Flat & Low Slope Roofing in North Vancouver and West Vancouver
North Shore homes demand more from a flat roof than most contractors are prepared to deliver. Heavy rainfall, coastal air, forest debris, and drainage challenges require a level of system knowledge that goes well beyond laying a membrane. At Eco Exteriors Roofing and Solar, we’ve been engineering flat and low slope roofing solutions for North Vancouver and West Vancouver homes since 2008.
- Roofing Contractor Association of BC (RCABC) Ticketed Installers
- BC-licensed & fully insured
- 18+ Years in Business
- BC Hydro Approved Installers
- In-house roofers
- Industry-leading warranties on all work
- Google Guaranteed | BBB Accredited | WorkSafeBC Compliant
- Eco-friendly materials & sustainable practices
- CertainTeed & Malarkey Certified Shingle Installers
- Specialized metal roofing crews with on-site standing seam fabrication
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Certified. Awarded. Trusted.
Flat Roofing Services We Provide
Eco Exteriors Roofing and Solar handles the full range of flat and low slope roofing work across the North Shore — from new installations on modern laneway homes to full replacements on aging torch-on systems that have hit their service limit.
Flat Roof Installation
We design and install complete flat and low slope roofing systems for new construction, additions, and modern architectural homes. Every installation starts with a proper drainage assessment and slope design before a single layer of membrane goes down.
Flat Roof Replacement
Older SBS torch-on membranes, worn TPO systems, and failing built-up roofs need to come off before the damage spreads to the decking below. We handle complete tear-off, deck inspection and repair, and full replacement with a correctly specified new system.
Flat Roof Repair and Leak Response
Ponding water, membrane blistering, failed flashing, and seam separation are the most common flat roof failures on the North Shore. We diagnose accurately, repair properly, and tell you honestly whether a patch makes sense or whether replacement delivers better long-term value.
Why Flat Roofs Require Specialist Care on the North Shore
Vancouver averages over 1,100mm of rainfall annually. On the North Shore, that number climbs higher — parts of the mountains above North Vancouver receive among the highest rainfall totals in Canada. A flat roof in this environment isn’t just exposed to rain. It’s tested by it, constantly.
Built to Handle High Rainfall
Modern asphalt shingles use fiberglass base mats coated with multiple layers of asphalt, creating a waterproof surface that sheds rain effectively. Higher-grade shingles, particularly those with SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) rubber-modified asphalt, stay flexible through freeze-thaw cycles and resist cracking — a real advantage in North Shore conditions.
Algae and Moss Resistance
North Vancouver and West Vancouver rooftops sit under heavy tree canopy with limited sun exposure on north-facing slopes. That's ideal territory for moss and algae. Many of the shingles we install from Malarkey and CertainTeed include built-in algae-resistant technology — copper-infused granules that inhibit organic growth and keep your roof looking clean longer without added chemical treatments.
Wind and Impact Performance
Coastal winds off Burrard Inlet and the mountain gaps above West Vancouver can be significant. Premium architectural shingles are rated for wind resistance well above standard installations. Properly installed with manufacturer-specified fastening patterns, they stay secure in the conditions North Shore homes actually face.
Asphalt Shingle Options We Install in North Vancouver and West Vancouver
We work with two manufacturers we trust deeply — Malarkey and CertainTeed — and we're certified by both. Here's what that means for your roof.
SBS Modified Bitumen (Torch-On Roofing)
SBS modified bitumen — commonly called torch-on or mod-bit — is the dominant flat roofing system in Metro Vancouver for good reason. It’s durable, well-understood by inspectors and insurers, performs reliably in wet climates, and holds up well through freeze-thaw cycles.
An SBS system consists of multiple layers of polymer-modified asphalt membrane fused together with heat, creating a continuous, waterproof surface. Properly installed, a two-ply SBS system on a North Shore residential roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years.
Best for: Residential additions, garages, laneway homes, and lower-slope areas on complex roof assemblies.
Flameless Cold-Applied Torch-On
We also install cold-applied SBS systems — sometimes called flameless torch-on — which achieve the same durable modified bitumen result without open flame. This matters in two specific situations: occupied homes where fire risk during installation is a concern, and projects where weather conditions make open-flame application impractical.
The flameless method uses self-adhesive or cold-process adhesive to bond the membrane layers, producing consistent adhesion across the full surface — not just at seams. It also eliminates the fume exposure associated with traditional torch application, which is a meaningful benefit for our crews and for nearby occupants.
Best for: Occupied residential properties, projects near combustible materials, cold-weather installation windows.
TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a white, heat-welded single-ply membrane well-suited for flat roofs with energy performance goals. Its reflective surface reduces heat absorption in summer — a genuine benefit for homes with rooftop patios or rooms directly beneath the flat section.
