Frequently Asked Questions

A: Please see our Roofing Procedures to get a vivid understanding on how flat roof construction affects you and your property.

A: Please see our Roofing Dictionary for a vast list of roofing terms and definitions.

A: Please see Roofing 101 for all the flat roofing education you require.

A: Inspect the roof twice a year in March and November – ideally soon after rain or snow so you can check that the water is draining away.

A: Flat roofs are generally built with a slight incline so that rain water can drain away into the gutters and/or interior roof drains. Basically flat roofs are not always absolutely flat.

A: If it’s obvious what’s caused the leak, and the rest of the roof is okay, then a minor repair is probably okay. This sort of random patching up is not guaranteed though. That said, if the whole roof is in poor condition, or you need a warranty, then a full replacement (or possibly an “overlay” – see below) is the best thing to do.

A: Researching the company and asking for references is a good place to start. Ensuring they are members of an appropriate trade association is also advisable.

A: Thermal Insulation reduces heat loss through the roof, and saves energy during the winter. It also keeps your building cooler and more comfortable in the summer.

A: When your roof is ponding water it is a good idea to rectify the problem to avoid accelerated deterioration of the roof membrane. The most cost effective way to eliminate ponding water is to add additional roof drains and connect them to the existing plumbing. Other costly methods include installing sloped insulation and re-sloping the roof deck.

A: Your first point of contact should be with the contractor, who should be able to explain what he has done, and why. If not, then you need to talk to an independent expert who will be able to advise you.

A: In many cases the existing roof is sound, and the membrane is simply getting old. If so, the contractor might advise you not to expose the building structure to the elements while he strips off the old membranes. Instead you leave them in place to act as a base layer for a new system. This is known as overlaying the roof. As long as there are no other problems such as condensation or damaged decking, then overlaying is perfectly acceptable. There are a number of products available on the market you can use.

A: Material warranties usually come from the material manufacturers, and are handed over by the contractor when you pay. Depending on the materials used, this could be for 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. A typical contractor workmanship warranty ranges from 1-5 years. Hudson Roofing Solutions provides a 5 year workmanship warranty on all their new roof installations.

A: Yes, a regular repair and maintenance schedule can extend the service life of a roof.

A: Flat roofs can be installed during the winter. However, roofing work cannot be conducted under certain conditions including extreme temperatures, inclement weather or when tasks cannot be performed safely. Some customers choose to conduct roofing projects during winter conditions before the spring thaw and because below zero temperatures reduces any chance of leakage during construction. Additional reasons to conduct a flat roof project during the winter is that flat roofing materials typically increase during the spring and busy summer gardens are not active.

A: Yes, you could be held legally responsible for an uninsured roofer conducting work on your property. Hudson Roofing Solutions carries adequate insurance at all times. Please ask for our updated coverage certificates.

A: Both the roofer and the owner could be held liable for illegal dumping of roof waste. Hudson roofing solutions utilizes approved waste management facilities to properly process roof waste.

A: No. Flat roofing is a very involved process, unlike sloped/shingle roofing. A flat roof must be installed by a professional flat roof installer as to avoid costly defects and damages. Sloped/Shingle roofing contractors typically are not professional flat roof installers.

A: In more cases than one the scope of work outlined in roofing estimates may vary greatly from one to another. It is advisable to obtain a third party roof consultant to clarify and to look after your best interests. Hudson roofing Solutions offers professional third party Consulting & Inspection services to ensure you get that most out of your new roof and your roofing contractor.