on apartment buildings, co-ops, mixed-use buildings, retail and warehouses across Brooklyn. Work is phased so the building is watertight every night, scheduled around tenants, and documented for property managers and boards. Itemized estimates make board approval simple.
10-Year Workmanship Warranty
We stand behind the quality of our roofing installation and repair work. Material warranties vary by manufacturer and roofing system.
Not ready to replace?
If your roof is worn but still dry underneath, a roof coating or targeted repairs can buy several years.
Flat Roof Replacement FAQs
How much does a flat roof replacement cost in Brooklyn?
Typically $8 to $12 per square foot: about $8,000–$12,000 for a brownstone roof and $24,000–$36,000 for a 3,000 sq ft walk-up. Permits, tear-off and insulation are included in our estimates.
Do I need a DOB permit to replace a flat roof in NYC?
Yes. A roof replacement in New York City needs a Department of Buildings permit. We file it for you; doing the work without one risks fines and problems when you sell.
Do I need Landmarks approval for a brownstone roof?
Only if the building is in a historic district or is an individual landmark. Roof work that can’t be seen from the street usually gets a quicker staff-level approval. We prepare the application.
How long does a flat roof replacement take?
Most brownstone roofs take 2–5 working days of on-site work. Permits and any Landmarks approval need to be in place first, so plan a few weeks from estimate to start.
Which is better for a new roof: TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen?
For most Brooklyn homes, TPO, because it’s reflective and meets NYC cool-roof rules as installed. EPDM costs a bit less and is easy to repair; modified bitumen suits roof decks and heavy foot traffic.
What is the longest-lasting flat roof material?
Well-installed TPO, EPDM and PVC roofs can all last 25–30 years. Installation quality and drainage matter more than the brand of membrane.
Will a new roof lower my energy bill?
Often, yes. A reflective surface and new insulation that meets current NYC code keep the top floor cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
What time of year is cheapest to replace a roof?
Late fall and early spring are usually easiest to schedule. Price depends far more on the roof than the season, but booking outside the summer rush gives you more choice of dates.
Can a new flat roof go over the old one?
Sometimes. A recover is only possible when there is a single existing layer and the insulation underneath is dry; building code doesn’t allow a new roof over two or more old layers. Our core cut tells you which applies.
How much does a commercial flat roof replacement cost?
Usually $8 to $14 per square foot, depending on the system, roof size, access, insulation and whether the building stays occupied. You get an itemized estimate after inspection.
Done Patching the Same Leak?
Call for a free flat roof replacement estimate in Brooklyn. We’ll inspect the roof, explain your options and give you one written price, permits included.