Flat roofs are common in San Diego. Commercial buildings have them. Older mid-century homes have them. Garages, additions, and ADUs often have them. When something goes wrong, you need a contractor who understands flat roof systems specifically.
The repair approach depends on what type of membrane you have and how bad the damage is.
Know Your Membrane
San Diego flat roofs typically use one of these systems:
Built-up roofing (BUR) is the old-school approach - layers of tar and felt built up over time. You still see it on older buildings. It works but repairs are messy and the materials have largely been replaced by better options.
Modified bitumen (torch down) uses asphalt sheets heat-welded together. It is durable and handles foot traffic well. Repairs usually mean patching with the same material.
TPO and PVC are single-ply membranes that get heat-welded at the seams. They are popular for commercial buildings and newer residential flat roofs. Repairs require the same welding equipment used in installation.
EPDM (rubber roofing) is a single-ply membrane adhered with glue or held down with ballast. Repairs involve patches and adhesive.
Coatings go over existing flat roofs to extend their life. Silicone and acrylic coatings are most common. They seal small cracks and provide UV protection.
Once you know what you have, you can evaluate repair options.
Small damage - a puncture, a torn seam, a blister - usually makes sense to patch. Large areas of damage or multiple problem spots might mean the roof is reaching the end of its life.
Recoating is a middle option when the membrane is still sound but showing wear. A coating adds years to a flat roof without the expense of full replacement. The existing roof has to be in decent shape - coating will not fix serious structural problems or extensively damaged membranes.
Before any flat roof repair, address drainage. If water pools on your roof, fixing a leak is temporary. The water will find another way in. Your contractor should evaluate slope and drainage as part of any repair.
Peak Builders repairs all types of flat roofs throughout San Diego. We will assess your roof honestly and recommend the approach that makes sense for your situation - whether that is a simple patch, a coating, or planning for replacement.
