Professional Asphalt Shingles on Flat Roof Installation Services

Look, I get this question every single week - "Can you put asphalt shingles on my flat roof?" The short answer is yes, but let me explain why it's more complicated than just slapping some shingles up there. After 18 years working flat roofs across Queens, I've seen every possible combination of materials, and asphalt shingles on flat roofs require a completely different approach than what most homeowners expect.

Here's the thing about asphalt shingles on flat roof installations - they're not impossible, but they demand respect for physics and water flow. We've done probably 300+ of these jobs in Queens, from Forest Hills co-ops to Astoria apartment buildings, and the key is understanding that flat doesn't mean level.

The Reality of Flat Roof Shingle Installation

When someone calls our office at (718) 555-0199 asking about putting shingles on their flat roof, my first question is always about the slope. Even "flat" roofs need at least a 1/4 inch per foot slope for proper drainage. Without that minimal slope, you're setting yourself up for ponding water, and ponding water is the enemy of any roofing material - especially asphalt shingles.

We installed shingles on a flat roof in Elmhurst just last month where the homeowner had been told it was impossible. The secret? We created the proper slope using tapered insulation boards underneath the decking. Cost them an extra $2,800, but now they've got a roof that'll last 20+ years instead of failing in three.

Modified Installation Techniques for Flat Applications

Standard shingle installation won't cut it on flat roofs. We use what I call the "waterfall method" - overlapping each course by at least 8 inches instead of the standard 5 inches. Plus, we seal every single tab with roofing cement. My crew thinks I'm paranoid about it, but I've never had a callback on water infiltration using this method.

The underlayment is crucial too. We always use self-adhering membrane across the entire roof surface, not just at the edges like you'd do on a pitched roof. That membrane acts as your primary waterproofing layer - the shingles are really just protection for the membrane underneath.

• Double the normal overlap on all shingle courses
• Self-adhering membrane across 100% of roof surface
• Manual sealing of every tab with roofing cement
• Enhanced edge flashing details
• Modified fastening patterns for wind uplift resistance

Why Most Contractors Avoid This Work

Let me be straight with you - most roofing contractors in Queens won't touch asphalt shingles on flat roofs because they don't understand the modified installation requirements. They think it's too much liability, or they quote it like a regular shingle job and lose money when they discover all the extra work involved.

We charge about 40% more for shingle installation on flat roofs compared to pitched roofs. That covers the extra materials, the modified installation techniques, and the additional time required. A typical 1,200 square foot flat roof shingle installation runs between $8,500-$12,000 depending on access and existing conditions.

But here's what drives me crazy - I see other contractors cutting corners on these jobs all the time.

Just two weeks ago we had to tear off a complete shingle installation in Bayside that another contractor had done using standard techniques. Water was coming through in six different places after the first heavy rain.

Drainage Considerations for Shingle Applications

Water management is everything with asphalt shingles on flat roof systems. Unlike membrane roofing where you can have internal drains, shingle systems need perimeter drainage. That means gutters, downspouts, and sometimes additional scuppers depending on the roof size.

We always install a minimum 6-inch wide strip of EPDM membrane along all roof edges before the shingles go down. This creates a waterproof transition between the shingle field and the gutter system. I learned this trick from an old-timer in Brooklyn about 15 years ago, and it's saved us countless headaches.

Snow load is another consideration here in Queens. Flat roofs with shingles can develop ice dams just like pitched roofs, but the consequences are worse because there's nowhere for the water to run off. We always recommend heated cables along the edges for any flat roof shingle installation.

Material Selection and Quality Standards

Not all asphalt shingles work well on flat applications. We stick with architectural shingles rated for low-slope installation - usually GAF Timberline or Owens Corning Duration series. The 3-tab shingles just don't have the wind resistance or sealing capability needed for flat roof conditions.

Color matters too. Dark shingles on flat roofs absorb tremendous heat during Queens summers, which can cause premature aging and thermal expansion issues. We usually steer customers toward lighter colors - the energy savings alone can justify the installation cost over 10-15 years.

Local Code Requirements and Permits

Queens building codes require permits for any roof replacement over 100 square feet. For shingle installations on flat roofs, the inspectors always want to see detailed drainage plans and slope calculations. We handle all the permit paperwork - it's included in our installation price.

The inspection process typically takes 2-3 weeks from application to approval. We can start material ordering during the permit review period, but we won't schedule installation until we have the approved permits in hand. Too many contractors get burned trying to rush this process.

Long-term Performance and Maintenance

Properly installed asphalt shingles on flat roofs can last 15-20 years in Queens climate conditions. The key is annual maintenance - cleaning debris from gutters, checking for loose tabs after windstorms, and resealing any areas where caulking has failed.

We offer maintenance contracts for all our flat roof shingle installations. Two visits per year - spring and fall - plus emergency service calls. Most customers sign up because they realize these roofs need more attention than pitched installations.

The biggest enemy is ponding water. Even with proper slope, you can develop low spots over time due to deck settlement or thermal cycling. We catch these issues during maintenance visits and address them before they become major problems.

Cost Comparison with Alternative Systems

Customers always ask how shingle installation compares cost-wise to EPDM or modified bitumen. Here's the breakdown based on our 2025 pricing:

• Asphalt shingles on flat roof: $7-10 per square foot installed
• EPDM membrane system: $5-8 per square foot installed
• Modified bitumen: $6-9 per square foot installed
• TPO membrane: $6-8 per square foot installed

The shingles cost more upfront, but they offer better hail resistance and easier partial repairs. Plus, some homeowners just prefer the aesthetic of shingles over membrane systems.

Why Choose Flat Masters NY

We've been specializing in flat roof applications across Queens since 2006. Our crew has the experience and equipment needed for proper asphalt shingle installation on flat roofs. We're licensed (License WC-25847-H19), bonded, and fully insured with comprehensive liability coverage.

Every installation comes with a written warranty covering both materials and workmanship. We stand behind our work because we know the proper techniques for these challenging installations.

If you're considering asphalt shingles for your flat roof in Queens, give us a call at (718) 555-0199 for a detailed assessment. We'll evaluate your specific situation and provide an honest recommendation about whether shingles are the right choice for your building.