(343) 321-0218
info@burnhambrothers.com
Ottawa, ON
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Flat Roof Leaking? We Fix EPDM, TPO & All Membrane Systems

Flat roofs are vulnerable to pooling water, UV damage, and membrane failure. Expert repairs on residential and commercial flat roofs keep Ottawa homes and buildings protected.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
/ The Problem

Flat Roofs Are Ticking Time Bombs—Water Pools, Membranes Fail, Damage Spreads

Flat roofs are efficient and economical. But they have a fatal weakness: water sits on them instead of running off.

That standing water is your problem. It accelerates UV breakdown of the membrane. It finds every tiny hole and seam failure. It's relentless in Ottawa's climate.

Here's what happens:

  • Water pools in low spots (ponding) and weakens the membrane
  • Freeze-thaw cycles crack the membrane from underneath
  • UV exposure hardens and embrittles EPDM and other materials
  • Small holes become big leaks within weeks
  • Flashing around roof penetrations fails and water runs inside
  • Once water gets under the membrane, it spreads across the entire roof deck

By the time you notice water dripping inside, you could have thousands of square feet of wet insulation and rotted wood.

A $300 membrane patch today prevents a $20,000+ roof system replacement and interior damage tomorrow.

Get a Free Inspection
Flat Roof Damage

Flat Roof Problems We Fix in Ottawa

Membrane Punctures

Looks like: Visible holes, tears, or cracks in surface

Why it happens: Foot traffic, debris, improper installation, age

CRITICAL

Seam Failure

Looks like: Seams separating, membrane pulling apart at edges

Why it happens: Freeze-thaw expansion/contraction, poor original work

CRITICAL

Ponding Water

Looks like: Visible standing water 24+ hours after rain

Why it happens: Improper slope, blocked drains, settling deck

HIGH

Blistering

Looks like: Bubbles or blisters in membrane surface

Why it happens: Moisture trapped between membrane and deck

HIGH

Flashing Failure

Looks like: Gaps or rust where membrane meets walls/vents

Why it happens: Sealing failure, fastener corrosion, freeze-thaw

CRITICAL

UV Degradation

Looks like: Membrane looks chalky, hard, or brittle

Why it happens: Sun exposure; EPDM lasts 20-30 years, TPO 15-25

MEDIUM-HIGH

Membrane Splits

Looks like: Linear tears or cracks, often parallel

Why it happens: Substrate movement, settling, freeze-thaw stress

CRITICAL

Debris & Moss Growth

Looks like: Leaves, branches, algae/moss on surface

Why it happens: Poor drainage, lack of maintenance, shaded areas

MEDIUM

How to Spot Flat Roof Problems Before They Become Catastrophes

On the Roof Surface

  • Visible standing water (puddles) hours after rain
  • Cracks or tears visible in membrane
  • Blisters or bubbles in membrane surface
  • Debris accumulation or lack of drainage
  • Moss, algae, or vegetation growing on roof
  • Flashing separated from walls or vents
  • Membrane looks weathered, chalky, or faded
  • Roof surface looks like it's sinking or sagging

Around Penetrations

  • Water staining around roof drains
  • Gaps where membrane meets walls or vents
  • Rust or deterioration on flashing
  • Caulk or sealant missing or cracked

In Your Attic

  • Water stains or wet insulation
  • Wet ceiling joists or roof deck
  • Mold or mildew smell
  • Recent dampness not associated with a rainstorm

Inside Your Home

  • Water stains on ceilings (especially in multiple areas)
  • Peeling paint on upper walls
  • Damp spots or water running down walls
  • Soft spots in drywall or plaster
  • Musty smell in any room below the flat roof

After a Heavy Rain or Snowmelt

  • Water visible pooling on roof
  • Water entry inside building within hours
  • Water stains that weren't there before

Our Professional Flat Roof Repair Process

1

Detailed Inspection & Diagnosis

Flat roof leaks can be tricky—water travels under the membrane before leaking inside, so the leak spot might be far from where water enters the building. We walk the entire roof and inspect membrane condition, test all drains and check for ponding, examine all flashing and penetrations, check the underlying deck condition, and sometimes use moisture detection equipment to find wet areas. We take photos showing what we find.

2

Moisture Assessment

If there's evidence of water under the membrane, we assess how extensive the damage is. A small wet area might just need a patch. Extensive moisture means more work—or possibly replacement.

3

Clear Quote

Your estimate covers where the leak source is, how we'll repair it (patching, resealing, flashing replacement), membrane type and materials needed, underlying deck damage (if any), drainage improvements or fixes, labor and materials, and timeline.

