skip to main content

Repair or replacing a flat roof on a Row House

14 years ago

My mother's house has a flat roof made of fiberglass paper and hot asphalt. The house is a 2 stories brick row house with a basement that's 1,120 sqft. It started to leak recently and needs to be repair.

There are now interesting roofing materials out there like EPDM rubber, PVC membrane and fiberglass. I was wondering if someone can point out the cost and life of each.

Keep in mind that she live in the Northeast where there's rain and snow, but not that much of it.

Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

mightyanvil
14 years ago
The usual approach in the Northeast is to adhere a wood fiber "recovery board" and then fully adhere a "single-ply" EPDM (synthetic rubber) roofing to it. Much of the cost is in replacing the terminations and flashings at the perimeter and at roof penetrations.
mightyanvil
14 years ago
Of course, the roof should slope at least 1/4" per foot to allow proper drainage and avoid ponding. This kind of roof is called "low-sloped". Roofs are never flat.
Related Discussions
House wrap on a flat roofed house, where to start/stop?
Q
Comments (3)
There should be copper or stainless steel flashing above and overlapping the built-up asphalt roofing membrane and self-adhering modified bitumen waterproofing (Ice & Water Shield) above and overlapping the metal and extending over the parapet cap. (The waterproofing should not touch the roofing asphalt and the flashing allows replacement of the membrane) I would carry the waterproofing down the front to the roof line as well and would use a water based primer on the wood. Then the waterproofing must be covered with siding or sheet metal. This is a very critical detail and if it isn't done properly it will have to be rebuilt at very high cost in a few years. I would help to see a section detail of the parapet.
...See More
need new flat roof on older mobile home
Q
Comments (1)
I don't know about anyone else but, if my existing roof were 40 years old and not yet leaking, I would replace it with another metal roof. Not only are they durable but they come in all styles and price ranges and are even being used on new stick built housing.
...See More
Roofing Question -- cross post from home repair
Q
Comments (2)
I'm not looking to replace the roof at all. I've been told by many people (including both roofing companies) that the metal roof is good and should last for another 30 years. BUT, the flashing was not properly installed around the chimney and needs to be sealed, and the roof has been walked on and dented in another location. My question is really whether it is okay to install a new roof over an old one?
...See More
Repair or replace roof?
Q
Comments (5)
The difference in comparison to a roof repair and roof replacement should not be that big of a difference stated in your initial question. In California, we often recommend roof repairs for most roofs because we get so few little rain. Other parts of the country are not as lucky to be under the sun. If you noticed leaks, have seen area's on the roof that are in bad condition, you must ask yourself a couple of questions 1. If this is light rainy season, heavy rains can cause more damage and if the rainy season is just begining, it might beneficial to get it repaired once and not have to deal with it again. 2. Ask A Pro for help. In California, homeowners can get a free in-home estimate for roofing repair quotes. That usually involves an expert to get on the roof and evaluate the needs of the project, repairs, and costs associate. If a roofer gives your roof less than 3-4 warranty for the leaks, you should consider a full replacement and get your 20 warranty. Roof should last at least that long.
...See More
paulsiu
Original Author
14 years ago
Someone suggested an alternate roof:

http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/low-slope/308215

However,he also indicated a typical row house replacement would cost $3500, which seemed a bit stiff.

I am having 3 roofers do an estimate on the house, all seemed to have stuck with the standard rubber material.
mightyanvil
14 years ago
I can't imagine why anyone would want to put narrow strips of roofing in hot asphalt or cold adhesive when they could cover the roof in a one piece (or factory seamed) single ply membrane. I would have to guess that the pieced together system is used for roofs with a lot of mechanical equipment and/or penetrations.

If you want to include an internet link put it in the box provided and give it a name so we don't have to cut and paste to access it.

Here is a link that might be useful: your roof link

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Have Your Flat Roof and Your Snow Too

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Laboring under the delusion that flat roofs are leaky, expensive and a pain to maintain? Find out the truth here

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

ECLECTIC HOMES My Houzz: Color and Texture Fill an Eclectic Pittsburgh Row House

By Lauren Piasecki/Black Cherry Design

Moroccan touches join exposed brick, salvaged materials and scads of books in this home for a creative couple

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Mission District Row House

By Becky Harris

BASEMENTS Room of the Day: Swank Basement Redo for a 100-Year-Old Row House

By Annie Thornton

A downtown Knoxville basement goes from low-ceilinged cave to welcoming guest retreat

DIY PROJECTS How to Replace a Button on a Tufted Chair

By Shelly Miller Leer

Fix a popped button on a tufted chair back with this upholstery teacher's step-by-step tutorial

REMODELING GUIDES Replace vs. Restore: The Great Window Debate

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Deciding what to do with windows in disrepair isn't easy. This insight on the pros and cons of window replacement or restoration can help

Replace Your Windows and Save Money — a How-to Guide

Reduce drafts to lower heating bills by swapping out old panes for new, in this DIY project for handy homeowners

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace Your Lawn With a Garden

By June Scott Design

New project for a new year: Lose the turfgrass for energy savings, wildlife friendliness and lower maintenance

ARCHITECTURE Know Your House: Learn the Lingo of Rooftops

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Knowing the language of rooftop design will help you through your next repair or remodel project

Sponsored

More Discussions

What color/type of caulk between countertop and stained wood trim

9

Exterior Update to Tudor House

13

Quartzite crack

6

Replacing Tropitone slings

1

could this be mold?

6