Maximum Roofing recently completed a torch-down flat roof overlay on Leverett Avenue, in the South Shore region of Staten Island. The homeowner had previously applied silicone coating to the existing roof. It helped for a while, so when the roof needed further attention, his first thought was to apply another coat.
After assessing the roof, our team agreed that another silicone application would not adequately address its condition. The roof had deteriorated beyond the point where we considered recoating the right approach. We recommended a new roofing layer and completed a torch-down overlay.
Watch Our Team at Work
Open the video directly · 7-second clip
The accompanying video offers a close-up look at part of the work. In the clip, a team member lifts an existing section of roof material, showing the surface beneath it.
This footage comes from the job and gives homeowners a view of the roofing our team was working with. Together with the project account, it documents the property’s roofing work beyond a written description alone.
Why Another Silicone Coating Wasn’t the Right Choice
Silicone coatings can be useful for maintaining suitable existing roofs, but the condition of the roofing underneath matters. A coating recommendation should follow an assessment of the existing system, including whether deterioration or other problems need to be addressed first.
As GAF’s roof coating guidance explains, a coating cannot restore a roof that has reached the end of its serviceable life. That distinction helps property owners understand why a treatment that worked previously may no longer be the appropriate next step.
For this homeowner, the previous coating had provided a period of useful service. Our recommendation reflected the roof’s current condition and the need for new roofing.
Installing the Torch-Down Roof Overlay
Our team installed a new torch-down roofing layer over the existing flat roof, completing the overlay. The work moved the project beyond another surface-coating application and provided the new roofing system we had recommended.
An overlay and a coating are different types of work. A coating is applied as a liquid over a suitable roof surface. An overlay adds another roofing layer. Whether either option is appropriate depends on the existing roof and the proposed system; the decision should be made for the individual property.
A Completed Project and a Happy Homeowner
The homeowner was happy with the finished job. What began as a request to reapply silicone became a torch-down overlay after our team assessed the roof and recommended a different scope of work.
For other property owners considering another coating, this project illustrates the value of evaluating the existing roof first. Useful questions include whether it remains a suitable coating candidate, what preparation is needed, and whether new roofing would better address its condition.
When arranging an assessment, tell your roofer about previous coatings, repairs, and any recurring concerns. That history provides useful context when discussing the roof’s condition and deciding what to do next.
Discuss Your Roofing Project
If your flat roof needs attention, Maximum Roofing can discuss the condition of the roof and the work you are considering. Our team can explain the recommended scope and answer your questions before work begins.
Call (732) 395-3945 to discuss your roofing project and arrange an estimate.