What Makes Flat Roofing Different
A flat roof isn't actually flat — it's designed with a slight slope, usually between 1/4 and 3 inches per foot, to move water toward drains or scuppers. If that drainage is off even slightly, you get ponding water, which breaks down roofing membranes fast in Florida's heat.
The materials used on low-slope roofs — TPO, modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), and EPDM — are chosen specifically because they form a continuous waterproof layer rather than relying on overlapping shingles. Each one has tradeoffs in cost, durability, and heat reflectivity, and we'll walk you through which makes sense for your situation before any work starts.
Our Approach on Every Flat Roof Job
Before we quote anything, we get up on the roof and assess the deck condition, existing drainage, and how the current membrane has held up. A lot of problems on flat roofs trace back to the substrate — if the plywood deck beneath has softened from trapped moisture, a new membrane on top is just delaying the next failure.
We pay close attention to seams, penetrations, and edge terminations, which are the spots most likely to let water in. In Orlando's storm season, a weak seam can turn a manageable repair into a significant interior leak fast. Our installs are done with proper overlap, heat-welded or fully adhered seams depending on the system, and appropriate flashing at every wall and curb.
When to Call Us About Your Flat Roof
If you're seeing blistering or bubbling on the membrane surface, water stains on interior ceilings near a flat section, or visible cracks and splits along seams, those are signs the system needs attention now rather than later. Flat roofs don't fail gradually the way shingles do — a small breach tends to let in a lot of water quickly.
Orlando homeowners with older modified bitumen or BUR roofs that are 15 or more years old should have them inspected even without obvious symptoms. The heat and UV exposure here accelerates aging, and catching a roof that's near end-of-life before storm season is far less disruptive than dealing with damage after a major rain event.
What's Included
- Full deck inspection and moisture assessment before installation
- TPO, modified bitumen, BUR, or EPDM system installation
- Proper slope and drainage evaluation at every job
- Flashing and sealing at all penetrations, walls, and edges
- Post-install walkthrough to confirm drainage paths are clear
Common questions
How long does a flat roof last in Orlando?+
It depends on the system and how well it's maintained, but TPO and modified bitumen roofs typically last 15 to 25 years in Central Florida when installed correctly and kept clear of debris and standing water.
Can you install a flat roof over an existing membrane?+
Sometimes, but we always inspect the existing layer and deck condition first — installing over a compromised substrate or trapped moisture just traps the problem underneath and shortens the life of the new roof.
Is a flat roof a problem during hurricane season in Orlando?+
Not if it's installed properly with correct edge fastening and drainage — the bigger risk is ponding water after heavy rain, which is why we make sure every flat roof we touch drains the way it should before we leave.