Flat Roofs

(AKA Low Slope Roofs)

 

 

There have been major advances made in the materials for Flat roofs, RV roofs, and low-slope roofs in the last twenty years. Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. has comprehensive knowledge of new and traditional flat roof materials as well as the latest liquid roof products on the market today. (See Roof Coatings) If you need flat roof installation, restoration, or flat roof repairs, we could offer you a solution that will provide you with a protective, water-proof roof, minimizing your maintenance and energy costs.

 

 

---

Call for a FREE Quote

(301) 888-5404

---

 

 

 

All Roofs Are Sloped

Although roofs with minimal sloping are often called "flat roofs", all roofs must be sloped for drainage. Water weighs more than eight pounds per gallon and you never want to turn your roof into a swimming pool; roofs are generally not framed to support significant ponding water. So, it would be more accurate to consider a sloped roof V.S. a low slope roof. The slope of a roof is measured by its fall over 12 inches. A roof that falls one inch over 12 inches in length is called a "1 and 12" and one that falls 4 inches is a "4 and 12".

• Low slope roofs are generally pitches of 3 and 12 or less.
• Sloped roofs are generally 4 and 12 and greater.

 

Special Considerations for Low-Slope Roofs

Low-slope roofs need to have a membrane system as a roof covering. Membranes are generally sheets of roofing material installed to protect the structure when standing water is present. There are a multitude of membrane systems,  such as torch-down and single-ply. Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. is partial to installing built-up membrane systems. You cannot use shingles on roofs with pitches less than 3 and 12 and even a 3 and 12 requires special installation techniques to prevent leaks and failure.

 

Advantages of Installing a Flat Roof

Although flat roofs can be troublesome to maintain because of the drainage issues they can pose, with proper installation, there are some real advantages to having them installed on your building.

Better Interior Light: Because the roof is low slope, the roof overhangs do not block your windows, which allows more natural light into the home.

Better Protection: The overhangs that are natural with sloped roofs allow greater protection of your windows, siding, and doors, which will delay wear and tear.

 

Flat Roof Specialists Since 1982

Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. is a local favorite for skilled installation and repair of flat roofs. We work with superior quality materials while following best practices for exceptional workmanship. Types of flat roofs we are often called to work on include the following:

Modified Bitumen Roofs (MB roofs)

• Asphalt-based MB roofing
• Mineral or gravel surface roofs

Single-ply Roofs

• EPDM Roofing (Rubber Roofs)
• PVC Roofing
• TPO Roofing

Built-up Flat Roofing (BUR or “Tar and Gravel” roofs)

• Asphalt BUR
• Coal Tar BUR

 

Turn to the Flat Roofing Professionals at Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc.

If you have a flat roof that needs waterproofing or have a flat roof that needs to be repaired or sealed, contact the Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc.. We have extensive experience with commercial flat roofs as well as residential flat roofs. Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. is unsurpassed in the industry in roofing a flat roof. Call us and we will recommend a course of action and the right flat roof product for your building.