Multi-Family Flat Roof Repairs in New York.

Fixing a flat roof in the winter can be challenging due to cold temperatures and potential snow or ice. Here’s a practical approach to handling winter roof repairs:

1. Safety First: Ensure the roof is safe to work on by clearing any snow or ice. Use proper safety gear to prevent slips and falls.
2. Temporary Repairs: For immediate leaks, use roofing tape or a tarp as a temporary fix to prevent water from entering the building. These can hold up until more permanent repairs are possible.
3. Clean the Area: Clear away debris and ice from the damaged area. Use a brush or broom, not a shovel, to avoid further damaging the roof.
4. Apply Roofing Cement: In cold weather, use cold-weather roofing cement, which is designed to be effective at lower temperatures. Apply it to the damaged area to seal cracks and holes.
5. Install a Patch: For more significant damage, apply a roofing patch. Use materials that adhere well in cold conditions, such as modified bitumen patches. Ensure the edges are sealed with roofing cement.
6. Heat Application: If needed, gently warm the repair area with a heat gun to ensure proper adhesion of the materials. Be careful not to overheat or damage the roof surface.
7. Professional Help: For extensive repairs or if you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to consult a professional roofing contractor. They have the right tools and expertise to handle winter conditions effectively.

To effectively stop leaks on a flat roof, you can use various materials and methods based on the type of roof and the severity of the leak. Roofing cement can seal small cracks and holes; apply it with a trowel or putty knife directly over the leak. Roofing tape, which is adhesive and waterproof, works well for temporary repairs; simply apply it over the clean, dry damaged area. Roof sealants, available in liquid form, can be applied with a brush or roller to seal larger areas; silicone and acrylic are common types. For significant damage, use a patch kit, which includes roofing material and adhesive; cut the patch to size, apply the adhesive, and press it over the damaged area. EPDM or rubber patches are effective for rubber roofs; clean the area, apply adhesive, and place the patch over the leak. Polyurethane foam can fill cracks and gaps, expanding and hardening to provide a waterproof seal. Lastly, replace or repair damaged flashing around roof edges, vents, and chimneys using metal or rubber flashing materials to ensure a watertight seal.

Recoating a flat roof can extend its lifespan and improve its performance. The number of times you can recoat a flat roof depends on several factors:

1. Roof Condition: The existing roof must be in good structural condition. If there are significant issues like extensive water damage or underlying structural problems, recoating may not be sufficient.
2. Type of Coating: Different types of roof coatings (acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, etc.) have varying lifespans. High-quality coatings generally allow for more recoating cycles.
3. Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Follow the coating manufacturer’s guidelines. Some coatings are designed to be reapplied multiple times, while others may have limits.
4. Previous Coatings: The number of existing coating layers can impact how well new layers adhere. Too many layers can lead to adhesion problems and reduced effectiveness.

General Guidelines

• Acrylic Coatings: Typically, you can recoat every 5-10 years, depending on wear and environmental conditions.
• Silicone Coatings: These can often be reapplied every 10-15 years.
• Polyurethane Coatings: Usually, these can be recoated every 5-10 years.

In New York City, a “multiple dwelling” is defined as a building that houses three or more independent living units. These units can be apartments or other types of residential spaces designed for three or more families living independently of one another. Here are the main categories of multiple dwellings as defined by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD):

Types of Multiple Dwellings:

1. Tenement Houses:
   • Buildings erected before April 18, 1929, which are designed to house three or more families.
2. Apartment Houses:
   • Buildings constructed after April 18, 1929, for three or more families living independently, with private kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Hotels:
   • Buildings that provide living space primarily for transient occupancy, such as hotels and boarding houses.
4. Garden Apartments:
   • Low-rise apartment buildings with landscaped grounds and shared amenities, typically housing multiple families in separate units.
5. Duplexes/Triplexes:
   • Buildings divided into two or three separate living units, each occupied by a single family.
6. Condos and Co-ops:
   • Multi-unit buildings where the units are individually owned (condos) or collectively owned by a corporation (co-ops).

Key Characteristics:

• Three or More Units: Must have three or more independent residential units.
• Independent Living: Each unit must have its own kitchen, bathroom, and living facilities.
• Compliance: Must comply with specific regulations regarding safety, maintenance, and habitability set by the NYC Multiple Dwelling Law.