Commercial Roof Systems, Slopped shingled Commercial roofing system

Commercial Roof Systems (Updated)

by with No Comment Roof Systems

Updated Feb 15, 2020
Originally Published: April 23, 2017

Commercial Roof Systems

Whether you are constructing a new commercial building or need to replace the roofing on an existing structure, it is important to understand the different types of commercial roof systems so that you can make the right choice for your business. Unlike residential roofing, commercial roofing has very specific requirements because commercial buildings are usually larger and taller. The roofing material you choose will determine the life of your building and the safety of the residents.

Low Slope Roofing

The roof you choose for your commercial property depends entirely on the degree of slope of the roof. Materials that work on low slope roofs are not always the best choice for high slope roofs. The following are options to consider for a low slope roof

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer Roofing (EPMD):

EPDM roofing is a type of rubber roofing made from a combination of ethylene and propylene. EPDM roofing is extremely versatile and is known for its durability. Moreover, EPDM is the longest lasting type of commercial roofing available on the market and can easily last up to 40 years with the right environmental conditions and routine maintenance. They are easy to maintain and repair, and have a simple clean look.

Thermoplastic Roofing (TPO):

TPO roof systems

are becoming extremely popular in commercial construction because of their cost effectiveness and functionality. TPO roofs are made from a durable material which stands up in high and low temperatures making them a good option for any climate. They are impervious to ultraviolet rays, chemical exposure, and the ozone as well as being resistant to punctures, fire, and damage from high winds. On average a TPO roof lasts over twenty years and can withstand even the harshest environments.

Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing (PVC):

PVC roofing

is similar to TPO roofing and is also an excellent choice for commercial properties. PVC roofing is created by using sheets of PVC that contain plasticizers and stabilizers. They are available with a fleece backing that helps insulate the building. Like TPO roofs there are extremely durable and can withstand a full range of temperatures. They can withstand damage from punctures, fire, ultraviolet rays, chemical exposure, and other harsh environmental factors. With a wide range of colours to choose from, they are a popular choice.

Built-Up Roof Membranes (BUR):

BUR

are commonly referred to as “tar and gravel roofs” and are one of the oldest styles of commercial roofing. This system is created through layering. Flat roofs can be single-ply or built-up using multiple layers of liquid tar or asphalt over tar/asphalt saturated paper; or have multiple layers of other types of waterproof membranes. This is topped with a layer of pea-size gravel to protect the tar from the elements. The lifespan of a BUR roof depends on the materials used and the thickness of the layers but they have been known to last up to 50 years.

Steep Slope Roofing

If you have a steep slope roof (greater than 4/12 pitch) on your property, you need a roofing material that works with your architecture. The following options should be considered when dealing with a high slope roof:

Roof Shingles:

Shingle roofs

are one of the oldest roofing systems and are still very common across North America. Shingles are a roof covering made up of individual overlapping sections laid in courses from the bottom edge of the roof up. Each successive course overlaps the joint below, creating a layered, water shedding system. Shingles are available in various materials such as asphalt, wood, tile, metal, plastic, fibre cement, and flagstone. The durability of your shingle roof will depend on the type of material you select.

Asphalt Shingles:

are a water shedding system, and a great option for high or steep sloped roofs. Asphalt shingle roofing starts with a layer of base material followed by a sturdy felted fabric upon which the shingles are layered. Depending on the type of asphalt shingles chosen they have warranties ranging from 20 years to a lifetime. This option is easy to maintain and offers a wide variety of colour options.

Cedar Shakes/Shingle:

Wood shingles and shakes

are a favoured roofing option due to their beautiful colouring, durability, and natural insulating properties. This differs from shakes, which are made by splitting pieces of wood from a bolt. Wood shingles and shakes come in a variety of distinctive patterns and materials. Cedar wood is a popular choice for shakes and shingles. Cedar can be expensive up front and requires regular maintenance. However, cedar roofs are durable, lasting up to 10 years longer than asphalt roofing, and are resistant to heavy rains, hail storms, snowstorms, and strong winds. They are also a natural insulator, making them an eco-friendly, energy efficient option.

