Roof Warranties

The Ins and Outs of Roof Warranties

by with No Comment Roof Warranties

The Ins and Outs of Roof Warranties

Homeowners are often confused by warranties and their terms, which is compounded when a lot of roofing contractors don’t explain them adequately. Homeowners assume that when a product includes, for example, a 15-year roofing warranty, that everything to do with their roof installation will be covered for 15 years. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. More commonly, a warranty is limited to material costs only, and does not cover cost of labour and other costs associated with the removal and replacement of materials. When looking at roofing warranties always read the fine print and ask if you don’t know.
In fact, roofing warranties can be complicated and it’s important as the building owner that you understand what type of warranty covers your roof, the terms of the warranty, factors that may make the warranty void. In this post, we will demystify some of the issues that surround roof warranties.

 Types of Roofing Warranty

There are two basic types of roofing warranty which area the contractor warranty and the manufacturer warranty. Just as they sound, the contractor warranty is provided by the roofing contractor. That installs your roof whereas the manufacturer warranty is provided by the company that makes your roofing material. The type of warranty can vary significantly from one company to another, from one manufacturer to another. Typically, a contractor offers a warranty that covers labour while manufacturers’ warranties cover materials. Sometimes these warranties overlap, but that’s certainly not always the case. Just what kind of roof warranties do you need, and what does each kind actually protect you against?

While this is not a complete list, here are some of the basic warranties:

Labour warranties: This means the labour costs to remove and reinstall defective building materials. This does not always include the original installation. If leaks are due to workmanship errors with the original installation, a labour warranty may not cover this problem.
Material warranties: are fairly inexpensive but apply only to material defects that cause early deterioration of roofing systems. These Roof warranties include the roof membrane but not flashings, adhesives, or edges. A material warranty will cover the costs of material replacement but not the labour costs associated with repair.
Workmanship warranties: This type of warranty can be confused with a labour warranty. It is, in fact, a type of warranty that will cover you against costs related to actual installation failures and errors which a labour warranty may not cover. If you’re worried about sloppy workmanship, than this is probably the best warranty to purchase.

Terms of Roofing Warranty

As you may have guessed, the terms of your roofing warranty will depend on the type of warranty you have. and also the company providing the warranty. A thing to keep in mind is that the warranty is only as good as the company backing it.
It is important to note that there are typically maintenance responsibilities that are outlined in your warranty. If you fail to maintain your roof, your warranty may be deemed voided. For example, if you fail to fix curling shingles, the warranty may not be honoured. Additionally, roofing warranties are not likely to cover damage from standing water, damage to interior structures, and also so-called “Acts of God”. Acts of God are extreme weather conditions such as a floor, lightning, earthquakes, vandalism, or fire.

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that a lot of roofing warranties are more geared toward protecting the manufacturer than the homeowner. Manufacturers, of course, don’t want to shell out money to homeowners unless they really have to. Which is why they spend a lot of money on lawyers to compose the fine print that ultimately tries to limit their own liability if something goes wrong with their roofing products. That’s why it’s so important that you understand the following before signing off on your project and warranty purchase:

  • What type of roof warranty am I getting?
  • How long does the warranty last?
  • What can void my roof warranty?
  • What are my responsibilities for maintaining my roof warranty?
  • What doesn’t a typical roof warranty cover?

Manufacturer Warranty

The most common kind of manufacturer warranty is a shingle warranty which may cover you for 20 to 50 years. As described earlier, this type of warranty only protects you against defects in the roofing materials themselves, not against improper instalment or worker error.

Although having a manufacturer warranty is important for your peace of mind, it’s actually rare for a roofing problem to be traced to a manufacturing defect. More commonly, a substandard roof is attributable to poor installation which is a separate issue altogether and which a manufacturer warranty won’t cover. Keep in mind even if the materials themselves are at fault, your warranty may only cover those materials, not the labour required to install them.

Conclusion

The actual terms of a roofing warranty will differ from company to company and the roofing material you select. Always ask for a copy of the warranty before signing the contract. And educate yourself about the exclusions and limitations in the warranty.
When you hire a roofing contractor, you should first check to see if your roof is under warranty. If it is, then it can help you save possibly thousands of dollars in repairs. Call us at Cambie roofing because we offer you the most warranty choices for your new roof or roof repairs. For the best protection for your home, call our Vancouver roof experts to schedule a free, in-home consultation.