4

Repair Execution

We remove the damaged membrane section (or patch it if possible), inspect and dry the underlying deck, treat any mold or moisture issues, and install new membrane material using manufacturer-approved methods and adhesives rated for our climate. We work with EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, and EPDM with gravel coating.

5

Flashing & Penetration Sealing

We ensure all roof penetrations (vents, drains, walls) are sealed properly. Flashing is often the weak point on flat roofs, so we pay special attention here.

6

Drainage Verification & Clean-Up

We check that water drains properly and isn't pooling. If ponding is an issue, we discuss solutions. We inspect our work, ensure proper drainage, and clean up completely before you inspect. <strong>Timeline: Most flat roof repairs take 1-3 days depending on the extent of damage.</strong>

Why Ottawa Winters Are Brutal on Flat Roofs

Freeze-Thaw Cycles Create Stress

Flat roofs experience extreme stress in freeze-thaw cycles. Water sits on the membrane, freezes, and creates ice that stresses seams. Thawing releases that stress, eventually causing tears and seam failure.

Ponding in Spring

When snow melts, water collects on flat roofs. If drainage is imperfect (which it often is), that water sits and sits. In Ottawa's climate, this can last for weeks in spring. That's time for water to find every weakness.

Heavy Wet Snow Loads

Spring snowmelt and October/November wet snow loads stress the underlying roof deck. Structural movement causes the membrane to crack and seams to separate.

UV + Membrane Exposure

Summer UV breaks down membrane materials. Winter UV (reflected off snow) continues the damage. EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen all degrade faster in Ottawa than in milder climates.

Salt Air & Corrosion

Road salt spray corrodes metal flashing and fasteners on flat roofs. This accelerates flashing failure and allows water entry.

What This Means

Your flat roof in Ottawa needs proper sloping to eliminate ponding (or very good drainage systems), quality membrane materials rated for freeze-thaw, strong seam construction using products tested for our climate, regular maintenance and inspections, and proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup under the membrane.

Our Approach

We repair flat roofs with Ottawa's punishing climate in mind. We use products rated for freeze-thaw cycling, we ensure proper drainage, and we recommend preventative inspections every 2-3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the damage extent. A small puncture repair might be $200–$400. A larger area requiring sealing and patching could be $500–$1,500. Flashing repairs vary based on the size and complexity. Get your free estimate → or call (343) 321-0218 for specifics.
Not if you want it to last. Roof patches need the right adhesive, proper surface prep, and materials that work in freeze-thaw cycling. DIY patches typically fail within 1-2 years. Professional repairs last 10-15+ years.
Either your roof doesn't have enough slope (this is common with aging roofs), or your drains are clogged. We can assess the cause and recommend solutions—sometimes drain cleaning is all you need. Other times, a roof coating or mild re-sloping is necessary.
If you have extensive moisture under the membrane, especially with mold present, that's a significant problem. Even small areas of moisture can lead to mold and insulation damage over time. A professional inspection can tell you if it's concerning.
If your EPDM or TPO roof is 15-20 years old and the membrane is otherwise sound, a reflective coating can extend its life 5-10 years for $1,500–$3,000. If your roof is already 25+ years old or has significant damage, replacement is smarter.
Depends on your roof design and climate exposure. Internal drains keep water off the surface (good for Ottawa). Gutters handle edge drainage. We'll assess your current system and recommend improvements based on your specific situation.

Why Ottawa Homeowners and Builders Trust Burnham Brothers With Flat Roofs

⭐

35 Years of Flat Roof Experience

We've repaired thousands of EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen roofs in Ottawa. We know what works in our climate.

✓

Every Membrane Type

EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, BUR—we're trained on all of them.

📋

BP Platinum Installer

Certified by BP Canada for commercial and residential flat roofing.

❄️

Ottawa Climate Expertise

We understand freeze-thaw challenges, ponding problems, and snow load stress.

💼

Honest Assessments

If a repair will solve the problem, we recommend repair. We don't suggest replacement for profit.

🛡️

Quality Materials

We use membrane products and adhesives rated for freeze-thaw cycling and UV exposure.

🔍

Fast Diagnosis

We pinpoint leak sources accurately using inspection and sometimes moisture detection equipment.

✅

Licensed & Insured

Full liability and WSIB compliance for residential and commercial work.

Flat roofs require specialized knowledge. We have it.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Contact Burnham Brothers for professional service and expert assessment.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
Get Free Estimate (343) 321-0218
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