Slate Roof Restoration and Copper Flashing System 125M

client New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA)
location 425 West 123rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10027
Contractor ARMY CONSTRUCTION LLC
Description Complete Roof Replacement, Slate Installation, Copper Flashing System

Slate Roof Restoration and Copper Flashing System 125M

The roofing restoration at P.S. 125 Manhattan encompassed a complete reconstruction of the steep-slope roof system, blending historic architectural restoration with modern waterproofing technologies. ARMY CONSTRUCTION LLC implemented a fully detailed DaVinci synthetic slate roof system with high-performance underlayments, copper flashings, and snow guard assemblies--ensuring long-term durability, wind resistance, and historic accuracy.

Scope of Work

1. Slate Roof Assembly

A new steep-slope roofing system was installed over the existing concrete deck with full structural preparation:

Deck Preparation: [Details here if applicable, otherwise remove]
Underlayment System: [Details here if applicable, otherwise remove]
Slate Installation:
- **DaVinci Single Width slate shingles** installed in traditional overlapping pattern minimum overhang at eaves.
- Starter and finishing courses detailed per architectural specification.
- Strict adherence to manufacturer fastening and spacing guidelines ensured optimal roof performance and aesthetic consistency.

2. Flashing and Metal Work

To achieve a watertight, durable finish consistent with historic materials, all flashings and trims were fabricated and installed in **20 oz. copper**:

**Copper Base and Cap Flashings:** Installed at all roof-wall interfaces, soldered and overlapped.
**Hip and Ridge Flashings:** Fabricated to match the original architectural profiles and anchored with continuous copper cleats.
**Step and Valley Flashings:** Extended under slate a minimum of 6, designed with unpunctured seams for watertight integrity.
**Edge and Fascia Metal:** Stainless steel edge metal and copper drip edges with hemmed returns for reinforcement.

3. Snow Guard System

Installation of a complete snow retention system to protect eaves and pedestrian areas:

**Product:** Alpine SnowGuards Model PP125, two-pipe configuration with stainless steel brackets.
**Spacing:** Installed along eaves and critical roof zones to prevent snow slides and ice buildup.
**Finish:** Weather-resistant aluminum brackets with compatible fasteners to ensure durability in freeze-thaw cycles.

4. Insulation and Blocking

**Insulation:** Installed between blocking to achieve a minimum **R-30 thermal value**, improving energy efficiency and roof performance.

Key Highlights

Architectural Accuracy:: Restored original roof profiles using copper ridge and hip flashings with historically correct detailing.
Enhanced Durability:: Combination of **DaVinci synthetic slate** and copper flashing provides superior weather resistance and longevity.
Safety Integration:: **Alpine SnowGuard system** ensures pedestrian and faade protection during snow accumulation.
Quality Assurance:: Work executed per **NYCSCA and manufacturer requirements**; all materials approved prior to installation.

Result

The P.S. 125 Manhattan roof restoration showcases ARMY CONSTRUCTION LLCs craftsmanship and ability to merge **historic restoration with modern building performance**.

The new slate and copper roof system delivers a **maintenance-free, watertight, and architecturally faithful solution**, preserving the buildings aesthetic while ensuring resilience for decades of service.