When you're working on a renovation project in historic Newport, Rhode Island, every detail matters. The coastal location demands materials and techniques that can stand up to salt air, driving rain, and heavy snow — and the finished product needs to look as good as it performs. This project checked every box.
The Challenge: A Flat Roof on the Coast
This Newport renovation involved a multi-story structure getting a complete exterior overhaul. The flat roof section presented unique challenges: it needed to be fully waterproof, durable enough to handle foot traffic for the rooftop deck above, and resilient against the punishing coastal weather Newport is known for.
We chose EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber roofing — the gold standard for flat and low-slope commercial and residential roofs. EPDM is known for its exceptional durability, UV resistance, and ability to flex with temperature changes without cracking. For a waterfront project like this, it was the obvious choice.
WeatherBond Recognized Installer Expertise
As a WeatherBond Recognized Installer, Peak Exteriors brings certified expertise to every flat roofing project. This isn't a credential you get from watching a video — it requires hands-on training, demonstrated proficiency, and adherence to strict installation standards. For homeowners, it means your EPDM roof is installed by a team that the manufacturer trusts to do it right.
WeatherBond's EPDM membranes are engineered for long-term performance, and when installed by a recognized contractor like Peak Exteriors, they come backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranties that give you real peace of mind.
Insulation & Membrane Installation
Before laying the EPDM membrane, we installed rigid insulation board across the entire roof deck, mechanically fastened with plates and screws to ensure a secure, even substrate. This insulation layer is critical — it provides thermal performance, helps prevent condensation issues, and creates the smooth surface the EPDM membrane needs to perform at its best.
Our crew then carefully rolled out and adhered the EPDM membrane, ensuring every seam was properly bonded and sealed. On a coastal project like this, there's zero room for error — a single poorly sealed seam can lead to water intrusion that's costly to repair.
Roof Access Skylight with High Curb
One of the standout features of this project was the installation of a roof access skylight. But this wasn't a standard installation — we built a high curb around the skylight opening to account for snow accumulation and other weather elements common in Rhode Island winters.
A low-profile curb might work in milder climates, but in New England, heavy snowfall can pile up around roof penetrations and cause ice damming and water intrusion. By raising the curb well above the expected snow line, we ensured this skylight will perform flawlessly year after year, no matter what winter throws at it.
Wrapping Deck Posts & PVC Fascia
Perhaps the most painstaking part of this project was wrapping every deck post penetration. Each post that passes through the EPDM membrane is a potential leak point, and on a rooftop deck exposed to coastal weather, there's no margin for error.
Our crew meticulously cut, folded, and sealed the EPDM around each post base, using proper flashing techniques and adhesives to create a watertight seal that will hold up for decades. This kind of detail work separates a roof that lasts from one that leaks.
To finish the roof in style, we installed new PVC fascia around the perimeter. PVC fascia won't rot, warp, or need painting — making it the perfect low-maintenance complement to the EPDM membrane. The clean, crisp lines give the roof a polished, professional appearance while providing long-term protection against moisture and the elements.
Balcony Flat Deck: Pitched Foam & PVC Wrapping
The project also included a second-story balcony flat deck that required its own careful approach. We installed pitched foam across the balcony surface to create proper drainage slope — critical for any flat deck exposed to rain, snow, and coastal moisture. Without proper pitch, standing water can degrade even the best membrane over time.
Once the foam was set and the EPDM membrane was applied over the balcony, we turned our attention to the finishing details. Every pressure-treated deck post and railing was carefully wrapped in PVC to protect the wood from the elements and provide a clean, maintenance-free appearance. This PVC wrapping serves double duty: it shields the structural lumber from moisture and salt air while giving the balcony a polished, finished look that will hold up for years without painting or staining.
The balcony prep work was essential groundwork for the final deck installation — with properly pitched drainage, sealed EPDM, and PVC-wrapped structural members, this balcony deck is built to perform in one of the toughest coastal environments in New England.
Built to Last on the Coast
This Newport project is a perfect example of what Peak Exteriors brings to every flat roofing job: the right materials, the right techniques, and the certified expertise to make it all come together. From WeatherBond EPDM membranes to precision post wrapping, pitched balcony decks, and PVC fascia, every component was chosen and installed for maximum performance in one of New England's most demanding environments.
If you're planning a renovation, building a rooftop deck, or need a flat roof that can handle whatever the coast throws at it, we'd love to talk.
Ready to discuss your flat roofing project? Get a free estimate or call (401) 300-0323.