Water was penetrating this property from multiple areas due to an improperly installed flat roof system and deteriorated parapet walls. The roof lacked a proper base layer, the parapet wall was cracked, cap tiles were damaged, and moisture was entering the structure — creating serious risk for interior damage.
SwiftBuild was called to diagnose the problem and provide a complete long-term solution, not just a temporary repair.
🔎 Initial Roof & Wall Condition
The existing flat roof system had several critical failures:
- No proper base sheet under the roofing membrane
- Multiple active leaks
- Cracked and deteriorated parapet walls
- Broken cap tiles
- Water infiltration behind masonry
- Soft and compromised roof decking areas
Without correction, these issues would continue causing structural damage and interior leaks.
🧱 Step 1: Parapet Wall Restoration
Before installing the new roofing system, SwiftBuild addressed the source of water intrusion — the walls.
- Repaired cracked masonry
- Restored deteriorated wall sections
- Sealed vulnerable areas to prevent future water penetration
- Prepared the parapet for new metal coping installation
This step is critical. Many leaks come from walls, not just the roof surface.
🪵 Step 2: Roof Tear-Off & Deck Repair
Once the wall structure was stabilized, we removed the failing roof system completely.
During tear-off we discovered:
- Areas of rotted plywood decking
- Improper layering from the previous installation
We then:
- Replaced all compromised plywood
- Reinforced the roof deck where necessary
Structural integrity comes first — a new roof over bad decking will fail.
🏗 Step 3: Proper Flat Roof System Installation
With a solid deck in place, SwiftBuild installed a professional-grade flat roofing system using correct layering — something missing from the previous job.
- New base sheet (essential moisture barrier)
- High-performance rubber roofing membrane
- Proper flashing integration
- Sealed transitions at all wall connections
This ensures long-term durability, flexibility, and leak protection.
🛠 Step 4: Parapet Wall Metal Coping Installation
To fully waterproof the wall-to-roof transition, we installed custom parapet wall metal coping.
- Prevents water from entering masonry
- Protects wall tops from weather damage
- Directs water away from the structure
- Extends the lifespan of both wall and roof
This final step locks in the system and eliminates one of the most common leak points in NYC buildings.
✅ Final Result
- Structurally sound roof deck
- Proper base sheet installation
- Professional rubber roofing system
- Restored parapet walls
- New metal coping protection
- Fully watertight flat roof system
What started as multiple leaks and failing construction is now a long-term roofing solution built to NYC standards.
Need Flat Roof Replacement in Queens, NYC?
If your flat roof is leaking, bubbling, or was installed incorrectly, don’t wait until interior damage occurs. SwiftBuild specializes in flat roof replacement, parapet wall repair, leak repair, metal coping installation, and professional inspections.
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