Walk through any Brooklyn neighborhood and you'll see both: the flat or low-slope roofs on attached row houses and brownstones, and the peaked asphalt shingle roofs on detached single-family homes in Bay Ridge, Flatbush, or Canarsie. Both roof types work — but they perform very differently and require different maintenance strategies.
Understanding the Architecture First
Most Brooklyn homeowners don't choose their roof type — it was chosen for them by the building's architecture. If you own an attached row house or a townhouse, you almost certainly have a flat or low-slope roof. If you own a standalone home built in the mid-20th century, you likely have a gable or hip roof with shingles. The type of roof you have determines your maintenance needs, cost structure, and replacement options.
Flat Roofs: The Brooklyn Default
Flat roofs dominate in Brooklyn because they maximize usable square footage in dense urban construction. They also make sense structurally for party-wall buildings where a pitched roof would channel water directly onto a neighbor's property. Modern flat roof systems — TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen — are highly effective when installed correctly and maintained regularly.
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): White membrane that reflects heat, great for NYC's hot summers
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Black rubber membrane, extremely durable in cold weather
- Modified Bitumen: Multi-layer asphalt system — the traditional choice for Brooklyn brownstones
- Average lifespan: 15–25 years depending on system and maintenance
- Requires annual inspection for standing water, seam integrity, and flashing
Shingle Roofs: Suburban Brooklyn's Standard
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material nationwide for good reason — they're affordable, relatively easy to repair, and available in dozens of styles and colors. In Brooklyn neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Gravesend, and Marine Park, shingle roofs are the norm on detached single-family homes.
- 3-tab asphalt: Budget-friendly, 20–25 year lifespan
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles: Better performance and aesthetics, 25–35 years
- Impact-resistant shingles: Rated for hail, may qualify for insurance discount
- Requires gutter maintenance to prevent ice dams
- Easier to spot and patch localized damage
Cost Comparison
On a per-square-foot basis, shingle roofs tend to be cheaper to install than flat roof systems. However, flat roofs on Brooklyn row houses are often smaller in total square footage, which balances the cost. For a typical 20×40 Brooklyn row house roof, expect $8,000–$15,000 for a quality flat roof replacement. A comparable-footprint shingle roof runs $6,000–$12,000.
Pro Tip: If your flat roof is leaking and is under 15 years old, a coating or targeted repair may be all you need. Always get a professional assessment before committing to a full replacement.
The Bottom Line
Neither roof type is universally better — it depends on your building. Flat roofs built and maintained properly outlast many shingle roofs in urban environments. Shingle roofs are more forgiving to maintain and easier to spot when something goes wrong. The most important factor is hiring a contractor who specializes in the specific system your building uses.
