Flat Roof Types

There are a variety of roofing materials with different properties, which determine how durable, long-lasting and expensive your roof is.

When you are planning on getting a new flat roof, it is crucial that you get the right one your building needs and that fits your budget. We detail below the various flat roofing options that we offer. Browse through these and you will get the right one for your needs!

Types of roofing systems:

Single Ply PVC and TPO Roofing System
Single Ply PVC and TPO are the most affordable roofing options available today for commercial or industrial buildings. Single-ply membranes made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) are excellent at preventing water from entering the roofing system and the building. They are useful for being lightweight making them ideal for old buildings with asphalt roofs, where extra, undesirable weight would be added onto the building when installing a new membrane. Lighter construction materials for new projects also helps in reducing the cost. The PVC membrane especially has low flammability, making it a top option for buildings that require high standards for fire safety. PVC and TPO are both highly durable, with polyester thread reinforcement, also adding elasticity. Both of them are easy and quick to install. Additionally, since they come in standard white or light gray colours, it also helps lower air conditioning costs in the summer due to their reflective properties, redirecting heat from the sun. A PVC membrane has a projected lifespan of 30 years, while a TPO membrane can last up to 50 years, making both options great investments!

Double Ply Modified Bitumen Roofing System
Modified Bitumen (MB) is a modified asphalt that has rubber-like and plastic qualities and is also referred to as a rubberized roof. It is reinforced with fibreglass and/or polyester, along with modifiers like SBS and APP, making it tough, uniform in thickness, water-resistant and tear-resistant. It is ideal for baking-hot summers and freezing winters because it is better at handling a broader temperature range. The typical lifespan of MB roofing is around10 years, although the quality of the installation greatly affects its longevity. Because of that, it is important to choose a qualified, expert company while going for Modified Bitumen roofing. If you choose a cheaper company, the inferior workmanship may be more expensive for you in the long run!

Four Ply Built-Up Roofing System
Four Ply Built-Up Roofs (BUR) have been around for over a hundred years as a tried and tested option. BURs were the most commonly used roofing method until the single-ply was invented. BUR uses several layers, most commonly tar and gravel, over the roof to keep out water. Because it has multiple layers, it is a reliable flat roofing option since even if one layer is damaged, the roof continues to function. The gravel used in layering is a resistant material that resists severe weather well and requires less maintenance compared to other materials.

Single Ply EPDM Flat Roofing System
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is the most popular option in commercial roofing. This rubber-based roofing technology is durable, flexible and resistant. The rubber properties of EPDM make the roof flexible, preventing cracks that can be caused by structural movement. It is also weather-resistant, which shows low wear and tear over time and can handle extremes of temperatures. Installation of EPDM is easy and minimally disruptive, and it requires little maintenance in the long run. It has an anticipated lifespan of 12 to 25 years.

Metal Roofing System
Metal roofs are very appealing because they are non-combustible, they redirect the sun’s heat away from the building (thereby, lowering air conditioning costs), and because of their durability. They can also be easily customized around flashings and other irregular sections of a roof. Metal roofing is a more permanent option for roofing, as they are not as easily replaced, nor do they need to be because they are long-lasting.