Because of this, a flat roof is only as good as the craftsmanship behind it. A tiny lapse in a seam weld or an improperly flashed penetration can turn into an interior leak within a single season. Over more than 80 years in the trade, we have learned that attention to these small details separates a roof that lasts decades from one that fails early. Our crews treat every seam, every drain, and every rooftop unit as a potential vulnerability that deserves careful sealing.
The Membrane Options We Install
Choosing the right membrane depends on your building, budget, and how the roof will be used. Each material carries its own strengths, and part of our job is helping you understand the tradeoffs before any work begins. We offer free estimates with no conditions, so you can weigh your choices without pressure.
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): A single-ply membrane with heat-welded seams. Its reflective white surface bounces sunlight away, lowering cooling costs on commercial buildings.
- EPDM (Rubber Roofing): A durable synthetic rubber prized for flexibility and long service life. It handles temperature swings well and resists cracking over decades.
- PVC Membrane: Chemically resistant and ideal for restaurants or facilities with grease exhaust. Its welded seams create a watertight monolithic surface.
- Modified Bitumen: A multi-layer asphalt-based system that offers redundancy and tough resistance to foot traffic and impact.
- Built-Up Roofing: The classic layered gravel-and-asphalt approach that has protected commercial roofs for generations.
Our Installation and Repair Methodology
Every flat roofing project we take on begins with a thorough inspection of the existing deck and drainage. We check for soft spots, trapped moisture, and areas where the slope has flattened over time. Before laying a single sheet of membrane, we make sure the substrate is dry, sound, and properly tapered so water flows where it should. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons flat roofs fail prematurely, and it is a step we never rush.
Once the deck is prepared, we install insulation and cover boards as needed, then apply the chosen membrane using mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted methods depending on your building. Seams are heat-welded or adhered and then probe-tested to confirm they are sealed. Flashing around HVAC curbs, pipes, skylights, and parapet walls receives special care because these penetrations are where leaks most often begin. When the job is finished, we respect your property and are mindful to clean up after ourselves, leaving your rooftop and grounds tidy.
Where Flat Roofing Makes the Most Sense
Flat and low-slope systems appear on far more buildings than most people realize. We install and service them on warehouses, retail centers, medical offices, apartment complexes, and schools throughout Petaluma, CA and surrounding areas. Commercial clients often value the usable rooftop space that a flat design provides, whether for HVAC equipment, solar arrays, or rooftop patios. As a GAF Master Elite and ShingleMaster Pro contractor, and as an Energy Solar Certified and Timberline Solar Roofing Contractor, we are equipped to integrate energy solutions directly into flat roofing projects when a client wants to cut long-term utility costs.
Residential applications matter too. Modern homes with contemporary architecture, room additions, and porch overhangs frequently rely on flat sections that tie into steeper roof planes. These transitions demand precise flashing, and we handle them with the same rigor we bring to large commercial jobs. Doing our part in being environmentally friendly, we favor reflective and recyclable materials wherever they suit the project.
Maintenance and Emergency Support
A flat roof rewards regular attention. Twice-yearly inspections, drain clearing, and prompt seam repairs extend the life of any membrane and prevent small issues from becoming major ones. We help commercial and residential clients set up maintenance schedules that fit their needs.
When storms strike unexpectedly, standing water and torn membranes cannot wait. That is why Henris Roofing offers 24/7 emergency service, sending crews to secure your roof and stop water intrusion quickly. Professional, reliable, efficient, and established, we stand behind our work and support the local community that has trusted us for generations.
