Flat Roofing Services
in Los Angeles, California
Flat roofs are a type of roofing that does not feature any visible angles or slopes. Although the surface of a flat roof is designed to appear relatively flat and level, they feature a slight incline.
The slope angle (or pitch) on flat roofs is typically less than a 3” vertical and a 12” horizontal , equivalent to approximately 14.04°. This feature accounts for water drainage, preventing water from pooling after rainy days. For more information, contact us for a free quote and consultation.
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Types of Flat Roofing Materials
Professional flat roofing services can use various materials to build or repair your flat roof. Some of the top choices for residential and commercial buildings in Los Angeles include:
- Standing seam metal roofing uses arrays of interlocking metal panels. The design lets the metal expand and contract without cracking or deforming. On average, a standing seam metal roof installed by an experienced Los Angeles flat roofing services provider lasts around 50 years.
- PVC roofs are single-ply membranes of PVC, a plastic polymer material known for its high flexibility and chemical resistance. It requires little maintenance and is available in a wide range of colors. PVC roofs last up to 50 years with professional flat roofing installation and repair services.
- TPO roofs are single-ply membranes of thermoplastic olefin, a highly durable synthetic material capable of reflecting heat efficiently. This energy-efficient roofing material can last up to 30 years.
- EPDM membranes are used to construct EPDM roofing. They are used mainly on commercial buildings due to their high resistance to impacts. Flat roofing contractors do not recommend installing an EPDM membrane over a living space, such as a bedroom, due to the material’s tendency to absorb heat. A well-maintained EPDM membrane roofing lasts at least 10 to 15 years.
Project Listing #6 - Commercial Building Flat Roof
Project Listing #7 - Commercial Building Flat Roof
Get $1,000 OFF New Flat Roof Installation
AJ Reyes Los Angeles roofing company has been a commercial and residential roofing expert in the Los Angeles area since 1995. We are professionals in installing tile, shingle, and flat roofs, and we have built a network of vendors that allows us to provide high-quality roof services at unmatched prices. Our team of dedicated, professional roofers pride themselves on delivering a high-quality service to all our customers.
When Should You Get a New Roof?
All roofs have a lifespan, and it is vital that you replace your roof when it has reached the end of its useful life. The exact lifespan of your roof depends on the type of roofing material used, the quality of the installation, and if the roof has been damaged over the years.
If you are concerned about your roof’s condition, there are some warning signs to watch out for. If you notice any damage like missing or raised shingles, or if your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, call a professional at AJ Reyes to inspect your roof and give you a quote.
General Damage
You should visually inspect your roof with the change of every season (approximately every three months) or after a large storm or earthquake. If your roof is in good condition, there should be no missing tiles or shingles, and they should lay flat on the roof with no large visible gaps.
If you notice you have cracked tiles or buckled, curled, or cracked shingles, it could be a sign that your roof is damaged. This happens naturally after years of exposure to the sun, wind, and rain, and it means your roof is due for a replacement.
Leaks or Water Damage
While your roof may look good with all the shingles or tiles intact, there could be hidden damage. Over time, water can find its way into small cracks or between improperly installed roofing materials. This water can cause damage to your home’s roof and rot your home’s frame and interior walls.
Check your attic or the highest interior part of your home for wet patches on the walls, moisture stains, peeling paint, or rafters and ceiling material that is damp to the touch after a rainstorm.
Sagging
Your roof should have straight lines from end to end with no sagging or bowing at any point. This could be a sign that the decking or underlayer of your roof is damaged and in urgent need of repair.
When you visually inspect your roof, use a 12” ruler as a sight guide or a spirit level to see if the roof dips in any places. Sagging and bowing are serious issues that can lead to roof collapses if not repaired or replaced quickly. Contact AJ Reyes immediately if you find any inconsistencies in the roof level.
