Toronto’s Top Rated Commericial Roofing Company
We specialize in commercial roof replacement and flat roof repair in Toronto. All you have to do is choose a roofing system based on your requirements and our skilled professionals will arrive at your establishment and complete the roofing repairs in the shortest possible time. We are confident of our skills in roofing and this confidence gives us the impetus to offer a 10 year warranty on any work we do for you.
Our Promise
Extremely competitive roofing repair prices
High quality roofing that lasts for years and withstands the harsh Toronto winters
Timely completion of your roof repairs
Roofing repairs with the least possible disruption to your operation
Only Using the Best Brands
Best Flat Roof is an authorized contractor for some of the biggest brands of residential and commercial roofing systems. You can rest easy knowing we use only the best roofing products with extensive warranty.
TPO Roofing System
TPO, an acronym for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is a good heat
reflective roof. It is great for energy conservation and forms a
shield against ultraviolet rays and chemical exposure. TPO roofing
system is an excellent, yet cost-effective membrane suitable for all
types of single-ply systems with guarantees up to 30 years.
TPO Roofing System
The introduction and first installation of thermoplastic roofing date back to 1960s in Europe. It took another decade for this material to make its way to the US and Canada. During these days, vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, popularly known as PVC based membranes was largely used. This membrane was also given to North America by Europe. Vinyl roofing rose to popularity during the phase of Energy Crisis. It almost revolutionalized the concept of roofing both in terms of cost and quality as both of
Vinyl was versatile, user friendly and could sustain any kind of mild to medium weather condition. This made it most popular and widely used variety of all thermoplastic roofing material. PVC usage is still growing. Towards the end of last millennium, about 7% of the roofing volume for an average contractor belonged to PVC. The qualities of reinforced PVC membranes make it most sought after roofing material. Some of key features of the TPO flat roofing systems are discussed below:
System can be adjusted as per the requirement of the roofing project.
It can be made in all typed of colors, including white which has been known for energy conservation, lowering the urban heat island effect.
TPO Roof vs Vinyl Roof
It has been already mentioned that reinforced vinyl membranes have become popular soon after its introduction and has travelled worldwide in no time. Interestingly, the roofs that were installed nearly four decades ago in European countries and two decades ago in North America are still in good working conditions. Unfortunately, there were certain roofs of same materials installed towards the end of 1970s that did not work well. They were thin and not reinforced nor formulated membranes and had been installed in incompatible application of stone ballasts. TPO flat roofing systems installed in Europe withstood the milder climate of that place but succumbed to the extremes of northern US and Canada. Some instances were documented as failure of PVC. So the bottom line remains that a well-protected and well-formulated vinyl roof system is the most stable solution and has a high success rate in the industry. Even after 40 years spent in this dynamic market, it is still reigning the single ply market of Europe. The flexible polyolefin membranes, commonly known as FPO membranes came into being in 1991 in the European market and then, quite quickly in the same decade, moved on to United States where it was coined as thermoplastic polyolefin or TPO. However, TPO and FPO evolved to be quite different from each other in following respects:
- Thickness of an average FPO membrane in Europe is 0.064 inches while the most commonly used TPO in Canada has the thickness of 45 mils. In many cases, products with 45 mils label are actually equivalent 32 mil of polymer3
- Manufacturers in Europe make use of fiberglass for reinforcement along with polyester which improves the dimension stability
A TPO membrane that has been reinforced can expand and contract at least five times over a PVC membrane that has been reinforced.
Popularity of TPO is still soaring high in North America and Canada. Roofing companies in Toronto prefer TPO over EPDM and membranes that are dark in color. At Best Flat Roof, we only use top quality TPO membrane in order to ensure top performance and longevity. Beware of other less reputable contractors who may compromise in the quality of materials used and employ untrained or undertrained workers for the project. The result could be disastrous.
TPO and PVC can be similar looking but are completely different with even different performance levels. There are three features that make them similar, look, heat-weldable quality and their generic composition. This does not imply that their performance level would be same as well. When price becomes the deciding factor, the general public would go for the reasonable one without considering the durability of the final product. As per Single Ply Roofing Institute, TPO and PVC have outgrown all other commercial roofing membranes or the industrial single ply flat roofing market.
TPO Attachment Systems
TPO membrane can be either attached ballasted, mechanically or completely adhered.