Originally published February 2019.
Updated and republished November 2023

Types of Roofs

Types of roofs

by with No Comment Roofing

Types of roofs

You may not take much notice of the different Types of Roofs and Roofing styles there are in Vancouver, but they can vary a lot, depending on the type of material you use and the look of the house or building. Of course with the infamous rainy weather in the city, you need something with good drainage, otherwise, you’ll have leaks that will create damage to your home. In this blog article we look at all the different types of roofing systems you can use for your home; however, keep in mind not all of these will be appropriate for Vancouver weather.

Different Types of Roofs:

Gable Roof:

Gable roof designs are one of the simpler and most common styles when it comes to roofs in Vancouver, especially.  The gable roof style looks like an upside-down V.
Pros: There are numerous advantages to the gable roof style. First, its simple design makes it easier to construct and less expensive than alternative roof types. Also, there is available space underneath the roof, allowing for an attic or a more open concept. Gable roof structures easily shed water and snow which makes them great for areas with heavy snowfall such as Canada. The steep pitch of gable roofs allows for excellent water drainage and fewer leaks. They also allow for more ventilation and provide more space for an attic or vaulted ceilings.
Cons: Gable roofs are more prone to wind damage, as they tend to be more steeply pitched than other roof types. In addition, if a roof is not adequately supported by its framing, it could be at risk of collapsing. Also, if there is too much overhang, winds underneath can actually lift the roof away from the home’s walls. This style of roof is not recommended in areas prone to tornadoes.

Flat Roof:

Flat roofs are common, especially with commercial buildings. They are definitely the most simple roof to construct because they have little to no pitch. The most common types of systems used with flat roofs are rubber.
Pros: By far the biggest advantage of using a flat roof is the expense. From the initial building and installation to the materials most often used to cover the roof, flat roofs are fairly cheap.
Cons: The biggest disadvantage to installing a flat roof is the drainage, or lack thereof, which can be a problem in Vancouver. Flat roofs do drain, but not nearly as efficiently as a roof with any kind of pitch. Therefore water has a tendency to puddle and remain on the roof, which could lead to the roofing material breaking down or to eventual leaks, particularly along the seams.

Hip Roof:

Hip roofs are a common residential style. They are more difficult to construct when compared to flat roofs and gable roofs because they have a more complicated truss and rafter structure. A hip roof style roof has four sloping sides with zero vertical walls. Hip roofs can be both square and rectangular.
Pros: Hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs because the inward slope of all four sides is what makes it more sturdy and durable.
They are excellent for high wind, rain, and snowy areas. The slant of the roof allows snow and rain to easily slide off with no standing water. Hip roofs can offer extra living space with an addition of a dormer or a crow’s nest.
Cons: Hip roofs are more expensive to build than a gable roof. It’s a more complex design that requires more building materials. Also, with the addition of a dormer, additional seams can make it easier for the water leaks to form in the valleys, if a roofing system is not properly installed.

Dutch Gable Roof

The Dutch gable roof is a combination style roof that uses design elements of both gable and hip roofs. A miniature gable roof, or “gablet”, is perched atop a traditional hip roof.
Pros: The gable can be fitted with windows for added sunlight into the top floor. It’s also a unique design that can be functional yet distinctive for the Vancouver climate.
Cons: A drawback of a hip framed roof is its reduced attic space for a given roof pitch compared to a simple gable roof.

Dome Roof:

A dome roof is polygonal with an inverted bowl shape. Dome roofs are great for adding unique and aesthetically pleasing features to any home. They are excellent choices for cupolas, gazebos or crow’s nests.
Pros: Not something you see every day, dome roofs are beautiful, unique and durable.
Cons: The complexity of a dome roof makes them expensive to construct. However, depending on the structure, a prefabricated one may be available.

