The main roof on your house sheds an afternoon downpour in seconds. The flat section over the porch, the garage or that back addition is a different story. Water sits there after every storm, and now there’s a brown ring on the ceiling underneath. Flat roofing in Orlando takes a beating because those summer storms come almost every day, and a low roof gives every small flaw a lot more time in contact with water.
You probably have two worries: whether this is a patch or a whole new roof, and whether the person you call actually knows flat roofs or just shingles. Both are fair. You deserve a roofer who can show you what’s wrong instead of guessing.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. We install and repair flat and low-slope roofs on homes and light commercial buildings across Orlando and Central Florida, and inspections are free. Call 407-270-1129 to set up a visit.
Why low roofs need a different kind of roofing
A “flat” roof isn’t truly flat. It’s built with a slight fall toward a drain, scupper or gutter, and the building code calls for at least a quarter inch of slope per foot under a membrane. Shingles aren’t allowed below a 2-in-12 pitch because water moving that slowly gets blown back under the overlaps. Low sections need a sealed sheet that works as one waterproof skin from edge to edge.
That’s why so many Orlando homes have two roofs in one: shingles or tile on the main house, and a membrane on the porch, carport or addition. If someone put shingles on that low section to match the rest of the house, it’s a common reason for repeat leaks.
Flat roofing options for Orlando homes
The right membrane depends on the deck, the drainage and what sits on the roof. Here’s how the common ones compare.
TPO
TPO is a single-ply membrane, usually white, that comes in wide rolls. The seams are heat-welded into one piece. A white surface reflects a lot of Florida sun, which helps keep the room below cooler. It’s a popular choice for porches and additions here. See TPO roofing in Orlando.
EPDM
EPDM is a black rubber membrane. Its seams are primed and taped, so clean, careful prep during installation matters a lot. It’s flexible and handles temperature swings well, though a black surface soaks up more heat. More on EPDM roofing in Orlando.
Built-up and modified bitumen
Built-up roofing (BUR) is the older layered system of felt and asphalt, often topped with gravel. Modified bitumen is asphalt with polymers added, sold in rolls. You’ll still find both on homes and small buildings around Orlando, and we repair and replace them.
Membrane thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Residential jobs commonly use 45 or 60 mil. You can’t tell the difference from the ground, so the thickness should be written into your estimate.
What Central Florida weather does to a flat roof
Three things wear out a low roof here. The sun breaks down membranes over time, and dark ones run especially hot. Afternoon thunderstorms put inches of rain on the roof in an hour, and any low spot or clogged drain holds water long after the storm. Then hurricane season adds wind, which pulls hardest at the edges and corners of a low roof. A loose piece of edge metal can let wind get under the membrane and peel it back.
Standing water is the one to watch. If there’s still water on the roof two days after a storm, something’s wrong, usually a sagging deck or a blocked outlet. A new membrane alone won’t fix that. The slope has to be corrected with tapered insulation, a small diverter called a cricket or another drain.
Repair or replace?
Most flat-roof leaks start in one area: a seam that’s let go, a cracked boot around a vent pipe or the joint where the flat roof meets the sloped one. That joint is a common culprit on Orlando porches. The membrane is supposed to run up under the shingles above it so water flows over it. If it was installed the other way around, water runs in behind it, and you’ll often see a wet stripe on the porch ceiling right next to the house.
A leak like that can usually be repaired. Our flat roof repair in Orlando page covers that work. A replacement makes more sense when seams are failing all over, the membrane cracks when it’s bent or the insulation underneath is soaked through. We’ll check with a moisture meter and show you photos so the decision is yours, made with real information. When it’s time for a new one, see flat roof installation in Orlando.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. We check the drains and low spots, probe the seams, look at the edges and the joint with your main roof, and test the insulation for moisture when there’s a leak. You get photos and a written estimate.
- Get your roof done and your yard cleaned up. Any section opened during the job is made watertight before the crew leaves for the day, and the site gets cleaned up when the work is done.
If you’d like to spread out the cost, we work with financing partners including Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Flat roofing in Orlando: common questions
Which flat roof is best for a home in Orlando?
For most porches and additions, white TPO is a strong choice because it reflects heat and has welded seams. EPDM and modified bitumen work well too. The best fit depends on your deck, drainage and what’s on the roof, and we’ll explain our recommendation.
Why does my flat roof keep leaking in the same spot?
Repeat leaks usually come from the joint with the sloped roof, a failed seam or water that ponds in one place. Patching the membrane without fixing the cause brings the leak back.
Do you work on commercial flat roofs?
Yes. We handle light commercial low-slope roofs as well, including TPO, EPDM and built-up systems.
Can a new flat roof go over the old one?
Sometimes. The code allows it only over a single existing layer, and only when the insulation underneath is dry. Otherwise the old roof comes off down to the deck.
A porch you can actually use
A flat roof that’s leaking slowly soaks the insulation and the wood under it long before you see much inside. Getting it checked now usually means a smaller fix. There’s no need to panic, but it’s worth a look.
The next afternoon storm passes, and the porch ceiling stays dry. Your roof drains the way it should, and there’s no surprise bill waiting. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection, or start with our free online estimate.