Tile Roofing:

There are two types of tile roofing available for commercial applications: concrete and clay tile. Both concrete and clay tile are very attractive roofing options. Not only are they beautiful, they are incredibly durable, especially against environmental factors like high winds, dramatic temperature changes, the ozone and ultraviolet rays. Tile roofing can last 50 years with the right maintenance so they have a long-term cost benefit.

Metal Roofing:

There are three types of metal roofing available for steep slope applications: architectural metal panel, structural metal panel, and metal shingles. Metal roofing is a very good option in areas experiencing heavy rains or snow as they are designed to help direct precipitation off the roof. With minimal maintenance, a metal roof can last 60 years or more making it a cost-effective choice.

Synthetic Roofing:

is a catch-all term that describes manufactured products that replicate asphalt shingles, concrete tile, clay tile, metal panels, slate, wood shakes and wood shingles. Synthetic roof coverings contain recycled plastic and/or rubber as a key ingredient, making them significantly lighter than other roofing materials, and eco-friendly. They are mould, hail and fire resistant and can be less expensive than some of the other options. Depending on the type of synthetic roof you choose, they can last as long as 100 years.

Picking The Right Commercial Roof

With so many options, it can be a bit daunting to decide which commercial roofing option is right for you. Luckily, the experts at Cambie Roofing are here to help. We have over 50 years of experience installing commercial roofing and will help you pick the roofing that is right for your building and your business needs. Call us today to discuss which roofing option is right for your commercial property.

home insulation

Home Insulation: Signs Your Home Is Under Insulated

by with No Comment Roof Repair

Most of us don’t think a lot about home insulation, but if your home isn’t properly insulated. It can lead to many different problems – much worse than just a cold home. Including increased energy costs, water damage, and mold growth. To protect your home from this type of damage it’s important to know the signs of an insulation problem. Here are some of the more common issues to look for that will keep your home properly insulated:

High Energy Bills

A homeowner’s energy bill is mostly spent on heating and cooling costs. In the winter, you heat your home, and in the summer, if you have an air conditioner, you cool it. That number goes up drastically when a home is poorly insulated as your utilities have to work overtime. Proper insulation can cut those costs by an average of 20%. You should keep an eye on how much you spend on energy each month and if it continues to climb then you may have a problem. You should be able to login online to view your history and see an average. Obviously, your bill will increase during winter months but you should be able to locate if there is an unusual spike.

Cold Walls, Floors, Ceilings and Rooms

The ceilings, walls and floors in your home should usually feel warm and dry. When drywall and panelling inside a home feels damp or cold, it is probably a sign that there is not enough insulation and should be fixed immediately. In addition, when touching an outside wall, it should feel cold because the insulation is keeping warm air inside your home.
Unfortunately, heat and cool air can escape almost anywhere that doesn’t have insulation to stop its path. Do you find that some rooms in your home are inexplicably colder or hotter than others no matter how you much you adjust the thermostat? If those rooms are well ventilated, then the problem is most likely bad insulation. Some of the worst culprits are rooms above the garage or attic spaces.

Chilly Drafts

Especially during the colder winter months, drafts in certain areas of a home are caused by cool air entering around window frames and doorways. By having extra layers insulation added to these areas, you and your family can avoid having to cope with chilly drafts. Using Spray foam is a good way to seal and insulate any cracks and crevices.

Mice & Insects Are Invading

There is nothing worse than finding your home invaded with mice and other rodents. Unfortunately, these rodents can enter through very small holes and crevices around doorways and windows. If you find rodents constantly getting into your home, it’s more than likely these openings are also how cold air enters and warm air escapes. They should be patched up not only to stop the rodents but to stop hot air from escaping.