Mold or Moss
If your roof is not completely waterproof, damp areas of the roof or decking could cause the growth of mold, moss, or fungi. They grow in dark, moist areas and can lead to harmful moisture retention in the roof layers. While advanced mold, moss, or fungi growth can be spotted easily when visually inspecting the inside of your roof, by that point, it is often already harmful to your health.
When you inspect the outside of your roof, check for green or white fuzzy material at the seams of tiles or shingles. This is often the start of mold, moss, or fungi growth, and it is easier to fix when detected early.
Age
Perhaps the single biggest factor in whether or not you will need to have your roof replaced is the roof’s age. The lifespan of a roof will depend on roofing materials such as:
- Metal shingles: 20-70 years
- Three-tab asphalt shingles: 15 years
- Architectural shingles: 30 years
- Wood shingles: 30 years
- Clay tile: 100 years
- Slate tile: 100 years
- Solar tile shingles: 30 years
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if you have recently purchased a home and are unsure about the age of your roof, call AJ Reyes Roofing for a consultation. We will examine your current roof, decking, and roof structure for damage and let you know what type of new roof is best suited to your home.
Types of Flat Roofs
AJ Reyes Roofing is an experienced flat roof installation company with the expertise and resources to handle your flat roofing project. Whether you need residential or commercial flat roofing, consider each flat roofing material type’s characteristics, pros, and cons, and choose the flat roof solution best suited for your needs.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
The built-up roof (BUR) was first introduced in the mid-1800s, making it one of the oldest types of flat roofing in history. It consists of multiple layers of asphalt and hard materials: a thick layer of rigid roof insulation, a cover board, ply sheets, and a surfacing material like stone or gravel.
Flat roofing contractors may apply the asphalt “cold” or “hot.” Cold-applied asphalt uses liquid adhesives and can be applied on occupied buildings. In contrast, hot-applied asphalt (torch-down) is heated using a propane torch.
The surfacing material is a layer of stone or gravel. Its purpose is to protect the underlying materials. Surfacing gravel or stone pebbles absorb and release heat before it reaches the roofing, keeping it away from the structure and helping rainwater evaporate. They also help ensure the roof is sufficiently safe for walking, such as when flat roofing contractors conduct repairs or maintenance.
Pros of Built-Up Roofs
- Surfacing materials are inexpensive and easy to replace
- Offers excellent protection against the weather and UV rays
- Highly fire-resistant
- Affordable, especially for residential flat roofing projects.
Cons of Built-Up Roofs
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Installation time is slow
- Vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain
Modified Bitumen Roof (MBR)
Modified bitumen roofing (MBR) uses a petroleum-based material called Modified Bitumen. This material was invented in the mid-1960s in Europe and was first used in the United States in 1975. It is considered a more modern successor to the traditional built-up roof (BUR).
Modified bitumen roofs employ a modified bitumen membrane similar to the type used for road surfacing. MBR roofs typically employ one of two types of bitumen materials: atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS).
- APP membranes are commonly known as “plastic asphalt.” They are made from asphalt and polymer materials and are designed to become elastic when exposed to heat. APP roofing is highly resistant to UV rays and meets California’s “cool roof” regulations.
- SBS membranes are also called “rubberized asphalt.” They use a mixture of asphalt and rubber, granting the roof high flexibility and elasticity. They are excellent for roofs subjected to extreme temperature changes or strong winds.
Pros of MBRs
- Fully waterproof if installed by an experienced Los Angeles flat roofing contractor
- High UV resistance, making it energy-efficient
- Resistant to wear, tear, debris, and foot traffic
Cons of MBRs
- Challenging and expensive to repair
- Limited selection of colors
EPDM Rubber Membrane Roof
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. Unlike bitumen, which is petroleum-based, EPDM is a synthetic rubber material engineered to achieve long-lasting durability and high resistance to sunlight damage.
Because EPDM is a rubber material, it is entirely impervious to cracking, rotting, or blistering. It is also a lightweight material, making it easy to handle by professional flat roofing installers.
