Modified bitumen · torch-applied
Torch-Down
Polymer-modified asphalt fused with heat into a thick, puncture-resistant roof with a granulated, cool-rated cap. The Southern California workhorse.
- Lifespan
- 15 to 20 yr
- Relative cost
- Relative cost 1 of 4
Los Angeles & Orange County
We match torch-down, TPO, or PVC to your home, build in the slope, and seal every seam and flashing, the way a low-slope roof should be done.
Residential Flat Roof Specialists
Flat and low-slope roofs top much of Los Angeles and Orange County, from mid-century moderns to new ADUs. A flat roof does not fail because it is flat. It fails when the seams, flashings, and drainage were never built right. Here is what we build into every one.
SRI 75Cool membrane
Meets California's strictest reflectivity standard.
1/4 in/ ftEngineered slope
So water drains instead of ponding.
Class AFire-rated assembly
Fire-rated assemblies available for wildfire zones.
15–30+yrService life
Depending on the system you choose.
Free estimateNext step
A detailed written scope before any work begins.
What We Do
We take on the flat roof projects that need to be done once and done right.
Full tear-off to the deck, then a complete new system that ends a leak history for good.
New low-slope roofs for room additions, garage conversions, ADUs, and patio structures.
We tear off aging tar-and-gravel and built-up roofs and upgrade them to a modern membrane system.
Large-section membrane replacement, parapet and flashing rebuilds, slope and drainage correction, and dry rot repair.
Not our work.
If a small patch is all you need, we will tell you honestly.
The Systems We Install
There is no single right flat roof. There is a right flat roof for your home, your plans, and your budget. Here is where each one lands.
Ordered left to right, best value to longest life.
Modified bitumen · torch-applied
Polymer-modified asphalt fused with heat into a thick, puncture-resistant roof with a granulated, cool-rated cap. The Southern California workhorse.
Modified bitumen · torch-free
The same multi-layer protection, installed with high-strength peel-and-stick sheets and no open flame.
Single-ply · heat-welded
A bright white reflective membrane with hot-air welded seams, a weld as strong as the sheet itself. The strongest energy story here.
Single-ply · heat-welded
The top of the single-ply range. Welded seams and a tougher formulation give it the longest life and the best tolerance of standing water.
Still have a tar-and-gravel or hot mop roof? Those systems served their era. When yours reaches the end, we replace it with one of the modern systems above rather than patching the past.
Why Ours Don't Leak
Almost every flat roof leak traces back to one of six details. We obsess over all six on every job, starting with the one that fails first.
Number one leak point
Metal and membrane flashings turn corners, climb parapet walls, and seal every penetration, the places water probes first. This is where cheap flat roofs fail, so it is where we spend the most care.
A sound, dry deck
Every system starts on inspected wood. Rot and soft sections are replaced before anything goes over them.
Slope you can't see, drainage you can
Flat roofs are never truly flat. We build in a minimum quarter inch per foot of fall with tapered insulation so water always has somewhere to go.
One continuous membrane
Fused with heat, welded with hot air, or bonded ply over ply, the field becomes a single watertight sheet.
Seams that are the strong point
Seams are where cheap flat roofs die. Ours are fused or welded, not just glued and hoped for.
Edges, scuppers, and overflows
Finished edge metal, clear scuppers, and code-required overflow drainage mean even a blocked drain in a downpour has a backup plan.
The 48-Hour Rule
After a storm, water should drain off a flat roof within 48 hours. Water that lingers has a name: ponding. Here is a roof that holds it beside a roof that sheds it.
Past 48 hours
A roof that ponds
No slope. Water pools in the low spot, gets heavier, deepens, and climbs toward the flashing.
Dry in 48 hrs
A roof that drains
Built-in slope. Every storm runs to a drain or scupper before it can sit and do harm.
Most flat roof problems are really drainage problems. Build the drainage right, and the leaks never start.
