How We Work: Our Roofing Process From First Call to Final Walk-Through

1. 01

   The first call

   We ask where the water shows up, when it leaks (every rain, heavy rain only, after snow), what kind of building it is, how we get on the roof and what’s been tried before. Active leaks and storm damage go to the front of the line, and we’ll tell you how to protect the inside while we’re on the way.

   Why it matters

   The leak pattern alone often points to the cause. A leak only in downpours usually means drainage, not the roof surface.

2. 02

   A full roof inspection with photos

   We inspect the surface, seams, flashing, parapets, coping, drains, scuppers, skylights, bulkhead and anything mounted on the roof, then check the stain inside and trace it back. We count the roof layers and check the deck for soft, wet spots. You get photos of everything we find.

   The NYC rules behind it

   • Layers: the NYC Building Code doesn’t allow a new roof over two or more existing roof coverings, or over a roof that’s water-soaked or deteriorated. Counting layers tells us whether a re-cover is even legal.
   • Deck: whether the deck needs replacing decides whether the job needs a Department of Buildings permit.
   • Parapets: since 2024, buildings with parapets facing a street or sidewalk need a close-up parapet observation every year, unless they’re detached one- or two-family homes. Most Brooklyn rowhouses and brownstones are covered, so we note what we see.
3. 03

   A written estimate and a clear contract

   You get a line-item scope: the problem, the roofing system, flashing and drain work, insulation, decking priced per board or sheet, permits, cleanup and schedule. Nothing starts until you’ve signed a written contract and have your copy.

   The NYC rules behind it

   • Home improvement work over $200 on a residential building requires a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. We provide our license number and proof of insurance on request.
   • The contract comes with a Notice of Cancellation, giving you three business days to cancel.
   • Changes are agreed in writing. No surprise extras mid-job.
   • Before you sign, you get a written notice of the permits the job needs, who files them and how to check their status.

   Curious what roofs cost here? See our Brooklyn roof replacement cost guide.

4. 04

   Permits and approvals, handled

   We tell you exactly which rules apply to your roof and take care of the filings.

   Rule	When it applies to a Brooklyn roof
   DOB permit	Replacing the membrane, coverings and insulation above the deck is generally exempt. Replacing the roof deck or sheathing needs a permit, filed through DOB NOW.
   Cool roof	Low-slope roofs (2:12 or flatter) must use a reflective surface when re-roofed, unless the area is under half the roof and under 500 sq ft.
   Local Laws 92 & 94	Replacing the entire roof deck or roof assembly triggers a solar or green roof requirement. Membrane and insulation replacement doesn’t.
   Landmarks (LPC)	Since July 2024, replacing a flat roof in a historic district doesn’t need an LPC permit, but changes to visible flashing, gutters, railings or decorative elements do. Pitched roofs must match the historic materials.
   FDNY torch rules	Torch-applied roofing needs a certified torch operator and an F-60 fire guard on fire watch.

5. 05

   Neighbors and your building, coordinated

   On attached Brooklyn buildings, a good roof often needs a few feet of the neighbor’s roof to tie in the flashing. We explain what’s needed, help you ask in writing and protect their roof while we work. For co-ops, condos and managed buildings, we provide certificates of insurance and work around the board’s rules and residents’ schedules.

   The NYC rule behind it

   If a neighbor refuses access for necessary work, New York’s RPAPL 881 lets a court grant it. Under the recent amendments, a neighbor who doesn’t respond within 60 days to a request sent by certified mail is treated as having refused.

6. 06

   Site protection and safety

   • Sidewalks, stoops, skylights and neighbors’ roofs protected before tear-off starts.
   • Fall protection on every roof. Federal OSHA rules require it for roofers working six feet or more above a lower level.
   • Debris containers placed on the street only with the right DOT permit through a registered carter.
   • On torch jobs, a dedicated fire guard watching the roof during and after torching.
7. 07

   The work, done to the system’s details

   On a replacement, we remove all existing layers down to the deck, as the Building Code requires, replace bad boards at the price already in your contract, then install the new system to the manufacturer’s specifications. The roof is left watertight at the end of every day, the site is cleaned daily, and you hear from us if anything unexpected turns up.

   What we won’t do

   • Coat or cover a wet roof to make it look fixed.
   • Add a roof over two or more old ones.
   • Add charges you didn’t agree to in writing.
8. 08

   Final walk-through and aftercare

   We walk the finished roof with you or send photos if you can’t get up there, clear the drains, haul away debris and hand over before-and-after photos. Then we tell you how to keep it working: drains cleared before Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) and again after the leaves fall, and a reminder about your building’s annual parapet observation if it applies.

Need a repair rather than a full job? See our Brooklyn roof repair services, or browse our Brooklyn roofing questions for quick answers.