Gambrel Roof:

A gambrel roof is basically how you picture a barn roof. While used on barns, it is also used in residential construction. This type of roof has the benefit of providing a good amount of space in the attic. In fact, it provides so much extra space that it is often turned into bedrooms or other living areas. The gambrel only uses two roof beams, along with gusset joints.
Pros: Since the construction is quite simple with fewer materials needed, this helps to keep the cost of a roof down. It also provides extra living space for a garret, attic or loft. Plus it’s simple to frame out. Gambrel roofs are also a great idea for outdoor sheds and storage buildings. Their shape can provide more storage without taking up more space.
Cons: The gambrel roof is not recommended for heavy wind areas or regions that receive significant snowfall. The open design can cause the roof to collapse under extreme pressure.

Mansard Roof:

A mansard roof, also known as a French roof, is a four-sided roof with a double slope on each side that meet forming a low-pitched roof. The lower slope is much steeper than the upper.
Pros: Mansard roofs can help create a great deal of extra living space. Using the space as a full attic or living quarters is very popular. The style lends itself to either open or closed dormers for more aesthetic appeal. Mansard roofs are great for people wanting the flexibility to make future home additions. When first designing and building a home, you can actually save money by having a simple mansard design to start off. This will not only add value to the house, but it also allows homeowners to easily make additions as their needs change.
Cons: A low pitched portion of a mansard roof isn’t ideal for areas receiving heavy snowfall. They also typically cost more than other roofs because of the embellishments and details that go into them. But, the added space and character can more than makeup for the extra cost of initial construction.

Sawtooth Roof

A Sawtooth roof is two or more parallel pitched roofs in which the sloped and vertical surfaces alternate. As the name suggests, the roof resembles the side of a saw blade or a graph line. Sawtooth roofs were once only used in industrial buildings. However, now they have become trendy and are now used in modern home design.
Pros: Very chic looking, this design can have windows placed in the vertical spaces of the roof, allowing more natural light inside the home. The higher peaks provide the opportunity for either attic, vaulted ceilings or loft living space. The combination of the various slopes and use of natural light make this design an excellent choice for homes with Eco-friendly conveniences, geothermal, solar panels, and radiant heating systems.
Cons: The complex design and various building materials make the Sawtooth roof much more expensive than other roof types. It’s also a high maintenance roof. Adding windows, valleys and varying slopes creates a higher chance for water leaks. For this reason, Sawtooth roofs aren’t advisable in heavy snowfall areas.

Conclusion

When building a new home or retrofitting an existing one, choosing the right kind of roof can be more difficult than you might imagine. After all, roofs do a lot more than just serve the most basic practical purpose of protecting a house and its occupants from the outside elements. For instance, a roof’s shape plays a major role in defining the overall look and style of a house. They must fit in with the character of not only the rest of the house but the entire neighbourhood as well. Roofs play a big part in providing additional living space, as well as make your home more resilient, energy-efficient, and weather-proof. So, i hope now you have get an idea about Different Types of Roofs.

If you’re looking at getting a new roof or just maintenance on your existing one, give Cambie Roofing a call. We offer 24/7 roofing solutions so no matter what, we have you covered.
Originally published July 2017.
Updated and republished Aug. 2023

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

Best Roofing Systems for Flat Roofs

by with No Comment Roofing Services

Best Roofing Systems for Flat Roofs

Because flat and low-slope roofs collect moisture easily, they need to be built differently than other types of roofs. For example, shingles cannot be used for this type of roof. They are too vulnerable to leaks and instead you need a seamless protective covering.
Choosing the best roofing systems for flat roofs is a challenge for many homeowners and businesses owners. There are multiple types of roofing systems that will work for flat roofs, and when deciding on the right one, there are multiple factors to take into consideration. These factors include: durability, the building’s structure and roof weight limitations and the cost. Listed below are common flat roof systems, including their pros and cons. The characteristics of each roofing system should be reviewed carefully. As you try to choose what is the best roofing system for a flat roof?

Asphalt and gravel have long been the standard for flat roofs. However, in the past 20 years or so, elastomeric bitumen coatings which use a two-layer system have become popular because of their sturdiness and now make up a large portion of the residential market.

