Urban Endurance: Engineering Watertight Systems for Commercial High-Rises

Image of underlayment for a roof and slate tiles

Table of Contents

The Commercial Challenge: Urban Exposure

High-rise roofs face extreme wind uplift and constant UV radiation. As seen in our “before” photos, older systems eventually become brittle and crack. Our team stripped back the failed layers to provide a clean substrate for a multi-ply Modified Bitumen system that can handle the unique pressures of an urban environment.

Precision Flashing: Navigating Complex HVAC Systems

A commercial roof is only as good as its weakest seal. This project involved dozens of HVAC units, vents, and heavy machinery mounts.

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Custom Fitting: We don’t use “one size fits all” solutions.

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Monolithic Seals: Every curb and pipe penetration was hand-detailed and thermally fused to ensure the membrane and the machinery become one watertight unit.

Reflective Efficiency: The Cool Roof Advantage

Notice the bright, white-granule finish on the new installation. This is a “Cool Roof” strategy. By reflecting a high percentage of solar energy, we significantly reduce the building’s cooling costs and prevent the “Heat Island” effect common in dense city centers.

Durability Features: Integrated Walkway Pads

Commercial roofs get a lot of foot traffic from maintenance crews. To protect the main waterproofing layer, we installed dark-grey Walkway Pads in high-traffic areas around the mechanical units. These reinforced pads allow technicians to service the building without ever compromising the roof’s warranty or integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In commercial settings, a highly reflective surface can reduce roof surface temperatures by up to 50°F, leading to significant savings on monthly AC bills and reducing wear and tear on HVAC equipment.
We specialize in “low-impact” installations. We coordinate with building management to ensure safety perimeters are maintained and that noisy phases of the project are scheduled to minimize disruption to tenants.
The darker color provides a clear visual path for maintenance workers, signaling where it is safest to walk. More importantly, these pads are extra-thick to resist punctures from dropped tools or heavy equipment.