Flat Roof Systems We Install and Repair
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is the most popular flat roof membrane in DFW — and for good reason. It's a single-ply white membrane that reflects solar heat, keeping interior temperatures lower and reducing cooling costs in our 100°F+ summers. TPO seams are heat-welded, creating a bond stronger than the membrane itself. Rated for 20–30 years. Available in 45, 60, and 80-mil thicknesses — we recommend 60-mil minimum for DFW commercial applications. TPO handles foot traffic, ponding, and UV exposure well, making it the go-to choice for retail centers, office buildings, and commercial properties across DFW.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane — the black flat roof you see on older commercial buildings. EPDM is cost-effective, flexible, and handles temperature extremes well. Seams are adhesive-bonded or taped rather than heat-welded, which makes them the most common failure point over time. EPDM absorbs heat rather than reflecting it, so it's not the best choice for energy efficiency in DFW summers. However, for warehouses, storage facilities, and properties where aesthetics and cooling costs are secondary, EPDM remains a solid, economical option. Rated for 20–25 years.
Modified Bitumen is a multi-layer system — asphalt-based sheets applied in two or three layers via torch application, self-adhesion, or cold-applied adhesive. Modified bitumen provides excellent waterproofing and handles DFW heat well, especially the SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) formulations that remain flexible across temperature swings. Popular for churches, schools, and multi-family properties. Rated for 15–25 years depending on maintenance.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) is the traditional "tar and gravel" system — multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric topped with gravel or a cap sheet. BUR is the heaviest flat roof system and provides excellent waterproofing and fire resistance. It's being gradually replaced by TPO and modified bitumen in new construction, but many DFW buildings still have functioning BUR systems that we maintain, repair, and re-coat.
Coat vs Replace: Which Makes Sense?
Not every aging flat roof needs a full tear-off. If the existing membrane is structurally sound — no widespread bubbling, delamination, or moisture trapped in the insulation board — a silicone or acrylic roof coating can extend the system's life by 10–15 years at 30–50% of the cost of replacement. Coatings are especially effective on EPDM and modified bitumen systems where the membrane is intact but the surface is weathered.
We perform infrared moisture scans before recommending a coating. If there's moisture in the insulation — even in isolated areas — a coating won't solve the problem. Trapped moisture leads to mold, insulation degradation, and structural damage that gets worse over time. In those cases, the wet sections need to be cut out and replaced before any coating goes on, or a full replacement becomes the better option.
Our assessment is free. We'll tell you honestly whether coating is a smart investment or whether you're better off putting that money toward a new system. We don't sell coatings to roofs that need replacement, and we don't sell replacements to roofs that could be coated. Schedule a free inspection to find out which option makes sense for your building.
Drainage & Ponding Water in DFW
DFW gets an average of 37 inches of rain per year, often in intense bursts — 2–4 inches in a single storm during spring and fall. Flat roofs need positive drainage to move that water off the surface within 48 hours. When drainage fails, water ponds — sitting on the membrane for days or weeks, accelerating UV and chemical degradation, adding structural weight (1 inch of standing water = 5.2 lbs per square foot), and creating leak paths at every seam and penetration.
Solutions depend on the cause. Clogged internal drains or scuppers need cleaning and maintenance — we include this in our commercial maintenance programs. Inadequate slope can be corrected with tapered insulation that creates positive drainage toward existing drain locations. Compressed or settled insulation may need localized replacement. HVAC equipment creating dams can be resolved with equipment stands that allow water to flow underneath. We evaluate the drainage pattern, identify the cause of ponding, and recommend the most cost-effective fix.
Flat Roofing FAQ
Common questions about flat roof systems in DFW.
It depends on the system. TPO and EPDM membranes last 20–30 years with proper installation and maintenance. Modified bitumen systems last 15–25 years. Built-up roofing (BUR) can last 25–30 years. DFW's extreme heat and UV exposure are the primary wear factors — annual inspections and preventive maintenance can extend the life of any flat roof system by 10–15 years.
In many cases, yes. If the existing membrane is structurally sound — no widespread bubbling, delamination, or moisture trapped in the insulation — a silicone or acrylic roof coating can add 10–15 years of life at 30–50% of the cost of a full replacement. We inspect the existing system, including moisture scans to check for wet insulation, and give you an honest recommendation. If coating makes sense, we'll tell you. If the system is too far gone, we'll recommend replacement and explain why.
Ponding — standing water that remains 48+ hours after rain — is the #1 issue we see on DFW flat roofs. Causes include inadequate original slope, settled or compressed insulation, clogged drains or scuppers, and HVAC equipment blocking drainage paths. Ponding accelerates membrane deterioration, adds structural load, and creates leak risk. Solutions range from adding tapered insulation to create positive drainage, installing additional drains or scuppers, or re-sloping specific areas. We evaluate the cause and recommend the most cost-effective fix.
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