Why Flat
A flat roof is not a compromise. Built right, it turns the top of your home into usable space, the ideal solar platform, and a cool, low-profile roofline that fits modern Southern California living.
The headline benefit
A whole new floor you never lose to the yard
A properly engineered flat roof can carry a deck, terrace, or lounge, usable square footage with structural capacity designed in from the start.
The best solar platform
Tilt racking angles panels to the ideal pitch no matter which way your home faces.
Meets Title 24 (SRI 75)
A white, reflective cool-roof membrane meets California's strictest low-slope standard.
A place for the hardware
HVAC units, vents, and lines sit up top, out of your yard and out of sight, with easy access.
A clean, modern low profile
Flat rooflines fit modern Southern California architecture and keep height down, which can matter for ADUs.
Built for the footprint
Additions, garages, and ADUs skip the complex hip-and-valley framing a pitched roof needs.
Two of these, energy and equipment access, carry real California weight for your project.
Cool Roof & Title 24
Your flat roof has to reflect and release more heat than any pitched roof, in all 16 climate zones. We build to it and file the proof.
A flat roof reflects far more heat, statewide. A white cool-roof membrane clears it easily.
CRRC-rated membrane
Independently rated and listed in the Cool Roof Rating Council directory, the proof your city wants.
Matched to your zone
Los Angeles and Orange County span several zones. We install to the standard for your area.
We file the CF1R
The Title 24 certificate of compliance goes in with your permit. You do not chase a form.
We handle exemptions
Area under solar panels and added insulation options, built into the plan the right way.
Built for Solar
On a pitched roof, panels are stuck with whatever direction the slope faces. On a flat roof, the rack sets the angle, so panels tilt to the ideal pitch and face true south no matter how your home sits. That freedom, plus mounting that usually never drills the roof, makes a flat roof one of the best solar platforms in Southern California.
Solar on a flat roof with tilt racking
Flat roof
Tilt racking sets the angle and aims panels true south. Most arrays ballast onto the roof with no holes drilled, so the membrane and its warranty stay intact.
Pitched roof
Panels follow the existing slope and direction. Every mount is drilled and sealed through the roofing, the most common source of roof leaks.
10-15% more
The output you would leave on the table. Panels aimed at the ideal tilt and true south often produce 10 to 15 percent more than panels locked to a slope that faces the wrong way. On a flat roof, the rack decides the angle, not your rooflines.
A light, reflective cool-roof membrane can even give bifacial panels a small output bump.
Tilt racking sets the perfect pitch and points panels true south, whatever way your house faces.
Most flat-roof arrays ballast down with no penetrations, so your roof and its warranty stay intact.
Panels lie low and out of sight from the street, the whole roof stays usable, and walk-on access makes cleaning simple.
Going solar soon? Start with a fresh membrane so the roof outlasts the panels and you never pay to pull the array for a re-roof. If your structure or wind exposure calls for attached mounts, we flash every penetration to keep it watertight.
Let's Clear This Up
Flat roofs have a reputation built on old materials and bad installs. Modern low-slope systems are a different animal. Here are the six myths we hear most, and what is actually true.
Flat roofs do not leak because they are flat. They leak when they are installed poorly. On a low-slope roof, water is managed by the membrane, the seams, the flashings, and the drainage, not by a steep pitch. Done right, with heat-welded or fully fused seams, flashing at every wall and penetration, and a built-in slope of about a quarter inch per foot, a modern flat roof stays dry for decades. Almost every leak we are called to fix traces back to a bad seam, a missed flashing detail, or standing water, all of which come down to workmanship.
It should not be. Code calls for a minimum slope of about a quarter inch per foot, and we build that slope in with tapered insulation and crickets so water moves toward the drains and scuppers instead of sitting. A roof that actually holds water is a problem to fix, not a design. The goal is simple: no standing water 48 hours after it rains.