Asphalt and gravel System

An asphalt-and-gravel roof membrane consists of several overlapping layers of roofing material, three of which are laminated together using molten asphalt. Roofing felt is then used to smooth out uneven areas of the roof decking and form a stable base for the asphalt, which prevents water from seeping through.
A layer of gravel is then added on top of the membrane to shield it from the sun’s UV radiation. Without that protection, the asphalt will deteriorate quickly.
If you choose this type of coating, be aware that installing it is difficult. The roofers will be handling molten asphalt and working with a noisy machine called a tar kettle. There will most likely be unpleasant odours and toxic fumes to be careful of as well.

It’s well known that flat and low-slope roof structures have specific needs. For example, shingles are never used for this type of roof: they are vulnerable to leaks, so they require a seamless protective covering however, its lifespan can be maximized by simple seasonal maintenance, which consists of adding gravel over any bare spots. An asphalt-and-gravel roof covering should last for 20 to 25 years, depending on the quality of the installation job and of seasonal maintenance.

Elastomeric bitumen:

Elastomeric membranes come in rolls and are used to create roof coverings typically made up of two layers – a bottom membrane and a granule-covered top sheet. The granules make the covering resistant to weather, tears, and UV radiation.
The top sheet is welded using a torch. Installation of an elastomeric membrane is much neater than laying an asphalt-and-gravel system. However, working with an open flame means a fire risk so if you choose this method, make sure your roofer has the right kind of insurance.

Some types of dual-layer elastomeric membrane can also be cold-applied. In this case the strips of each layer are self-adhesive, and all the installer has to do is remove a film covering the adhesive as the strips are unrolled. This product is also a good substitute for shingles on a low-sloping roof that lacks a drain to collect rainwater.
An elastomeric membrane results in a lighter coating with greater impact resistance than the classic method, due to its elasticity—an advantage that is even more apparent in cold weather. This type of roof covering is also easier to inspect and repair, as there is no layer of gravel masking the surface.
The cost of a hot-applied elastomeric membrane is 10 to 15% higher than for asphalt-and-gravel coating. It lasts much longer, however: an average of 30 to 35 years.

Synthetic coverings

Synthetic coverings like polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic polyolefin and ethylene propylene diene monomer are single layer membrane system. The roofer uses scissors to work around obstacles like vents and chimneys. Because of how they are applied, synthetic coverings are best used for large areas, free of obstacles.
Typically synthetic membranes are either mechanically applied or welded using a tool much like a hair dryer to soften the membrane.

Single-ply synthetic membranes, also known as monocouche coverings in Quebec are light, recyclable, can be installed quickly, and cost 10 to 15% less than asphalt-and-gravel coatings. They are also easy to maintain and repair—except during the winter months when hot-air gluing methods are less effective.

PVC Roofing System

PVC roofing system is highly reflective and very durable. Moreover, PVC is one of the top flat roof options because it is easy to install and lacks water permeability. Meaning it can resist water ponding. It’s three main benefits are very comparable to number 5 on the list, spray-applied roof coatings. The problem with PVC, and the biggest difference from roof coatings, is that it is applied in rolls. And therefore it has seams that can lead to roof failure. When it is rolled out, these seams must be taped or glued together. While this may resist water for a while, it will not hold up for 10-15 years as a seamless roofing system would.

Ethylene propylene is a rubber compound rather than plastic. They are very durable and have built a reputation around durability, but they are not without their weak points. The seams in the EPDM system are treated with adhesives and this makes the seams vulnerable over long periods of time. This sealing system often leads to maintenance on the seams, or building owners living with leaks. This is one of the more maintenance-intensive flat roof options.

Is it a Good idea to Cover over an Existing Coating?

It is possible to cover an asphalt-and-gravel coating with a single-ply membrane. After first removing the gravel and laying down sheets of high-density fiberboard. Many roofers warn against doing this, however, because humidity rising from the home can be trapped in the old coating, between the framing and the new membrane, warping and damaging the roofing system. For more dependable results, it’s best to start from scratch.

Finding the Best Roofing Systems for Flat Roofs

Can’t decide on the best flat roofing system for you? Schedule a free consultation with Cambie Roofing. We are experienced roofers who will be able to weigh all your considerations. And recommend a roofing system that will work best for your Vancouver home or business.

