As professional roofing contractors in Toronto, we receive many questions about the different types of roofing systems and roofing membranes available on the market today. Which roofing system is best for my property? Which commercial roofing material is the most durable? What type of roofing membrane can be installed on my roof to further extend its service life?

When it comes to commercial and industrial roofing in Toronto, there’s no one size fits all approach. And, it can be quite difficult for property owners to know which roofing system and roofing materials would be of best fit for their building. Simply put, industrial roofing and the various methods involved can be very overwhelming for building owners to fully understand on their own.

That’s why we’re here to help.

Below we’ve outlined some general information about a roofing system that is commonly used in commercial and industrial roofing, so that you can learn more about how it may benefit the structural integrity of your property. Here’s what you need to know about SBS roofing systems.

What is a SBS Roofing System?

SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems are popular for commercial or industrial buildings with low-sloped, asphalt based roofs. SBS, also known as styrene-butadiene-styrene, refers to the type of polymers that are added to the asphalt. SBS is a thermoplastic elastomer that’s resistant to harsh abrasions, making it an extremely long-lasting membrane when blended with bitumen, also known as asphalt.

As mentioned, SBS roofing membrane has the ability to retain its shape even after being stretched and scraped, and therefore, is widely used in modified bitumen roofing, coatings, sealants and paving. SBS is also among the most popular roofing membranes used today, and is trusted to perform exceptionally well against Toronto’s harsh winter weather.

SBS Installation

Not only is SBS one of the simplest commercial roofing system membranes to install, it’s also one of the most customizable. During installation, a variety of reinforcements are used with the asphalt, including fiberglass, polyester mats and scrims, etc.

In addition, SBS can be installed with a variety of application methods including cold applied, heat weld, self-adhered, mechanically fastened, and hot applied applications. Regardless of the installation type, properly modifying asphalt with SBS will give your roof a highly durable blend with exceptional recovery properties over a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. In short, asphalt modified with SBS proves to be among the best solutions to new construction design in Toronto.

Advantages of SBS Roofing Systems

1. Highly compatible with all types of flat roofing applications.

2. Extremely resistant to harsh weather conditions such as high and low temperatures, rain, snow and sleet, and ice, making it very practical for commercial properties across the Greater Toronto Area.

3. Longevity. The lifespan of SBS Bitumen Membrane is truly remarkable, even after aging and general wear and tear. Additionally, an SBS roofing system can further extend the longevity of a bituminous flat roof when it’s nearing the end of its service life. For example, a single layer can be installed over the top of the existing system to extend its lifespan.

4. Water resistant. With an SBS bitumen blend, your roof (and property as a whole) will be even more resilient to leaks and water damage.

5. Simple installation with a variety of application methods to choose from.

SBS Roofing Specialists in the GTA

An SBS roofing system can be a phenomenal choice for commercial or industrial low-slope buildings. And while SBS is among the best roofing system membranes to choose from, factors such as climate, site access, structural load, desired finished appearance, and warranty criteria should still be considered before making your final decision.

Of course, should you need further assistance as to which roofing system would be best suited for commercial property, contact the experts at Crown Industrial Roofing. Our commercial roofing contractors across the GTA are fully certified to provide you with the professional advice you need.

Contact us today for a free inspection.