When customer has neither money nor time, contractors may recommend ballasted system. Both membrane and insulation are laid loosely and membrane is secured at the edges only. Ballast should be water worn and even to touch. As well the ballast need to use a substrate to support the system load too.
Mechanically attached systems are capable of withstanding high wind though the cost incurred for installation is surprisingly low. There is a line of accessories which are used to fasten the attachments and keep them in place.
For undulating and odd contoured roofs, completely adhered system is the best bet. In such surfaces, mechanically attaching the membrane is not recommended. In Toronto, the roof also has to be stable in extreme wind conditions too.
PVC Roofing System
A reliable and versatile membrane suitable for all types of single-ply
systems with guarantees of up to 25 years.
PVC Roofing System
PVC Roofing is a type of high-performance thermoplastic membrane designed for mechanically attached or adhered roofing applications. When your application calls for a roofing system that will stand up to grease, oil, or chemicals, PVC is your best choice. In addition, it offers many of the same performance advantages as TPO, including:
• Heat-welded seams for greater reliability
• Easy, 3-step installation to reduce the chance of application errors
• High reflectivity for greater energy savings
• Simple repair to reduce your ongoing maintenance costs
• The addition of KEE to replace plasticizers for better weathering characteristics
Why PVC Roofing System?
• Heat-welded seams
• White reflective color
• Tear/puncture resistance
• Increased chemical resistance
• Excellent flexibility
• UV and ozone resistance
SBS Roofing System
Tyrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) offers admirable insulation for the
roof and keeps your indoors cool. These roofs perform excellently
well, are durable, and require low maintenance.
SBS Roofing System
A 2-ply SBS roof system, often known as Torch Down Modified Bitumen roof is gaining its foothold in the industry at quite a rapid pace. In this system, fiberglass or polyester material is pressed in the middle of two rubberized asphalt layers. This system is long-lasting and easy to install. The traditional roofing system of Modified Bitumen has five main components that can be layered in any combination. These components are:
• Surfacing- It can be field or factory applied. It gives protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation and different climatic conditions.
• Adhesives- This gives waterproofing to the structure and is the sticking agent which is applied either hot or cold.
• SBS or APP Modified Bitumen Membrane- A co-polymer bitumen sheet which is usually reinforced with fiberglass or polyester.
• Insulation- Used for R-values and give stability to the roof system with substrates.
• Flashing- Makes the roof perimeter, projection, and equipment waterproof.
To install an SBS flat roof system, proper training and experience are necessary to properly install the Torch Down roofing system. If untrained workers are hired for such structures, the roof may fall after two years of installation. To avoid unwanted expenses in a roof replacement, it is important to use applicators of the highest standard. A 2-ply SBS roof system can be different from another and cost is not always the only parameter to judge the quality.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Membranes are composite sheets consisting of bitumen, modifiers, and reinforcements. The term “modified bitumen” encompasses a broad range of materials, with each specific material differing from the others with respect to the modifiers and reinforcements used. Modified bitumen membranes exhibit the thermoplastic quality of being softened by heat. They are typically bonded to substrates by torch application or asphalt.
History of SBS Roofing
Modified bitumens (primarily asphalt) have found many uses in practical roofing applications. SBS (sequenced butadiene-styrene) and APP (atactic polypropylene) polymer modifiers are relating to roll roofing. However, there is significant history with respect to polymer blending as a performance enhancement in cold roofing mastics in the late 1960 and early 1970. A few manufacturers were blending SBS polymers with traditional roofing mastics to impart elastomeric characteristics for use at those roofing joints that demanded higher performance to maintain watertight integrity.Especially, pitch pocket penetrations, edge fascia metal joints were a constant challenge. The coefficient of expansion and contraction of these details exceeded the limits of the typical fiber reinforced mastic, that exhibit cracks and splits that accelerated after a nominal amount of field exposure. As roofing chemistry became more sophisticated, various formulations and viscosity ranges were developed for specific uses, such as elastomeric sealants/mastics for high movement joints and terminations. This improvements for bituminous material’s durability and extensibility (especially at lower temperatures) was done by adding polymers (rubber and plastics). Reinforcements have evolved from the true rag felts to pulp, glass, and more recently, to heat-stabilized polyester blends and combinations of glass and polyester.