Originally published Oct. 2017.
Updated and republished May 2023.

fiberglass shingles

Should Your Next Roof Be Using Fiberglass Shingles

by with No Comment RoofingRoofing Services

Fiberglass shingles are somewhat of a new trend and are quickly becoming one of the more popular roofing alternatives today.
Even when they have a lot of good attributes, homeowners in Vancouver prefer the traditional asphalt shingles. In other words, asphalt shingles are the number one option for homeowners in Vancouver.

It’s estimated that up to 80% of homes in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are topped with asphalt shingles.

When it’s time to repair or replace their roofs, homeowners always wonder about the different roofing materials available and which one they should choose.
Roofing shingles are by far the most popular choice, but you must still choose between the different types of shingles. Some shingle types, like slate, last longer than others, but they are far more expensive too.
Fiberglass is literally made from remarkably fine threads of glass. This synthetic pattern (glass fiber) may be a thermoset polymer form – usually based on the likes of polyester resin, epoxy, or a thermoplastic.
Fiberglass shingles are created from an interwoven foundational mesh of fiberglass, and then encased with a water-resistant layer of asphalt, and then covered with other compounds that protect the shingles from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

How Are Fiberglass Shingles Made?

Generally, fiberglass shingles come in two different kinds: three-tab shingles and the architectural fiberglass shingles.
More people prefer the architectural ones because. They offer malleability and they fit into anything that you want but still maintain that stability and all the other aspects of the fiberglass.
To finish it off, asphalt sealant connects the separate panels, bolstering the shingles’ watertight characteristic.

Advantages

Most people don’t know but fiberglass is actually fairly inexpensive. It usually costs less than $4 per square foot. This is the first thing we always look at when we’re trying to build something. Well, not only is fiberglass shingles cheap but it’s also high quality.
Fiberglass is also very durable and it also does not hold liquid or moisture thereby reducing the risk of damage. Fiberglass shingles also have a greater fire grade than the regular asphalt shingles.
Because fiberglass is so thin and therefore lightweight, it’s actually not that hard to install so you can save money on labour which is also a big win.
Lastly, the fiberglass base gives the shingle a higher fire rating versus felt or paper-based shingles. The fiberglass base is lighter and easier for roofers to work with, which can also mean faster installation or repair times.

Disadvantages

There’s not a lot of disadvantages with fiberglass shingles. However, one would be that having fiberglass shingles would not perform as well in cold weather than when they are in warmer conditions.
That being said, it is a negligible discrepancy and the difference in all the other points we just mentioned will more likely cancel out this issue. They are perfectly adaptable to Vancouver weather. However if you live in Toronto or Ottawa it might be an issue.
The second disadvantage is the environmental impact it has when you want to replace your roof. Due to the fiberglass endurance, these materials don’t necessarily just degrade and dissolve in a few years, they could go on for a thousand year easy.
A solution to this is that they can easily be recycled and used for other purposes.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Fiber Glass

So now you know the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass shingles, which one should you choose?
Organic-mat is the material for regular asphalt singles. As they contain more asphalt, they last longer than fiberglass shingles. They’re more rugged and more likely to stay put during severe storms.
However, asphalt shingles are more expensive than fiber glass and are prone to warping over the long term or if there is a severe storm.

Conclusion

If you want a durable, lightweight and practical roofing solution, take a close look at fiberglass laminate shingles. But don’t take our word for it, research yourself and look at the several pros and cons of the different options and then determine the best one for you.
Making choices for your roofing system solution has a number of different considerations to evaluate before making a final decision. Make the right decision and it could pay dividends, make the wrong decision and it could cost you money in the long run.
Taking time to learn about the two different shingle solutions on the market – asphalt and fiberglass – will help a homeowner choose the best possible product at the best possible price.
Learning about the two different shingle solutions on the market – asphalt and fiberglass – helps homeowners to choose the best possible product at the best possible price.
There should be a roofing company in your area that you can easily contact and ask for their help. Most companies, including ours, offer a free assessment and even free quotation for the service you want them to do. Don’t delay your roofing project any longer.
If you have any questions or need an estimate on your roof call the experts. At Cambie Roofing, we have been in business for over half a century – so we feel confident in saying we are your best roofing choice.

