Homeowners in Salem, Alabama call Expert Roofers Columbus for flat and low-slope roofing. Salem is a Lee County community along US-280 east of Phenix City, close enough to our Columbus base that we are not a once-a-season crew passing through. Free inspections, written estimates, and real help with storm and insurance claims.
Flat roofing in Salem
- TPO and single-ply membranes: bright, reflective and durable.
- Modified bitumen: tough, proven low-slope protection.
- Coatings and restoration: seal a sound flat roof and extend its life.
- Leak repairs: find and fix the real source of the water.
Homes and businesses
Porches, additions, modern homes and commercial buildings all have flat or low-slope sections. We install the right membrane for the job and detail every seam, edge and penetration so it holds up through Georgia and Alabama weather.
Signs your flat roof needs attention
- Standing water that is still there a couple of days after rain.
- Blisters, bubbles or splits in the membrane.
- Open seams or flashing pulling away at walls and edges.
- Stains on the ceiling under the flat section, often far from where the water gets in.
Repair, coat or replace?
A small leak at a seam or penetration is a repair. A roof that is sound but aging can often be coated to add years. Wet insulation, widespread blistering or a roof past its life means replacement. We check the whole surface on your Salem building before recommending any of the three.
Roofing in Salem
Salem is an unincorporated Lee County community between Opelika and Phenix City along U.S. 280 and 431, first settled in 1835 and spread over roughly 115 square miles. Local landmarks include Wacoochee Elementary School and the nearby NCAT asphalt test track. The Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge came from here; a fallen tree destroyed it on June 4, 2005, and it was rebuilt in 2007 at Opelika Municipal Park.
Storms that have hit Salem
On February 28, 2009 an EF2 tornado with 125 to 130 mph winds touched down southwest of Salem and crossed U.S. 280, destroying 4 site built homes and 6 mobile homes and badly damaging 8 more homes (NOAA). On May 3, 2025 an EF0 tornado passed through the Salem area near Wacoochee Elementary, where 1.5 inch hail was also reported on March 31, 2025.
Permits for roof work in Salem
Salem is unincorporated, so building permits come from Lee County Building Inspections, which serves the unincorporated areas of Lee County (334-737-7014). The county asks homeowners to call if they are unsure whether a project needs a permit. Its fee schedule charges no permit fee where the job valuation is $1,000 or less.
Why Salem property owners choose us
- Rated 4.7 stars across 77 Google reviews from local homeowners.
- Storm and insurance-claim specialists. We document damage the way adjusters need it.
- Free, no-pressure roof inspections. If you do not need the work, we will tell you.
- Licensed and insured roofing crews serving Georgia and Alabama.
- Local and responsive. We answer the phone and show up when we say we will.
Serving Salem and the Chattahoochee Valley
Along with Salem, we roof homes and businesses in Phenix City, Smiths Station, Fort Mitchell, Ladonia, Columbus, Fortson, and the rest of the Valley on both sides of the river. Wherever you are within about 30 miles of Columbus, the standard is the same: done right, the first time.
Ready when you are. Call (706) 917-2768 or book a free inspection in Salem.
Common questions
How long does a flat roof last?
It depends on the system and how well water drains. Single-ply membranes and modified bitumen commonly last a couple of decades when installed and maintained well, and coatings can extend that.
Why does my flat roof keep leaking in the same place?
Usually because the source has not been found. Water travels under the membrane before it shows up inside, so patching the spot above the stain often misses it.
Can you add drainage to a flat roof that ponds water?
Often, yes, with tapered insulation, added drains or scuppers, or by correcting low spots during a replacement.
Who do I call about a roofing permit in Salem?
Salem is unincorporated, so Lee County Building Inspections handles permits there. Call 334-737-7014 and they will tell you whether your reroof needs one.
Has Salem had tornado damage?
Yes. NOAA records an EF2 tornado on February 28, 2009 that destroyed 4 site built homes and 6 mobile homes near Salem, and a weaker EF0 on May 3, 2025 near Wacoochee Elementary.