Interior Low Sloped Pocket Roof

Residential Sloped Roof

Location: Mount Prospect, IL
Original Roof: 3-tab organic shingles with pocket flat roof saddles & heat cables
Installed: Summer 2004
Roof Solution: Removal of heat cables; new architectural shingles; new flat roof saddles with EPDM (black) rubber
Life of Roof: 16 years

The customer had leak problems in the low pocket areas of the roof—having to use heat cables to control the leaks.

Low slope pockets are more horizontal than typical slope roof sections, and are similar to flat roofs. They don’t facilitate quick run-off of water resulting in a shorter life span for asphalt shingle roofs. In these areas, we use a membrane solution which will facilitate quicker run-off and have a longer lifespan than asphalt shingles in the same conditions.

The old roofing materials were removed first and the saddle areas of the roof were prepared with insulation. The insulation prevents nails from penetrating the new rubber membrane, and serves as a clean surface base to glue the membrane. The new EPDM rubber membrane is then applied using a bonding adhesive. Ice & water shields are then installed around the saddle areas and along eaves. Finally, the shingles are installed in all areas except the low slope pockets. With the right choice in shingle color, roofs with low slope pockets can look more cohesive. The homeowner is very happy with the results aesthetically and no longer experiences roof leaks.