Two workers in blue overalls repairing a red tiled roof on a cloudy day with tools and stacked tiles

Case Study: Roof Replacement with Insulation Upgrade in Manchester, New Hampshire

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.