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Materials - ROOFING TYPES
Flat Roof Installation in Denver, Colorado, and The Front Range
Overview
We design and install single-ply flat roof systems that withstand Denver’s sun, hail, snow, wind, and freeze-thaw conditions. Ideal for commercial, multifamily, and modern residential projects along the Front Range. Our crews prioritize drainage, clean details, and code-compliant terminations, so your roof sheds water and stays serviceable year-round.A
Which Types of Flat Roofs Do We Install at Forest Roofs
TPO
(thermoplastic polyolefin)
- White membrane with heat-welded seams for tight, uniform laps
- Strong UV performance and easy seam testing
- Often paired with tapered insulation to promote a positive slope
EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene monomer)
- Black rubber membrane with long-term flexibility
- Wide sheet sizes reduce field seams
- Reliable around curbs, walls, and penetrations
Assembly & Attachment
- Installed over cover board and/or insulation tailored to the deck
- Fully adhered or mechanically fastened per wind zone and warranty
- Edge metal, drains, and scuppers detailed for continuous water flow
- No vegetative systems; focus on durable, low-slope single-ply solutions
Next Step:
Request a free inspection and scoped estimate. We’ll verify substrate, drainage, and attachment method before final pricing.
Free Inspection/Estimate
Where Flat Roofs Fail
Most leaks trace to simple failures in seams, flashings, and drainage. At Forest Roofs, we inspect, test, and prioritize fixes that stop active leaks first, then harden weak points to extend service life without premature replacement.
Open Seams
Separated laps allow water to migrate under the membrane until the seams are re-welded or patched.
Flashing Splits
Movement at walls or penetrations opens flashings; targeted tear-out and reflash stops leaks.
Clogged Drains
Debris at low points traps water; cleaning and flow testing restore proper drainage.
Drainage Bottlenecks
Blocked scuppers or small downspouts can cause backups; clearing or upsizing them fixes the overflow.
Membrane Punctures
Foot traffic and tools create cuts; reinforced patches restore a continuous barrier.
EPDM Shrinkage
Aged rubber pulls from edges and bridges joints; we reset terminations and add material where needed.
Ponding Water
“Ponding” is water that remains on a roof ~48 hours after rain under drying conditions. It accelerates aging and can void warranties. The fix is positive drainage. Add or reset drains, clear debris, and design slope with tapered insulation.
Building codes call for a design slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot (2%).
Maintenance Program
One visit per year is recommended: “walk-and-caulk,” debris removal, tightening terminations, and documenting issues.
Industry guidance recommends inspections at least two times a year, as well as after major weather events. We tailor to your site.
Do I Need to Waterproof a Flat Roof?
Yes. Single-ply membranes are the waterproofing layer. The quality of seams, flashings, and penetrations determines performance in Denver’s sun, hail, and freeze-thaw. Details and maintenance matter more than coatings alone.
Use coatings only when the membrane and details are sound or as part of a designed restoration, not as a band-aid.
Flat Roof FAQs
Are Flat Roofs Really Flat?
No. They’re low-slope roofs that should be built to drain, typically at 1/4 inch per foot toward scuppers or drains. Forest Roofs designs tapered insulation and sets drains to keep water moving.
What Materials Do You Recommend In Colorado?
TPO or EPDM. TPO’s heat-welded seams and UV performance work well here; EPDM’s flexibility is proven in freeze–thaw. Forest Roofs recommends based on your deck, access, and budget.
How Do You Prevent Ponding On An Older Roof?
Start with cleaning and flow-testing drains. Then add tapered insulation, raise low spots, or upsize drains/scuppers. Ponding is water that lingers about 48 hours, so design for positive drainage.
How Often Should A Flat Roof Be Inspected?
Twice per year and after major storms. Preventive checks catch small flashing or seam issues before they leak. Forest Roofs offers scheduled visits with photos and a simple action list.
Do Drains Or Scuppers Need Special Care?
Yes. Low points collect debris first. Clearing strainers, testing flow with a hose, and resetting hardware reduces leaks and extends membrane life. We include this in diagnosis and maintenance.
Can You Install Over An Existing Layer?
Sometimes. It depends on code, weight, moisture in the existing system, and edge details. Forest Roofs cores and tests before recommending overlay vs. tear-off.
What Drives The Price The Most?
Tear-off scope, insulation thickness, number of penetrations, access/safety needs, and warranty type. Expect small, detail-heavy roofs to price higher per square foot.
Do You Offer A Maintenance Plan?
Yes. Forest Roofs provides an annual “walk-and-caulk” service with debris removal, minor sealing, drain testing, and a photo report so you can plan repairs, not react to leaks.