Not every part of a house has a steep roof. Additions, dormers, porches and garages often have a flat or low-slope roof, and those areas need a completely different approach from shingles to stay dry.
Flat and Low-Slope Roofing in Toronto
Goldstar installs and replaces flat roofs using modern membrane systems. Unlike shingles, which rely on gravity to shed water, a membrane forms a continuous waterproof sheet, which is why the seams and edges must be completed with real care.
The most important principle on any flat roof is drainage. Water that sits on the surface finds every weakness, so each roof we build is shaped to move water off towards the outlets.
Membrane Systems We Install
We fit the main flat-roof systems and recommend the one that suits the size, use and exposure of your roof:
- EPDM rubber: a tough single-ply membrane that works particularly well on larger low-slope areas
- TPO: a white, heat-welded membrane that reflects summer heat and helps keep the rooms below cooler
- Modified bitumen: a multi-layer system applied by torch or self-adhered, with a long track record on flat roofs
Each has strengths, and we will explain the differences plainly so you can make an informed decision.
How a Flat Roof Is Built
A new or replacement flat roof typically involves:
- Stripping the existing covering
- Inspecting the deck and repairing any damaged sections
- Fitting tapered insulation to create a positive fall towards the drains
- Laying the membrane, with every seam heat-welded or bonded
- New flashings where the roof meets walls and upstands
- Edge metal and outlets that feed into the eavestroughs
Every flat roof is installed with the correct slope and drainage required by the building code, so water runs off rather than collecting in shallow pools.
Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Attention
Flat roofs are often out of sight, so problems can go unnoticed. Look out for water pooling after rain, blistering or cracking in the surface, seams lifting at the edges, or damp patches on the ceiling below.
Catching these early can mean a targeted roof repair rather than a full replacement. Where the membrane has reached the end of its life, a new system is the more reliable option.
Flat Roofs Alongside Pitched Roofs
Many homes combine a pitched main roof with flat sections over an extension or porch. The junction between the two is a common source of leaks, so we pay close attention to how the membrane is tied into the neighbouring covering.
If the main roof is also due for renewal, we can tackle both together as part of a complete roof replacement. Flat sections are also a good place for curb-mounted skylights that bring light into the rooms below.
Arrange a Flat Roof Inspection
To discuss a new or replacement flat roof at your home in Toronto, ring the Goldstar team on (437) 243 1908. We will inspect the roof, check the drainage and recommend the membrane best suited to it.
