Roof Repair in Conshohocken, Montgomery County

Why do the older attached rows here differ from the new buildings by the river?

The attached rows usually have low-slope or shallow-pitch roofs that drain to a drain or a gutter at the back, and the joints that fail are the parapets and the drain seams. Those are repaired by hand, one joint at a time.

The newer buildings by the river have larger membrane roofs with more drains and longer walls to check. The same details matter, but the area is bigger, and the access and the crew size change.

What does a larger membrane roof need from a roofer?

A larger commercial membrane roof needs a survey of its whole area, a plan for the drains and the walls, and often a different contractor than a residential roofer would be. A technician can say whether a building is within the scope of a residential job.

Ask the roofer to explain the scope in writing, including who is responsible for the membrane warranty and the work at each drain. That keeps the job clear whatever its size.

How do narrow streets shape access?

On the older streets, there is little room for a crew, a dumpster or a delivery truck. Materials have to come up a narrow stair or along the sidewalk, and the debris has to come down the same way.

Planning the route before the work starts keeps the street open and the neighbors informed. Tell the roofer about any parking or access limits when you call.

How does the river side of Conshohocken change a roof inspection?

The newer buildings along the Schuylkill have larger roofs and more mechanical equipment on them. Vents, hatches and units for heating or cooling each need a flashing collar, and the inspection checks every one. A leak near a unit often comes from its collar rather than from the membrane around it.

Wind off the river is a factor on exposed roofs, and the edges of a membrane are the first part to lift. A roofer checks the perimeter, the metal edge and the seal along the parapet, since those are the parts that let go first in a strong gust.

Drainage on the larger roofs needs the same care as on the rows. Drains are cleared, the surface is walked for ponding and the outlets are checked for debris, because a blocked drain on a large membrane can flood a section that is far from the leak.