When a Brooklyn rowhouse owner discovered water stains spreading across the upstairs ceiling, he knew something was seriously wrong. Having just had solar panels installed, he’d trusted his solar provider when they said the roof was “in good condition.”
In reality, the flat roof’s membrane seams were brittle, water was ponding in low spots, and flashing details had all but failed—leading to interior leaks around aging skylights. Worse yet, the solar panels were mounted right on top of this compromised system, putting both the roof and the home at long-term risk.
From the moment our Big Apple Renovators team stepped onto the roof, signs of distress were everywhere. We explained to the homeowner: before you invest in solar, you need a sound roof beneath it. During our thorough site inspection, we documented:
Based on these findings, we recommended a full tear-off and roofing replacement using a two-ply SBS modified bitumen system by Polyglass, plus an upgrade to 1" polyiso insulation for superior thermal performance. To eliminate future skylight headaches, we proposed new curbed Supreme Skylights designed for long-term weather resistance and outstanding light transmission.
The homeowner chose Big Apple Renovators because of our proven experience with Brooklyn’s flat-roof architecture and our ability to integrate roofing work around existing solar arrays without compromise. Our commitment to using top-tier materials like the Polyglass SBS system gave the client confidence that the new roof would stand the test of time.
Just as importantly, our no-pressure, transparent consultation process helped the homeowner feel informed every step of the way. Combined with our strong local reputation for meticulous workmanship and clear, consistent communication, it was clear we were the right team for the job.
We tackled the project in stages to ensure efficiency and protection of the home:
Rooftop solar panels and narrow Brooklyn access meant staging materials with precision. Our roofing contractors worked in tight quarters, carefully maneuvering around panels to maintain safety and efficiency.
We also discovered improperly sealed skylight penetrations from prior work—issues we corrected with proper curbs and flashing. Despite occasional weather delays, we completed the project on schedule and without disrupting tenants below.
This project underscores a vital lesson: your roof must come before your solar investment. Ignoring roof health can lead to water damage, reduced energy performance, and hefty repair bills. With our durable Polyglass 2-ply SBS system and high-quality Supreme Skylights, this Brooklyn homeowner now enjoys a roof built to last for decades—and a dry, protected home underneath.
“Big Apple Renovators showed me what the solar company missed. The roof is perfect now, the skylights are beautiful, and I feel like my home is finally protected.”
Ready for a roof that lasts? If you’re planning solar or simply need a reliable flat-roof solution, contact Big Apple Renovators today. We’ll make sure your home is solid from the top down.
