OUR SERVICES

FLAT & LOW-SLOPE ROOFING

From TPO and EPDM membranes to modified bitumen systems, we install and maintain flat and low-slope roofing solutions built to handle the demands of Canadian weather and commercial use.

ROOFING 101

WHAT IS FLAT & LOW-SLOPE ROOFING?

Flat and low-slope roofing refers to any roof with a pitch below 3:12, meaning less than 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Despite the name, these roofs are never perfectly flat. They’re engineered with a slight slope to direct water toward drains, scuppers or gutters and away from the building envelope.

This roofing category dominates commercial and multi-unit residential construction across Canada for good reason. It maximizes usable building footprint, simplifies HVAC and mechanical installations on the roof surface and generally costs less to install per square foot than steep-slope alternatives. For apartment buildings, strip plazas, retail units and garages across the GTA, flat and low-slope systems are almost always the practical choice.

The performance of a flat roof comes down to two things: the quality of the membrane system installed and the quality of the installation itself. A properly installed flat roof with the right membrane for your building’s conditions can last 20 to 30 years with routine maintenance. A poorly installed one can fail within a few seasons regardless of material quality.

SYSTEMS WE INSTALL

THE RIGHT SYSTEM FOR YOUR BUILDING

TPO MEMBRANE

A single-ply thermoplastic membrane known for its heat-welded seams, UV resistance and energy efficiency. One of the most popular choices for flat commercial roofs in Canada

EPDM MEMBRANE

A synthetic rubber membrane built for extreme temperature fluctuations. Highly durable, low maintenance and ideal for buildings that need long-term waterproofing

MODIFIED BITUMEN

A multi-layer asphalt system reinforced with polyester or fibreglass. Excellent for flat and low-slope applications where added thickness and redundancy are priorities

READY TO GET STARTED?

Contact us today for a free assessment and no-obligation quote

Who It's For

Is Flat Roofing Right for Your Building?

Is Flat Roofing Right for Your Building?

Flat and low-slope roofing is the standard choice for commercial and multi-unit residential construction across the GTA. If you own or manage an apartment building, retail strip, warehouse, office complex, or industrial facility, this is almost certainly the system your building needs. The low-pitch design maximizes usable building footprint, simplifies HVAC installations on the roof surface, and generally costs less to install per square foot than steep-slope alternatives. For apartment buildings, strip plazas, retail units and garages across the GTA, flat and low-slope systems are almost always the practical choice.

It’s also the right solution for property managers dealing with aging membrane systems, recurring leaks, or roofs approaching the end of their service life. We assess drainage, penetrations and existing structure before recommending any system – so the solution always fits the building, not the other way around. Not sure what your roof needs? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

PAYMENT & QUOTE PROCESS

SIMPLE FROM START TO FINISH

OUR WORK

PROJECTS THAT
SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

TRUSTED BY PROPERTY OWNERS
ACROSS THE GTA

Don't take our word for it. Here's what the people we've worked with have to say about the JRR experience.

OUR APPROACH

We Start With the Building, Not the Material

A lot of contractors lead with the product. We lead with the assessment. Before recommending TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen, we evaluate your building’s drainage layout, roof traffic, mechanical penetrations and local exposure conditions. The right membrane for a Toronto warehouse isn’t necessarily the right membrane for a Mississauga retail plaza.

Every flat roofing project includes a thorough inspection of the existing substrate, proper surface preparation and installation performed to manufacturer specifications. We don’t cut corners on detailing or drainage – because the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the material. That’s the standard we hold on every project.

WHERE WE WORK

SERVING THE GTA
AND SURROUNDING AREAS

We operate across the GTA and surrounding regions, serving property owners, landlords and building managers wherever the work takes us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS

Everything you need to know about flat and low-slope roofing in the GTA — from lifespan and maintenance to cost and when it's time to replace.

How Long Does a Flat Roof Last?

Lifespan depends on the membrane system installed and the quality of the installation itself. TPO and EPDM systems are built for long-term performance when installed correctly and maintained regularly. An annual inspection is the simplest way to get the most out of your roof.

How Do I Know If My Flat Roof Needs Replacement or Just Repairs?

If the damage is localized and the roof is relatively young, repairs are usually the right call. If you're seeing widespread membrane deterioration, ponding water in multiple areas, or the roof has been in service for many years, a full replacement is likely more cost-effective long-term. We assess this honestly and won't recommend a replacement if repairs will do the job.

Why Is Water Pooling on My Roof After It Rains?

Some ponding after heavy rain is normal and should drain within 48 hours. If water sits longer than that, it usually points to insufficient slope, blocked drains, or drainage design issues. Left unaddressed, standing water accelerates membrane deterioration significantly.

Can a Flat Roof Be Installed in Winter?

Yes, with the right materials and methods. Modified bitumen and certain TPO systems can be installed in cold weather conditions. We work year-round and adjust our approach based on temperature to ensure proper adhesion and seam integrity.

What's the Difference Between Flat Roofing, Metal Roofing and Steep Slope Roofing?

Flat and low-slope systems are designed for roofs with a pitch below 3:12 and are most common on commercial and multi-unit buildings. If your building has a steeper pitch, a steep slope roofing system may be the better fit. For long-term durability with minimal maintenance across a wide range of pitches, metal roofing is also worth considering.