OLD FLORESTA RESIDENCE, BOCA RATON

A distinctive home in one of Boca Raton’s most cherished neighborhoods

One of our most technically demanding recent projects took place in the heart of Boca Raton’s historic Old Floresta district. This exceptional residence embodies the timeless character and architectural detail that make the neighborhood so special. It presented a roofing challenge that required a level of engineering expertise and field craftsmanship few contractors could offer.

Nestled among mature trees and landmark historic homes, the property deserved a solution that would not only stop a years-long pattern of water intrusion but do so without compromising a single element of its architectural appearance.

When recurring leaks called for a different approach

The homeowner contacted EcoSmart Construct after experiencing ongoing roof leaks and water intrusion issues that had persisted for an extended period. The roof presented a genuine engineering challenge: complex geometry, multiple dormers, significant elevation changes, limited site access, and extensive custom sheet metal fabrication throughout. These were the factors that had led other contractors to decline the project.

Any solution also needed to respect the historic character of the property in every visible detail. That meant no shortcuts on materials, no off-the-shelf flashing, and no compromise on craftsmanship.

Thorough roof inspection: finding the real source of the problem

EcoSmart Construct began with a thorough roof inspection of the full system. This was a forensic process aimed not at replacing what was there, but at identifying precisely why it had been failing. This step is where most repair attempts had fallen short. Without understanding the actual source of water intrusion, any new work would eventually face the same outcome.

The inspection covered the full perimeter of the structure, examining every flashing junction, transition, and wall-to-roof interface. What it revealed was clear: the wall flashings around the perimeter had failed, allowing water to bypass the roofing system entirely and penetrate directly behind it. Surface-level repairs had masked the symptoms without touching the cause.

“We found that the wall flashings were failing around the perimeter of the home. To solve the issue permanently, we designed a custom two-piece counter flashing system that would stop water intrusion and protect the building envelope.”
Paul O’Connell · General Manager, EcoSmart Construct

A custom-engineered solution

With the root cause identified, EcoSmart Construct engineered a custom two-piece counter flashing system designed specifically for this structure’s geometry and historic detailing. The complete roofing solution was then built around that foundation:

Roofing system installed

• Standing Seam Aluminum Roofing System
• Double Layer Polyglass Polystick XFR Underlayment
• Custom Fabricated Two-Piece Counter Flashing System
• Custom Wall Flashings
• Hurricane Resistant Fastening System
• High-Performance Waterproofing Details

Every component in this system was designed and fabricated to integrate with the home’s historic architecture while delivering long-term waterproofing performance against South Florida’s wind-driven rain, hurricane exposure, and extreme UV conditions.

The installation demanded a high level of field fabrication throughout. This roof offered no simple runs or standard junctions: every dormer, every elevation change, every wall transition required its own custom solution, cut, bent, and fitted on site. There was no template to follow. Each junction was measured, fabricated, and tested individually before the next section could begin. It is a process that demands both technical skill and patience, and one that cannot be shortcut without risking the integrity of the whole system.

Attention to every detail

Working on a property of this character requires care beyond the purely technical. The team navigated difficult site access throughout, while keeping the work precise and the site clean.

The selected roof color proved to be the ideal match for the home’s exterior palette, complementing the shutters and the subtle tones of the terrace finishes. The custom flashings and transitions were fabricated to be invisible as interventions — present for their performance, absent to the eye.

Project results

• Eliminated active water intrusion
• Resolved failed wall flashing conditions across the full perimeter
• Preserved historic architectural appearance throughout
• Delivered long-term protection against South Florida wind-driven rain, hurricane exposure, and extreme UV
• Increased property value
• Reduced future maintenance requirements
• Delivered a permanent waterproofing solution where previous repairs had failed

“The roof feels like it has always belonged to the house.”
Homeowner · Old Floresta Residence, Boca Raton

That’s exactly what we strive for on historic properties. The best roofing projects not only perform flawlessly. They look as though they were always meant to be there.
Paul O’Connell · General Manager, EcoSmart Construct

About EcoSmart Construct

At EcoSmart Construct, we understand that historic homes require more than roofing knowledge: they require craftsmanship, attention to detail, and genuine respect for a property’s architectural heritage. Our team specializes in solving complex roofing and waterproofing challenges, protecting what matters most while delivering results built to last.