A good brand of membrane won't fix a rotted deck or wet insulation underneath it. Before we compare manufacturers, we check what's on the roof and whether it can stay. Different systems need different prep, even on the same building. GAF systems are matched to the substrate and attachment method your roof can support. Carlisle SynTec options are checked for compatibility with the existing roof before anything is installed. Whichever brand you choose, the proposal spells out the prep work your roof needs.
Every manufacturer has its own rules for what a new membrane can go over and how it attaches. Johns Manville systems come in several membrane types, and we check the existing roof before recommending one. Sika Sarnafil PVC is heat-welded, so any repair or tie-in needs clean, compatible material. EPDM, modified bitumen and other systems each have their own seaming and prep requirements. If the existing surface can't take the new system, we explain what has to come off. You choose based on what will work, not on the logo.
A new field membrane can still leak if the edges, curbs and walls aren't rebuilt properly. Holcim Elevate systems include flashing details that need solid wood and board behind them. Soprema assemblies are planned with a clear split between what stays and what gets rebuilt. Any structural or wind-load questions go to an engineer. If an HVAC unit needs service before its curb is flashed, that's scheduled first. The proposal includes every detail, not just the field square footage.
Choosing a system starts at your building. For downtown Berkeley properties, we begin with any roof records you have and where leaks are showing up inside. Your site contact arranges roof access and any protection needed below. We inspect the existing roof before recommending a manufacturer's system, since a neighboring building's roof tells us nothing about what's under yours. Each finding is tied to a spot on your roof. Nearby buildings can be scheduled together, but each one gets its own recommendation.
Picking a manufacturer doesn't by itself decide what the warranty covers. Roof warranty management matches your warranty documents to the work being proposed, and the manufacturer makes the final coverage call under its terms. If wet insulation might stay in place, we test it first, because many systems don't allow that. We coordinate with the building manager to protect the space below during work. Photos show what's permanent and what's temporary. We take urgent calls on nights, weekends and holidays.
Send us any information on the existing roof and where the problems are. We'll inspect it and explain, with photos, what each system would need.
