Residential Services
Residential Flat Roofs
We are equipped to perform patch work, reattachment and replacement of roofing elements, and more. If the storm damage on your roof is severe we are also experienced to remove and replace a complete full flat roof system if necessary.
We repair and install all styles and types of residential roofs, including flat roofs.
We are also aware of Energy Star products and various Protective roof coatings that are often applied and understand what they mean and how to deal with this.
Whether it is wind, hail or other storm damage we have seen it all and we know what to do and how to fix it. We will work with you through each step of the process after your roof has been damaged by a storm.
We are equipped to perform patch work, reattachment and replacement of roofing elements, and more. If the storm damage on your roof is severe we are also experienced to remove and replace a complete full flat roof system if necessary.
Our flat roof repair services include a full inspection of your low slope flat roof to assess the damage and then we prepare a detailed written estimate for the proposed work needed.
At Total Exteriors we can properly identify and recommend remediation or replacement options for all types of Flat Roofing substrates, such as:
Asphalt shingle roofing systems
Single-ply roofing systems
Modified bitumen roofing systems
Rubber roof systems
Torch down application
TPO roofing systems
EPDM roofing systems
PVC roofing systems
Corrugated metal roofing systems
Built-up roof systems
Why repair a roof leak?
A low slope flat roof that leaks can lead to more problems. Water can form pools or pockets of water underneath your roof’s membrane. This can cause mould and mildew growth under the roof. If repairs are ignored for long periods of time, the water pools can cause wood and other support structures to rot causing structural damage and weakening the roof. At that point an entire new roof may be required.
How to spot a roof leak
Some low slope flat roof leaks are easy to spot—just look for discolouration or wet spots. But some leaks remain hidden, doing unseen damage over a period of weeks and months. In cases such as this, we use thermal imaging to detect subsurface moisture and pinpoint exact areas of the flat roof that are in need of immediate attention.
Flat roof repair for Calgary homes, garages and infills
Flat and low-slope roofs are everywhere in Calgary: detached garages, back additions and sunrooms, modern infills in inner-city communities, and contemporary homes built with flat roof lines and rooftop decks. Water drains slowly on them, snow can sit for weeks, and every vent, skylight and parapet is a place for a leak to start.
Our team repairs and replaces residential flat roofs of every size, from a single-car garage to a full flat-roof house. If your home has a sloped, shingled roof instead, see our residential roofing page. For apartment blocks, retail and industrial buildings, see commercial roofing.
Flat roof problems we fix most often
• Leaks around drains, scuppers, vents and other roof penetrations
• Blisters, splits and open seams in the membrane
• Ponding water sitting in low spots
• Failed flashing at parapets, walls and skylights
• Hail punctures and wind-lifted edges and corners
EPDM, TPO and torch-on SBS: choosing a flat roof membrane
Torch-on SBS modified bitumen
A two-ply system: a base sheet plus a granulated cap sheet, fused or adhered together. SBS is tough, handles foot traffic well and is a common choice for Calgary houses and garages. Our guide to SBS roofing explains how it is installed.
EPDM rubber
A single-ply synthetic rubber membrane that stays flexible in the cold. On small roofs such as garages and additions it can go on with few seams. The seams and flashings are the parts that need the most care, and they are where most EPDM repairs happen.
TPO
A single-ply thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams. It is usually white or light coloured, so it reflects summer heat instead of absorbing it.
Which is right for your home?
It depends on the roof size, how you use it, what is on it now and your budget. Your estimate explains the trade-offs rather than pushing one system.
Ponding water, drains and snow load
Ponding is the most common flat roof complaint we see. Water left standing long after rain speeds up membrane wear, finds the weakest seam and adds weight the structure was not meant to carry. The usual causes are a blocked drain or scupper, a sagging deck, or insulation that was never sloped toward the drains.
Calgary winters add their own stress. Snow builds up on flat roofs, and a chinook can melt it in an afternoon. If the water refreezes at a drain or scupper overnight, it backs up under flashings and seams, which is why so many flat roof leaks show up in mid-winter rather than in summer storms.
Keep the water moving
Clear drains and scuppers, and working downspouts and eavestroughs, carry the water away before it can pond or freeze.
Keeping drains clear and having the roof checked in spring and fall prevents most problems. Our flat roof maintenance tips cover what homeowners can safely check themselves, and our article on preventing flat roof leaks in summer rains explains how heavy storms find weak spots.
Repair or replace your flat roof?
Many flat roof leaks can be repaired, such as a split seam, a failed vent flashing or a hail puncture, when the rest of the membrane is in good shape.
Replacement is usually the better call when the roof has several leaks, widespread blistering or cracking, wet insulation found with thermal imaging, or a deck that has started to go soft. Patching a roof in that condition tends to move the leak rather than stop it.
When both options are realistic, we price both in writing. Our article on roof repair versus replacement in Calgary goes into more detail.
Storm damage and insurance
If hail or wind damaged your flat roof, the repair may be covered by your home insurance. Our HAAG-certified inspectors document the damage and work with your adjuster. Learn more about hail damage, wind damage and our insurance claims process.
Call (403) 313-4932 for an inspection and written estimate.
Low slope flat roof repair
We understand that a new roof is not always the answer. Sometimes a patch or other repair is all that’s needed.
Total Exteriors roofing pro’s are available to repair any problems you may have with your low slope flat roof. Small leak or large—emergency or non—we handle all types of repairs.
We are experienced on dealing with the following items with a flat roof:
Securing roof penetrations and projections such as pipes, vents and HVAC units.
Repairing membrane conditions such as blisters, ridging, splits and punctures that can occur after years of wear and tear.
Repairs arising from roof accessories such as skylights and expansion joints.
Residential flat roof FAQs
Do you repair flat garage roofs?
Yes. Detached and attached garage roofs are some of the most common flat roofs we work on, along with additions, sunrooms and flat-roof infills.
Why does my flat roof leak in winter?
Usually snow melts in a chinook, refreezes at the drain or edge and backs water up under seams and flashings.
Is some ponding normal on a flat roof?
A little water that dries within a day or two after rain is common. Water that sits much longer points to a blocked drain, a low spot or a sagging deck, and it should be looked at.
Can a flat roof be repaired in winter?
Emergency and temporary repairs can be done year-round. Some membrane work depends on temperature, so we plan permanent repairs around the weather. See replacing a roof in winter.
We repair residential flat roofs across Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Crossfield, Irricana, Beiseker and Rocky View County. See all residential exterior services.
Available 24/7 Every Single Day
Have An Emergency?
Call Us Right Away
24/7 Emergency Line
(403) 407-0208