Question 1

How much does a flat roof replacement cost?

Accepted Answer

A full flat roof replacement in eastern Idaho generally falls somewhere around $5,000 to $20,000 or more — but that's only a rough range, not a quote. The actual cost depends on the size of the roof, the membrane system, whether a full tear-off is required, and whether it's a repair or a complete replacement, so your project can land outside that span. TPO and EPDM tend to be more cost-effective upfront, and the condition of the existing deck matters too — if there's water damage or rot under the old membrane, addressing that adds to the scope. We'll assess the roof and give you an accurate written estimate.

Question 2

How long does a flat roof last?

Accepted Answer

Lifespan varies by system. TPO and EPDM membrane systems typically last 15 to 25 years with proper installation and maintenance. The biggest factors affecting flat roof lifespan are installation quality, drainage design, and how quickly small issues are addressed before they become larger water infiltration problems. In eastern Idaho's freeze-thaw climate, seams and flashing points are where flat roofs typically fail first.

Question 3

What is the best flat roofing material?

Accepted Answer

TPO is currently the most widely used flat roofing material for both residential and commercial applications — it has good UV resistance, heat-welded seams that hold up well in temperature extremes, and solid performance in freeze-thaw climates. EPDM is a strong alternative for smaller residential flat roofs and is known for its flexibility in cold temperatures. PVC is the premium option, with the strongest chemical and grease resistance — a common choice for restaurants and buildings with rooftop equipment. The right choice depends on your building size, budget, and how the roof will be used — and honestly, the best flat roof comes down to the system, the details, and the drainage, not just the membrane.

Question 4

Why is my flat roof leaking?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes of flat roof leaks are seam failure where membrane sections are joined, flashing deterioration around penetrations like vents, HVAC units, and drains, standing water that never fully drains and eventually finds its way through, membrane shrinkage or cracking from age and UV exposure, and improper installation that didn't address drainage correctly from the start. Flat roofs are more sensitive to installation quality than steep slope roofs — small errors in drainage design or seam sealing become leaks faster than they would on a pitched roof.

Question 5

Can you put a flat roof on a house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Flat and low slope roofing systems are used on residential homes in a number of situations — older homes built with flat or low slope roof sections, room additions where matching a pitched roof isn't practical, contemporary and modern home designs that intentionally use a flat roof aesthetic, and manufactured or mobile homes which commonly use low slope systems. The key is proper drainage design and a quality membrane installation — a flat roof on a house performs well when it's installed correctly.

Question 6

How do you maintain a flat roof?

Accepted Answer

Flat roofs require more active maintenance than pitched roofs because they don't shed water, debris, or snow the same way. Key maintenance steps include clearing debris from drains and scuppers at least twice a year so water can move off the roof freely, inspecting seams and flashing around penetrations after winter and after major weather events, addressing any standing water that remains more than 48 hours after rain, and having a professional inspection every one to two years to catch deterioration before it becomes a leak — a service our qualified team provides. In eastern Idaho and surrounding areas, checking for ice dam formation and freeze-thaw seam stress after winter is important.

Question 7

How do you fix a flat roof that holds water?

Accepted Answer

Standing water on a flat roof — called ponding — is usually a drainage problem, a structural deflection problem, or both. Solutions depend on the cause. If drains or scuppers are clogged, clearing them solves it. If the roof deck has sagged or settled and created a low spot, tapered insulation installed under the membrane can re-establish slope toward drains. If the drain locations were poorly designed from the start, adding additional drains may be necessary. Ponding water left unaddressed accelerates membrane deterioration and will eventually lead to leaks — it's worth getting it assessed rather than ignoring it.

Question 8

How thick should my flat roof be?

Accepted Answer

Flat roof membranes are measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), and each system comes in a few thicknesses. EPDM is available in 45, 60, and 90 mil; TPO comes in 45, 60, and 80 mil; and PVC comes in 50, 60, and 80 mil. As a general rule, 45 mil works for straightforward roofs with light traffic, 60 mil is the most common middle-ground choice for most commercial buildings, and the heaviest options — 80 or 90 mil — are best for roofs that take more wear, like those with frequent foot traffic, rooftop equipment, or where you want the longest service life and the strongest warranty. It's also worth knowing that some manufacturer warranties require a minimum thickness to qualify, so the spec can affect your coverage, not just durability. The right choice comes down to your building's use, the warranty you're after, and the conditions the roof faces — which we'll walk through with you during the inspection.

Flat & Low Slope Roofing in Idaho Falls, ID

What you need to know about Flat Roofing

Flat and low slope roofing systems

Who we work with

Residential and commercial flat roofing in eastern Idaho

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement — How to Know Which One You Actually Need

How Eastern Idaho Winters Damage Your Roof (And What to Watch For)

Frequently asked questions