Custom Drainage Solution Roof Project at 378 Hillside Ave, Needham Heights, MA

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ID Flat Roof recently completed a specialized roofing project at 378 Hillside Ave, Needham Heights, MA, showcasing our problem-solving expertise and technical knowledge. Under the guidance of principal contractor Denis Tchernov, our team successfully addressed a challenging water pooling issue while upgrading the roof system with modern materials and techniques.

Project Overview

Our experienced team completed this custom-designed roof replacement in just 3 days, implementing the following technical solutions:

1. Stripping One Layer: Careful removal of one layer of the existing roofing material.
2. Tapered Insulation Installation: Implementation of a tapered insulation system designed to create a 1/8″ per foot slope to facilitate proper drainage.
3. New Membrane Application: Installation of a new high-performance roofing membrane over the tapered insulation system.
4. Existing Base Utilization: Strategic installation of the new system over the existing tar and gravel surface.

Technical Challenges & Solutions

This project presented a significant technical challenge:

• Standing Water Problem: The roof had a critical design flaw causing water to pool in the center, potentially leading to leaks, membrane deterioration, and structural issues.
• Custom Drainage Solution: We engineered a tapered insulation system that gradually built up height from the edges to the center, creating proper watershed without major structural modifications.
• Innovative Base Approach: Rather than completely removing the existing tar and gravel system (which would have increased costs and project time), we utilized it as a stable base for our new system.

Neighborhood Context

Located on Hillside Avenue in Needham Heights, this property sits in one of Needham’s established residential and light commercial areas. Needham Heights is characterized by:

• Proximity to Route 128/I-95, making it a desirable location for both residents and businesses
• Mix of residential properties and professional offices
• Access to the MBTA Needham Heights commuter rail station
• Well-maintained properties reflecting the community’s pride in ownership
• Close proximity to Needham’s business district

When working in this professional setting, our team prioritized:

• Maintaining a clean, organized worksite visible from nearby properties
• Minimizing noise disruption to neighboring businesses and residences
• Ensuring our solution would provide lasting value appropriate to this quality neighborhood

Benefits for the Property Owner

1. Elimination of Standing Water: The tapered insulation system resolved the chronic water pooling issue that threatened the building’s integrity.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency: The new insulation layer enhances the building’s thermal performance beyond simply fixing the drainage issue.
3. Extended Roof Lifespan: Proper drainage significantly extends the life of the roofing membrane by eliminating water weight and exposure.
4. Cost-Effective Approach: By building upon the existing tar and gravel rather than completely removing it, we provided a more economical solution while still resolving the core issue.
5. Rapid Implementation: Completing this custom solution in just 3 days minimized disruption to the property’s operations.

Conclusion

The specialized roof renovation at 378 Hillside Ave, Needham Heights, MA, exemplifies ID Flat Roof‘s ability to engineer custom solutions for challenging roofing problems. Rather than simply replacing the roof with the same problematic design, our team addressed the fundamental drainage issue through innovative use of tapered insulation.

This project demonstrates our commitment to providing not just new roofing materials, but comprehensive solutions that enhance a building’s performance and longevity. The successful completion of this technically demanding project in just three days highlights our efficiency and expertise in commercial roofing across Greater Boston’s suburban communities.