Lifespan depends on the system and the install, not the shape. Torch-down modified bitumen commonly lasts 15 to 20 years, TPO runs about 20 to 30, and PVC can reach 25 to 30 or more, especially where ponding is a risk. The old hot-mopped tar-and-gravel roofs earned flat roofing its short-lived reputation. The systems we install are not those roofs.
Flat and pitched roofs fail in different places for different reasons, and they are built with different materials and methods. A low-slope membrane lives or dies on seam welding, flashing detail, and drainage design, which is specialized work. A crew that mostly installs shingles is not automatically set up to weld a membrane or build proper slope. It is worth asking who is actually doing the work.
The opposite is true when it is built to code. California's Title 24 energy standard holds low-slope roofs to the strictest cool-roof requirement in the state, so a compliant flat roof uses a reflective membrane that pushes summer heat back off your home. A white cool-roof surface can run far cooler than a dark one in peak sun, which eases the load on your air conditioner.
Flat and low-slope roofs are common on homes across Los Angeles and Orange County, from mid-century houses to modern builds, additions, garages, and ADUs. A low profile keeps the height down where local limits matter, turns the roof into usable space or a solar platform, and fits the clean lines of modern Southern California architecture. This is residential work, and it is a large part of what we do.
Have a concern that is not on this list? Ask us at your estimate. You will get a straight answer, including the cases where a flat roof is not the right choice.
Wildfire-Ready Roofing
In a fire zone, every flat section of your home has to earn a Class A rating on its own, the same as the main roof. We install fire-rated membrane assemblies that carry the highest fire classification there is. Class A is not one product, it is the whole system, and the details at the seams, edges, and penetrations are what keep embers out.
In a Fire Hazard Severity Zone? Many insurers now ask for Class A roof documentation before they will cover a home, and California expanded its fire hazard maps in 2024 and 2025. We build every flat section to the state's wildfire code and hand you the paperwork.
OUR FLAT ROOFING PROCESS
A flat roof lasts because of the sequence behind it, not just the membrane on top. Here is exactly how we tear off and install or re-roof a low-slope roof, from protecting your home on day one to the final walkthrough. Every step is built around a dry deck, built-in slope, and welded, sealed details that keep water moving to the drains instead of sitting on the roof.
We cover your landscaping, walkways, and AC units, set up debris control, and run a magnetic sweep for stray fasteners at the end of each day. Your driveway and yard stay usable while we work.
We strip the roof down to the deck and haul the old membrane, flashings, and any failed layers away. Roofing over damaged or wet material only traps moisture, so going all the way down lets us see the deck's real condition instead of building a new roof over hidden problems.
We inspect every panel and replace any sheathing that is rotted, soft, or water-damaged, so your flat roof starts on a solid, dry base. A low-slope roof is only as good as what it sits on, so we confirm the structure is sound and tell you honestly if anything needs attention before we go further.
This is the step that keeps a flat roof from becoming a pond. We build positive slope with tapered insulation and crickets so water is directed to the drains, scuppers, and edges instead of standing on the surface. The target is simple and code-backed: no standing water 48 hours after it rains, something a true flat roof cannot fix on its own.
Next comes the waterproofing. We roll out your chosen membrane, torch-down, TPO, or PVC, and heat-weld or fully fuse every seam so the surface performs as one continuous sheet. A welded seam is as strong as the membrane itself, which is why a properly installed flat roof does not leak down the field.
We seal the flashing at every wall, edge, and penetration, the small transitions where most flat roofs actually leak, and set the edge metal, scuppers, and overflow. Then we run a final magnetic sweep, haul away every scrap, and walk the finished roof with you before we call it done, along with your warranty paperwork.
Permits & Inspections
A flat roof replacement in Los Angeles or Orange County has to be permitted, built to California code, and inspected. We take all of that off your plate. You do not chase the city, fill out forms, or wait around for inspectors. We pull the permit, build to code, coordinate every inspection, and hand you a clean, signed-off record when the job is done.
We file for and pull the roofing permit with your local building department, whether your home is in the City of Los Angeles, unincorporated LA County, or an Orange County city, so the work is on record and done by the book.
