Flat and Low Slope Roofing in Los Angeles County

The three common systems

Torch down modified bitumen is rolled asphalt heated at the seams. It is tough, it takes foot traffic, and it is the default on older Los Angeles duplexes.

TPO and PVC single ply come in wide white sheets welded with hot air. They bounce sun back and read cooler inside, which the state energy rules like.

Silicone and acrylic coatings go over a sound roof and buy ten more years. They fix wear. They do not fix a roof with wet insulation under it.

Why water sits

A low slope roof needs a quarter inch of fall per foot. Framing sags over time, an added skylight curb blocks a path, or a drain packs with leaves and the water stops moving.

The fix can be tapered insulation to rebuild the slope, a new drain or scupper, or a cricket behind a chimney. A crew that only patches the puddle leaves the puddle.

Care that pays for itself

Clear the drains twice a year and after every wind event. Keep the roof free of loose gravel and dropped tools. Look at every seam once a year and every vent boot with it.

On a coated roof, a light wash and a recoat at year eight or nine costs a fraction of a tear off.