A flat roof looks simple, but it calls for more care than a pitched roof. Water does not run off as quickly, and every seam, vent penetration and drain is a place where a leak can start. That is why Aqua-tek Roofing chose to focus on one specialty. The owner, Wojciech Zagroba, follows a simple rule: it is better to do one thing perfectly than many things adequately. The company holds a Pennsylvania contractor license (PA-200048), and the crew speaks Polish as well as English.
TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen
Aqua-tek Roofing installs three types of flat roof systems. Each has its strengths, and the choice depends on the building, how it is used and the budget.
- TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic membrane, usually light in color. Its seams are heat-welded with hot air, and the light surface reflects sunlight, which helps keep the building cooler in summer.
- EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane, most often black. It stays flexible in low temperatures, which matters during cold winters in the Pocono Mountains.
- Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based system installed in layers and torch-applied. It handles foot traffic well, for example during equipment service on the roof.
Who needs a flat roof
Flat roofs are found mainly on commercial buildings: stores, offices, warehouses, schools and multifamily buildings. They are also increasingly common on single-family homes, for example on additions, garages and modern designs. Aqua-tek Roofing works for homeowners as well as businesses and schools. On commercial buildings, a clear work plan matters, so that the business can keep running without long interruptions.
Repair or a new roof
Not every leak means the whole roof has to be replaced. Often the problem is limited to individual seams, flashing around chimneys, skylights and HVAC units, or clogged drains. The company performs roof inspections and leak repairs, and when the roof covering is worn out, it recommends a replacement. Water that stands for a long time, blisters, cracks and membrane edges that are lifting are all signs that the roof needs a closer look.
How a flat roof replacement works
The work starts with an inspection. The roofer checks the existing covering, the substrate and insulation, the slope and any spots where water collects, as well as flashing around chimneys, skylights and rooftop equipment. Based on that, he recommends a roofing system and the scope of work. A replacement usually means removing worn layers, repairing the substrate, installing the new membrane or modified bitumen and finishing the edges and penetrations. Checking the drains is an important step too, because even the best covering cannot make up for poor drainage.
Poconos winters and flat roofs
Snow, frost and thaws put a flat roof to a real test. Meltwater gets into every gap and widens it when it freezes. It makes sense to have the roof checked in the fall, before the season, and again in the spring, after winter. For more than 35 years this family company has installed roofs in Pennsylvania and knows the conditions they have to withstand. On buildings with flat roofs, clear gutters and drains are just as important, because they decide how quickly water leaves the roof.
Service area and financing
Aqua-tek Roofing is based in Brodheadsville and serves the Poconos, Stroudsburg, Allentown, Scranton and the Lehigh Valley. Besides flat roofs, the company installs metal roofs, gutters, soffits and skylights. Financing is available.
The company also installs metal roofs. Read more in Metal Roofs in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley: Durable Roofing for Pennsylvania Winters.
Contact
Estimates and roof inspections: 570-236-1934.
Address and more information: Aqua-tek Roofing, LLC on Polish Pages.
The scope of work and the choice of roofing system are determined after an on-site inspection.
