Flat roofs get a bad reputation in Brooklyn — and it's often undeserved. When properly installed and maintained, modern flat roof systems (TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen) are excellent performers in NYC's climate. The problem is that many homeowners treat their flat roof as a set-it-and-forget-it system. It isn't.
Twice-Yearly Inspection Schedule
The single most effective thing you can do for your flat roof is inspect it twice a year: once in the spring after winter is over, and once in the fall before the first freeze. These inspections don't require a contractor — a careful walk-around looking for obvious issues takes about 20 minutes.
- Check all seams and lap joints for lifting, cracking, or separation
- Inspect all penetrations (pipes, vents, HVAC equipment) where flashing meets the membrane
- Look for blistering or bubbling in the membrane surface
- Check drainage — scuppers and drains should be clear and free-flowing
- Look for any debris that's accumulated and could trap moisture
- Check around the parapet wall perimeter where the roof meets the vertical wall
The Drainage Problem
Standing water (ponding) is the #1 killer of flat roofs in Brooklyn. Water that sits on the membrane for more than 48 hours after rain accelerates UV degradation, adds structural weight, and exploits any micro-defect in the surface. Every drain and scupper on your roof should be cleaned at least twice a year — and more often if you have trees nearby.
Pro Tip: After clearing a drain, pour a bucket of water over it and watch how quickly it drains. If water takes more than a few seconds to disappear, there may be a blockage deeper in the pipe.
Protecting Penetrations and Flashings
The membrane itself rarely fails on a well-installed flat roof — flashings do. Every pipe, vent, HVAC unit, and wall intersection is a potential leak point. Flashings are typically the first areas to degrade, and they're also the easiest (and cheapest) to repair when caught early. Check that pipe boot seals aren't cracked, and that metal counterflashing isn't pulling away from the wall.
Winter Preparation
- Clear leaves and debris before the first freeze — wet debris under snow adds weight and retains moisture
- Ensure drainage is unobstructed before winter — ice-blocked drains can cause catastrophic pooling
- After heavy snowfall, remove excess snow with a roof rake (never a metal shovel — it will damage the membrane)
- Inspect for ice dam formation at the parapet walls in January/February
When to Call a Professional
DIY maintenance goes so far. Call a licensed roofer if you find: active leaks, large blistered areas exceeding 12 inches, seams that have separated more than a hairline crack, or any area where the membrane has worn through to the insulation beneath. Catching these issues before winter is critical in Brooklyn's climate.