A low-slope roof has its own rules. We build in positive drainage with the required slope, add overflow scuppers or secondary drains where a parapet could trap water, and meet the strict Title 24 cool-roof spec that applies to flat roofs. Where your home is in a wildfire zone, we install a Class A fire-rated assembly. The right specs go into the permit from the start, so nothing gets flagged later.
Flat roofs get a tear-off inspection once the old roof is off, so the inspector can check the deck for dry rot and damage before anything new goes down, plus a final inspection at the end. We schedule and meet both, and if the inspector has questions, we handle them directly, so you never have to.
When the final inspection passes, you get the documentation showing the roof was permitted, inspected, and approved, including your signed Title 24 compliance paperwork. That record protects your home's value and can matter to your insurer and to future buyers.
From the first form to the final sign-off, the permits and inspections are our job, not yours.
Credentials & Certifications
Every roof we install is covered, certified, and managed start to finish.
OUR PROCESS
Clear, honest communication from your first call to the final walkthrough.
It starts with a free visit, often the very next day. We look at the work, listen to your goals, and hand you a clear written estimate at no cost.
Your estimate is detailed, honest, and good for a full year. Take your time to plan and budget, and the price stays the same when you're ready.
One dedicated manager runs the entire job. They handle the permits, materials, and crew, and keep you updated at every step so nothing catches you off guard.
We walk the finished project with you and aren't done until you're happy. Anything that needs a fix, we fix, all backed by a written workmanship warranty.
Reviews
“I recently had Hybrid Renovations reroof my home. After getting several quotes from different companies, I chose Hybrid Renovations. I got a great price on the roof. The salesmen were kind and patient with all my questions. After seeing the quality of the materials and the fact that I was going to get a 50-year warranty, I was happy and confident to have them do the work. The process went smoothly. All of the workers who worked on my home were great. The whole project went very quickly. When it was all finished, I was very pleased. I would highly recommend this company for any work you need done.”Read more
“We had a great experience working with Hybrid Renovations. They were very thorough in their inspection and answered all questions from beginning to end. They were very communicative and responded quickly to questions. The roof turned out great, and they were done very quickly. They were very respectful of our home and left everything nice and clean. I highly recommend this company. In fact, they just completed my father's roof as well. If you are looking for a great roof, look no further than Hybrid Renovations.”Read more
“I recently had Hybrid Renovations replace the roof on my home, and I couldn't be more impressed with their work. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless. The team was professional, punctual, and extremely efficient. Leo, in particular, went above and beyond to ensure everything was done to perfection. He was incredibly knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and kept me updated throughout the project. The quality of the materials used and the attention to detail in the installation were outstanding. I highly recommend Hybrid Renovations for any roofing needs, and a special thanks to Leo for his exceptional service!”Read more
“These guys are amazing with all their work. They did my roof and exterior paint. The house looks amazing. I decided to also do my backyard, and they brought it back to life. Amazing, professional work. Next project is the kitchen. I would not hesitate to recommend Hybrid Renovations to anyone. Leo is an amazing project manager. Thank you, Hybrid.”Read more
“I was hesitant to begin as significant a project as completely re-roofing my home and was worried about the possibility of over-costing, contractor abandonment, or price gouging mid-project. After walking through the project with two of the team leaders at Hybrid Renovations, who later spent the evening with my family to talk through any and all questions I had, I felt ready to commit to the investment. And I'm so glad I did. From the workers to each of the team leaders, everyone was friendly, highly communicative, flexible, and incredibly helpful. I noticed areas that had been addressed that were not initially included in the pricing, as well as a particular repair to my fence that was done well beyond my expectations when I discovered it. I would work with Hybrid Renovations again for another large-scale project and recommend them to others looking for assistance and incredibly well-done, professional work.”Read more
