If you own commercial or industrial property and are in need of a new roof, or are looking to put up new structure, knowing which type of commercial roof and material is important. It can seem overwhelming as you debate between the many different types of commercial roofing materials available on the market today.

Finding the right commercial roofing material in Toronto is the first and most important step to not only keeping your property and the people within safe, but also getting the best value for your investment.

So, how can you know which commercial roofing material is the best choice for your specific building project? Read on below as we explore the different types of commercial roofs and materials available for you.

Common Types of Commercial Roofs & Materials Used

Some of the most common types of roofing systems and materials in commercial or industrial roofing include:

·EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)

· TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)

·  Modified asphalt rolls

· Fiberglass felt rolls

Read on to discover which commercial roofing system and its associated materials is right for your Toronto property.

Built Up Roofing

The most common and most durable type of commercial flat roofing system available is the Built Up Roofing (B.U.R) system. BUR is commonly known as  “asphalt and gravel” or composition roofing. This type of roofing system is composed of alternating layers of hot-asphalt, fiberglass felts as well as other reinforcing materials.

Each layer of heated asphalt is mixed with layers of felt paper and serves as both the system adhesive and the waterproofing agent. Once the layers have been placed, the asphalt is topped with aggregate for protection from both UV radiation and wind uplift.

Should I choose a BUR Roofing System for my Commercial Property?

BUR systems are best suited for low-slope, or “flat” commercial or industrial roofs because the high quality materials that are used will create a finished, long-lasting waterproof membrane to withstand even the most harsh weather conditions. Such materials will also ensure roof longevity, lowering the risk of industrial roof damage and therefore preventing the need for future repairs, or worse, roof replacement.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is commonly known as rubber roofing. It’s a synthetic rubber created from a mixture of ethylene propylene and diene, an unsaturated hydrocarbon alkene. When combined together, these materials create a flexible, yet highly durable membrane.

One of the largest advantages of an EPDM roof is its cost effectiveness; it is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials available on the market today. It is also comprehensively easy to install, and because the material is fairly lightweight, roof decking will not need to be reinforced during installation.

Should I choose a EPDM Roofing System for my Commercial Property?

EPDM roofing is widely used (and best suited) in low-slope buildings. And while it’s still not the most popular commercial roofing system used around the GTA, it’s slowing growing in popularity thanks to its longer-than-normal lifespan: up to 25 to 30 years.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

A Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof (TPO) is a single-ply reflective roofing membrane made from polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber polymerized together.This type of roofing system isstarting to become a very popular commercial roofing system for property owners in warmer climates. Why? Because TPO is composed of reflective material, it helps reflect the sun, thus reducing heat buildup inside a building’s structure. In addition, much like EPDM, TPO is one of the more inexpensive types of roofing material available today.

Should I choose a TPO Roofing System for my Commercial Property?

While not as durable BUR systems, TPO is less expensive and can offer a cost-effective, yet long-lasting (roughly 15-20 years) alternative for most commercial or industrial flat roofs.

Get Advice from the Experts

Crown Industrial Roofing is a trusted and endorsed commercial and industrial roofing company located within the GTA. We pride ourselves on our the philosophy of providing commercial building owners with more peace of mind when choosing a roofing system for their property.

If you’re looking for more information regarding which roofing system and roofing material to choose for your commercial building, we can offer you the professional advice and services you need to make the right decision.

Call us at 416-744-7788 today to speak with one of our Toronto-based commercial roofing contractors, or to book your free inspection. No matter what type of commercial roofing system in Toronto you need, we will help you find a roofing type that meets yours’ and your property’s needs.