If you need flat roof installation in Los Angeles, California, a team of experienced flat roofing contractors like AJ Reyes Roofing will apply the EPDM layer correctly to ensure your roof is 100% leak-proof.
Pros of EPDM roofing
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Resistant to fire, temperature fluctuations, impacts, and wind uplift
- Easy and inexpensive to repair and maintain
Cons of EPDM roofing
- Less aesthetically appealing than other roofing options
- Standard black EPDM absorbs UV rays under intense heat, causing the roof to heat up
- Light-colored versions with better UV resistance are more expensive
Flat Roofing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What are the different types of flat roofs?
Three of the most common types of flat roofs are Modified Bitumen Roofs (MBR), Built-Up Roofs (BUR), and EPDM roofing. BURs consist of multiple layers of asphalt and felt, while MBRs employ a petroleum-based material. EPDM roofs are made of synthetic rubber material. Each type of roof has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to consider your building’s specific needs when choosing a flat roof.
What is a flat roof torch down?
Torch down roofing is a material often used on flat or low-sloped roofs. It is made from layers of modified bitumen, which are heated with a torch to create a watertight seal. Torch down roofing is also called “torch-on roofing” or “torch-applied roofing.” It is popular because it is easy to install, durable, and cost-effective. However, it requires special equipment and should only be installed by professionals with the proper training and experience, like AJ Reyes Roofing, to avoid fire hazards.
What is a flat roof hot mop?
Hot mop roofing, also known as “hot tar roofing” or “built-up roofing,” is a type of roofing material made from layers of asphalt and felt, heated with a large kettle, and then applied to the roof surface with a mop. The layers are overlapped to create a watertight seal. Hot mop roofs are popular for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for commercial or industrial buildings.
How long does a hot mop roof last in California?
The lifespan of a hot mop roof in California can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of installation, maintenance, and climate. A well-installed hot mop roof can last 15 to 20 years but can last even longer with proper maintenance. The hot California sun and occasional rain can accelerate the deterioration of a hot mop roof, so regular inspections and repairs are crucial to extending its lifespan.
How long does a torch down roof last in California?
A well-installed and well-maintained torch down roof can last between 15 and 20 years in California. However, exposure to intense UV rays, frequent temperature changes, and heavy foot traffic can shorten its lifespan. Regular inspections, repairs, and protective coatings can help extend the life of a torch-down roof in California.
How long does it take to hot mop a flat roof?
The time it takes to hot mop a flat roof depends on the size of the roof and the number of layers that need to be installed. Typically, it takes one to two days to hot mop a flat roof. The process involves cleaning the roof surface, applying a base layer of hot asphalt, and placing multiple layers of felt paper on top of it while it’s still hot. The final step is applying a hot asphalt top coat to seal the layers and create a waterproof barrier.
How long does it take to torch down a flat roof?
Generally, it takes one to three days to torch down a flat roof. The process involves cleaning and preparing the roof surface, installing insulation if needed, and then applying a base layer of modified bitumen. The torch down process involves heating the bitumen with a torch and then applying additional layers of bitumen as needed to create a waterproof seal. Once complete, the roof should be allowed to cool and settle for several hours before being used.
How much is a hot mop roof in California?
The cost of a hot mop roof in California can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the roof, the type of materials used, and the complexity of the installation. The average cost can range from $600-$850 per square (a square equals 100 ft².) A 1,000 ft² hot mop roof can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $8,500. Get a detailed estimate from AJ Reyes Roofing to get an accurate cost for your specific project.
How much is a torch down roof in California?
A torch down roof in California can range from $300 to $600 per square. The total cost will depend on the size of the roof, the number of layers needed, and any additional materials or labor required for installation. A typical 1,000 ft² torch down roof can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000.
Which is better: hot mop or torch down?
Hot mop roofs are typically more cost-effective and easier to install, making them popular for residential properties. However, torch down roofs are generally more durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them a better choice for commercial properties. Always consult with a professional roofing contractor at AJ Reyes Roofing to determine which type of roofing is best for your specific situation.