Water Leaks in the Attic

Just as bad insulation lets heat escape from your home, it also tends to let water in. Water obviously has a much easier time finding its way into a poorly-insulated home than a well-insulated one. If you have a leak in the attic, your insulation may be part of the problem. Leaks and water damage are a sign that you should get your insulation inspected as soon as possible.  Water damage can cause many costly problems down the road, including mold issues, so get it fixed as soon as possible and don’t procrastinate.

Frozen Pipes

While most people think of poor insulation as just a minor inconvenience but it, in fact, can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. Frozen pipes in your walls are another indicator you have an insulation problem. Proper insulation protects your home from damage caused by freezing temperatures. Poorly insulated exterior walls can cause frozen pipes. Which can then burst, which can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Ice Dams On Your Roof

A sign of poor insulation in winter are ice dams. Which are built up patches of ice that can prevent natural melting or water from running off your roof.  Ice dams are a result of heat rising from a poorly insulated home. That melts the bottom layer of snow on your roof. The melted water then trickles down towards your gutters and once it hits the colder air may begin to freeze. This can cause chunks of ice and icicles to form on the perimeter of your roof. Not only does it wreak havoc with your gutters and roof, but it also becomes a safety hazard for anything or anybody below as the ice can fall on people passing by.

Get An Inspection

The easiest way to tell if your house is well insulated is to have an experienced inspector look at the floors, ceilings, and walls of your home. Many insulation installers have access to specialized equipment and some are happy to offer a free in-home inspection. If you are wondering if a home inspector is worth it, remember roughly a quarter of your home’s heat escapes out through the roof. And another 35 percent goes out the windows. It’s definitely worth checking insulation levels to put some of those savings back in your wallet. In addition, if you have an issue with your roof or you need it inspected, give us a call at Cambie Roofing and we’ll come out and give you a free estimate.

How to Prevent A Skylight Leak

How to Prevent A Skylight Leak

by with No Comment Roof Systems

Skylights are incredibly beautiful and can add some much-needed light to your home. Having additional natural light skylights can also look to expand interior spaces, reduce utility bills, and help make your home seem a little more inviting. The problem is, however, that skylights, especially when installed poorly, can be prone to developing water leaks. In fact, skylight leaks are among the most common roof repairs in residential homes. When a skylight starts to leak, it can be minor but can lead to expensive water damage, especially if it goes unchecked. A leaky skylight can also be an indication of other, more serious, hidden roof damage. You can contain and prevent skylight leaks by asking a roofing contractor to perform a regular roof inspection. Let’s find out below How to Prevent A Skylight Leak.

What Causes Skylights to Leak?

The first question to ask is what causes a skylight to leak. As with most things, it can be a variety of factors. Some people blame leaks on faulty product design but usually, it’s the skylight wasn’t installed or maintained properly. Sometimes it can be a combination of several factors including old age.

How To Spot a Leak

If you’re indoors, you might not even have to step outside to see if there is a leak around the skylight. If you see a dark spot around the skylight you need to distinguish whether it is a true leak or just built up condensation – moisture on the cool skylight surface. Depending on the skylight design, especially modern ones, some of them have condensation drip trays that collect extra moisture.
The best way to determine a skylight leak is to do it from a vantage point indoors. Look very closely at where water stains originate inside the building – trace stains to their highest point. The leak will likely be at the highest point from the wet spot.

Homeowners can have trouble determining exactly where the skylight leak is occurring, sometimes simply slather caulk or roof cement all over everything in sight. This is obviously not the best way to do it and can not only value your home but also can cause lasting damage. In addition, when professional roofers are called in, a roof-cement slathered skylight that is still leaking may be even more difficult to diagnose.
If the skylight leak is at the roof flashing, it may be possible to do a temporary repair using roof cement around the perimeter of the unit. While this can be used if a roofer cannot be contacted immediately, the best solution is to remove the shingles near the skylight and install a news properly.

