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There’s no single best roofing material for flat roofs, but EPDM is considered an excellent option because it lasts longer than TPO roofing and built-up roofing, and it’s the most adaptive to extreme temperatures and variations in temperature. EPDM can also be highly energy-efficient at both ends of the climate spectrum, with black EPDM helping to reduce heating bills and white EPDM helping to keep your building cool in extreme summer temperatures.

You shouldn’t put a new roof underlayment over an old one for a few reasons. Old felt must be removed in order to assess the condition of your roof decking, such as rotting wood or other structural issues. Also, if your roofer doesn't install a fresh layer of felt as is required by shingle manufacturers, your warranty may be voided. Finally, old underlayment removal is often included in the cost of roof repair or replacement, so there's no real benefit to leaving it on before installing a new layer.

The minimum recommended slope for a porch roof is 1/4:12, which means 1/4-inch of rise every 12 inches of run. Slopes of 3:12 and 4:12 are more common and provide faster drainage for runoff. Make sure to choose a pitch that’s appropriate both for the climate in your area and the type of roof material you install. Hire a roofer if you need help determining what the right roof pitch is.

Fall is widely considered the best time of year to replace a roof. The moderate temperatures are ideal for roofing crews to work and for new shingles to seal properly. Additionally, autumn weather is often drier, reducing the risk of weather-related delays compared to the rainier spring season.

While spring is also a viable option, the higher chance of rainfall can slow down the project. The main drawback to a fall installation is that it's the peak season for roofers, which can lead to higher prices and scheduling challenges.

To potentially save money, you could consider scheduling your roof replacement during the summer or winter off-seasons. However, both seasons have significant disadvantages. Extreme summer heat can make shingles too soft to handle, while winter's cold, snow, and ice can create dangerous working conditions and prevent shingles from sealing correctly, as they typically require temperatures above 40-45°F.