Low-Slope Roofing
Flat Roofing That Doesn't Hold Water
Standing water is what ruins a flat roof. We install modified bitumen, TPO and EPDM membranes with real slope to the drains, sound seams and proper flashing at every edge.
- Free estimates
- Licensed and insured
- Homes and businesses
Get your free estimate
Tell us about the job. We will get back to you quickly to book a time.
Prefer to talk? (289) 683-9727
Low-slope roofs play by different rules
James Roofing installs and repairs flat roofing across Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, Halton and Peel. We work on rear additions, garages, rowhouse and semi-detached roofs, porches and commercial low-slope buildings. Call (289) 683-9727 or request a free estimate, and we’ll inspect the existing roof, check for ponding and wet insulation, and quote the right system for it.
A flat roof isn’t truly flat. It needs a slight pitch so water moves to a drain, scupper or eavestrough. When that slope is missing or the deck has sagged, water pools after every rain, freezes in winter and works at the seams until something lets go. Freeze-thaw is especially hard on a roof holding water, because every cycle opens the seams a little more. Plenty of older flat roofs in Hamilton’s lower city and Toronto’s older neighbourhoods have been patched so many times that nobody knows what’s underneath.
We start with drainage and choose the membrane second. On a tear-off, we can add tapered insulation to build in slope, replace rotten decking, and rebuild the edges and parapet flashing so the new membrane has something solid to seal against. We also make sure the drains and scuppers are sized for the roof, and that the eavestrough or downspout below can handle what comes off it. That groundwork is what lets a flat roof go years without a call.
Why James Roofing
How we build a flat roof
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Drainage comes first
We find the low spots and correct the slope with tapered insulation or deck repairs before the membrane goes down.
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The right membrane
Modified bitumen, TPO or EPDM, chosen for the building, the foot traffic and your budget, not out of habit.
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Edges and penetrations detailed
Parapets, drains, vent stacks and HVAC curbs get proper flashing, because that's where flat roofs leak.
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Repair or replace, honestly
Small blisters and open seams can often be repaired. When the insulation underneath is saturated, we'll tell you it's time to replace.
Google Reviews
What our customers say
5.0
- 5 out of 5 stars
I am beyond happy with the work that James Roofing did at my rental property. I had water damage from an incompatible roofing system that was put on by the previous company. From the beginning of my project, James was happy to answer any questions I had about proposed solutions and always made sure I understood all options available. The job was done when he said it would be, and on time. The crew was very polite with my tenants and cleaned up 100% after their work was done. I will be calling James Roofing again when my main roof needs replaced.
- 5 out of 5 stars
They are a great company!! The workers were pleasant and got the job done in a timely manner. Prices are reasonable as well. Will definitely recommend!!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I am very pleased to give the highest regard to this company. Not only were they efficient but also made me feel included with the process. Very easy to communicate with, good listeners and very knowledgeable. Thumbs up!!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Honestly great experience from start to finish. I got the run around from a few other roofers before finding James Roofing. He was prompt in returning my phone calls, worked me in a few days earlier than originally planned and fixed the leak in my roof immediately and for a fair price. Would highly recommend to anybody looking for good, honest work
- 5 out of 5 stars
Janes was able to fix holes in my roof with short notice. Solid job!
- 5 out of 5 stars
James Roofing did a fantastic job making this 106 year home look so much better. The crew were fantastic and cleaned up well after the job was complete. Very polite and James was fantastic to deal with. Very professional.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Great and honest work. They installed eavestrough and down pipes for me. Very reasonably priced and professional job well done.
How It Works
Our flat roof process
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Assess the roof
We check for ponding, soft insulation and open seams, along with the condition of the flashing and drains.
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Plan the system
We recommend a membrane and a drainage approach, then give you a written quote.
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Strip and rebuild
The old roof comes off, the deck is repaired, and insulation and slope are added where needed.
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Membrane and flashing
The new membrane goes down, seams are sealed, and every edge and penetration is flashed and checked.
