Troubleshooting and Fixing Leaks at YMCA of Yonkers
The YMCA of Yonkers was experiencing mystifying recurring drainage issues that caused standing water. Our team evaluated their roof, and tracked the issue down to clogged drains, not the flat roof itself. In fact, the issue wasn't even happening due to their own roof or drainage system. The issue was coming from the building above!
Tenants were throwing garbage and debris out of the windows, which would land on the lower roof area. Over time, that debris made its way into the roof drains and downspouts, causing blockages and preventing the roof from draining properly.
When water cannot flow off of a flat roof, it begins to pond. Ponding water is a big problem because it adds unnecessary weight, speeds up roof deterioration, and increases the chance of leaks around seams, penetrations, drains, flashing, and other vulnerable areas.
After assessing the roof, we provided a free in-depth quote. The YMCA accepted our offer, and our team set to work. This involved removing existing compromised roofing down to the decking for the bulkhead roof (area marked in green), and installing a new mod bit (modified bitumen) roof on the bulkhead, and performing some badly needed flat roof maintenance for the rest of the roof (area marked in yellow).
Tenants were throwing garbage and debris out of the windows, which would land on the lower roof area. Over time, that debris made its way into the roof drains and downspouts, causing blockages and preventing the roof from draining properly.
When water cannot flow off of a flat roof, it begins to pond. Ponding water is a big problem because it adds unnecessary weight, speeds up roof deterioration, and increases the chance of leaks around seams, penetrations, drains, flashing, and other vulnerable areas.
After assessing the roof, we provided a free in-depth quote. The YMCA accepted our offer, and our team set to work. This involved removing existing compromised roofing down to the decking for the bulkhead roof (area marked in green), and installing a new mod bit (modified bitumen) roof on the bulkhead, and performing some badly needed flat roof maintenance for the rest of the roof (area marked in yellow).
The bulkhead's flat modified bitumen membrane was installed with adhesive that met and/or exceeded the manufacturer and NRCA requirements. For all needed metal components - like flashing and drip edges - we added new heavy-gauge custom built metal components. We also removed and replaced the twenty foot downspout, and checked for any blockages.
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For the main roof, we cleaned and prepared the surface, removed debris, and washed the roofing system for a proper bonding of asphalt aluminum. This improves the reflectivity of the roof, helping reduce cooling costs and UV damage. We used Karnack flashing cement to seal all penetrations, transitions, and drainage areas. All flashings were waterproofed with a two part system - using flashing grade Karnack, mesh and a top coat.
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We protected our crew and the patrons as well by setting up a perimeter warning and fall protection system. At the end of each workday, per policy, we cleaned up and after we were done we did one more check to make sure we left nothing behind and the site was better than we found it.
In addition to providing the YMCA with an improved roof, drainage system, and robust 2 year warranty, we also began routine roof maintenance visits to inspect the roof, remove debris, clear drainage areas, seal minor openings and make sure the roof continued working as intended.
This case impressed upon us the importance of routine checks and motivated us to create the roof maintenance packages we now offer, so that issues like blocked drains are not discovered too late, after damage has already occurred.
With Skyward Roofing checking the building's roof and gutter system, the YMCA managers have peace of mind, are avoiding unnecessary emergency calls, and don't have to pay a middleman to correct a problem that we could handle directly.
Flat roofs do not fail only because of age - Many fail because nobody is regularly watching them (after all, they are impossible to view from the ground!). A simple maintenance plan can help prevent small issues from turning into costly leaks.
In addition to providing the YMCA with an improved roof, drainage system, and robust 2 year warranty, we also began routine roof maintenance visits to inspect the roof, remove debris, clear drainage areas, seal minor openings and make sure the roof continued working as intended.
This case impressed upon us the importance of routine checks and motivated us to create the roof maintenance packages we now offer, so that issues like blocked drains are not discovered too late, after damage has already occurred.
With Skyward Roofing checking the building's roof and gutter system, the YMCA managers have peace of mind, are avoiding unnecessary emergency calls, and don't have to pay a middleman to correct a problem that we could handle directly.
Flat roofs do not fail only because of age - Many fail because nobody is regularly watching them (after all, they are impossible to view from the ground!). A simple maintenance plan can help prevent small issues from turning into costly leaks.
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