Pompton Plains, NJ · Licensed, bonded and insured · NJ HIC #13VH12626500

Flat roofs live or die by the details.

Every building drains, moves and ages differently. We match the system to the building.

On a low-slope roof, water doesn't run off fast. The seams, the flashing and the drains do all the work. Here's how each system works, and where it fits.

Commercial building in Towaco with a red standing-seam mansard and a flat roof Our job · Towaco
Flat roof systems

Four systems, explained.

No system is best for every building. The right one depends on the deck, the drainage, and how long you plan to own it.

EPDM Rubber membrane
20–30 YEARS
What it is

Large sheets of synthetic rubber, glued or held down with plates. Seams are joined with tape.

Where it fits

Flat and low-slope roofs with few penetrations. Handles cold and freeze-thaw well.

Why the install matters

Taped seams and corners fail first if the surface isn’t primed and rolled right. We prime, tape and roll every seam.

TPO Heat-welded white membrane
15–25 YEARS
What it is

A single-ply white sheet. Seams are melted together with hot air into one piece.

Where it fits

Low-slope roofs on offices and retail. The white surface reflects sun and cuts cooling costs.

Why the install matters

A weld that’s too cool looks fine and peels later. We check every weld.

PVC Chemical- and grease-resistant membrane
20–30 YEARS
What it is

A heat-welded single-ply like TPO, but tougher against oils, grease and chemicals.

Where it fits

Restaurants, rooftop exhaust, and any roof that sees grease or chemicals.

Why the install matters

Around vents and curbs, flashing has to be welded, not glued. That’s where PVC roofs leak.

Silicone Roof coating (restoration)
10–20 YEARS, RENEWABLE
What it is

A liquid coating rolled or sprayed over a sound existing roof. It forms one seamless layer.

Where it fits

Restoration. Adds years to an aging roof when the deck and insulation are still dry.

Why the install matters

It only works on a dry, clean roof. We check for wet insulation first and cut out any wet areas.

Lifespans are typical ranges. They depend on install, drainage and upkeep.

Where flat roofs leak

The membrane is rarely the problem.

Seams

Every seam is a joint that can open. We check each weld and taped seam before we call it done.

Flashing

Walls, curbs, pipes and units all move differently from the roof. Flashing has to stretch with them and stay sealed.

Drainage

Standing water finds every weak spot. Tapered insulation and clear drains move it off within a day or two.

For building managers

What's not right.

If you see this on your roof, it isn't right, whatever anyone tells you.

Ponding water

Water still sitting two days after rain. It finds every weak seam and adds weight the deck wasn't built for.

Open or wrinkled seams

A lap you can lift with a finger, or a fishmouth wrinkle. Water gets under the membrane there.

Caulk instead of flashing

A bead of caulk around a curb or pipe. It looks sealed for a season, then it cracks.

Membrane pulled at the wall

The membrane bridges the corner instead of lying tight. One cold snap and it tears.

Clogged drains and scuppers

Leaves and debris at the drain. The whole roof's water backs up behind it.

Patches on patches

Layer after layer of repairs in one spot. The real cause underneath was never fixed.

Real examples from our inspections
Ponding: puts stress on tapes and seams
Ponding: puts stress on tapes and seams
Buckling membrane
Buckling membrane
Silicone caulked in the waterway, blocking drainage
Silicone caulked in the waterway, blocking drainage
Drain seams installed at the low point
Drain seams installed at the low point
Pitched commercial roofsSome commercial buildings have shingle or tile roofs. Those get the same systems as our homes.
See the shingle systems →
Our work

Low-slope, done right.

Kinnelon low-slope, during
Kinnelon low-slope, during
Low-slope to wall detail
Low-slope to wall detail
EPDM detail on specialty roof work (Totowa)
EPDM detail on specialty roof work (Totowa)
Retrofit Bilco roof hatch
Retrofit Bilco roof hatch

Commercial questions.

We’ll recommend EPDM, TPO, PVC or a coating based on your roof’s condition and how you use the building.

Still have a question? Text us at (973) 346-9174.

Know what your roof needs before you budget it.

We inspect the roof and send photos with options: repair, coat or replace.

Request a call back

Tell us what's going on. We'll call you back the same day.

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Request a call back

Tell us what's going on. We'll call you back the same day.

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.