Reliable American installs and maintains flat roofing of various types. Traditional flat roofing systems include modified bitumen and single ply. Another option gaining market share for their economic benefits are roof coatings.

Low slope roofing is rated anywhere from 10-30 years by the various product manufacturers. The determination of this longevity is how the new roof is installed. One thing is for sure, though, a low slope roofing system is all about the details. Neglect one detail and it'll leak for sure!

Let Reliable American install your low slope roof. We stop leaks, Guaranteed!

Single Ply - TPO

TPO is short for Thermo-Plastic Olephine and is quickly becoming the standard for low slope roofing applications in the Chicago and Northern Illinois area. TPO is a highly reflective and durable single ply membrane. What makes TPO great is its' ease of installation and it's heat welded seams. Hot air, forced from electric heaters, are used to fuse flashings and seams. In addition TPO is available in rolls larger than more traditional roofing systems meaning less seams. Less seams means less chance for failure. TPO is and excellent choice where minor ponding water may exist due to it's excellent lack of water permeability.

Single Ply - PVC

Single ply PVC membrane is similiar in appearance to TPO. However PVC has been on the market longer than TPO. The methods and manner in which a PVC membrane is installed is very similiar to that of the TPO roof described above.

A PVC roofing system requires a slightly greater investment than that of a TPO roof. However the roof installation is almost exactly the same. If you want the best thermoplastic roofing system installed, with the peace of mind that comes with heat welded seams, choose a PVC roofing system.

Single Ply - EPDM

EPDM is similar to TPO in the fact that it is a single ply membrane, however EPDM is a rubber compound instead of plastic, like TPO. EPDM has a strong reputation for durability. With properly taped seams and detailed flashings, an EPDM roof can easily last 30 years. However, unlike TPO, the seams are treated with adhesive making them vulnerable over the long term and will eventually require maintenance.

EPDM is commonly installed mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted. Ballasted EPDM roofs are very economical on large projects, when the structure can support the weight of the rock ballast.

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is perhaps the most common of residential low slope roofing systems. Modified bitumen is installed in 3' rolls, either torch applied using flame heat to weld the cap sheet to the base sheet(s) or self adhering using factory applied adhesives on the various components. The duration of your warranty term on modified bitumen is determined by the number of layers. For example a 2-ply system could be a 10 year rated roof, while a 4 ply system is a 20 year rated roofing system.