Flat and Low-Slope Roofing in Salem, Utah

A shingle roof sheds water with slope and overlapping rows, while a low-slope roof works differently, so every joint, edge and opening has to remain watertight while water moves toward drainage.

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

A flat-roof inspection is useful when water keeps standing in low areas or the membrane develops visible damage before trapped moisture or recurring ponding causes more damage.

A low-slope roof needs a clear route for rain and snowmelt to leave because the membrane can be sound while poor drainage still creates problems.

A skylight creates several membrane transitions within a small area, and the detail is built to direct water around the opening.

Direct summer sun can make dark membrane surfaces much hotter, although the overall building response depends on more than the roofing color alone.

A low-slope roof can use several membrane types, including TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen; the choice depends on how the roof is built, drained and used.

• TPO single-ply membrane: TPO roofing is built from a thermoplastic single-ply membrane; installers heat-weld adjoining sheets to create a continuous water-resistant surface.
• EPDM rubber membrane: EPDM roofing is built around a synthetic rubber membrane; compatible seam and flashing products complete the joints and transitions.
• Modified bitumen: Modified-bitumen roofing uses reinforced sheets built from asphalt-based material; it can be practical where a reinforced asphalt membrane fits the roof design.
• Existing membrane repairs: We review the membrane, seams and flashing for isolated damage that may be repairable; we separate repairable damage from conditions that point to replacement.

A flat-roof project starts with an evaluation of drainage and the existing membrane; we include roof openings, edges and seams in the same water-control evaluation.

• Prepare the roof surface: A reliable membrane roof starts with a clean and stable supporting surface; the existing roof assembly guides the preparation method.
• Install the membrane: We secure each membrane sheet using the method required for that roof; we inspect the seams as part of the completed membrane installation.
• Assess drainage first: We inspect the roof for ponding areas and the routes water uses to drain; we address drainage problems that could cause the same damage to return.
• Build roof edges and transitions: The perimeter of the roof receives its own edge and transition details; secure perimeter details help protect the membrane from uplift and water entry.
• Check the roof base and insulation: Before covering the roof, we check for wet insulation, soft spots and damaged materials below the membrane; we use the results to decide what can safely remain in place.
• Detail drains and roof openings: Drains, curbs, pipes, vents and rooftop equipment are flashed as part of the membrane system; the membrane and flashing work together to keep the transition watertight.

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.

A membrane roof is installed in a different order from asphalt shingles since slow drainage makes membrane continuity and water-control details especially important.

1. Inspect the existing roofWe review the existing roofing, repair areas and drainage paths; we document the conditions that matter before work begins.
2. Confirm the roofing approachThe roofing approach depends on the condition of the existing membrane and materials below it; we choose the least extensive approach that still solves the roofing problem.
3. Correct problems below the membraneWe deal with wet insulation and weak supporting materials before closing up the roof; we complete this work before the roof is closed up.
4. Install the low-slope roofing systemWe install the new membrane after the roof base and drainage details are ready; the selected product determines how the sheets are attached and joined.
5. Check drainage and detailsOur final review includes drains, scuppers, curbs, walls and roof openings; we use the final review to catch small detail problems before the job is finished.

Our team at Courtland Roofing handles low-slope roofing from inspection through repair or replacement; we base our recommendation on the roof's actual condition.

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

Courtland Roofing has worked on flat roofs in every part of Salem, Utah (84653), and we would be glad to look at yours. We give homeowners across the rest of Utah County the same service, including in Orem, Lehi and Pleasant Grove.

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 Salem.