5 Questions to Ask About Repairing Flat, Foam, or Single-Ply Roofing

Fixing a damaged roof may not be a glamorous project, but it’s an important one—not just to maintain your home’s curb appeal but also for your safety. But before you bring in a roofing contractor to assess the situation, it’s important to understand what’s involved in repairing a flat roof. Here are five flat roof repair questions that you can expect to discuss with a pro. 

1. What kind of roofing material do you have? 

There are a variety of flat roofing materials, including spray foam, modified bitumen, and metal. Single-ply roofing—such as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)—is also popular. Your type of roofing material can impact your repair costs, so a roofing pro will need to know which material you have to create an estimate.

2. Why does your roof need repairs?

From leaks to mold to pest damage, there are a lot of things that can go wrong with your roof. Drainage issues are also common with flat roofs in particular. When speaking with a roofing contractor, provide as much information as possible about why your roof needs repairs. For example, if hail hit your roof, you should let your pro know when the storm occurred and point out any damage you’ve noticed.

3. Is this project covered by insurance?

Depending on the cause of the damage, your homeowners insurance might pay for roof repairs. Generally, you can make a claim if your roof was damaged by a storm, natural disaster, or accident. If you plan to use your insurance for your roof repair, let your flat roofing pro know in advance. You can also ask if they’ll meet with the insurance adjuster when they visit your home to ensure they accurately describe the damage.

4. What’s your budget? 

Flat, foam, and single-ply roofing is often less expensive to fix than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, tile, and slate. On average, these types of roof repairs cost $400. However, the price of flat roof repairs also depends on many other factors, including the type and extent of the damage, the size of your roof, and local labor rates.

5. When do you need the repairs completed?

If you have a roofing emergency (such as standing water on your roof or tree damage), you should get your roof repaired as soon as possible. Keep in mind that there’s usually an additional fee for urgent repairs. There’s no need to pay for a rush service if you’re dealing with a less serious roof issue (such as cosmetic hail damage or moss growth).

The timeline for repairing a flat roof depends on the damage. Minor repairs (such as replacing damaged flashing) might only take a few hours, but more complex jobs (such as fixing a flat roof leak and any related water damage) could take several days.