TPO seams are heat-welded, creating a bond that is typically stronger than the membrane itself when done correctly. The system is lightweight, resistant to UV degradation, and compatible with green roof assemblies if a rooftop garden is part of the plan.
Best for: Modern homes with energy efficiency goals, rooftop patios, commercial applications, and flat roofs over occupied living space.
EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane with a proven track record for longevity — well-maintained EPDM systems can reach 40 to 50 years of service life. It remains flexible across a wide temperature range, which makes it a durable option in climates with meaningful temperature swings like the North Shore.
EPDM is particularly well-suited for irregular roof geometries where fitting a rigid or semi-rigid membrane is challenging.
Best for: Complex roof shapes, longevity-focused installations, homes where replacement disruption is a significant concern.
Peel-and-Stick Membrane Systems
Self-adhering peel-and-stick membrane systems are commonly used on low slope sections of complex roofing systems as either a primary waterproofing layer or a high-performance underlayment. These membranes bond directly to the roof deck, creating a durable moisture barrier with strong adhesion and reliable long-term protection against water intrusion.
One of the biggest advantages of peel-and-stick membranes is that they eliminate open-flame installation methods entirely, making them a safer option compared to torch-applied systems. They are also highly effective in colder weather conditions and in areas where traditional adhesive or torch systems may not be practical. Best for: underlayment applications, smaller low-slope roof sections, and cold-weather roofing projects.
Metal Roofing for Low Slope Applications
Eco Exteriors Roofing and Solar manufactures custom metal roofing panels on-site — we own the machinery and produce the panels ourselves, which means we control quality from raw material to finished installation.
Our EcoLock concealed fastener system and standing seam panels (single-lock and double-lock) are engineered for low slope applications and come with a non-prorated lifetime warranty. Metal on a low slope roof eliminates the membrane replacement cycle entirely — a standing seam metal roof installed today will still be performing when an SBS system would have been replaced twice over.
We offer panels in 1″ and 1.5″ rib heights and widths from 12″ to 20″, in a full range of colours.
Best for: Homeowners who want a permanent solution, modern architectural homes, properties where lifetime cost matters more than upfront cost.
Waterproofing and Drainage Performance
A flat roof is only as good as its waterproofing system and its drainage design. These two elements work together — even the best membrane fails prematurely if water is allowed to pool against it repeatedly.
Slope Design and Positive Drainage
We assess the existing slope of every flat roof before recommending a system. Where the slope is inadequate, we specify tapered insulation boards — rigid insulation panels cut to create slope — to achieve the required 1/4-inch per foot minimum before any membrane goes down. This adds to the project cost, but it's the difference between a roof that performs and one that fails.
Every drain, scupper, and overflow outlet is sized and positioned based on the roof area it serves. We follow BC Building Code drainage requirements and, where relevant, the city-specific permit conditions that apply in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
Flashing Systems and Roof Penetrations
Penetrations — chimneys, skylights, HVAC units, plumbing vents — are where most flat roof leaks originate. The membrane is only one part of the system. The flashing detail at every penetration must be correctly designed, correctly installed, and compatible with the membrane system used.
We use system-matched flashing components wherever possible and specify metal flashing details on all penetrations. Poor flashing is one of the most common causes of premature flat roof failure we encounter on re-roofing projects — it's also one of the most preventable.
Insulation and Thermal Performance
Insulation beneath a flat roof membrane serves two purposes: thermal performance and condensation control. Inadequate insulation allows the roof deck to remain cold, creating conditions for condensation to form on the underside of the membrane or within the deck assembly. In a climate as wet as the North Shore's, deck rot from interstitial condensation is a real risk on poorly insulated flat roofs.
We specify insulation R-values that meet or exceed current BC Building Code energy requirements and select insulation types that work with the membrane system specified.
Built for North and West Vancouver Homes
Flat and low slope roofing systems on the North Shore need to handle more than just rain. Homes across North Vancouver and West Vancouver face steep terrain, coastal exposure, rooftop living demands, and modern architectural layouts that require careful waterproofing and drainage design. Every flat roof system we install is planned around the property itself, the climate exposure, and how the roof will actually be used over time.
Modern Architecture and Rooftop Living
Flat and low slope roofs have become a defining feature of modern homes across the North Shore, from custom builds in the British Properties to contemporary renovations in Edgemont and laneway homes in Lynn Valley. These roofs are no longer treated as secondary design elements. In many homes, the roof itself becomes usable living space through rooftop patios, green roof systems, or outdoor entertaining areas.
When that happens, the waterproofing system underneath carries far more responsibility. We build these assemblies with long-term access and maintenance in mind so the roofing system can still be inspected and serviced properly without disturbing the finished surface above.
