Flat roof repair
Flat and low-slope roofs use membranes, such as TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen, instead of shingles. Repairs focus on seams, flashing and drainage, because standing water is what shortens their life.
- Fast callback on emergency requests
- Independent local roofers that serve your ZIP
- Photos and a written report for your insurer
- Free to call; the roofer quotes before work starts
Rowhouses, additions, porches, garages and many Southwest homes have low-slope roofs. They leak at seams, around penetrations and where the roof meets a wall. Ponding water, meaning puddles that remain 48 hours after rain, speeds up wear.
Depending on condition, a roofer may patch seams, recoat the surface, add tapered insulation to improve drainage, or replace the membrane. For sloped roofs, see roof repair.
Flat Roof Repair at a glance
- What it is
- Flat and low-slope roofs use membranes, such as TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen, instead of shingles.
- Urgency
- Soon. Start within a day or two.
- Typical steps
- Inspect → Fix drainage → Repair or recover → Flash details
- Who does it
- An independent, local roofing contractor
Signs
When you need flat roof repair
- Puddles that stay for days after rain
- Blisters, cracks or split seams in the membrane
- Leaks near walls, parapets or drains
- Clogged scuppers or drains
Process
What the crew does
- 1
Inspect
Seams, flashing, drains and wet insulation are checked, sometimes with moisture scans.
- 2
Fix drainage
Drains and scuppers are cleared and slope corrected where needed.
- 3
Repair or recover
Seams are patched, the surface recoated, or the membrane replaced.
- 4
Flash details
Walls, curbs and penetrations are reflashed.
Cost
What affects the price
Every job is scoped on site. These are the factors that move the number.
- Membrane type and condition
- Wet insulation that must be replaced
- Drainage corrections
- Access, especially for rowhouses
Before the crew arrives
What you can do, and when to stop
Safe to do
- Clear leaves from drains and scuppers
- Note where water ponds after rain
Stop and call if
- Cutting or patching membranes
- Walking on a roof you're not sure can support you
FAQ
Flat Roof Repair questions
Is some ponding on a flat roof normal?
Small puddles that dry within about two days are common. Water that stays longer points to drainage problems worth fixing.
Can a flat roof be coated instead of replaced?
Sometimes. Coatings can extend the life of a sound membrane but don't fix wet insulation or failed seams.
Available in 51 states
Related
Related services
Roof Leak Repair
Roof leak repair means tracing water back to where it actually enters, usually flashing, a vent boot, a damaged shingle or a valley, and sealing or replacing that part.
Learn more
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing, most often standing seam or exposed-fastener panels, lasts longer than typical asphalt shingles and sheds snow and rain well.
Learn more
Roof Replacement
Roof replacement removes the old roofing down to the decking, repairs damaged decking, and installs new underlayment, flashing, ventilation and roofing.
Learn moreRoof leaking or storm-damaged?
Stop the source if you can, then call. We'll connect you with a local roofing contractor that serves your ZIP.
Fast callback on emergency requests