Modern skylights

Modern skylights have been designed by their manufacturers to make the window as simple as possible. As a backup to prevent leaks around skylights, during the installation process, roofers usually also install flashing which are lips to direct water away from the sealed area. It is a good idea to seal the skylight curb and surrounding roof area with a bituminous membrane.

Older bubble-type skylights that were mounted flush with the roof surface are notorious leakers because they relied entirely on sealants between shingles and the skylight. Newer curbed skylights are much more reliable.
Indoors, if the ceiling drywall is badly leaking, it is best to remove the damaged drywall material completely, remove any wet or stained fibreglass insulation, and clean the ceiling area. It is always best to get a professional contractor to do this, rather than a DYI project.

What Can You Do To Prevent Skylight Leak?

Many if not all skylight leaks can be prevented through seasonal roof inspection. A roofing contractor will look for damage to the shingles, and gutters, but will also check the flashings for holes, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration. They should also check the interior of the house for issues that could be causing your problems. It is best to schedule roof inspections during the Spring or Summer to make sure your home hasn’t sustained any damage during the harsher winter months.

Roofing Maintenance

Taking care of your roof with regular check-ups is a great way to prevent skylight leaks. Roof maintenance is especially important around winter time, more so than in other months because of the damage, the cold can do to the skylight and a roof in general. This is largely due to the threat of ice dams, which can cause costly damage.
First, after a particularly heavy snowstorm, you should clear your roof of snow as quickly as possible. Quick snow removal does not allow precipitation time to melt and refreeze on the roof, creating ice dams. Ice dams can block drainage to the point that moisture can seep into the home through the roof and skylight.

Adequate Ventilation

Another factor to consider with skylight leaks is the humidity level in the highest floor of your home. Too much humidity in the air, which can come from the laundry room or bathroom. This can cause condensation on skylight glass while leading to leaks or even cracks around the frame. Ask your roofing contractor to suggest an appropriate ventilation system or dehumidifier for your home to prevent condensation.
If you hire an inexperienced roofing who is not familiar with skylight installation, then you can be in trouble down the road. If the skylight was installed on an older roof as a retrofit, and especially if the installer did not install the skylight properly, leaks at the skylight are likely. Always ask the roofer about their experience with skylights.

Hire a Professional Roofer to Help

Skylight leaks can be very difficult to repair, and we don’t recommend you do it yourself. If done poorly it can lead to significant interior and exterior damage. Instead, call for the advice of a professional. It will be cheaper in the long run and will prevent you from a lot of headaches.

Conclusion

If you notice leaks around your skylight, contact Cambie Roofing, a family owned & operated local roofing contractor with decades of experience in residential and commercial roofing. We’ll evaluate your skylight and surrounding shingles and recommend repairs that will fit your budget and remedy your water problems.

How A New Roof Can Increase Your Sale Value

How A New Roof Can Increase Your Sale Value

by with No Comment Roofing

If you ask most Real Estate agents, add new roofing before attempting to sell significantly increases the value of your home and makes it appealing to buyers. By increasing the value of your home, you actually make money on your repairs as the resell value increases more than 100% of your roof. In 2018, a survey in the United States found that roofing replacement added an average resale value of $14,214. Roughly the same amount of money could be expected – if not more – to be added to in Canada.
While nobody likes to spend money replacing or repairing their roof, when you’re about to sell, it makes a lot of financial sense, especially when you compare to other house projects. In fact, mending the roof offers a better return on investment than an addition to the master bedroom, major kitchen remodel, deck installation, or a bathroom remodel.
When a buyer makes an offer for your home, they assume the roof isn’t leaky or in need of fixing. If it does need repairing, and the buyer does their due diligence, they can often successfully negotiate the price down. If you’re on the fence about installing a new roof, consider these facts in making your decision.

