Flat Roofs Toronto Review: A Practical Approach To Flat Roof Replacement

Is that leaking flat roof another repair, or a full replacement? Rarely does that stain on your ceiling tell you where the leak is coming from or if your insulation is wet.

Flat Roofs Toronto aims to fix that problem. It services flat and low slope roofs throughout Toronto and the GTA. Whether it’s your garage, rear addition or commercial property.

Its biggest benefit is that it bases its roof replacement recommendation on an inspection rather than just on how the roof looks. It follows a logical process from inspecting the roof to selecting a system to providing a written quote.

Flat Roofs Toronto

4.5 / 5

Verdict: An excellent choice if you’re a Toronto-area homeowner seeking a flat-roof expert to evaluate your current installation and discuss your replacement options.

Scores are based on our analysis of the published process, roofing choices, public comments and warranty details. The headline represents the average of these categories.

In This Review

• Who Is Flat Roofs Toronto Best For?
• How Does It Decide Between Repair And Replacement?
• Which Flat Roofing Systems Does It Offer?
• How Are Quotes And Costs Handled?
• What About Emergency Response And Warranties?
• What Do Customer Feedback And Project Photos Show?
• Pros And Cons
• Final Verdict

Who Is Flat Roofs Toronto Best For?

The service is designed for owners who experience chronic leaks, pooling water or an aging single ply roof membrane. Targeted solutions include homes, additions, warehouses and retail establishments.

The company also handles leak repairs and skylights, plus associated insulation or drain work when replacement isn’t needed.

That’s significant because leaks often involve joints, parapet flashing or drainage, not just the main roof membrane.

How Does It Decide Between Repair And Replacement?

This is the most persuasive part of the published service model.

Flat Roofs Toronto notes that it inspects the roof, takes core samples to assess existing layers and insulation, and checks deck condition and structural suitability, as well as taking into account pre-existing roof layers and the structure’s ability to support another assembly. The firm lists three approaches that may be taken:

• Targeted repair: Fix a localized defect when the remaining roof is sound.
• Recover: Place a new roof over the existing roof assembly if it is dry, structurally sound, has an acceptable number of layers, and can support the added weight.
• Full tear-off: Take off the old assembly and re-build when worn out or moisture penetrates, making recovery not feasible.

Roof recovery allows you to avoid stripping off and disposing of your existing roof which can be costly. Tear-off leaves your roof deck exposed permitting repairs as well as insulation or drainage upgrades.

The company’s replacement page says the estimate results in a written recommendation with supporting photos and a quotation including the system, timeline and price. This allows owners to compare options.

Which Flat Roofing Systems Does It Offer?

Material selection depends on the building and roof use.

Its sections on roofing systems include modified bitumen, cold-applied roofing, EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC and built-up roofing. Torch-applied modified bitumen membranes are heated so they can be bonded to the roof. Cold applied systems use adhesive and do not require an open flame.

TPO and PVC seams are heat-welded whilst EPDM is a flexible rubber roof membrane and typically bonded with adhesive or seam tape. Traffic on roof, exposure, drainage and condition of deck are factors.

The real benefit is that you have a number of systems you can talk about rather than approaching one membrane as if it will work for any building. The company claims its written proposal ties the suggested assembly to the roof’s condition and function.

How Are Quotes And Costs Handled?

Flat Roofs Toronto provides their customers with a no obligation free roof consultation. An estimate will be given to you in writing which outlines the roof system and scope and price of the project. Pricing is based on the square footage of your roof, condition, if the existing assembly requires tear off and accessibility and deck or drainage repair if required.

Additionally, it states the company documents concealed deck damage found upon tear-off and estimates additional repairs prior to owner approval. Is it important that the original estimate would not account for damage hidden by the existing roof?

Ontario’s guide to hiring a Roofer recommends getting written quotes that include details of the work and break out the cost for labour and materials line by line. This company delivers the type of on-site estimate and written scope of work that allows you to compare.

A few of the anecdotal customer stories reported publicly have discussed fair or reasonable pricing.

What About Emergency Response And Warranties?

The company provides a 24/7 emergency roofing phone line for situations involving active leaks. Their FAQ states that roof work in wet weather may first make the roof watertight, with permanent repairs done when the weather breaks.

Here’s where the warranty promise should be just as specific. Flat Roofs Toronto states it offers two types of warranty: one manufacturer’s warranty that goes along with the roofing system or materials selected, and a workmanship warranty that applies to its installation job. It also states both are provided in writing; the manufacturer’s warranty will vary depending on the system and materials selected, and its workmanship warranty applies to the installation no matter what system you choose.

The Canadian Roofing Contractors Association’s standard warranty guidance clearly illustrates why workmanship coverage should come with a defined scope and term. That program’s warranty is only available through qualified members of that association and is not the warranty being offered by Flat Roofs Toronto.

The published FAQ does not establish a universal lifetime replacement warranty.

What Do Customer Feedback And Project Photos Show?

Here is a public Google review page for Flat Roofs Toronto that displays reviews from customers along with descriptions of services the company provides. Positive reviews included in Google’s public snippet of their reviews are good communication, quick response/cleaning up, and fair prices.

Work featured in the company gallery consists of roof installations in the Toronto-area. Tasks visible here include application of membrane, flashing of parapets, and deck prep.

Pros And Cons

What works

• Inspection-led choices: Published process defines when targeted repair differs from a recovery or full tear-off.
• Several system choices: Roofing options cover common residential and commercial low-slope applications.
• Written scope: Free roof evaluation then a written quote specifying system & work proposed.
• Emergency contact: A round-the-clock line is advertised for urgent leak inquiries.

What does not

• Replacement timing depends on conditions: Just because you have an emergency call does not mean you can book an immediate replacement. Rain can delay membrane installation. This will be less of an issue if your project is scheduled with wiggle room.
• Specialist trade scope: Does not quote pitched-roof shingles. Does not quote general exterior contracting. That may be okay if your project will consist solely of flat-roof work.

Final Verdict

Flat Roofs Toronto knows what they’re selling. Rather than pitching one membrane as the solution to all roofing dilemmas, the company describes a process for assessing the existing roof, choosing the work and preparing a written quote.

Its product line-up, displayed phone number and customer reviews add evidence to this claim.

Flat Roofs Toronto should be one of your top companies to call for an on-roof evaluation and well scoped proposal if you are a Toronto homeowner or building owner in need of a flat roof replacement.

Start by assessing what is beneath the old membrane.