When do I need my flat roof replaced?

Hi there and welcome to Klein Developments Blog on Flat Roof Replacement. Lets look at this project with a special point of view.

First, please lets look at the most common question, which is is my flat roof leaking and how do I know? Our answer to this is often time we do not know that our flat roofs are leaking. The reason for this is that there are typically so many layer applied to a flat roof that the leaks may take some time to show us visibly the evidence of a leak. Because of the layers that have been applied over the years (as much as 8 layers in 80 years on most flat roofs in our area) we cannot identify where the leaks are coming from and also which part of our home that they may be leaking into. In our profession, we find that most of these flat roofs with multiple layers of roofing actually leak into your exterior walls (brick). When moisture enters the brick walls it takes time for you , the home owner to see, but after you notice it is too late for the fact that once moisture is in the brick wall it will use capillary action to spread through the mortars and brick. Capillary action of this spread of moisture could take up to five years before you will notice, but once it has happened your wall are already deteriorating. With this we suggest you contact a qualified contractor to inspect your roof at least every five years.

Secondly, lets look at how many layers of roofing that you may have on your flat roof. For replacement of that flat roof , by code and insurance company standards, you may not have any more than 2 layers. The reason why the code and insurance company want this is that more than two layers on your roof are causing too much of a dead weight load ( in other words too much weight sitting on the framing structure of the home.

So now lets look at your flat roof, how many layers are there, what indication shows that it needs replaced, and if by the standards, how much will it cost for replacement. For replacement costs, the tearing off of the old is quite laborious (if you can imagine cutting off as many layers as 8), then you have to figure out if the decking holding up the 8 layers is deteriorated (which will be an unforeseen cost) and then which type of material that you may wish to re-install on your roof.

The next part is which material would you like. We have several different options. Maybe a metal roof with a special insulation underneath to conserve energy in you home, maybe a rubber room (EDPM) with the insulation also, or maybe a bitumen (torchdown--not a mop) to secure your new roof.

These are all things to consider when you wish for repair or replacement of your flat roof. We hope this is helpful and please contact your BBB rate contractor for proper estimates and guidance that will help you have the best job performed with the best prices.

Five essentials that make up a great Man Cave

We all want our own 'space' to get away from the daily grind and relax.  Heck even Batman had a man cave.  Ok, he is a fictional character who was always saving the world and a fictional millionaire also, but you don't have to be a millionaire to get your own affordable man cave. 


First of all, lets look at what kind of space you have to create your man cave. What are your essential needs in this man cave? These needs will require a certain amount of space to build your man cave. For instance, would you like a bathroom, a bar, an entertainment system? All of these will require a certain amount of space to make your man cave a comfortable area.

Lets take a look at a bathroom for instance, do you want a 1/2 bath (toilet and hand sink) or a full bath with a shower. Is there a bathroom already available in the area where you want your man cave? If not, then we have to look at the cost of the plumbing and electrical to install a new bathroom. You may wish for a walk in shower in this bathroom. These items are going to designate how large of a space you may wish to have for your mancave.

Now lets look at another popular item for your man cave....a bar. Wow, you may need a refrigerator and or a wine cooler, a sink for washing small dishes, a microwave for warming snacks, and a serving area. You may even also wish for a kegerator. All of these will constitute the amount of space needed for the bar area of your mancave.

Another item to consider on this space of your mancave is your entertainment system. You may wish for a large flat screen TV to watch movies and games on and a sound system to work with the TV. These will require a certain amount of space which we need to incorporate in to the man cave design area but also require a certain amount of behind the wall wiring. Also you will want a comfortable seating area for your family or guests, so keep this in mind for the size needed for your mancave. As a matter of fact you may wish to incorporate an island with bar stools and a drink ledge over the seating areas. And speaking of the entertainment area in your mancave ---are you going to have smokers, like cigars and cigarettes? You may wish to have an adequate ventilation system to accommodate.

Other ideas from man caves that we have built previously are saunas, Jacuzzi's, and large walk in showers. Look for a good contractor in your area to give estimates for your man cave, however we always recommend searching through the Better Business Bureau to find an accredited, qualified contractor to serve your construction needs.

Voila! Its that simple!  Extra tip: Want to sell your wife on the idea?  How about a trade off and giving her a space she can enjoy -- either a new bathroom jacuzzi or a home addition with outdoor living space are great options.