Beautification

Buying a home is as much of a emotional investment as an financial one which is why aesthetics matter. If your home has a roof that’s shabby, ugly and clearly in need of replacement, buyers will take note. Obviously nobody wants to buy an ugly home, and a roof is such a big part of that.
If a buyer needs to take the price of a new roof into account when purchasing a home, plus the headache that comes with it, he or she will likely be enticed to shop elsewhere. While, on the flip side, a new a roof can pique buyer interest and make your home stand out in your neighbourhood. If someone in your area is selling their home at a similar price, it can give you the edge and can even spark a bidding war.

Buy A Transferrable Warranty

Buying a home can be a stressful experience. It is often one of the largest purchases someone will make in their lifetime which is why reassurance is a good thing. With the right roof warranty, it can give the new owner peace of mind that things won’t go wrong. Nobody likes surprises which is why if you can transfer the warranty to the new owner, it will likely give the buyer reassurance that they are making the right decision. Since standard warranties for asphalt shingles used to be 15-20 years and premium-quality asphalt shingles today offer warranties as long as 50 years, sometimes these warranties outlast their current occupants. Ask your roofer if you can transfer your warranty to the new owner.
A transferable warranty can mean a lifetime of not having to pay for roofing repairs. Buyers can be willing to pay more to own a home with a roof that will come with warranty. A roof warranty can add more value to a home than one without a warranty, especially if it is the difference between a standard and premium roof.

Increased Energy Efficiency

New roofs are more energy efficient then they once were which means that along with a warranty, a great-looking roof, the owners will save money on heat as well. Increased energy efficiency can increase the appeal of a home, because it means savings in the long run. In addition, many people, especially in the younger generation are more environmental conscious and having an energy efficient roof fits in with their lifestyle and values more than an older home.

Reduces Maintained

An old roof can cause trouble for future homeowners. Old roofs tend to leak, lose shingles in a storm, damage siding, and break easier than new roofs. For a prospective buyer, these potential dangers of an old roof might be enough to encourage them to buy elsewhere. Even if there is nothing wrong with the old roof, a savvy buyer will realize that older roofs are not as well built as newer ones and will most likely cause problems in a few short years. A newer roof will translate into lesser maintenance costs for the new owners overall, giving them less of a headache – both financially and emotionally.

Other Factors To Think About

Since it’s not an exact science, there are many miscellanies variables that go into appraising a home. If you can give the buyers as much data as possible it will likely increase the likelihood of getting your desired price for your home.
When you’re getting your home appraised, he or she will want to see receipts of the new roof, as well as information about its materials, construction, and warranties. The more information the appraiser has on the roof, the more likely you will see an increase in value.

Conclusion

Your roof has a lot of responsibilities to bare. It protects your entire home, its contents, and its occupants from the external environment.
When a house goes on the market, the roof is the most visible features to everyone driving down the block. A roof in poor condition can quickly stop any sale even before the negotiation has started. That’s why it’s smart to replace an old roof with a new one even before you put it on the market.
A new roof is a big investment and you should take the time to find a professional trustworthy contractor to complete the job. Give us a call at Cambie Roofing where we put customer service first and never sacrificing quality for price and guarantee you’ll be satisfied with the job.

Earthquake Proof Roof

Can A Roof Be Earthquake Proof?

by with No Comment Roofing

It’s common knowledge that Vancouver is due for a large and devastating earthquake. Thankfully all types of builders recognize this and are continually trying to seismic upgrade all our buildings. A large part of that is, of course, our roofs. If a roof collapses during an earthquake, it can kill or injury those inside. During the design and construction process of a roof there are earthquake resistant features. The roofer can apply which would increase enormously the chances of survival of both buildings and their occupants which we will cover. Let’s see more about how to make Earthquake Proof Roof?

What is an Earthquake?

