Closely spaced walls and roof penetrations create many transitions on a brownstone roof. This archive case highlights the need to inspect each connection and avoid treating the roof as a single flat sheet.

What to check first

  • Inspect parapet caps and membrane terminations.
  • Check chimney flashing independently of the masonry.
  • Select methods suitable for the building and its fire-sensitive details.

Follow the connection from top to bottom

  1. Find the upper entry point

    Inspect where flashing ends against a wall, curb, pipe, or other surface. Water entering behind that termination may bypass a patch lower down.

  2. Correct the underlying defect

    Loose metal, rotten wood, failed fasteners, and deteriorated membrane need a suitable repair before waterproofing. A surface bridge needs stable, compatible material on both sides.

  3. Keep the detail functional

    A repair should shed water without blocking outlets, weep paths, or intended movement. Use the specified reinforcement and dimensions for the product and detail.

Watch the field examples

These archive demonstrations show individual projects. Use the current guidance above and Bergstrom’s published instructions if an older video shows a different product or method. Torch work shown in installation videos is professional work.

Watch Brownstone Roof Case Study: Parapets, Chimneys, and FlashingOpens on YouTube ↗

From the project archive

Chimney Flat Roof Leaks - Brownstone Brooklyn and Manhattan chimney transition to flat roof
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor
Brownstone Roofs in Brooklyn - Both the chimney and parapet walls were smeared with tar. We not only recovered the roof, but we also covered the parapet walls and chimney with the
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor
Flat Roof Chimneys and Flashing - This chimney had been continually smeared with tar but the leaking continued.
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor

Product reference: Bergstrom Industries’ published knowledge catalog. Follow the latest product label and safety information. Historical project examples are educational and are not a specification for every roof.