Hillside and Custom Homes
North Vancouver’s hillside terrain creates drainage and structural challenges that need to be addressed from the start of the project, not after installation begins. Water coming off a flat roof on a sloped property needs controlled drainage that directs runoff safely away from foundations, retaining walls, and neighbouring homes.
Many custom homes throughout Upper Lonsdale, Edgemont, and the Capilano area also combine steep-slope roofing with low slope sections over garages, additions, and covered entries. These hybrid roof systems require proper transitions between roof types to avoid weak points where leaks commonly develop, especially during long periods of heavy rainfall.
Coastal Weather Performance
Homes in Dundarave, Ambleside, Horseshoe Bay, and Caulfeild deal with constant exposure to coastal moisture, wind-driven rain, and salt air. In these environments, flat roofing performance depends on far more than the membrane alone. Drains, flashing metals, edge details, and fasteners all need to resist corrosion over the long term.
For coastal homes in West Vancouver, we commonly recommend fully adhered membrane systems that remove exposed fasteners entirely, along with metal roofing systems designed with marine-grade protective coatings for better durability in coastal conditions.
Our Flat Roof Installation Process
Step 1: Consultation and Scope Review
We discuss your roof's history, any known issues, and what you want the end result to achieve — whether that's a straightforward replacement or a system designed for a rooftop patio.
Step 2: Roof Inspection
We inspect the existing membrane, decking, insulation, drains, flashing, and all penetrations. On replacement projects, we identify any deck damage that needs to be addressed before the new system goes down.
Step 3: Drainage Assessment
We assess slope, drain placement, and drainage capacity. If the existing system has drainage problems, we design corrections before specifying the membrane.
Step 4: System Recommendation
We present the appropriate system options for your roof with honest guidance on the tradeoffs — performance, cost, longevity, and maintenance requirements.
Step 5: Installation Planning
We schedule around the weather. Membrane application requires dry conditions for adhesion quality. We build realistic timelines and communicate them clearly.
Step 6: Installation
Tear-off is handled cleanly and responsibly. Deck repairs are completed before new materials go down. Every component is installed to manufacturer specification to protect your warranty.
Step 7: Cleanup
We leave your property the way we found it. Every day, and at the end of every project.
Step 8: Final Walkthrough
We walk the roof with you, explain the maintenance requirements, and go through your warranty documentation before we consider the job complete.
Why Homeowners Choose Eco Exteriors
18 Years on the North Shore
Eco Exteriors was founded in 2008 by Douglas Jackson, a North Shore native who grew up understanding the demands of this climate. We're not a contractor that showed up in Vancouver recently. We've roofed through every storm season since 2008 and we know what performs here.
Industry-Leading Warranties
We carry workmanship warranties on our own installations, manufacturer warranties on all materials, and Google Guaranteed coverage that provides an additional layer of protection. On metal roofing systems, we offer a non-prorated lifetime warranty.
Licensed, Certified, and Insured
We're registered with WorkSafeBC, accredited with the BBB at an A+ rating, and Google Guaranteed. We're a CertainTeed ShingleMaster contractor and a Certified Pro Contractor by Malarkey Roofing Products. These aren't self-designations — they involve third-party audits, inspections, and ongoing compliance.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No scope surprises. We provide clear, written estimates before work begins and we communicate changes as they arise.
Eco-Conscious Practices
We prioritize materials with recycled content, sustainable sourcing, and long lifespans. A roof that lasts 40 years instead of 20 is better for your budget and better for the environment — and we'll always tell you which option delivers the better long-term value.
24/7 Emergency Service
Active flat roof leak on a rainy Wednesday at 2am? Call us. We respond.
Rated 9.9/10 on HomeStars · ThreeBestRated Best Business 2026 · Member, British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association · Member, CHOA
What Our Customers Say About Us
We've completed flat & low slope roofing projects across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Vancouver. Here's what our customers say.
Fast, responsive and very helpful.
James
Wholeheartedly recommend working with them if you need roofing work.
1. If I was told this, I would have looked at the weather before making the appointment. 2. I called two other roofing companies and both showed up had no problem going on the roof in the rain.
He gets two stars because he actually called to cancel. (The bar is set low with trades these days.)
The affect a new roof has on the curb appeal of your house is enormous, not to mention the comfort you gain knowing that everything is watertight for the oncoming winter - you need the installation done right. Doug, Rada and team were awesome from beginning to end - from clear details of what was being installed in the quote to how they protected the rest of the house and deck during demolition and installation - they went the extra mile.
They easily dealt with some curveballs we threw to them too. They removed our leaky (and now unused) chimneys above the roofline, giving the home a much cleaner look and installed snow guards.
Doug took time to work through a water egress issue that was not related to the roof installation - including helping me cut drywall open! - determined to find a solution the issue. Which we did.
We also required some more specialized carpentry work. Doug leveraged his own network to get us somebody to complete it.