The earth is made up of plates floating on the soft centre of the earth. Which consists of heavier molten rock and molten iron. The plates are not one solid piece but are separated by cracks. Which are known as faults and trenches which can press or expand together into mountains and valleys. These separate plates move slowly from a combination of forces in the Earth’s core, gravitational forces, and centrifugal forces from the Earth’s rotation.
Some plates are moving apart, for example in ocean trenches, where molten material pushes up and shoves the plates apart while others are bumping into each other head-on. The Cascadia fault, for example, which goes from northern Vancouver Island to Northern California is a very long, sloping subduction zone where the Explorer, Juan de Fuca, and Gorda plates all move to the east and slide below the much larger mostly continental North American Plate. If the movement was steady, about a millimetre or so a year, it wouldn’t matter. However, the plates tend to jam.

What makes a building or structure fail in earthquakes?

An Earthquake can be one sudden movement, or it can be a series of movements at short intervals. It can move the land up and down or it can move it from side to side.
Buildings are not necessarily resistant to side-to-side shifts. Unless this has been taken into account during the design and construction phase of the building process. A building might be perfectly stable until a severe earthquake hits. It is this side-to-side sift that generally causes the worst damage, often collapsing poor buildings on the first shock wave.

The side-to-side shift can be worse if the shocks come in waves, and can vibrate like a huge tuning fork, each new sway bigger than the last, until the building collapses. Often when more weight has been added to a building because of a heavy roof or more floors the greater the risk of failure. This extra weight produces great forces on the structure and helps it collapse. As one might expect, massive buildings like skyscrapers attract more seismic forces while smaller buildings with lighter roofs respond better to earthquake forces.

Luckily, the overall weight of a building and its contents can be calculated fairly accurately and can be accounted for in engineering design –these loads are called static loads. Wind and earthquake forces can change suddenly and unpredictably –these are called dynamic loads. The engineer must design a structure to withstand dynamic loads that may be highly variable over a very short period of time, a much more difficult task than designing for static loads alone. In Vancouver, the general awareness of earthquake danger is only a few decades old, many older buildings and roofs were not designed to stand up against the dynamic loads caused by earthquakes.

Is it Possible to Build A completely Earthquake Proof Roof?

There are, of course, roofing techniques that can be used to create a very sound roof that will endure a small or even strong quake. However, no building or roof is completely earthquake proof. During a severe earthquake, even the best-engineered building may suffer severe damage.
Most modern buildings are designed to support a vertical and dynamic load in order to support the walls and roof to keep them standing. One way to make a building more resistant to these lateral forces is to tie the walls, floor, roof, and foundations into a rigid box that holds together when shaken by a quake.

So What’s The Solution?

Because earthquakes are a function of mass shifting, all other structural elements being equal. The lighter the roof the lower the center of mass and, therefore, less likely it is to collapse or crumble. This means that roofs made out of wood tiles or asphalt are better than, say, brick, tile, or a heavy metal roof.
Lighter walls also have the advantage of exerting less force onto a building’s support system. But another good reason is that lighter wall construction tends to be more physically flexible. Which allows for more movement at the joints and throughout the structural members when an earthquake hits.

Many Vancouver builders use reinforced concrete. Where the steel reinforcement provides the tension-resistant qualities of the building. Which is able to absorb the shaking from an earthquake. A good analogy is an old car made in the 50s can better withstand an impact with minimum damage. However is more likely injure the occupants as the shift in mass travels through the car to the person. Modern cars crumble easier in an accident, absorbing the shock so the person doesn’t have to. This is much like a modern-day roof.
If you’re worried about your roof withstanding an earthquake, call Cambie Roofing. Our expert roofers can quickly diagnose any problems with your roofing system. And perform maintenance to save you the trouble of dealing with an earthquake or any other possible calamity. Possibly preventing you from having to replace the entire roof all together.

Flat Roof Construction Tips, showing a flat roof, Best Roofing Systems for Flat Roofs

Flat Roof Construction Tips

by with 2 Comments Roofing

Update: August 5th 2019
Article Originally Published April 17, 2017

Flat Roof Construction Tips

Before you begin any roof construction project, there are a few factors to consider. This is especially true for commercial flat roofs. Flat roofs are susceptible to very specific kinds of wear and tear that need to be addressed. There are a wide variety of flat roof options on the market, all with different costs and benefits. Whether you are building a new commercial property or replacing an existing flat roof on your building, it is important to consider all of these factors before beginning construction. Here are some important tips to help you through the flat roof construction process.

