Flat and Low-Slope Roofing in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

A flat or low-slope roof cannot rely on overlapping shingles to shed water quickly, so standing water and weak transitions deserve more attention than they do on a steep roof.

Median year built from the US Census American Community Survey; elevation from USGS.

Recurring standing water, open seams, membrane cracks or interior stains are reasons to inspect a low-slope roof, so the cause can be identified before more roofing or insulation is affected.

Low-slope roofs need secure membrane and edge attachment in exposed conditions because uplift forces can concentrate where the roof changes direction.

Low-slope roofs have several transitions where the membrane turns up walls, curbs and equipment because slowly moving water can remain against those details longer.

We start the weather review by looking at how the roof drains because repeated standing water can keep pressure on seams and flashing.

TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen are the primary low-slope roofing systems we evaluate; roof shape, drainage, exposure and repair needs affect the decision.

• TPO single-ply membrane: A TPO roof uses a thermoplastic single-ply membrane; heat welding joins the individual sheets into a continuous membrane.
• EPDM rubber membrane: An EPDM roof uses a flexible synthetic rubber membrane; compatible adhesives, tapes and flashing products are used to complete seams and details.
• Modified bitumen: A modified-bitumen roof uses reinforced asphalt-based membrane sheets; smaller flat roofs and detailed roof sections are common places to consider it.
• Existing membrane repairs: We evaluate existing flat-roof membranes for seam openings, punctures and flashing damage; we use the overall membrane condition to decide whether a repair is worthwhile.

We start a low-slope roofing project by understanding how water moves across the roof; we check the roof base and membrane details before deciding whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

• Detail drains and roof openings: Drains and roof openings receive membrane flashing designed for the selected roofing system; these areas receive the same attention as the main membrane seams.
• Check the roof base and insulation: We check the materials below the membrane for moisture, damaged insulation and weak areas; we correct damaged areas before membrane installation.
• Install the membrane: We position and secure the membrane using the attachment method required for the system; we complete each seam with materials and methods compatible with the selected membrane.
• Prepare the roof surface: A new membrane needs a sound, clean surface underneath it; the project may require removing old roofing, replacing insulation or preparing suitable existing materials to remain under the new membrane.
• Assess drainage first: We trace the roof's drainage path and note areas where water tends to stand; we use the drainage review to plan the repair or replacement around actual water movement.
• Build roof edges and transitions: Roof edges, parapets, walls and termination points receive dedicated membrane details; the finished transitions protect vulnerable perimeter areas from wind and water.

Which of those apply depends on what the inspection finds. We would rather tell you the roof needs a repair than sell you a replacement it does not need yet.

For the full picture of the service, see Flat Roofing.

Low-slope roofing follows a different installation sequence from shingles since the membrane and drainage details together make the roof watertight.

1. Inspect the existing roofWe inspect the current membrane, drainage and perimeter details; we include previous repairs and recurring ponding areas in the evaluation.
2. Confirm the roofing approachWe compare four options: repair, partial replacement, a new membrane over suitable existing roofing and full removal; the existing assembly guides how much removal is necessary.
3. Correct problems below the membraneWe correct wet insulation, weak roof-base areas and other unsound materials first; we do not want trapped moisture sealed into the roof assembly.
4. Install the low-slope roofing systemWe install the selected low-slope membrane with its required attachment method; the main membrane surface and its joints become one waterproof surface.
5. Check drainage and detailsThe final inspection covers drainage points, edges and membrane transitions; we complete this review before considering the membrane system finished.

Courtland Roofing handles TPO, EPDM, modified-bitumen and other low-slope roofing work; we inspect the existing roof before deciding whether to repair it, install a new membrane over suitable existing roofing or replace it.

Certified installer for GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning, family-owned, licensed & insured.

Courtland Roofing has worked on flat roofs in every part of Cottonwood Heights, Utah (84121 and 84093), including the streets around the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. We give homeowners across the rest of Salt Lake County the same service, including in Riverton, Herriman and Midvale.

If you do not see your ZIP code listed, call or text us. We can confirm whether we provide flat and low-slope roofing at your address in Cottonwood Heights.