Flat and Low-Slope Roofing in Magna, Utah

Water stays on a low-slope roof longer than it does on a steep roof, 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.

A low-slope roof may need service before it leaks if seams are opening or water repeatedly collects in the same areas, so the cause can be identified before more roofing or insulation is affected.

Storm damage on a flat roof may show up as punctures, edge movement or blocked drainage because a blocked drain can create problems even when the membrane is not punctured.

The condition below the membrane is part of the weather evaluation because the roofing decision depends on what is happening below the surface too.

Roof edges, corners, parapets and equipment areas can see strong wind forces because uplift forces can concentrate where the roof changes direction.

The membrane choice usually comes down to TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen; roof shape, drainage, exposure and repair needs affect the decision.

• TPO single-ply membrane: TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing material; heat welding joins the individual sheets into a continuous membrane.
• EPDM rubber membrane: EPDM is a single-ply synthetic rubber roofing material; compatible adhesives, tapes and flashing products are used to complete seams and details.
• Modified bitumen: Modified bitumen is a reinforced asphalt membrane made for low-slope roofs; smaller flat roofs and detailed roof sections are common places to consider it.
• Existing membrane repairs: We inspect the existing flat-roof system for damaged seams, flashing and membrane areas; we use the overall membrane condition to decide whether a repair is worthwhile.

We begin by identifying where water moves and where it remains on the roof; we check the roof base and membrane details before deciding whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

• Detail drains and roof openings: We detail the membrane around drains, vents, pipes, curbs, walls and rooftop equipment; these areas receive the same attention as the main membrane seams.
• Build roof edges and transitions: Edges and raised transitions are finished as part of the waterproof roofing system; the finished transitions protect vulnerable perimeter areas from wind and water.
• Test and inspect seams: We inspect seams after installation to make sure the membrane is continuous at the joints; the membrane type determines whether additional seam testing is appropriate.
• Assess drainage first: We evaluate where water leaves the roof and where drainage slows down; we use the drainage review to plan the repair or replacement around actual water movement.
• Check the roof base and insulation: We examine the roof base for weak areas and check the insulation for trapped moisture; we correct damaged areas before membrane installation.
• Install the membrane: We place and secure the membrane according to the requirements of the chosen system; we complete each seam with materials and methods compatible with the selected membrane.

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.

The work sequence on a low-slope roof differs from a shingle installation since the membrane and drainage details together make the roof watertight.

1. Inspect the existing roofWe inspect the current low-slope roof from membrane surface to drainage points; we include previous repairs and recurring ponding areas in the evaluation.
2. Confirm the roofing approachWe use the inspection to decide how much of the existing roof can remain; the existing assembly guides how much removal is necessary.
3. Correct problems below the membraneWe correct damaged roof-base materials and wet insulation before membrane installation; we do not want trapped moisture sealed into the roof assembly.
4. Install the low-slope roofing systemWe install the low-slope roofing material using the method designed for that system; the main membrane surface and its joints become one waterproof surface.
5. Check drainage and detailsWe check the completed roof at drainage points, edges, walls and openings; we complete this review before considering the membrane system finished.

We install and repair TPO, EPDM and modified-bitumen roofing through Courtland Roofing; 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 Magna, Utah (84044), including the streets around the Great Salt Lake shoreline. We give homeowners across the rest of Salt Lake County the same service, including in Salt Lake City, West Valley City and West Jordan.

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 Magna.