Commercial Roofing Types
Built-Up Roofs
A built-up roof often called a BUR roof or Tar and Gravel roof has been used in Vancouver and Lower Mainland for over 100 years. A BUR roof uses several layers of roofing material, tar and gravel, to provide protection from the elements. Due to the nature of the materials and how they are applied, BUR roofs are usually flat or very slightly sloped.
Though Built-up roofs are tough and long lasting, they are losing popularity in favor of torch-on roofs, where new advances in non-organic materials and technology offer a better and even longer lasting protection.
That being said, for some applications BUR roofs still offer good value and are a valid solution.
At Macbeth Roofing we are skilled at laying down a BUR roof that will stand the test of time. We are also proficient at doing repairs and performing on-going maintenance for existing installations.
Macbeth Roofing has done countless commercial jobs and laid down both built-up roofs and torch-on roofs. Our experienced staff can help you choose the roofing system that best suits your needs.
Put that experience to work for you
Give us a call at (604) 593-1044 and we’ll come out to your location and provide a free estimate.
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
A single-ply roofing membrane is a versatile and efficient option when installing roofing in your building. The most obvious characteristic of a single-ply roofing membrane is that it’s installed in just a single layer of material. This simple installation process can save you time and money for your next roof replacement project.
Single-ply roofing membrane is usually black or white in finish and is usually adhered or fastened directly above your roofing installation.
Single-ply membrane roofing is categorized in one of two groups:
Thermosets
Thermoset single-ply membranes are ideal for roofing projects requiring a large surface area, since their manufacturing process minimizes seams. In most cases, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) thermoset single-ply membranes use additional components to improve UV resistance. In black EPDM thermoset membranes, the component carbon black is added, whereas titanium dioxide is added to white membranes. The addition of these chemicals makes single-ply thermoset membranes the superior choice for UV protection.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastic single-ply membranes are a great choice for smaller surface area projects, because their seams can be hot-air welded to form a watertight membrane seal. The most common thermoplastic materials are PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic olefin), both kinds of plastics. Thermoplastic roofing membranes are often manufactured to include a reinforcement layer, adding additional strength and durability to your roof.
Pros
Cons
Looking for more information about single-ply membrane roof installation?
Get in touch with our experienced Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofing professionals at Macbeth Roofing today!
2 Ply Torch-on Roofs
One of the most popular types of commercial roofing systems we offer is the 2 ply SBS roof system – also known as Torch-on Roofs. This roofing method involves torch-applied layers of polyester and fiberglass reinforced SBS membrane. This system is durable and quick to install, but requires properly trained roofers.
Macbeth’s experienced roofers are fully trained, adhere to proper safety protocol and have the proper work insurance. With every contract, Macbeth Roofing gives you a copy of our current WorkSafe BC clearance letter. We’ll also provide you with a certificate of our $5 million dollar liability insurance coverage complete with a hot welding endorsement to give you peace of mind.
Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly
This kind of roof is sometimes referred to as an “upside-down roof” because it has an insulation layer on the top and its waterproofing layer below. Some businesses replace their roofs with a new inverted roof system.
Interested in 2 Ply Torch-on Roofs?
Contact Macbeth Roofing at (604) 593-1044; we’ll come out to your location, take a look at your roof and provide a free estimate.
EDPM Roofs
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a highly durable material used in low-slope roofing applications. Its two primary components, ethylene and propylene, are derived from oil and natural gas. Sold in black and white, the rubber material is sold in rolls in a range of widths, allowing great customization of your EPDM single-ply membrane roofing project.
Installation of EPDM Roofs
EPDM is one of the easiest and most flexible roofing materials to install. EPDM can be fully adhered to the top of your structure, sitting directly on top of the roofing insulation. EPDM can also be ballasted with wood, metal, or stone reinforcements for greater durability and strength. Seams between sections of EPDM material are closed with liquid adhesive chemicals or special roofing tape to create a weatherproof seal.
Advantages of EPDM Roofs
Disadvantages of EPDM Roofs
Need help with an EPDM, TPO, or other single-ply membrane roofing installation?
Contact the experienced Vancouver and Lower Mainland roofing professionals at Macbeth Roofing today!
TPO Roofs
TPO, otherwise known as (Thermoplastic olefin), is an environmental and economic choice for your membrane roofing project. TPO allows all property owners, commercial or residential, to reduce costs and environmental impact of your building and utilities. Because TPO reflects heat, you’ll be spending less money on air conditioning. In addition, TPO has superior ozone, UV, and chemical resistance.
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Adhesion – In this method, the TPO membrane is attached to the underlying substrate with a strong chemical adhesive. This chemical reaction creates a strong, watertight bond between membranes.
- Mechanical Attachment – The TPO membrane is fastened to the structure’s substrate with screws. The TPO membrane sections are overlapped to create greater waterproofing – these overlapping pieces are bonded together with hot-air welding to form a weatherproof seal.
- Ballast Installation – Ballast refers to a heavy material that improves the stability of a membrane roof. In the case of TPO, the membrane is laid on top of the roof, and then sealed around the perimeter of the material. Finally, a ballast, such as gravel or river rock, is placed on top of the membrane to maintain its position.
