Roof It Roofing & Waterproofing home

Roof types

Flat and low-slope roofs

Quick answer

Low-slope roofs are common in Central Florida over porches, Florida rooms, carports, additions and some mid-century homes. Shingles do not work at these slopes, so the roof needs a continuous membrane and, above all, good drainage. Standing water is the enemy.

Low-slope systems

  • Modified bitumen, including self-adhered options
  • Single-ply membranes such as TPO
  • Roof coatings over a sound existing roof, where it is a good candidate
  • Tapered insulation or crickets to correct ponding

Where they fail

  • Ponding water that sits for days after rain
  • Blisters, splits and open seams
  • The joint where a porch or addition roof meets the house wall
  • Clogged scuppers and drains
  • Old patches layered over old patches

Flat and low-slope photos

Aerial view of a large modern home with a white flat roof membrane over green wall sheathing
White flat roof membrane on a modern home
Low-slope metal panel roof with white trim strips running along a stucco wall, next to dark asphalt shingles
Low-slope metal section where the roof meets a wall
Roof It crew member kneeling at a drain on a white flat roof during a repair
Flat roof drain repair

Flat roof questions

What counts as a low-slope roof?

Generally a roof with less than about 3 inches of rise per 12 inches of run. Asphalt shingles are not allowed below 2:12 and need extra underlayment between 2:12 and 4:12.

Is a roof coating a good idea?

Only on a roof that is still sound and dry underneath. A coating over wet insulation or failed seams traps the problem. We check before recommending one.

Why does my porch roof leak where it meets the house?

That wall-to-roof joint depends on flashing that is often missing, short or failed on older porches and Florida rooms. It is one of the most common leaks we look at.

Talk to a roofer who works here

Call Roof It at (321) 352-3177 for a free estimate on a repair, a reroof or a new roof in Longwood and nearby Seminole County. You get a straight answer about what the roof needs, and a written proposal before any work starts.

Call (321) 352-3177Free estimate