Flat Roofs

Getting quality service for your low slope or flat roof shouldn’t be difficult. Olde World Slate is proud to be one of the few historic roofing companies available for lasting residential roof repairs and replacements. Whether you are looking at EPDM, DeckRite, TPO, or EnergyStar rated green roof, we have the experience and resources to get the job done right. 

Ready to Work with Us?

Address(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Flat Roof Repair and Replacement Tailored to Your Historic Home

If your historic home has a flat roof, you will have some unique considerations to address throughout its lifespan. Occasionally, a flat roof membrane can be damaged or punctured by falling tree limbs and even slates sliding down from higher elevations. If the membrane is in very good condition overall, we can create a patch on the damaged spot that holds for many years. If you have an old, leaking, or even a poorly-installed flat roof, then roof replacement may be the best option for keeping your home safe and dry. After providing an inspection onsite, our estimators will work closely with you to provide the best flat roofing solution for your needs and budget. We only use adhesive-based products, so you won’t ever have to worry about open-flame heat installations that pose hazards to your home.

Inspection

Spotting potential issues before they become substantial problems is a key step in maintaining your home’s flat roof. At Olde World Slate, our inspections are always performed onsite and account for installation quality, type of flat roof membrane, quality of repairs, and much more.

GET AN ESTIMATE OR INSPECTION
LEARN MORE

Repairs

Timely, purpose-driven repairs can help you avoid the cost of a flat roof replacement. From leaky roof membranes and outlets to poorly installed drip edges, our team has the tools and training to implement flat roof repairs that last.

GET AN ESTIMATE OR INSPECTION
LEARN MORE

Replacement

While regular inspections and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of a historic flat roof, sometimes it makes more sense to replace. Olde World Slate provides exceptional installations using roofing methods and materials that last. No flames from a torch, ever.

GET AN ESTIMATE OR INSPECTION
LEARN MORE

Subscribe for a FREE Download

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Common Roof Issues

Multiple attempts have failed at stopping my leak.

learn more

I have just one broken slate on my roof. Do I need a repair? 

learn more

Squirrels use my roof as a highway between trees; will they cause damage?

learn more

I have many slates missing on my roof, but I don’t see any leaks inside. Why not? 

learn more

My Spanish tile roof leaks, but I see no broken tiles.

learn more

Slates along the very top of my roof are skewed out of place.

learn more

I have an occasional leak, it doesn’t leak in every rain

learn more

    Flat Roof FAQ

    I’m thinking about having a flat roof replaced on my home. Can you give me a basic outline of what a flat roof installation project entails?

    The installation process and techniques used for flat roof installations vary depending on the materials you need and the goals you have for your roof. Generally, the installation process will involve some or all of the following:

    • Remove All Previous Roofing Materials

    • Install New Roof Decking and/or Tapered Roof Boards

    • Install Flashings

    • Install Flat Roof Membrane with Adhesive

    • Complete Final Inspection

    What are my options for replacing the flat roof or low-slope roof on my historic home?

    Roofs with a slant of less than 14 degrees do not shed rainwater quickly enough to be a good option for slates, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles. With little or no slope, you need a solid roofing material rather than individual pieces. We offer metal roofs, both flat seam and standing seam. At lower price points, we also install roofing membranes like EPDM, TPO, and DeckRite. We never install low-quality coverings like torchdown, which is a fire hazard during installation and has a lifespan that is too short for a quality historic residence.

    What kinds of EPDM membranes do you offer for historic flat roofs? 

    EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the least expensive flat roof membrane that we offer and is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors. Black EPDM with a thickness of .060 inch is adequate for most applications and is also the lowest in price. Eco-White .060 is EnergyStar-rated and helps keep the rooms in your home cooler during the summer months. It may also be eligible for home energy tax credits. Black .075 EPDM is a thicker, fiber-reinforced membrane that is useful when falling slates, tree limbs, or other blunt forces are a likely possibility on your roof area. All EPDM is slick when wet, and not intended to hold up to foot traffic. EPDM walking pads can be installed if a path for foot traffic is desired, such as from a doorway to an HVAC unit.

    I’ve heard that TPO membranes are great for flat roof replacements. What are the benefits of this type of material?

    TPO (thermoplastic olefin) membranes can withstand exposure to UV rays, chemicals, and ozone. However, TPO is extremely slippery when wet and is not intended for foot traffic. It is available in white, brown, or gray colors. White is the least expensive TPO color and an excellent EnergyStar-rated green roof membrane. 

    What is the best flat roofing choice for foot traffic? 

    We always install DeckRite for a roof with foot traffic, such as an upper-story balcony. balcony. This material is a waterproof vinyl membrane. DeckRite is an excellent durable choice for balconies and decks that have a living space below.

    My balcony flat roof has a railing around it. Does the railing have to be replaced with my flat roof? 

    No. So long as it’s in sound condition, we will remove your railing carefully and set it aside. Our flat roof replacement will include waterproof post bases. We can then re-install your existing railing, or your carpenter can install a new custom railing for you without disturbing the new roof.

    Ready to Get Started?

    That’s great news because our estimates are always free, and your needs are always top of mind. When your historic roof or gutters need expert attention, contact our office. We’re not a jack of all trades… just a master of this one!

    GET AN ESTIMATE OR INSPECTION
    FAQs
    Or call us today! 443-829-5359
    “Your workmen were very pleasant to have around and as the photos document, are very skilled. We appreciate the work they did. ”
    WL
    “Hi Jessica, thank you so much for your courteous service. I am very satisfied with the work and clean-up by Amos and all the crew that worked here today. A big ‘Thank you’ to them all, also to David.”
    ER, Roland Park
    “I hear many compliments about your work from friends in the North Baltimore area. I am happy for you that your customers are happy and that your reputation is strong. Congratulations.”
    Charles
    “We are grateful to have these repairs addressed and the workers were pleasant and left the place looking better than they found it- a pleasant surprise.”
    Sebastian