BiggerPockets

The REO I'm most interested in has a flat roof (that's the only negative that I can see about it). However my insurance agent said she only has two carriers who will write a policy for flat roof. I'm waiting to get more info on that tomorrow. Obviously if it's a huge insurance issue I won't be making an offer.

Does anyone have any input about flat roofs, pro or con? The only other information I have about the composition is that it says it's "built up" -- I'm not sure what that means.

Thanks. Is the reason they don't like it because it's prone to leaks?

I lived in a house with a flat roof while in my youth. The house was in the snow belt in Ohio . This meant that the snow accumulated on the roof. When it melted, the water pooled on the roof (slow run off). Yes, the roof leaked several years and required new ceilings inside.

Today, with mold issues, it may be much more of a problem.

One subsequent owner of my childhood home installed an inclined roof (among other changes).

In addition to talking with an insurance agent, talk with a builder & roofer about replacing the flat roof.

I agree with Ryan, flat roofs aren't inherently bad.

Most large scale commercial buildings are done as flat roofs just proves that if done correctly they will last many many years. Unfortunately, what I have seen far too many times on residential applications is less than ideal. Sometimes an addition is connected a porch is enlarged and the only way the designer could figure the roof out was by making it flat. This often creates a multitude of potential leaks, at wall to roof joints, sloped roof to flat roof joints and penetrations thru the flat roof. If incorrectly designed and installed any roof will leak. The flat roof absolutely requires a skilled installer.

"Built Up" just refers to the type of flat roof that it is. Usually they are callled Built Up Tar and Gravel roofs. This is a very common type of flat roof that I've seen on many large commercial and industrial buildings.

Steve is right in about the EPDM. There are 2 roofs that you would want your residential flat roof to be. Rubber or Torch down. If you cant figure out roof joints and flashing than this would be a very bad house altogether. I dont think there were to many scab workers back in the day. But I may be wrong.
Anyways I would go with a rubber roof. You can get the instructions on how to install a rubber roof anywhere.Have a contractor come out and explain what he is going to do.

He will / should take a "test cut" and find out how "built up the roof is and with what".
Then the test cut be repaired and sealed.
All this should be free or maybe $50-$150 if your in a area where there isnt much competition. If your in Michigan I got your back others just email me.

I maybe given away some secrets here .But the truth of it is milliong dollar flat roofing systems are and can be designed and constructed by "CRACK HEADS" and young men who get scabbed that dont remember what they are being told to do as we speak

Advice to investors and rehabbers!

Older homes may have asbestos insulation so if you have to find some "workers" to come tear off the roof for you its probably best to spare your health just in case ( i dont know if that sounds right, but I probably tore out asbestos or worse without knowing just to make a fast dollar and I have no one to blame but society and myself)
Back to the subject at hand.
A roof isnt that expensive if you know how to do it yourself and can get the tear off done. Just my opinion others may feel different because roofers do and will make a lot of money of a job regardless if you know whats going on or not. Just costly labor for a job most are very affraid of!!

If you just have to do repairs. Email me pictures of your job and ill guide you through!!