What To Put On Flat Roof: 5 Best Materials for Your Home

Look, after 23 years installing flat roofs across Queens, from Astoria to Forest Hills, I get asked this question practically every day: what do you put on a flat roof? The answer isn't as simple as some contractors make it seem, and honestly, it depends on your building, your budget, and what you're dealing with weather-wise here in New York.

Here's the thing - what you cover a flat roof with can make or break your investment. I've seen too many property owners go cheap only to call us two years later with water damage that could've been avoided. So let me break down the five best materials we use at Flat Masters NY, and why each one might be right for your situation.

EPDM Rubber Roofing: The Workhorse

EPDM rubber is what I call the reliable friend of flat roofing. It's been around forever, and for good reason. This synthetic rubber membrane can handle our brutal Queens winters and those scorching July heat waves without breaking a sweat.

We install EPDM in large sheets - typically 45 or 60 mil thickness - and the seams are either glued or welded together. What I love about EPDM is its flexibility. When temperatures swing from 10 degrees in February to 95 in August, this stuff moves with your building instead of cracking like some other materials.

The downside? It's black, so it absorbs heat like crazy. Your cooling bills will feel it during summer months. But if you're looking for something that'll last 20-25 years with minimal maintenance, EPDM is solid. We just finished a 3,000 square foot warehouse roof in Long Island City with EPDM last month, and the owner couldn't be happier with how it's performing.

TPO: The Energy Saver

TPO (thermoplastic olefin) is what we recommend when clients are worried about energy costs. This white or light-colored membrane reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, which can cut your air conditioning costs significantly during our humid summers.

The installation process is similar to EPDM, but instead of gluing seams, we heat-weld them together. This creates incredibly strong bonds that won't separate over time. I've been installing TPO for about 15 years now, and the early quality issues have been mostly resolved by manufacturers.

But here's what some contractors won't tell you - TPO can be punctured more easily than EPDM, especially during installation. You need an experienced crew who knows how to handle it properly. That's why at Flat Masters NY, only our most experienced installers work with TPO membranes.

Modified Bitumen: The Traditional Choice

Modified bitumen is basically asphalt that's been enhanced with polymers to make it more flexible and durable. It comes in rolls and can be applied with either a torch (torch-down) or with cold adhesives.

What do you cover a flat roof with when you want something that's been proven over decades? Modified bitumen. This material has been protecting Queens buildings since the 1970s, and I still see original installations that are holding up remarkably well.

The torch-down application creates an excellent seal, but it requires skilled installers. I can't tell you how many times we've been called to fix jobs where inexperienced crews caused fire damage or created weak spots in the membrane. If you're considering modified bitumen, make sure your contractor has proper licensing and insurance - this isn't a DIY project.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR): The Heavy-Duty Option

BUR is the granddaddy of flat roofing systems. It consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, topped with gravel or a mineral cap sheet. When people ask what is the best thing to put on a flat roof for maximum durability, BUR often comes up.

These systems are incredibly robust. I've worked on BUR roofs that were installed in the 1960s and are still protecting buildings today. The multiple layers create redundancy - if one layer fails, the others keep doing their job.

The installation is labor-intensive though, and requires heating large amounts of asphalt on-site. Not every building can accommodate the equipment needed, especially in tight Queens neighborhoods where access can be challenging. We typically recommend BUR for larger commercial buildings or when longevity is the absolute top priority.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF): The Seamless Solution

SPF is probably the most misunderstood flat roofing material out there. It's liquid polyurethane that's sprayed directly onto the roof deck, where it expands and hardens into a seamless, insulating layer.

What to use for flat roof situations where you have complex shapes, multiple penetrations, or existing roofing that can serve as a base? SPF is often the answer. It conforms to any shape and eliminates the seam issues you get with membrane systems.

But - and this is important - SPF requires an elastomeric coating that needs recoating every 10-15 years. Some property owners don't realize this ongoing maintenance requirement and get frustrated when the coating starts failing. We always explain this upfront to our clients.

What About Green Roofs and Solar?

More Queens property owners are asking about green roofs and solar installations. Here's the truth: these are add-ons to your base roofing system, not replacements for it.

A green roof still needs a waterproof membrane underneath - usually EPDM or a modified bitumen system with root barriers. Solar panels can be installed on any of the membrane systems I mentioned, but the mounting method matters. Ballasted systems work well with EPDM, while TPO and modified bitumen can accommodate various attachment methods.

Last year we installed a combination TPO/solar system on a three-story building in Elmhurst, and the energy savings have been impressive. But remember - your roof needs to be structurally sound before adding any additional loads.

Climate Considerations for Queens Buildings

What you put on a flat roof in Arizona wouldn't necessarily be my first choice here in Queens. Our weather throws everything at roofing systems - freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, summer heat that can hit 100+ degrees on a roof surface, and occasional severe storms.

The salt air from the East River and Long Island Sound also affects material selection, especially if you're near the waterfront. I've seen metal components corrode faster in areas like College Point or Whitestone compared to inland neighborhoods like Elmhurst or Forest Hills.

Wind uplift is another consideration. The building codes here require specific attachment patterns and methods, especially for buildings over a certain height. Don't let any contractor tell you these requirements don't matter - they do, and insurance companies are getting pickier about compliance.

Installation Quality Matters More Than Material Choice

Here's something I learned early in my career: a mediocre roofing material installed perfectly will always outperform the best material installed poorly. What do you cover a flat roof with when you want it to last? Whatever material is installed by experienced, licensed professionals who understand the local conditions.

I've seen brand new EPDM roofs fail within two years because the seams weren't properly prepared. I've also seen 15-year-old modified bitumen that looks like it was installed yesterday because the crew took their time and did it right.

At Flat Masters NY, we carry full licensing (License HR-0789234) and insurance because this work matters. When water gets into your building, it doesn't just damage the roof - it affects everything underneath.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting

Property owners always want to know about costs, and I get it. What to put on flat roof surfaces depends partly on your budget, but don't make the mistake of choosing based on price alone.

EPDM typically costs less upfront but may increase cooling costs. TPO costs a bit more initially but can save money on energy over time. Modified bitumen falls somewhere in the middle for both installation and operating costs. BUR has higher labor costs but incredible longevity. SPF can be cost-effective for complex roofs but requires ongoing maintenance.

My advice? Look at the total cost of ownership over 20 years, not just the installation price. Factor in energy costs, maintenance requirements, and expected lifespan. A roof that costs 30% more upfront might save you thousands over its lifetime.

Making the Right Choice for Your Building

So what's really the best flat roof material? It depends on your specific situation. For a small residential building with budget constraints, EPDM might be perfect. For a larger commercial building where energy efficiency matters, TPO could be the way to go. For maximum durability regardless of cost, BUR or a high-quality modified bitumen system might be your answer.

The key is working with a contractor who takes time to understand your building, your priorities, and your long-term plans. We've been serving Queens for over two decades because we don't just sell roofing materials - we solve roofing problems.

If you're dealing with a flat roof decision and want straight answers from someone who's actually installed thousands of these systems across Queens, give Flat Masters NY a call. We'll come take a look at your specific situation and explain your options without any sales pressure. Because at the end of the day, what you put on your flat roof should protect your investment for decades to come.