“We used Hybrid Renovations to replace our roof and siding on our home, and the job was done perfectly! The roof installation was done so quickly, we were very pleased. I've recommended this company to my neighbors and friends! Rob and Henry were there along the way to keep us updated and answered all our questions through the process. Rob is a stickler for quality and detail. He made sure we were happy with how the job was done. We couldn't be any happier with the final look.”Read more
“Hybrid Renovations was very easy to work with from beginning to end. Josue and Leo made the entire process smooth and stress-free. They communicated clearly, were very professional, and checked in with us often throughout the project. The biggest plus is that our new roof looks amazing! We are very happy with their service and will definitely be using them again for future projects.”Read more
“I want to thank Hybrid Renovations for the great job they did replacing my roof. It was done so quickly and with close attention to detail and quality. Leo was very helpful and communicative, answering all my questions and concerns. He kept my family and me at ease, assuring us of how great their work is. I recommend them for any future renovations you have, because they are very helpful and they're all about their customers. Thank you, Hybrid Renovations! We really like the final outcome. We will definitely contract you guys for any future renovations to our home.”Read more
“My wife and I met with representatives from Hybrid a couple of times before we agreed to hire them. They were consistently professional and knowledgeable. They worked with us to get the work done at a price we could afford. Leo and his crew worked fast and meticulously. We are very happy with their work and attention to detail.”Read more
“My name is Gary Craddock. We're just finishing up my roof project here with Hybrid Renovations. The sales guys were very knowledgeable and thorough, describing the project and showing me videos of the exact procedures. Leonardo, the supervisor, was right on the dot, on time, with all of the steps of the process, from the removal to the installation. We had all the attic insulation removed and replaced and a new roof put on, and the whole process was flawless. I'm very pleased with all the work, and I recommend anybody looking for contractors. Hybrid did a good job for me.”Read more
“Highly recommend Hybrid Renovations. Superb product and customer service. I just had my entire roof replaced in Anaheim. Their crew was amazing. They showed up early and got right to work. They were super efficient and extremely courteous in keeping the area clean. Leo, who managed the project, kept me abreast of all important dates, inspections, etc. If you're looking to have your roof repaired or replaced, Hybrid Renovations should be your first call. Would definitely work with them again.”Read more
“Hybrid Renovations did an amazing job with our brand-new roof. From the beginning, their team was very friendly and communicative. They made the whole process extremely easy and fast. The team was always on time, clean, trustworthy, and quick! We would definitely recommend Hybrid Renovations to any one of our friends or family members. Their work was fantastic!”Read more
We're still building this section. In the meantime, request a free estimate or give us a call and we'll help you right away.
FINANCING
Big projects shouldn't have to wait on cash flow. We work with trusted financing partners so you can move forward on your roof, remodel, or ADU and spread the cost into monthly payments that fit your budget. Financing is available with approved credit.
Let your project manager know financing is on the table. We'll build it into your written estimate so you see the full picture upfront.
We connect you with our financing partners and walk you through a short application. Many homeowners get same-day approval, without the long wait of a bank.
Review the options you're approved for and pick the monthly payment that fits your budget. No pressure to take more than you need.
Once you're approved, we lock in your start date and get going. You enjoy the result now and pay over time.
Financing available with approved credit. Terms vary by lender and project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Straight answers about how we work, what projects cost, and what to expect when you hire a licensed contractor. No pressure, no runaround.
No, not when they are installed correctly. Flat roofs do not leak because they are flat. They leak at seams, flashings, and penetrations when the workmanship is poor, or when standing water is allowed to sit. A modern low-slope roof with heat-welded or fully fused seams, flashing sealed at every wall and penetration, and a built-in slope that moves water to the drains will stay dry for decades. Almost every leak we are called to repair traces back to a bad seam, a missed flashing detail, or a drainage problem, all of which come down to how the roof was built.
