When it comes to commercial flat roofs or industrial flat roofs, there are many things to know. With so much information out there, it’s important for property owners to familiarize themselves with the types of commercial or industrial flat roofs available on the market today. It’s also important to know which are common and best suited for their property and its specific needs.

If you own commercial or industrial property in the Greater Toronto Area, and are looking for flat roof repairs or a complete flat roof replacement, you’ll want to know what the most common types of flat roofs available are. Why? So that you can choose the best-suited flat roof for your property.

Let’s take a look at four of the most common types of flat roofs available for commercial or industrial properties in Toronto.

1. Built-Up Roof (BUR)

Built-Up Roofing is a traditional type of flat roof that is made from hot tar, asphalt and gravel. The roof itself is built from layers of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of gravel. The result provides a long lasting, highly durable waterproof membrane to give your commercial or industrial flat roof years of quality service.

BUR roofing is arguably the most common type of commercial or industrial flat roof available today. In particular, this durable and water-resistant flat roof performs exceptionally well in tough Canadian winters, and more specifically, during Toronto’s wet, drizzly springs.

2. EPDM (Rubber Membrane)

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is another common type of flat roof for commercial or industrial buildings. EPDM roofs are made from a synthetic rubber created from a combination of ethylene propylene and diene, resulting in a highly flexible, yet durable flat roof.

EPDM roofing is common option today because it’s not only easy to maintain, but it’s also engineered to withstand damage from sunlight (a great option for commercial or industrial buildings in warmer climates). EPDM rubber membrane is a popular option for low-slope buildings, but can accommodate various building designs and structures.

3. Modified Bitumen

Modified Bitumen is a common type of flat roof designed for flat and low-sloped buildings. Flat roofs made from modified bitumen roofing are composed of polymer modified bitumen material and reinforced with one or more layers of fabric. This type of commercial or industrial flat roof can be installed with a variety of application methods including cold applied, heat weld, self-adhered, mechanically fastened, and hot applied.

There are two types of modified bitumen membrane used for commercial flat roofs or industrial flat roofs. They are:

(1) Atactic Polypropylene (APP): APP is made up of a thermoplastic polymer and is usually applied using a propane-fuelled torch.

(2) Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS): Gives commercial flat roofs or industrial flat roofs a rubber-like appearance. SBS roofs are very durable and highly withstanding to harsh winter weather. This type of roofing system is most commonly installed by heat welding, or cold application.

4. PVC or TPO

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing are two commercial or industrial flat roof options that are single layered and made from material that is either white or gray. PVC or TPO roofing membranes can be adhered, similar to an EPDM rubber roof, or mechanically attached with screws and plates.

Both PVC and TPO roofs are becoming increasingly popular options for commercial or industrial flat roofing because of the environmental benefits. For example, PVC and TPO roofs are both made up of highly reflective materials that can reduce energy demand as well as monthly heating (with insulation) and cooling costs. Additionally, the vinyl used in PVC roofs can be recycled into new products, even after decades of use.

Flat Roof Experts in the Greater Toronto Area

The most common types of commercial flat roofs and industrial flat roofs are listed above. These flat roofs are high performing and will provide protection to both your building and the people within. With that being said, it’s important to hire professionals to install your flat roof correctly, so that it can provide you sufficiency throughout its service life.

At Crown Industrial Roofing, we have the experience necessary to perform a wide variety of flat roofing projects in the Greater Toronto Area. As one of Toronto’s most trusted commercial roofing companies, you can be confident that we’ll complete your commercial flat roofing project properly and on time. Contact one of our commercial flat roof contractors today to receive your free roofing inspection.