The Metro Detroit Homeowner’s Guide: Why Your Shingle Roofer Shouldn’t Install Your Flat Roof

Can your cardiologist perform your knee replacement? They might technically be able to, but most people would prefer to trust their orthopedic surgeon, right? The same principle applies directly to your roof—specifically, your flat roof. In Metro Detroit, where weather can be brutal, never trust your shingle roof installer to attempt a flat roof replacement.

The reason is simple: while both are under the umbrella of “roofing,” they require completely different skill sets, engineering, and certifications.

Steep Slope vs. Low Slope: It’s Not the Same Game

When a roofer installs a shingle roofing system (a steep slope roof), they are installing a water shedding system. The entire goal is to tell the water where to go and get it off the roof as quickly as possible. Shingle systems are not inherently waterproof. This is why, in northern climates like ours across Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit, we are required by code to install special waterproofing underlayments, often called “ice and water shield,” extending 24 inches past the interior heated walls. This critical barrier prevents leaks if snow load causes ice dams to form and back up the slope.

Flat roofing systems, on the other hand, are engineered to be completely waterproofing systems. When properly installed, many modern flat roof materials—like TPO, PVC, or EPDM—could literally be filled with water and act as a swimming pool on top of your building (assuming you plug the drains, of course!). This capability comes from the precision sealing required at every seam, flashing, and termination. As you can imagine, this demands different tools, techniques, and specialized training than simply nailing down shingles.

The Certification Difference: Why Expertise Matters in Southeast Michigan

This division in skill sets is backed by manufacturer certifications.

• Shingle Certifications: Manufacturers like Owens Corning or CertainTeed offer specialized installation certifications. At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, we’ve earned the prestigious Premier Shingle Master certification from CertainTeed, which puts us among the top shingle installers nationwide. But here’s the key: These only cover proper steep-slope shingle installation. They do not cover any certification for properly installed low-slope (flat) materials.
• Flat Roofing Certifications: Evaluating a flat roof contractor is more complex because you’re dealing with different materials—TPO, PVC, EPDM (rubber roofing). A contractor certified in EPDM might have zero experience with the heat-welded seams required for TPO or PVC. At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, we are proud to hold certifications in all of these systems. Furthermore, we’ve earned the rank of Master Contractor from Elevate (formerly Firestone) three out of the past four years. This credential is based on the volume of flat roofing installed and high quality scores from Elevate’s independent inspectors. Earning this puts us in the top 1% of low-slope commercial and residential roofing contractors across the country.

When it comes to your home in Sterling Heights, Troy, Warren, or anywhere in Metro Detroit, this expertise is non-negotiable.What our customers say:

“Four Seasons Kanga Roof replaced our flat roof garage and did an outstanding job. The crew was professional, clean, and the final product is perfect. They really are flat roof experts, which is hard to find in Macomb County.” — A Google Review from S. Smith, Macomb, MI.

The Bottom Line for Metro Detroit Flat Roof Replacement

If you are looking at installing a new flat roof on your garage, porch, or commercial property in Metro Detroit, you must ask to see your contractor’s certifications and credentials specifically for the flat roofing systems they are proposing (TPO, PVC, or EPDM).

If they cannot produce documentation of their expertise in the specific low-slope system, you need to keep looking. Protect your investment and your home by choosing a proven flat roof specialist.

Ready to meet with our team of flat roofing experts here at Four Seasons Kanga Roof? We would love to help you! You can always give us a call at 586-566-0308 or skip the line and book your appointment online at https://kanga-roof.com/schedule-inspection-now/.

I sincerely hope this information prepares you to hire the right type of repair team for your flat roof situation, and as always, I hope you have a “Kanga-Rific” day!

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr.

VP & Owner

Four Seasons Kanga Roof