Flat Roofing Options in Calgary

At Century Roofing Limited, our roofing contractors have been repairing roofs, installing and maintaining a variety of roofs since 1981. While sloped roofs are traditionally used in residential, and flat roofs for industry applications, new technologies and changing taste and design expertise has, over the past century, provided a number of application options.

Century Roofing Limited offers several flat roof options, including built-up roofing, EDPM, and torch-on systems. To explore what options may be right for your flat roofing needs, let’s explore what each option entails.

Built-Up Roof (BUR): This solution for flat or low-slope roofs comes in gravel or hot asphalt. It gives your roof excellent protection against UV rays and water damage. The traditional hot-tar-and-gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of smooth river stone. While gravel is an excellent fire retardant, is attractive for windows and decks that overlook the roof, and is the cheapest option, it is also heavy, smelly and messy to install, so it is not recommended for occupied homes. Joists sometimes have to be strengthened, and gravel can clog eavestroughs and downspouts. Asphalt based roofing systems for flat roofs are expected to last 10-20 years depending on material quality, maintenance, and UV exposure/protectant being applied.

Torch-On Systems: These involve heating the adhesive as the material is unrolled with newer peel-and-stick systems becoming safer and is easier to install by homeowners. Torch-down application is a fire hazard, and not recommended for occupied buildings, and is not as scuff- or tear-resistant as rubber-membrane roofs.

EPDM: Short for ethylene propylene diene monomer, this synthetic rubber can last up to three decades, and it is easy to manufacture and install. Resembling an inner tube, it can be mechanically anchored with fasteners, ballasted with stone, or glued. It’s lightweight, resists damage from sunlight, scuffs, and tears and leaks are easy to patch. It is costly, more than BUR or modified bitumen and is more vulnerable to punctures than other choices. It typically has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, although most manufacturer warranties only guarantee a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Flat Roof Installation in Calgary

At Century Roofing Limited, whether it’s a repair, replacement, or a new build to give your home a more modern and unique look, we have the flat roofing solution for home or business. To learn more about our flat roof services in Calgary, and which one is right for you, call us today at 403-235-5457, and we’ll provide a free quote and answer any questions.