The three systems we install are torch-down modified bitumen, TPO, and PVC. Torch-down is a proven, budget-friendly asphalt-based membrane and the most common choice on Southern California homes, commonly lasting 15 to 20 years. TPO is a white, heat-welded single-ply membrane that reflects heat and typically lasts 20 to 30 years. PVC is the top tier, with the best resistance to standing water and a lifespan that can reach 25 to 30 years or more. There is no single best system for every home. We recommend one based on your roof, your budget, and how the surface will be used, and we explain the tradeoffs honestly before you decide.
It depends on the system and the quality of the install, not the shape of the roof. Torch-down commonly lasts 15 to 20 years, TPO runs about 20 to 30, and PVC can reach 25 to 30 years or more. The old hot-mopped tar-and-gravel roofs are what gave flat roofing its short-lived reputation, and those are not the systems we install. Proper slope, welded seams, and good flashing are what carry a modern flat roof to the top of its range.
Standing water, called ponding, is the number one enemy of a flat roof. Water that sits for more than 48 hours after it rains accelerates aging, magnifies the sun's UV damage, softens seams, and adds real weight, since water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon. It also voids most membrane warranties. A flat roof is never meant to be dead level. Code calls for a minimum slope of about a quarter inch per foot, and we build that slope in with tapered insulation and crickets so water is directed to the drains and scuppers instead of pooling. Our target is simple: no standing water 48 hours after a storm.
On most of our projects we recommend a full tear-off down to the deck rather than roofing over the old surface. Covering a worn or wet roof traps moisture, hides rot, and shortens the life of the new membrane. Tearing off lets us inspect the deck, replace any damaged sheathing, and build the new roof on a sound, dry base. A tear-off is also often required by the building department, and it is the only way to correct slope and drainage properly.
Yes, a flat roof replacement requires a permit in virtually every Los Angeles and Orange County jurisdiction, and we handle the entire process. We pull the permit, build to California code, and coordinate the inspections, including the tear-off inspection where the city checks the exposed deck before the new membrane goes on, plus the final inspection at the end. When the job passes, we hand you the signed-off record and your Title 24 compliance paperwork. You do not chase the city or fill out forms.
The opposite is true when it is built to current code. California's Title 24 energy standard holds flat and low-slope roofs to the strictest cool-roof requirement in the state, and it applies in every climate zone. A compliant flat roof uses a reflective membrane that pushes summer heat back off your home instead of soaking it up. A white cool-roof surface can run far cooler than a dark one in peak sun, which eases the load on your air conditioner. We install cool-roof-rated membranes and file the compliance paperwork with your permit.
Flat roofs are one of the best platforms for solar. Because the roof has no fixed slope, the mounting rack sets the angle, so panels can be tilted to the ideal pitch and aimed true south no matter which way your home faces. That often produces more energy than panels locked to a slope pointing the wrong direction. Most flat-roof arrays also ballast down with weighted mounts, so the membrane is not drilled and its warranty stays intact, though homes with certain structural or wind conditions may need attached mounts, which we flash and seal watertight. If solar is in your plans, the best move is to start with a fresh membrane so the roof outlasts the panels and you never pay to remove the array for a re-roof later.
SERVICE AREAS
We serve homeowners throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County. The cities below are a few of the areas we cover, not a complete list.
Hybrid Renovations is a residential general contractor serving homeowners across Los Angeles County and Orange County. In Los Angeles County we work in cities including Whittier, Downey, La Mirada, Norwalk, Cerritos, Pico Rivera, Bellflower, El Monte, Hacienda Heights, Glendora, Claremont, West Covina, Long Beach, and Pasadena. In Orange County we serve Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fullerton, La Habra, Brea, Buena Park, Yorba Linda, Orange, Irvine, Tustin, and Huntington Beach, among others. For larger projects, we also work in nearby Inland Empire areas such as Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, and Corona. The cities listed are examples, not a complete list.
Free estimate
A project manager visits your home, measures, and helps you plan the work around your budget. Free, no-obligation estimates for construction, remodeling, and renovations across Los Angeles and Orange County.
Prefer to call? We answer 7 AM – 7 PM, Mon–Sun.