Modified products were developed for different reasons. It was very hazardous to work with hot bitumens in confined areas, and to achieve the desired bond to vertical surfaces. Polyurethane based on application are provided in horizontal and vertical viscosities. Most products have a low VOC that are compliant with air quality regulations and worker safety concerns. These materials are usually applied with a notched trowel to achieve the appropriate thickness for waterproofing integrity, and when cured, offer excellent MVT resistance and crack spanning capabilities.
Hot Applied Water Proofing
To meet the needs of extensive lightweight slab construction, hot-applied modified asphalts appeared in the construction market in the mid 1970s. Unlike roofing asphalts, these materials were blends of non-blown asphalts and elastomeric polymers, primarily SBS. The advantage over conventional waterproofing configurations for on-grade waterproofing of plaza decks is that multiple layers of reinforcing felts are not needed. Unlike roof deck constructions, the concrete pours are stable. Typically, the hot-applied modified waterproofing systems are reinforced with a single layer of compatible, heat-stabilized, polyester fabric. Some Department of Transportation divisions accept hot modified bitumen materials for bridge deck repair as well as other concrete joint remediation.
The current generation of asphalt hot-melts is derived from the success of the modified product developments in the waterproofing industry. However, unlike the strict heating parameters required (oil-jacketed kettles) for hot-melt waterproofing bitumens, current hot-melt roofing adhesives are not as sensitive to heating as their predecessors. The modified bitumen adhesive can be installed with traditional means and methods, such as a roofing mop or felt-laying machine. The key to temperature flexibility is the result of the use of SBS polymers.
The unique benefit of using compatible hot-melt modified bitumens with MB felts is that all components of the system are elastomeric. Although the commonly accepted recommendation for MB ply installation is to use Type III or IV asphalt, system elongation, cold bend flex temperature, and strain energy are superior with the use of hot-melt adhesives and SBS modified plies and surfacing sheets.
Cold Process Roofing
Cold process roofing had its beginnings in the mid-1970s with asphalt cutbacks employed as the adhesive between coated base sheets. The application was developed for those projects where kettle locations were restricted or the fumes were highly objectionable. The materials are applied at ambient temperature or slightly heated to facilitate application through spraying. Rarely does the application temperature reach 100 F. A cold asphalt cutback is modified with calcium carbonate, a were highly object-variety of reinforcing fibers and other thixotropes. When a typical roof cut is examined, the core appears to be homogenous. It is difficult to discern the ply lines.
Evolution of Modified Piles
It is quite interesting to know that cold process applications became the differentiating factor between the coated base sheets. Often soft and mushy asphalt was used to coat the rolls by the manufacturers. This used to be quite tricky as it required prolonged intervals on the roof. The industrial glues especially meant for cold-processes were used for this. Manufacturers needed to take special care as they were quite a delicate system to bear the weight of mechanical or even human impact. The roof could bleed heavily and would not be ready for weeks to withstand even marginal traffic. In the case of aluminum or acrylic coating, manufacturers suggested rather a month-long cure along with some extra efforts to wash off the deposits of contaminants sitting on the surface. Usually, the whole process ends with flooding the sheets with adhesives after broadcasting the granules. Times have changed. Now the sheets are engineered. The sheets that are available today have coats of polyester fabric and glass fibers which enable quick installation. Even the asphalt used as coats is modified to make them compatible with the adhesives used. The glues that are used for the cold process are supplied in tanker trucks, refill vessels, or large barrels. Next, with the help of hydraulic or pneumatic sprayers, this viscose fluid is pumped on to the roof. For projects with space constraints, it is supplied in containers of 5 gallons capacity and applied with brushes. For projects still in production phase, heat-exchange units powered by propane are recommended by the contractors for the approved coatings called Torch Grade SBS membranes.
The consistency of these materials is thicker than the hot-applied membranes which makes reinforcing fabric resistant to the potential damage caused by heat while installing the same. Torch applications cause damage to the polyester reinforcements and the ‘Torch Grade SBS membranes” have reinforcements of glass. In most cases, a modified APP is used which softens when exposed to high temperatures. There are more restrictions pertaining to the naked flames, the smell, roof areas with crunched space. As result, the cold-applied systems are gaining more popularity. Even the manufacturers are coming up with modified bitumen roll adhesives formulated especially for this purpose. The traditional cold process glues were solvent-based mechanism while SBS cold process systems use no or negligible solvent-based adhesives used for joining the plies of modified bitumen to themselves as well the substrates.