FAQ

Answers to your questions—from how it works to installation.

What is CoFlash?

CoFlash converts flat roofs into flat roof patios and green roofs, adding usable living space to your home or business.

CoFlash systems utilize various patented and patent pending roof flashings that function as a retaining edge for lightweight patio pavers or green roof plantings installed over the roofing membrane of a flat roof. At the same time that the flashing retains pavers, the flashing also directs water away from the roof perimeter.

When is it a good idea to have a flat roof patio or green roof?

When homeowners or home builders want:

  • extra space in the house in the form of a patio

  • a waterproof space underneath the patio, deck, or green roof

  • a longer-lasting roof

  • a longer-lasting deck

  • to create accessibility to an underutilized flat roof

  • to add an addition

  • to add living space instead of just a roof

Where is a CoFlash system most commonly installed?

CoFlash systems are great for:

  • houses that are 2 stories or more, so that the rooftop patio or green roof is accessible

  • porch roofs

  • garage roofs

  • addition roofs

  • off of sunrooms

  • existing flat roofs that are accessible

  • decks that utilize pavers and last decades with little to no maintenance

  • decks above spaces that need to be waterproof

How does CoFlash keep the water out?

We start with solid framing and plywood decking. The pitch should be a minimum of a quarter inch per foot away from your house. Then an EPDM rubber roofing membrane is installed. After that, we strip in our patent pending flashing and add a second, loose laid, slip sheet of EPDM rubber. Our time tested best practices and materials create a weather-tight envelope that keeps you dry and free of leaks for the long run.

Does CoFlash flashing clog up with leaves and debris?

No. The patio pavers or green roof abut the flashing, thus keeping unwanted debris out of the system, much like a gutter guard. Getting water away from your house is our number one goal.

Will the pavers weigh too much for my structure?

Today, there are more options than ever for thiner and lighter stone and brick pavers that work on flat roofs. These lighter options range from 5 to 15 lbs per square foot. If your structure was recently built or remodeled up to code, it will be able to handle the extra weight.

If it is an old structure, the framing may need to be augmented to make it strong enough to handle extra weight.

An old roof often has other issues such as leaking, water ponding, and/or a pitch that is not adequately sloped away from the house. In such situations the cost of adding or redoing the framing will be a part of fixing the other issues.

If you are doing an addition or new structure, we recommend framing 12” on center what building code dimension would be required at 16” on center for a flat roof without a patio.

What is the CoFlash mission

A happy customer. At CoFlash, we want to make sure that our system is a good fit for our customer. We don’t recommend our system to every home owner. It has to make sense for each customer's needs and budget.

Quality + Sustainability. A product that will be appreciated for decades.

Does a CoFlash flat roof patio last longer then a flat roof with a wood deck installed over it?

Yes. A roof with a CoFlash system installed over it will last longer. The pavers or green roof plantings protect your roofing membrane from extreme weather and temperature changes, as well as from any accidental punctures or tears.

The CoFlash system outlasts wood or composite decks installed over the roofing membrane. Wood will deteriorate and composite can warp and stain, thus they are replaced every 10 to 20 years. The stone, brick, and tile pavers used on a CoFlash flat roof patio can last more than a century and look like new with an occasional washing.

When installing a wood or composite deck the wear and tear to the roofs water proofing membrane is significantly greater since wood framing is used creating the possibility of a splinter or errant screw puncturing the membrane. Also since the wood or composite will need to be replaced many times more compared to the life span of the pavers used for a CoFlash flat roof patio, the wear and tear of the installation process to the roofing membrane is significantly higher with wood and composite decks.

How much longer can I expect a CoFlash patio or green roof to last versus a stand alone EPDM rubber roof, TPO roof or an asphalt roof?

You can expect a stand alone EPDM rubber roof, TPO roof or an asphalt roof to last 10 to 20 years. Using the CoFlash system with pavers or green roof plantings you can expect your roofing to last two to three times as long.

When you do have to replace your roofing membrane, the patio pavers or green roof material can be taken up. After the roof is repaired, the patio pavers or green roofing material can be reinstalled.

Who will do the work?

CoFlash is excited to work with architects, designers, builders, remodelers and DIY home owners on there flat roof patio or green roof projects. No project is too small and no project is too big. When purchasing CoFlash’s patented and patent pending flashing CoFlash gives you detailed personalized installation instructions and best practices for the entire flat roof patio or green roof system. This will include expert consultation, a possible site visit, as well as sharing resources for things such as paver options and guard rail options.

If you need a contractor to install your flat roof patio or green roof CoFlash will partner with an experienced qualified contractor. The CoFlash system for flat roof patios and green roofs was developed by Anthony and Sons a fully licensed remodeling contractor in the state of Minnesota. Many of the CoFlash projects in Minneapolis Saint Paul Twin Cities are headed up by Anthony and Sons.

Quality outcome is always the priority.

How was CoFlash developed?

CoFlash was developed over the years from a need for a better solution for retaining patio pavers around the perimeter of flat roofs, while at the same time managing the water coming off of the roof.

How much does a CoFlash flat roof patio cost?

A CoFlash flat roof patio is a great value. Depending on what you choose for your patio pavers and guard rail, the price of a CoFlash flat roof patio or green roof is comparable to installing a wooden deck on top of your roof. The difference is that the stone or split brick pavers will better protect your roof and last many times longer then a wood deck.