ZM Roofing & Waterproofing

We are ZM Roofing & Waterproofing Company. We provide roofing and waterproofing services in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, New York. Our team is experienced and expert, and we work sincerely. Customer pleasure is our main goal.

Protecting from the water damage the underground area of a building is a process called basement waterproofing. You can also use it on the basement wall. For this, you can prevent water leakage, moisture, and damp problems. There are different type of waterproofing applying on the basement.

Here's a simple explanation:

basement Waterproofing: Sometimes water can come from rain, groundwater, different types of cracks or a poor drainage system. If you don't protect your basement, then that water can cause a damp smell, mould, wall damage, or flooding. So, you have to protect the basement system from water using waterproofing.

Basement Wall Waterproofing: In this system, we seal and protect the walls of the basement. Waterproof coatings, membranes, or cement-based materials are used outside or inside the basement walls. Sometimes drainage systems are also used to drain water away.

Common waterproofing methods:

Basement Wall Waterproofing: Protecting the wall from the outside by applying a waterproof layer.

Interior waterproofing : using sealants, coatings, or drainage inside.

Crack repair: For a repair crack, inject epoxy or polyurethane into the wall cracks.

Sump pump installation: to remove collected water.

In New York cost of basement waterproofing depends on several factors like the size of the basement, type of waterproofing, condition of the structure, and materials used.

Average Cost Estimates:

Interior sealant or coating	$3 to $9 per sq. ft.
Exterior waterproofing (dig & seal)	$80 to $250 per linear foot
Foundation crack repair	$400 to $1,200 per crack
French drain installation (interior)	$50 to $100 per linear foot
Sump pump installation	$1,000 to $3,000 total
Full basement waterproofing	$5,000 to $15,000+ total

What Affects the Cost:

Size of the basement, Severity of water damage, Method used (interior vs. exterior), Labor costs in your borough, Permit or inspection requirements (for exterior work).

Waterproofing durability depends on the quality of the material, condition of environment, maintenance type, and where it will be applied.

Here's some description:

Liquid Membrane Waterproofing:

This type of waterproofing common on roofs and terraces. UV exposure and waterlogging can shorten the lifespan if not maintained. Lifespan will be approximately 5 to 10 years.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Using this waterproofing, lifespan will be approximately 5 to10 years, it can be longer unless there is any damage due to weather.

It is often used in internal wet areas such as bathrooms and water tanks. However, it is not UV-resistant, so it is not ideal for exposed surfaces.

Bituminous Membrane

Bituminous membrane's lifespan will be approximately 10 to 20 years.

Used for flat roofs and foundations. Durable but can degrade with extreme UV or movement.

EPDM or TPO Membrane Roofing

This type of roofing, lifespan approximately 20 to 30 years.

High-quality synthetic rubber (EPDM) or thermoplastic (TPO) membranes offer excellent lifespan with proper installation.

Crystalline Waterproofing

It reacts with moisture to form crystals in concrete, permanently sealing capillaries. It is very long-lasting, especially when used during construction. its Lifespan will be approximately 20+ years.

Injection Waterproofing

This waterproofing used for basements or cracks. Its lifespan will be 5 to 10+ years.

Depends on which material will be used, polyurethane, epoxy and structural movement.

Flat roofing means the roof is flat or almost flat — no big slope like tin roof or tile roof. In New York, many buildings use flat roof, especially in commercial and residential buildings. This type of roof is usually made with concrete, rubber, TPO, or bitumen. Flat roof has a small slope, so rainwater can go to the drain. If water stays too long, it can damage the roof — that's why waterproofing is very important.

For a flat roof, some materials are better than others. Best roofing material depends on budget, weather, and how long you want to lasting your flat roof. Here are some best roofing materials for a flat roof:

EPDM Rubber (Black Rubber Sheet)

Very strong and long-lasting approximately 20 to 30 years.

It's easy to repair and install.

Good for commercial and residential flat roofs.

TPO (White Membrane)

Reflects sunlight, saves energy. This type of roofing good for hot weather.

Durable and strong its lifespan is approximately 20 to 25 years.

It's popular in New York flat roofing.

Modified Bitumen (Torch Down)

Asphalt-based, installed with torch.

Strong and waterproof.

Good option for medium budget

PVC Roofing

Very strong, UV and fire resistant

Good for restaurants or buildings with grease/chemical exposure

Very strong, UV and fire resistant

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Layers of bitumen and fabric with gravel on top

Very durable, but heavy

Old-style roofing, not used much now

Repair a flat roof/ flat roof leak:

Find the roof damaged area:

Check roof after the rain. First look for waterlogging then cracks, blister, or soft spots.

Inside the house, check if there are any ceiling stains or water marks.

Clean the roof surface

Remove dirt, leaves, or dust from the roof area you want to fix.

Dry the surface well, if surface is wet repair won't work.

Cut and remove damaged part (if needed)

Cut and remove loose part for big crack or bubble.

Apply roofing cement or Roof coating

Use roofing cement or special flat roof sealant to cover the hole or crack in the roof.

Add patch (if needed)

For bigger damage, cut a piece of roofing membrane like EPDM or bitumen sheet and stick it over the repaired area.

Seal all sides properly to prevent water from getting inside.

Final check

Make sure everything sealed tight.

After passing one day, pour some water and check if it leaks again.

Flat roof replacement cost depends on some fact such as:

Size of the roof (square feet).

Type of material you want to use, like EPDM, TPO, Bitumen, etc.

The condition of the roof and how old it is.

Labor and city permits.

Average Cost (2024-2025):

Per square foot cost is $8 to $15.

1,000 square foot flat cost will be around $8,000 to $15,000.

Example by Material:

Material	Cost (Per Sq Ft)	Notes
EPDM Rubber	$8 to $12	For low maintenance
TPO Membrane	$9 to $14	Energy efficient (white color)
Modified Bitumen	$7 to $12	Good for budget projects
PVC Roofing	$10 to $15	Strong, but higher price