Fort-Cica Roofing & General Contractors is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing professional roofing, masonry, and general contracting services since 1954. They are longstanding members of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA), and are GAF certified. With over 70 years in business across all five boroughs, they handle everything from new construction to restorations for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
William & Hugh Roofing is a family-owned Queens-based roofing company that has served the New York area for over 55 years with zero BBB complaints. With 4.9 stars on Google, 4.8 stars on Yelp, and 4.9 stars on Angi, they consistently earn top marks for professionalism and reliability. Owner Hugh Stewart leads a team known for completing jobs on time and on budget across all NYC boroughs.
C. Johnston Roofing is a Manhattan-based, family-owned roofing and waterproofing company specializing in brownstone and flat roof work. Owner Charles Johnston has led the company for decades, earning an A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2007. They are recognized brownstone and flat roof specialists capable of repairing or replacing roofs of any size, with extensive experience in chimneys, gutters, and waterproofing. Available 24 hours for emergencies.
Rocco’s All Type Roofing is a two-generation family business operating out of Brooklyn since 1976. They are fully licensed and insured, specializing in rubberized roofing, seamless gutters, and custom copper fabrication. They offer 24/7 emergency roofing services and have built a solid reputation over nearly 50 years for being timely, cost-effective, and delivering quality residential and commercial roofing work.
Royal Renovators Inc. is a fully licensed and insured full-service exterior renovations company and GAF Master Elite contractor — a distinction held by less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. They also hold GAF President’s Club status, Inc. 5000 recognition, Best of Houzz Awards, and Angie’s List Super Service Awards. With a 5-star Google rating and offices across NYC, they are one of the most decorated roofing firms in the city.
Gibraltar Home Improvements has been a trusted name in the New York area since 1979, providing both interior and exterior home improvement services. With a 4.8-star Google rating based on 200+ reviews and over two decades of BBB accreditation, they offer comprehensive home remodeling alongside their roofing services. They are a true full-service contractor handling roofing, siding, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
Bill White Roofing & Waterproofing is a three-generation, family-owned roofing company that has served Queens and Brooklyn since 1957. With nearly seven decades of experience, they specialize in flat and shingle roofing, waterproofing, and roof coatings. Every customer receives a detailed contract with an action plan, price, and warranty coverage. They serve all five boroughs of New York City.
Goldenberg Roofing NYC is a premier roofing contractor based in New York City, specialized in flat roof installation and repair services. They serve residential, commercial, government, retail, and multi-family clients across all five boroughs. Praised for individualized customer service, honesty, and competitive pricing, they also offer complete solar roofing systems alongside traditional roofing, gutter, and siding solutions.
Manhattan Roofing is an owner-operated, three-generation roofing company whose roots date back to 1955, when the founder’s grandfather started the business after immigrating from Nova Scotia. Rated 4.9 on Angi and 5.0 on HomeAdvisor, they specialize in leak repair, shingle and tile replacement, skylight repair, and basement waterproofing on both flat and sloped roofs. Known for honest pricing, reliability, and warrantied work.
Skyward Roofing is a rapidly growing Bronx-based roofing contractor that serves all five NYC boroughs plus Yonkers and Hudson County. They offer a modern service portfolio that includes solar shingle installations alongside traditional flat and shingle roofing, TPO, EPDM, spray foam, metal panels, and cedar shake. Despite being newer than some competitors, they have quickly built a strong reputation through quality workmanship and responsive service.
Ensure the contractor holds a valid NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Verify the license number before signing any contract.
Check DOB Compliance
Your contractor should handle all necessary Department of Buildings (DOB) permits. Ask about their experience with NYC building codes, especially for brownstones and landmarked buildings.
Get Multiple Written Quotes
Obtain at least three detailed written estimates. NYC roofing costs vary significantly based on building access, material delivery logistics, and scaffolding requirements.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
Verify both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. NYC’s strict labor laws make proper insurance essential to protect you from liability.
Understand Flat Roof Options
Most NYC buildings have flat roofs. Know the differences between EPDM rubber, modified bitumen, and TPO membranes. Each has different lifespans, costs, and maintenance requirements.
Ask About Building Access
Material delivery and building access can significantly affect cost and timeline. Discuss how materials will reach your roof — whether via interior stairwells, exterior hoists, or crane lifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
A new roof in NYC typically costs between $8,000 and $25,000 for a residential flat roof, depending on the size, materials, and building access. Manhattan and brownstone projects often cost more due to limited access and scaffolding requirements. Commercial roofing projects can range from $15,000 to $100,000+. Always get multiple written quotes from licensed NYC contractors.
Modified bitumen (SBS) and EPDM rubber roofing are the most popular choices for NYC’s predominantly flat roofs. TPO is gaining popularity for commercial buildings due to energy efficiency. For sloped residential roofs in the outer boroughs, architectural asphalt shingles offer good value. Brownstones often use torch-applied modified bitumen. Slate and copper are found on historic buildings and landmarks.
Yes. Most roof replacement and major repair work in NYC requires a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB). Minor repairs under 200 square feet may be exempt. Your contractor should hold a valid NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license and file the necessary permits. In landmarked districts, you may also need approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
A well-installed flat roof in NYC typically lasts 20 to 30 years depending on the material. EPDM rubber roofs last 20–25 years, modified bitumen 15–20 years, and TPO 20–30 years. NYC’s freeze-thaw cycles, intense summer heat, and rooftop foot traffic can shorten lifespan. Regular maintenance, including annual inspections and prompt repair of ponding water, is essential for maximizing roof life.
Verify they hold a valid NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license through the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Check their BBB rating and complaint history. Ensure they carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Ask for references from recent NYC projects, especially buildings similar to yours. A reputable contractor will handle DOB permits and provide a detailed written contract with warranty terms.
NYC roofing costs are 30–60% above the national average due to several factors: limited building access often requiring scaffolding or crane lifts, higher labor costs reflective of the NYC market, strict Department of Buildings permitting requirements, material delivery challenges in dense urban areas, and additional insurance requirements. Multi-story walkups and brownstones present unique logistical challenges that increase project costs.
Roofing in New York City
New York City presents unique challenges for roofing contractors. The vast majority of the city’s buildings feature flat roofs — from brownstones in Brooklyn and Manhattan to row houses in Queens and the Bronx. This means most NYC roofing work involves membrane systems like EPDM rubber, modified bitumen, and TPO rather than traditional shingles.
The city’s extreme weather swings — from harsh winters with freeze-thaw cycles to intense summer heat that can exceed 100°F on rooftop surfaces — place heavy demands on roofing materials. Ponding water from poor drainage is one of the most common flat roof issues in NYC, and regular maintenance inspections are essential to catch problems early.
NYC’s regulatory environment adds another layer of complexity. The Department of Buildings (DOB) requires permits for most roofing work, and contractors must hold a valid Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. Buildings in landmarked historic districts face additional requirements from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. These regulations, combined with the logistical challenges of working in one of the world’s densest urban environments, make choosing an experienced local contractor especially important.
Building access is often the single biggest factor affecting cost and timeline. Materials may need to be hoisted to rooftops via exterior lifts or cranes, and scaffolding requirements can add thousands to a project. The contractors in our directory have extensive experience navigating these NYC-specific challenges and can provide accurate quotes that account for your building’s unique access requirements.