Brooklyn's roofs are as varied as its neighborhoods. Brownstone parapets in Park Slope, factory-style flat roofs in Bushwick, and multi-family buildings in Crown Heights. We work across these properties with an understanding of the building styles, aging materials, and access challenges that make local projects different from a generic city-wide job.
Landmarked brownstones with decorative cornices and parapet walls requiring careful, appearance-conscious work.
A mix of converted industrial buildings, newer construction, and older row houses, many with flat single-ply membrane systems.
Classic brownstones and row houses, including older chimney and parapet assemblies that may have been repeatedly sealed over the years.
Former factory and industrial properties with long parapet runs, exposed coping, and roof assemblies that experience significant temperature movement.
Detached and semi-detached homes alongside multi-family properties, creating a roof mix closer to southern residential areas than central brownstone neighborhoods.
Dense multi-family brownstones and apartment buildings with heavily used roof areas and aging flashing details.
One of the borough's most tightly protected historic areas, where visible roofline, cornice, and masonry details require particular care.
A combination of row houses and smaller commercial or industrial properties, including buildings exposed to stronger waterfront winds and weather.
A defining local roof type is generally flat, enclosed by parapet walls, and often bordered by a neighboring party wall. A relatively compact surface can contain chimneys, skylights, roof hatches, drains, and multiple flashing transitions.
Common on older apartment buildings and converted industrial properties, particularly throughout Bushwick and Sunset Park. Aging seams, penetrations, flashing, and previous repairs all need to be assessed before a new protective system is applied.
Larger flat surfaces are found on apartment buildings throughout Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Flatbush, and surrounding areas. These projects can require coordination with property managers, owners, tenants, and building access schedules.
Not sure which system fits your building?
See Our Full Coating GuideIf there's one detail we pay particularly close attention to on brownstone properties, it's the parapet and flashing system. Leaks don't always originate in the middle of the roof surface. Water frequently finds its way through transitions where masonry, coping, chimneys, cornices, and membrane materials meet.
Brownstone flat roofs are boxed in by low brick parapets on multiple sides, often capped with stone or metal coping. Over decades, mortar joints can weather and open, creating pathways for moisture into the masonry and party-wall areas.
The structural vulnerability lies in the spalling brickwork and degraded lime mortar joints of century-old parapets. Applying cheap black roofing cement over these areas traps moisture inside the wall. During NYC winter freeze-thaw cycles, this trapped water expands, blowing out the brick faces and splitting the flashing seams.
We perform targeted masonry repointing and install high-gauge aluminum counter-flashing into the reglet joints before any coating touches the field. Street-facing cornices add another layer of detail. Their flashing assemblies help protect the masonry below, but deterioration can create problems.
Notice Coping Damage or a Parapet Leak? Get a Free InspectionA significant portion of brownstone neighborhoods falls within Landmarks Preservation Commission historic districts, including Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, and parts of Bed-Stuy. Much of the waterproofing work performed on a flat surface occurs behind the parapet and outside the view from the street.
For a landmarked brownstone roof, the visibility and location of the proposed work matter. We plan projects with those considerations in mind and can help you identify whether your particular building or scope may be affected.
Property owners must also account separately for NYC Local Law 126 annual parapet inspection requirements and the NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYECC), which governs reflective 'Cool Roof' coating requirements for qualifying roof work. We ensure every silicone or acrylic system applied complies fully with both LPC aesthetic standards and DOB energy mandates.
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Yes. Most waterproofing work takes place across the flat surface and behind the parapet, away from the street-facing facade. We take additional care around decorative cornices, visible masonry, and architectural details, particularly on historically designated properties.
It can be. Older tar repairs can dry, shrink, and develop cracks over time. If the underlying transition is still vulnerable, applying another temporary layer may not address the source of the leak. Depending on the condition, a proper flashing repair may provide a more durable solution.
Under the LPC Rules Section 2-11, ordinary maintenance and waterproofing to flat roofs, such as applying a clear or reflective fluid-applied coating, do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness, provided the work is completely invisible from the street public right-of-way and does not alter historic materials. However, if your project involves rebuilding a visible brick parapet or replacing a decorative stamped-metal cornice, an LPC expedited permit or full review is mandatory.
It can. Shared party walls may require coordination regarding access, timing, or conditions along the adjoining property. When applicable, those considerations are addressed as part of project planning.
At least annually, with an additional inspection after a significant storm or when signs of moisture appear indoors. Brownstone properties can have numerous transition points around parapets, chimneys, cornices, drains, and penetrations, making early detection especially valuable.
Yes. Our work includes converted industrial buildings, small commercial properties, multi-family buildings, row houses, and other flat-roof structures throughout the borough.
Give Your Brownstone Roof the Right Protection
Older Brooklyn roofs can hide problems around parapets, chimneys, coping, and flashing long before a leak appears inside. We'll identify vulnerable areas and help you determine the right way forward.
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