Roofing Questions

Long time reader, first time poster here.
We recently purchased a brownstone in landmarked cobble hill. We are now looking at installing solar (using BSW) and replacing our flat roof as part of the process. Had anyone had any recent experience with this process? How long did it take to strip the old roof and replace it? How long did any necessary permits take, etc.
Also, roughly what is considered “reasonable” in terms of price for the roofing work? Our roof is roughly 18”x40”
Lastly, recent experience with Premier roofing? How long has it been taking them to reach back out to people and schedule work? Or recommendations for other companies that will warranty their installation AND stand by the warranty. Thanks in advance!

tmrulqeoamde

in Roofing 3 years and 7 months ago

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brooklyndempsey | 3 years and 7 months ago

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I have a Kemper roof, installed 6 years ago on our brownstone. It has been holding up great–both the areas of exposed roof, as well as the areas under our deck. I’m very happy with it.

housepoor | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Does anyone have experience with Kemper System roofs? A friend had a Kemper installed about 10 years ago and likes it. Wondering if there are more recent use cases? Thanks.

helen40

in Roofing 3 years and 7 months ago

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Yes. They were great. Why don’t you send me an email to nyc372@hotmail.com so we can discuss.

tmrulqeoamde | 3 years and 7 months ago

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@bored_at_work did you use a roofing company you would recommend?

After much research and discussion we have decided to pull up the old roof do a new one. We are aware we will have to wait and are ok with that, but we think that from a long term perspective this is just a better decision and we intend to be in our home for the long haul. Thank everyone for the input, it was helpful!

ejcarroll | 3 years and 7 months ago

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I asked Premier roofing about replacement and was advised it was not necessary. I was guided by their professional assessment. My impression which may be wrong was that replacing roof boards was not common and and unnecessary in most cases. Be guided by the professional.

slimc | 3 years and 7 months ago

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I just had my roof replaced (nightmare) and solar installed (dream come true). If you have no leaks and the roof looks to be in decent condition, you may want to have the roof seams and flashings repaired instead of a full roof replacement. By the way, Brooklyn SolarWorks offers a tilt rack installation that cannot be seen from the street.

helen40

in Roofing 3 years and 7 months ago

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We had our roof replaced two years ago. As part of the installation, the contractor removed several inches of tar and tar paper that was so thick in parts that it caused the entire roof structure to sag. After it was removed, most of the roof “bounced” back.

We installed a new thermoplastic roof over insulation board and have the tightest seal on the block. Last winter during the weeks of freezing cold and a snow/ice, our roof was the only one I could see that was still snow covered.

I considered going solar and decided against. The giant wing structure that BSW installs for the solar panels in order to get height clearance is unsightly to me. And I know I would almost never get paid back given my relatively low electric bill

@dfreed1 cannot make that statement with any certainty without seeing your roof.

tmrulqeoamde | 3 years and 7 months ago

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@Dfreed1 What makes you say that removing and replacing is “likely unnecessary”? Genuinely curious whether I am over valuing the idea of a new roof.

My understanding is that removing and replacing would provide the most efficient seal, both in terms of keeping the elements out, and heat/AC in. Additionally, wouldn’t removing layers of old roof literally “lighten the load” on the structure of the home and help alleviate future sagging, etc.?

We received a roofing quote today and due to how busy they are were told that they could add a layer this year but not rip and replace the roof. We’re trying to determine whether this type of work is worth it if we do more major improvements to our home in the semi-near future (5-10 years) or whether it would make sense to either try to wait to do the roof (and just remove and re-install the solar panels at that time – which BSW said is possible for a “small fee”) or search for a different roofing company

mozeeatupu | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Premier roof here also from a few years back. Only hassle was scheduling because they’re booked months out.

ejcarroll | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Premier just did my Brownstone roof. Removing existing roofing and replacing wood immensely expensive and likely unnecessary.

rene.soloserrato | 3 years and 7 months ago

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I just completed a project w/BSW and am in a landmarked district. My roof didn’t require any work and from contract signing to producing power took 3 months. It sounds like your project will go into next year. BSW is great to work with. They took care of all the permitting, inspections, etc and thus far, it looks like production is exceeding their estimates.

JohnHancock | 3 years and 7 months ago

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Premier redid my roof 19 years ago. Still good!

Guest User | 3 years and 7 months ago

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We recently used Premier Roofing, and all the hold-ups were on our side (we were waiting for a skylight and some sun tubes). But we didn’t have the existing roof removed; we just had a new layer of “white granular surfaced modified bitumin roofing” added. I think Brooklyn Solar estimates about a month to get the permits, once the plans are finalized. I believe that if work is not complete by Dec. 31 you will lose some incentives – ask BSW about that if they haven’t explained it all already.