Comparing Asphalt and Single-Ply Roofing for Commercial Properties in Toronto
When you need to have a new flat roof installed for your commercial property, there are some important decisions to be made with respect to the type of roofing materials to be used, which roofing contractors to hire to provide the installation services, and the costs associated with these choices, both at the outset and over the lifespan of the roof.
In terms of the materials commonly used for flat roofs, you essentially have two options, asphalt composition and single-ply membranes; each of these roofing types are available in a variety of applications and should be installed by certified flat roof services providers such as Can-Sky Roofing in Toronto:
Asphalt Composition
- BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
- Four alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt) and reinforcing fabrics
- Layers are then surfaced with a heavy aggregate material (ballast)
- Modified Bitumen (peel-and-stick roofing system)
- Reinforced with styrene and butadiene – material is cut and rolled into place
- Product adheres to the roof surface as backing is removed while being rolled
- Modified Bitumen (torch-applied or heat-welded application)
- Another reinforced material (polypropylene) that is cut and rolled into place
- With this application, the adhesive backing must be heated as it is rolled out
Single-Ply Membranes
- Rubber
- A very durable material; texture is similar to an inner tube or a hot water bottle
- It must be secured/fastened in place with glue, anchor bolts, or a layer of stone
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- A blend of ethylene and chlorine, compounded into a durable, flexible material
- Laid fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted; seams are heat-welded
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-Class Rubber)
- A highly durable synthetic rubber roofing material widely used in flat roofing
- Laid fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted; seams sealed or taped
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- Polypropylene and ethylene-propylene fused together by chemical reaction
- Installed either fully adhered or via mechanical attachment (most common)
- Spray-On Coating or SRM (Silicone Restoration Membrane)
- A silicone spray that is applied over the surface of an existing flat roof system
- Before use, wet insulation must be removed and roof surface must be washed
Although the above might help to clarify and distinguish how the various types of asphalt and single-ply membrane materials are manufactured and installed, it does not provide a complete picture for determining which option will offer the best solution for your specific commercial property – and your budget. To do that, it would be helpful to compare the lifespans and the pros and cons of these flat roof materials, subsequently outlined below.
Pros and Cons for the Various Types of Asphalt and Single-Ply Roofing Materials
To help with your choice of material for your commercial flat roof, here are some of the important pros and cons for the different asphalt composition and single-ply membrane options noted above, as well as their respective life expectancies:
Asphalt Composition
- BUR (Built-Up Roofing) – 15 to 20 years
- Least expensive option
- Excellent fire retardant properties
- Difficult to find the origin of any leaks
- Roof may need reinforcement to support the added weight
- Modified Bitumen (peel-and-stick) – 10 to 20 years
- Comparatively easy to install
- Can be coated with a heat-reflective finish to reduce energy costs
- Relatively more expensive than built-up roofing
- Prone to tearing and scuffing, resulting in possible leaks
- Modified Bitumen (torch-applied or heat-welded) – 10 to 20 years
- Extremely robust and durable
- Can also be coated with a heat-reflective finish for energy efficiency
- Building must be evacuated during installation due to potential fire hazard
- Also predisposed to tearing and scuffing and therefore to leaks/water penetration
Single-Ply Membranes
- Rubber Membrane – 20 years+
- Relatively light material that is easy to install
- Longevity, especially in extreme weather conditions
- One of the more expensive types of roofing materials
- Heat-absorbing material; can be susceptible to punctures
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – 15 to 30 years
- An exceptionally strong and durable material, offering a long service life
- Highly resistant to fire, high winds, chemicals, and moisture penetration
- Tends to shrink over time, causing seams to pull apart and corners to lift
- Must be installed with sufficient thickness to limit any cracking or splitting
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-Class Rubber) – 20 to 35+ years
- Excellent waterproofing, maintenance-friendly, and fire retardant properties
- One of the least expensive, lightweight, and easy-to-install roofing materials
- Typically an all-black membrane that absorbs heat, thus raising cooling costs
- Susceptible to damage from fallen tree branches, punctures, heavy foot traffic
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) – 15 to 20 years
- Flexible membrane that is resistant to tears, punctures, and impact damage
- Considered a cool roof; can also withstand exposure to UV rays and chemicals
- Seams may fail and result in leaks if they are not welded properly and uniformly
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays may cause shrinkage and place a strain on seams
- Spray-On Coating or SRM (Silicone Restoration Membrane) – up to 20 years
- Can extend the lifespan of an existing roof and renew its warranty
- Restores waterproofing capabilities while saving the cost of a new roof
- Not effective if seams of the existing roof have deteriorated extensively
- Requires third party inspection post-installation to approve the warranty
Another very important consideration when installing a flat roof is your budget; the type of material, its method of installation, and the surface area of your roof will impact initial costs, and maintenance requirements over time must also be taken into consideration; it may therefore be beneficial to consult experienced Toronto roofing contractors who offer asphalt and single-ply membrane roofing installation services before making an ultimate decision for your building.
For more than a decade, the experts at Can-Sky Roofing have been assisting commercial property owners with the selection and installation of their flat roof materials. Our crews have the knowledge and skills to deliver the workmanship that our customers demand in our asphalt (BUR and bitumen) and single-ply membrane (EPDM, TPO, and PVC) roofing services; we get the job done right and as quickly as possible to minimize the disruption and inconvenience for you or your tenants.
To learn more about our asphalt and single-ply membrane roofing services, please visit:
Built-Up Roof (BUR) – Flat Roof Systems
Waterproof Single Ply Membrane Solutions
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems
Are you in need of a new flat roof for a commercial property in Toronto? Call the flat roof specialists at Can-Sky Roofing today at 647-691-0487 or contact us to request a free consultation and estimate.
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