How to Remove Moss from Shingles to Preserve Your Roof

How to Remove Moss from Shingles to Preserve Your Roof

by RoofingRoofing Services

Quick and simple: Remove moss from shingles if you want to extend your roof’s life span. Shingles with a dark green appearance may look harmless, but it’s a sign of moss buildup. Moss grows in the roof’s shaded area, like when tall and thick trees cover it. Some homeowners think that their shingle-type roofing system doesn’t look bad with moss in it, not realizing that it speeds up the roof’s deterioration.

A thin layer of moss isn’t a cause for alarm, but when it grows into large clusters, it’ll find its way under the shingles and wreak havoc to the whole structure. You’ll read a boatload of tips on DIY moss removal, but it doesn’t mean they’re legit. You may even damage your roof in the process.

The idea is to safely remove moss on the shingles to maintain your roof’s structural integrity. While it sounds relatively straightforward, there’s a bunch of issues you need to address after the removal. How do you prevent it from growing back? If you’re getting rid of it on your own, how do you prevent further damage to the shingles?

Why Remove Moss in the First Place?

Aesthetics and charm aside, moss is bad for your shingles. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t change the fact that it damages the roof and will shorten its life. Unlike plants that collect water through their roots, moss uses its leaves instead.

In other words, mosses don’t need soil to get the nutrients and water needed for growth. The dry surface of the roof shingle is no deterrent for its roots to grow and spread. If you ignore the presence of moss on your roof, it’ll slowly tear the shingles apart and cause leaks.

You don’t want moss on your roof when it rains; it soaks up and retains water naturally, putting unwanted weight and moisture on the shingles. Furthermore, moss buildup impedes proper water drainage. Instead of finding its way straight down to the gutters, water must go around the moss growth.

If left unattended, moss finds its way underneath the shingles, forcing them to lift and open up for water to penetrate. As soon as water penetrates the inner layer of the roof, it’ll result in leaks.

Removing Moss: How to Address a Moss Problem

Don’t wait for the growth to spread to the entire roofing surface before you act. The last thing you need is an expensive roof replacement project – a severe moss infection means that the shingles are no longer salvageable.

There’s a handful of ways to remove moss from your shingles; the strategy you choose depends on the state of your roof, budget, and severity of the infection. The easiest yet nastiest method is to scrub it manually. But the task is doubly difficult because of the “height” factor and the complexity of your roof’s design.

Put the ladder close to the affected area; this way, you don’t have to walk through a distance on the roof. Wearing protective equipment is a must, i.e., rubber gloves, slip-resistant shoes, and eye protection. Grab a safety rope to secure yourself – there’s a constant risk of falling.

Find a soft-bristled brush with a long handle so you won’t have to bend over and potentially lose balance. To remove moss, start scrubbing from the top to prevent lifting or damaging the shingles. Remember, there’s a difference between scrubbing the shingles gently and scraping them. You don’t want to scour or pound it either.

What If Scrubbing Doesn’t Work?

Scrubbing the roof doesn’t work at all times. Fortunately, there are other ways to get rid of the moss, including:

1 – Liquid Moss Killer

You need sufficient water pressure that reaches the roof’s ridge to apply a liquid moss killer. It comes in a container that conveniently attaches to the garden hose. You can also mix liquid bleach and water and spray the solution on the affected area. See to it that you let the solution adhere to the surface by leaving it for about half an hour before rinsing. You may have to repeat the process in severe moss growth.

Pro Tip: Never use a pressure washer on asphalt shingles since it might result in granule loss.

2 – Dry Moss Killer

Any home improvement store sells dry moss killer in powder form. You have to sprinkle the powder in lines parallel to the roof ridge. Be sure each line is about four feet from the other. The idea is for rainwater to combine with the dry powder, finding its way to the eaves.

Pro Tip: Don’t go for the dry moss killer powder if there’s no rain forecast for several weeks.

Prevention

Don’t wait for the moss to appear on your shingles before you do something. Put in place preventive measures that’ll help suppress moss’ growth; clean the gutters regularly (or install gutter protection), trim tree branches that grow near or over the roof and get rid of anything that collects moisture, such as seedpods and leaves.

Lastly, roofing professionals recommend the installation of copper or zinc-coated strips below the roofing ridge caps. Rainwater flows over the strips, releasing the zinc particles into the shingles. This effectively thwarts any sign of moss growth.

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.