It's not easy to find a company that that you can trust with such competitive pricing and such high quality craftsmanship on such a project. I feel fortunate to have worked with Doug, Rada and the team at Eco Exteriors.
The metal roof has really given the home a transformative look. And the new gutters were really the cherry on top. My photographs attached don't truly show how transformative it is.
A great team and great company!
Rated 9.9/10 on HomeStars · BBB A+ Accredited · Google Guaranteed
SERVICE AREAS
Serving North Van, West Van & Greater Vancouver
Our expert roofing team works across the North Shore and throughout the Lower Mainland, including:
North Vancouver
Richmond
Flat and Low Slope Roofing — Frequently Asked Questions
Flat roof replacement in North Vancouver typically runs $15,000–$25,000 for smaller residential areas like garages and additions, and $30,000–$60,000+ for full residential roofs depending on size, complexity, and system specified. These ranges reflect current North Shore labor rates, drainage design requirements, and the materials needed to perform in a high-rainfall coastal climate. We provide written estimates after a proper on-site inspection — cost quoted over the phone without seeing the roof is rarely accurate.
Flat roofing in West Vancouver generally costs $4.50–$12.00+ per square foot installed, varying by system. EPDM rubber runs roughly $4.50–$7.50/sq ft. SBS torch-on runs $5.00–$8.00/sq ft. TPO single-ply runs $5.50–$8.50/sq ft. PVC membranes run $7.00–$12.00/sq ft. Metal (standing seam or EcoLock) carries a higher upfront cost but is the only system that eliminates the replacement cycle — delivering lower lifetime cost over 50+ years.
The main cost drivers for flat roofing on the North Shore are: roof size and access difficulty, drainage design requirements (tapered insulation to create slope adds cost but is often necessary), the condition of the existing deck (rot or damage found during tear-off affects the final price), the system specified, the number and complexity of penetrations requiring flashing, and permit fees. Hillside properties in areas like Edgemont or the British Properties often carry higher labor costs due to access.
Flat roofs are generally less expensive to install per square foot than complex pitched roofs, but they carry higher long-term maintenance costs and a shorter replacement cycle for membrane systems. A torch-on or TPO flat roof will need replacement in 20–30 years. A metal flat roof costs more upfront but lasts 50+ years with no mid-life replacement. When evaluating cost, the full lifecycle matters more than the installation price alone.
Addressing ponding water or drainage problems on an existing flat roof depends on the cause. Drain cleaning and minor regrading costs a few hundred dollars. Adding tapered insulation to create proper slope typically runs $3,000–$8,000+ depending on roof area. Full slope conversion (structurally rebuilding the roof to create pitch) starts around $15,000–$25,000. In many cases, correcting drainage during a full replacement adds relatively little to the overall project cost — making it the most cost-effective time to address it.
Isolated flashing repairs — around a single skylight, vent, or chimney — typically run $400–$1,200 depending on the complexity and material required. Failed flashing is the leading cause of flat roof leaks on the North Shore, and it’s worth addressing promptly. Water that enters at a flashing detail doesn’t stay there — it travels along the deck and causes damage well beyond the original entry point.
Tapered insulation — rigid foam boards cut to create slope where the roof structure is flat — typically adds $2.50–$5.00 per square foot to a flat roof project. On a 1,000 sq ft roof section, that’s roughly $2,500–$5,000. It’s one of the most cost-effective investments on a North Shore flat roof because it eliminates the ponding water that shortens membrane life and causes structural damage over time.
Yes, upfront. Metal flat roofing (standing seam or EcoLock concealed fastener systems) carries a higher installation cost than SBS torch-on. However, it comes with a non-prorated lifetime warranty and a 50+ year service life — compared to 20–30 years for torch-on. A homeowner who installs torch-on today will pay for replacement once or twice before a metal roof installed at the same time would need attention. For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, metal delivers lower total cost of ownership.
Yes. Current government rebate programs offer up to $10,000 off residential roofing, solar, and battery systems for eligible BC homeowners. BC Hydro rebates may also apply to energy-efficient roofing upgrades depending on the system and its impact on energy performance. These rebates can meaningfully offset the cost of premium systems — contact us for current eligibility details.
Emergency flat roof repair costs vary based on the extent of the damage and what’s required to stop the leak and protect the interior. Minor emergency patching typically runs $500–$1,500. More extensive emergency work addressing multiple failure points or significant water ingress runs higher. Eco Exteriors offers 24/7 emergency response on the North Shore — call 604-985-4326 for immediate assistance.
Request a Free Flat Roof Estimate Today!
If your flat or low slope roof is leaking, aging, or you’re building something new on the North Shore, we’d like to take a look.
We’ll inspect the roof properly, explain what we find honestly, and give you a clear picture of your options — whether that’s a repair, a replacement, or a system upgrade. No pressure, no guesswork.