Factors To Consider Before Selecting Your Roofing

Repair or Replace?:

Replacing an entire roofing system can be costly. If the majority of your roof is still in good condition, you may be able to save some money by having a professional repair the damage. You may also consider having your roof reconditioned. Depending on the extent of repair work necessary, however, it may be more cost effective to replace the roof. A trained professional will be able to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for you.

Roof Deck Integrity:

If you decide to replace your flat roof, you will need to have the structural integrity of your roof decking inspected first. If the structural integrity of the roof deck is damaged it will not hold up the roof. It’s advised to have your roof deck inspected by a professional before beginning any roof replacement.

Drainage:

Flat roofs have different challenges than low and high slope roofs. Flat roofs require a lot of thought about where rain, snow, and other precipitation will drain since they have no natural drainage system. As with any roofing system, if installed incorrectly flat roofs will leak. You need to make sure that the system you choose has both proper drainage and waterproofing materials like spray foam (SPF) or restoration coatings.

Load Weight:

If you plan on having a heavy load on your roof, such as a lounging area for employees, or heating and air conditioning units, you will need to select materials that will strengthen your roof and protect your structure from weight damage. SPF is one material to consider as it can withstand a great deal of weight.

Temperature:

Your roof needs to be designed to withstand the climate. If you live in an area with hot direct sun, you need a roof that can withstand heat and block against ultraviolet and ozone damage. If you live somewhere that gets very cold, you need a roofing material that has the ability to expand and contract with the temperature change.

Wind Uplift:

Another crucial environmental factor to consider is wind. Wind can be very damaging to any roof system so you need to be sure to choose a roofing material with wind resistance that meets the needs of your local area. A professional roofing company will be able to assess the average wind speeds in your area and help you choose a material that will withstand those speeds.

R-Value:

R-value is not a structure related concern, but it is an important consideration. The R-value is the reflective value of your roofing. Choosing a roofing material with a high R-value can save you a lot of money on energy bills, which is especially important on a larger commercial property. A low R-value material will allow heat to escape in the winter and to penetrate your building in the summer, resulting in higher energy bills to heat and cool your building. A higher R-value roof will require a bit more of an initial investment, but it will pay off in energy savings over time.

Selecting Your Roofing

You may want a particular roofing product for its appearance, such as a tile or shingle roof, however, this type of material should not be place on a flat roof as it will lead to building damage down the road. The following are some common flat roof options:

Built-Up Roofing (BUR):

Also called “tar and gravel roofing,” BUR roofing uses layers of roofing felts or ply sheets that are coated in asphalt or coal tar and topped with pea-size gravel. BUR roofs are the most common roofing style and very cost-effective. They do require some routine maintenance.

Modified Bitumen:

Modified Bitumen, also known as “torch-on” roofing, is very similar to BUR. Moreover, Modified Bitumen contains an additional polymer binder called Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS), which improves the durability and extends the lifespan of your roof.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM):

EPDM is a type of single-ply membrane roofing that uses a strong flexible polymer. It is resistant to the elements and is a great option for a roof in a harsh climate.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO):

TPO is another single-ply membrane that provides similar benefits to EPDM but does not offer as long of a lifespan.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):

PVC is a single-ply membrane that provides similar benefits to EPDM and comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to match your architecture.

Each of these options varies in terms of costs and benefits, so it is important that you weigh them against the factors impacting your particular roof before making a final decision. The most important construction tip for a flat roof system is to consult an experienced professional in your local area.
Since 1952, Cambie Roofing has been constructing flat roof systems in the Vancouver area. We understand all the factors that can impact your construction and can help you identify which roofing system is best for your building. Call us today at 604.261.1111 or contact us on our website and let’s talk about how we can help your flat roof repair or replacement go smoothly.