Client Overview:
Master Roofers, the most trusted roofing company in New
Hampshire for over 80 years, was contacted by a homeowner in Manchester who was
experiencing significant issues with their flat roof.
Listen to our discussion about this project:
Located in an older part of the city, the home had been
converted from a multifamily to a single-family residence, and it featured a
flat rubber roof that had been installed decades ago. The homeowner, who had
only recently moved in, was aware that the roof was old and was already
experiencing signs of deterioration, including water stains and leaks in the
ceiling. Looking for a long-term solution, the homeowner reached out to Master
Roofers after being recommended by a neighbor who had worked with the company
years earlier.
Initial Consultation and Roof Inspection:
The homeowner's initial concern was dealing with the leaks
and water damage they were seeing in the upper floors of the house. Master
Roofers responded promptly, sending a roofing advisor to inspect the property.
As with all their inspections, Master Roofers did a full roof evaluation,
including a physical inspection of the roof, instead of relying solely on drone
footage.
Upon inspecting the flat roof, the team found that the
rubber roofing membrane had aged significantly, with deteriorating seams and
small penetrations likely caused by branches or debris. The rubber material,
which had been installed in the early 1990s, had deteriorated due to the
natural effects of freezing and thawing cycles over time.
Additionally, the team performed a core cut to assess the
condition of the layers beneath the roofing membrane. This revealed that there
was no ISO insulation under the rubber roof, which could have contributed to
heat loss and worsened the roof's overall performance.
The team also identified areas of the roof that were
improperly tapered, causing water pooling in certain spots, which accelerated
the deterioration. The inspection confirmed that some of the decking was
compromised and would need to be replaced.
Proposed Solution and Enhancements:
After discussing the inspection findings with the homeowner,
Master Roofers designed a solution that involved stripping off the old rubber
roof entirely and replacing it with a new, high-quality EPDM rubber membrane.
The team also recommended adding ISO insulation beneath the new roofing to
improve energy efficiency.
ISO insulation is an effective flat roof insulation that
would not only enhance the thermal resistance (R-value) of the roof but also
help correct the roof's slope issues by providing a tapered surface for better
water drainage.
This added insulation would bring the home an additional
R-value of 21, helping to keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. Master Roofers also addressed the roofing structure's compromised
decking by replacing the damaged sections with solid, new material.
They then installed the tapered ISO insulation, ensuring the
water would flow away from the home as intended. Once the insulation was in
place, the team applied a fully adhered EPDM rubber roofing membrane, making
sure to properly flash all roof penetrations, including around chimneys and
vents, to prevent leaks.
Roof Installation Process:
The roofing installation process went smoothly with no major
surprises. Master Roofers successfully stripped away the old roofing and
replaced any rotted or deteriorated decking with new, sturdy material. After
the insulation was laid down, the team carefully tapered the ISO board to
ensure proper water flow. The new EPDM membrane was then applied, fully adhered
to the insulation, ensuring a durable and weather-tight seal.
The team paid close attention to flashing, especially around
roof penetrations, to ensure that no water could seep into the home. With the
new insulation and membrane in place, the roof was properly sloped to direct
water away from the house, preventing future pooling and leak issues. The
installation also included the replacement of the drip edge, ensuring the
roof's water drainage system worked as designed.
Final Outcome and Client Satisfaction:
The results of the roofing project were extremely
successful. The homeowner was not only pleased with the elimination of leaks
and water stains but also with the added comfort provided by the new
insulation. The improved energy efficiency of the home, resulting from the
enhanced R-value, was an added bonus, reducing heating and cooling costs. The
homeowner was able to justify the cost of the insulation upgrade through
potential tax credits, further adding to the long-term value of the project.
The homeowner expressed their satisfaction with the work,
noting that the advice to replace the old skylights, which had been recommended
by Master Roofers, had been one of the best suggestions they had received.
The final result was a roof with a 30-year warranty that
would provide long-lasting protection and comfort. Master Roofers delivered not
only a solution to the immediate leak problem but also an upgrade that would
serve the homeowner for decades to come.
Conclusion:
Master Roofers successfully completed a flat roof
replacement and insulation upgrade for a homeowner in Manchester, New
Hampshire. By addressing both the immediate roofing issues and offering an
energy-efficient solution, Master Roofers ensured that the homeowner would have
a durable and efficient roof for years to come.
The project's success, from the thorough inspection to the
careful installation, left the homeowner confident that their home would remain
leak-free and energy-efficient for decades.
For more information about Master Roofers, visit masterroofers.com or call
603-623-4973.