The maintenance manager at the shopping center on Hempstead Turnpike called us on a Saturday morning after discovering water pouring through the ceiling at one of his anchor stores. When we got there, we found a six-inch puncture in the flat roof where an HVAC contractor had dropped a tool during routine maintenance. What should have been a simple repair turned into an emergency because nobody fixed the hole right away.
Roof puncture repair for flat roofs in Hempstead is something we handle regularly at R&M ROOFERS LLC. Flat roofs on commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and some residential properties get punctured more often than people think. After 15 years of fixing puncture damage throughout Nassau County, we’ve learned that quick response prevents small holes from becoming major water damage problems.
Flat roofs are vulnerable to punctures because there’s no slope to shed debris quickly. Things that bounce off steep roofs can land and stay on flat surfaces, eventually working thier way through the roofing membrane. The flat roofs we see in Hempstead get punctured by several common causes.
HVAC Equipment Damage: Air conditioning units, exhaust fans, and rooftop equipment create the most punctures on flat roofs. Technicians drop tools, equipment vibrates loose and falls, or mounting brackets work through the roof membrane over time.
Foot Traffic Damage: People walking on flat roofs can puncture the surface with high heels, work boots with cleats, or by stepping on sharp objects like screws or nails left behind by other contractors.
Storm Debris: Tree branches, roof gravel blown from other buildings, and flying objects during storms can puncture flat roof membranes. This is especially common in areas like East Meadow where older trees drop branches regularly.
Wildlife Activity: Raccoons, squirrels, and birds can claw or peck holes in flat roof materials while searching for food or nesting spots. Once small holes start, they get bigger quickly during rain storms.
When your flat roof gets punctured, water enters immediately and starts causing damage below. Unlike sloped roofs where water runs off quickly, flat roofs let water pool around punctures and soak into the building structure. R&M ROOFERS LLC provides emergency roof puncture repair throughout Hempstead and Nassau County.
Our emergency response includes:
We respond to emergency puncture calls 24/7 because flat roof punctures cause water damage faster than any other type of roof problem. Even a small hole can flood interior spaces during heavy rain.
Not all flat roof punctures are obvious from inside the building. Sometimes water enters through a puncture and travels along the roof deck before dripping down somewhere else. Proper puncture assessment requires getting on the roof and checking the entire surface systematically.
Our puncture assessment process includes:
We use specialized equipment to detect punctures that aren’t visible during dry conditions. This helps identify problems before they cause extensive interior damage.
Different flat roof materials require specific repair techniques for puncture damage. The most common flat roof types in Hempstead include modified bitumen, EPDM rubber, and TPO membranes. Each material needs different repair methods to create lasting patches.
Modified Bitumen Repairs: These torch-applied or cold-adhesive roofs need patches that bond completely with the existing membrane. We use matching material and proper surface preparation to create watertight repairs that last for years.
EPDM Rubber Repairs: Rubber membrane punctures require careful cleaning and special adhesives that bond with the rubber surface. The patch material must be compatible with the original membrane to prevent future failures.
TPO Membrane Repairs: These heat-welded plastic roofs need patches that integrate properly with the existing membrane. We use hot-air welding equipment to create seams that are as strong as the original roof.
Built-Up Roof Repairs: Older flat roofs with multiple layers of felt and asphalt require different repair techniques that work with the existing system while providing long-term water resistance.
The best approach to flat roof puncture repair is prevention. Regular maintenance and protective measures can prevent most punctures from happening in the first place. This is especially important for commercial properties where roof access is frequent.
Preventive measures include:
We help property managers develop maintenance programs that reduce puncture risk and catch small problems before they become emergencies.
Most flat roofs in Nassau County are on commercial buildings – retail centers, office buildings, warehouses, and apartment complexes. R&M ROOFERS LLC specializes in commercial flat roof puncture repair throughout the area.
Commercial puncture repair services include:
We understand that commercial puncture repairs can’t wait for convenient scheduling. When your business is at risk of water damage, we respond immediately to protect your property and operations.
Some residential properties in Hempstead have flat or low-slope roofs, especially on additions, porches, and modern architectural styles. Residential flat roof puncture repair requires different approaches than commercial work.
Residential services include:
We work directly with homeowners to explain repair options and help you choose solutions that fit your budget and long-term plans for your property.
Quality puncture repairs should last for years without problems. R&M ROOFERS LLC provides warranty coverage on all flat roof puncture repairs, giving you confidence that the work will perform as expected.
Our warranty coverage includes:
We stand behind our puncture repair work because we use proper materials and techniques that create lasting solutions, not temporary fixes.
Flat roof punctures are usually covered by commercial and residential property insurance when they result from storms, equipment failure, or sudden accidents. Understanding how to document puncture damage helps get claims approved quickly.
Insurance typically covers puncture damage from:
Gradual deterioration and maintenance-related punctures may not be covered. We help property owners understand what’s likely to be covered and provide proper documentation for successful claims.
Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to prevent flat roof punctures and extend roof life. R&M ROOFERS LLC offers maintenance programs for commercial and residential flat roofs throughout Nassau County.
Maintenance program services include:
Maintenance program customers get priority emergency response and discounted rates on major repairs. Regular maintenance also helps document roof condition for insurance purposes.
Nassau County building codes and local regulations affect how flat roof puncture repairs must be completed. Major repairs may require permits and inspections to verify proper installation.
Code compliance includes:
Working with licensed contractors like R&M ROOFERS LLC helps property owners avoid code compliance issues that can complicate repairs or future property sales.
Modern technology helps locate flat roof punctures more accurately and verify repair effectiveness. We use electronic leak detection, thermal imaging, and moisture meters to find problems that visual inspection might miss.
Advanced detection methods include:
These tools help us find all punctures during the first visit and verify that repairs are completely watertight before we leave the job.
Flat roof punctures can’t wait for convenient scheduling – water damage happens immediately and gets worse every hour the puncture remains open. R&M ROOFERS LLC provides same-day puncture repair service throughout Hempstead and surrounding areas.
Our same-day service includes emergency temporary repairs, permanent patch installation when possible, and coordination with water damage restoration contractors if interior damage has occurred. We carry materials for the most common flat roof types and can complete most puncture repairs in a few hours.
Contact R&M ROOFERS LLC immediately when your flat roof gets punctured. We’ll respond quickly to stop water infiltration and provide lasting repairs that protect your property.
Call (516) 233-9506 for emergency puncture repair
Serving Hempstead, Uniondale, East Meadow, Levittown, Baldwin, Garden City, West Hempstead, Westbury and all of Nassau County
At R & M Roofers LLC, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Hempstead and the greater Long Island area. Whether you need a quick roof repair, a full replacement, or exterior upgrades, our team is here to help—professional service, honest pricing, and lasting results.