Modified bitumen, TPO or EPDM: how they compare
Modified bitumen
Modified bitumen is asphalt reinforced with polymers and installed in layers, usually a base sheet and a granulated cap sheet. The granules protect it from UV and give it a surface that holds up under a ladder or a patio chair. It handles foot traffic well and is a common choice for residential flat roofs, garages and smaller commercial buildings. It can be torch-applied or self-adhered, and self-adhered sheets make sense where an open flame near wood framing or a neighbour’s wall isn’t ideal.
TPO
TPO is a single-ply membrane, usually white, with seams welded together using hot air. A good weld is stronger than the sheet itself. The white surface reflects sunlight, keeping the roof and the rooms below cooler in July. It’s widely used on commercial buildings and works well on larger, open roof areas.
EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that stays flexible in deep cold and handles freeze-thaw cycles well. It comes in large sheets, so a simple roof has few seams. Those seams are bonded with tape and primer, and corners and drains need careful hands. It’s a common choice for garages and simple rectangular roofs with few penetrations.
What drives the decision
We look at the roof size, how much foot traffic it gets, whether there is mechanical equipment on it, how it drains and what sits next to it. A rooftop deck, a detached garage and a plaza roof each point to different answers. We’ll lay out the trade-offs in plain terms before you decide. Budget matters too, and we’ll show you where spending more pays off and where it doesn’t.
Questions
Flat Roofing FAQs
Still unsure about something? Call us and talk to someone who actually works on roofs.
(289) 683-9727How long does a flat roof last?
It depends on the membrane, the installation and above all the drainage. A flat roof that sheds water and gets checked regularly will far outlast one with ponding. We'll give you a realistic picture for your roof when we inspect it.
Can you fix ponding on my flat roof?
Usually, yes. On a replacement we can add tapered insulation or rebuild low areas to create slope toward a drain or scupper. On an existing roof, adding or moving a drain is sometimes possible, depending on the structure.
Can a flat roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Local blisters, open seams and flashing failures can often be repaired. If water has soaked the insulation across large areas, a repair won't last and replacement is the better call. We check for wet areas during the inspection.
Is a white roof worth it in Ontario?
A reflective membrane like white TPO keeps the roof cooler in summer, which helps the rooms or units directly below. In winter, snow cover narrows the difference. It suits many buildings, and we'll walk you through the trade-offs.
Do you work on flat roofs over living space?
Yes. Kitchens, bedrooms and rear additions under flat roofs are common in older Hamilton and Toronto homes. These need careful insulation and vapour control so condensation doesn't form under the deck.
Service Areas
Flat Roofing across Southern Ontario
Our crews cover Hamilton, Halton, Peel, Toronto and Niagara. Pick your city for local details.
- Hamilton
- Toronto
- Burlington
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Stoney Creek
- Ancaster
- Grimsby
- St. Catharines
- Niagara Falls
- Welland
- Milton
Not on the list? We cover the communities in between too. Call (289) 683-9727 to check.
More Services
More ways we protect your property
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Roof Replacement
Full tear-off to the deck, new ice-and-water shield, underlayment and architectural shingles, installed to handle Ontario winters and summer heat.
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Roof Repair
Leaks, missing shingles, failed flashing and storm damage traced to the source and fixed with proper materials, not a smear of caulking.
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Commercial Roofing
Low-slope roof installation, repair and maintenance programs for plazas, offices, industrial units and multi-unit residential buildings.
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Roof Inspections
Pre-purchase, post-storm, insurance and annual roof inspections, with photos and a plain-language report on what needs attention.
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Eavestrough, Soffit and Fascia
Seamless aluminum eavestrough, downspouts, soffit and fascia, installed with the right size and slope to move water away from your foundation.
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Gutter Guards
Gutter guards that keep leaves, maple keys and pine needles out of your eavestrough, so it drains in summer storms and clogs less in winter.
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Siding
Vinyl, fibre cement, aluminum and steel siding installed over a proper weather barrier, with trim and flashing done right at every window.
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Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Blown-in attic insulation and balanced ventilation that cut heat loss, prevent ice dams and keep condensation and mould out of your attic.
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Snow Removal
Seasonal snow removal for driveways, walkways and commercial lots, plus salting and roof snow and ice dam removal from the crew that knows your roof.
Explore snow removal
Tired of a pond on your roof?
Call (289) 683-9727 or request a free flat roofing estimate and we'll start by looking at how it drains.