Rowhouse rubber roofs in Pittsburgh, PA
Many Pittsburgh homes have a low roof section. Rowhouse rear sections, porch roofs, garages and additions across Pittsburgh are flat or close to it. They leak differently from a shingle roof, and most of the trouble comes from seams, edges and standing water.
Rough guide: Replacement $9 to $15 per sq ft
Flat roofs we work on
A lot of older roofs here are built-up tar and gravel or rolled asphalt, and many were coated over several times. When those reach the end of their life, we replace them with a single-ply membrane. EPDM, usually called rubber roofing, has a long track record in this climate. TPO is a white membrane with heat-welded seams, popular for bigger roofs and sunny exposures.
- EPDM rubber roof repair and replacement
- TPO roofing
- Tar and gravel tear-off
- Rowhouse rear roofs and party wall flashing
- Porch, garage and addition roofs
- Scuppers, drains and edge metal
Ponding water
Flat roofs aren't really flat. They should have a slight slope toward a drain, gutter or scupper. When a deck sags over the years, water sits in low spots, finds any weak seam and adds a surprising amount of weight. On a replacement we can add tapered insulation to fix the slope, so water leaves the roof and doesn't sit there.
Repair or replace a flat roof
A loose seam, a small puncture or a failed flashing can be repaired for a few hundred dollars. If the roof has been coated many times, the insulation underneath is wet or leaks keep moving around, replacing it costs less in the long run. Most replacements run $9 to $15 per square foot. A small rear section or porch roof often costs less overall than people expect.
Rubber roofing and other low-slope materials
EPDM is a synthetic rubber sheet that has been used on flat roofs for decades. We handle EPDM roofing installation and repairs on all sizes of flat roof. EPDM rubber roofing comes in large black sheets that are fully glued down, so a small rowhouse roof can often be done in one piece with no seams in the middle. It handles freeze-thaw well and is easy to repair.
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. It is a white membrane with heat-welded seams that stays cooler in summer, so it suits larger roofs. A rubber roof coating can extend the life of an aging EPDM roof if it is still dry underneath, but it isn't a fix for a roof that is already failing.
Rolled asphalt roofing and rolled rubber roofing are cheaper and common on sheds, but they have a much shorter life. Roofers who know this market will rarely put them on a house.
How the work goes
- Inspect from on top
We check seams, edges, drains and any soft spots.
- Find the moisture
We open small test areas where needed to see if the layers below are wet.
- Repair or replace
You get a written price for the option that fits the roof.
- Fix the drainage
We make sure water has a clear way off the roof.
Common questions
How long does a flat roof last?
A properly installed EPDM or TPO roof commonly lasts 20 to 30 years. Rolled roofing and older coated roofs usually give you far less.
How much does a flat roof cost to replace?
Usually $9 to $15 per square foot in the Pittsburgh area. Wet insulation, tear-off of several layers and hard access can raise that.
What is the best flat roof material?
For most homes here, EPDM rubber or TPO. Both are long-lasting single-ply membranes. EPDM has the longer track record, and TPO has heat-welded seams and a white, reflective surface.
Can you patch a flat roof?
Yes, if the membrane around the leak is still sound. Rubber roofs can be patched with matching primer and tape. Patching over wet layers doesn't last.
Are flat roofs really flat?
No. A good one has a slight slope that moves water toward a drain, scupper or gutter. Puddles that stay for days mean that slope has been lost.
Can you replace a flat roof in the winter?
Often, yes, but adhesives and seam tapes have temperature limits. We watch for a suitable stretch of weather and may use a different method in deep cold.
How often should a flat roof be replaced?
Every 20 to 30 years for a good membrane. Have it checked once a year, and clear drains and scuppers so problems don't build up.