Flat and Low-Slope Roofing in Salt Lake City, Utah

Low-slope roofing is designed around waterproofing and drainage rather than shingle overlap, so seams, drains, roof openings, edges and the roof base all become critical parts of the waterproof system.

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

Low-slope roofing should be checked when drains stop clearing water well, seams open or the membrane begins to blister because the inspection can separate a drainage problem from membrane failure.

A flat roof can hold moisture below the membrane as well as water above it, so we look for wet insulation and damage in the roof base before recommending new roofing.

We check drainage early because standing water can expose weak details; we check whether water reaches drains or scuppers instead of remaining in low areas.

Perimeter details matter because wind can lift at the exposed edges of a low-slope roof, so we inspect membrane attachment, edge metal and other exposed details together.

We work with TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen rather than treating every flat roof as the same system; we choose between them based on drainage, roof size, foot traffic, existing construction and budget.

• TPO single-ply membrane: The waterproof layer in a TPO roof is a thermoplastic membrane; installers heat-weld the seams to join separate sheets into a continuous roof surface.
• EPDM rubber membrane: The waterproof layer in an EPDM roof is a flexible rubber membrane; seams and roof details use compatible tapes, adhesives and flashing materials.
• Modified bitumen: The waterproof layer in a modified-bitumen roof is a reinforced asphalt-based membrane; it can work well on smaller flat sections, porches, garages and other compact roof areas.
• Existing membrane repairs: We look for open seams, punctures, flashing problems and other localized membrane damage; we also check drainage before deciding whether repair or replacement makes sense.

We plan low-slope roofing work from the drainage system outward; we then inspect the membrane, roof base, seams, edges and roof openings.

• Build roof edges and transitions: We complete roof edges and vertical transitions before considering the membrane system finished; these details keep wind and water from working behind the membrane.
• Install the membrane: We install the roofing membrane using the attachment method specified for the system; we complete the seams using the joining method required for the membrane.
• Check the roof base and insulation: We evaluate the roof base and insulation for moisture or damage that should be corrected first; we address problem areas before the new membrane hides them.
• Test and inspect seams: The completed roof receives a seam and detail inspection; we use the inspection method appropriate for the selected membrane system.
• Prepare the roof surface: The surface below the membrane must be clean, stable and suitable for the system; the existing assembly determines whether the project needs tear-off, installing new roofing over suitable existing materials or insulation replacement.
• Assess drainage first: We determine how water moves across the membrane and where it may collect; we use that information to decide whether drainage changes belong in the roofing work.

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 roof work is planned differently from shingle replacement because drainage and membrane continuity must be established before the roof is watertight.

1. Inspect the existing roofWe inspect the membrane and note where water remains after storms; we also note roof openings, repairs and areas that stay wet.
2. Confirm the roofing approachWe decide whether suitable existing roofing can stay in place, can support a new membrane or needs to be removed; we base that decision on membrane condition, moisture and drainage.
3. Correct problems below the membraneWe correct damaged materials beneath the membrane before new roofing goes over them; the new membrane should not be installed over a failing base.
4. Install the low-slope roofing systemWe install the roofing system using the attachment method that fits the material; we complete the seams with the method designed for that material.
5. Check drainage and detailsWe check the roof perimeter, drainage outlets and membrane transitions before sign-off; we confirm that water has a clear path off the finished roof.

Courtland Roofing works on flat-roof membranes, drainage details and related repairs; we inspect drainage, moisture and the roof base before recommending the work.

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

Courtland Roofing has worked on flat roofs in every part of Salt Lake City, Utah, including Capitol Hill, Federal Heights and Yalecrest. Those are Salt Lake City neighborhoods we have worked in, and they are examples, not a boundary:

If you do not see your street listed, call or text us. We can confirm whether we provide flat and low-slope roofing at your address in Salt Lake City.