At XL
Roofing (an Edmonton Roofing Contractor) we often get asked which membrane is
the best system to install.
Many
years ago we used to give the customer only two choices: Tar & Gravel (T&G) or SBS
(commonly known as torch-on). Over
time new products have emerged to share the market. Today we can add PVC, TPO, EPDM, hot rubber type flood Coates and spray foam type systems.
I am a firm believer that manufactures of
certain roof systems should show proof that their product/products will in fact
last the said 20 or 25 years they state. I don't believe in weather room
simulators. A Canadian weather is probably one of the harshest climates one
will come across. We have extreme cold winters (-25 to -40) mixed with Chinooks
that can go as high as (+10) all in 24 hours. This is very hard on membranes of
any kind. Snow melting, turning to ice, and
continually repeating the cycle. Ice is always pushing and prying. Summers can
get as hot as plus 37 ° degrees Celsius, and very dry!
I am a
tar & gravel/SBS guy from way back. Some of these T&G roofs can last up
to 35 or 40 years with a good installation and preventative maintenance . To
say all T&G roofs will last this long is a far stretch. I am just stating
what I have come across in my 30+ years of experience.
SBS was
introduced to the Edmonton Roofing Companies in the mid 1970's through Pool
construction. A manufacturer called Soprema was making this product in a place
called Strasbourg, France, then soon
opened up a plant in Quebec, Canada. I was trained to install this
product around 1983. This product took awhile to catch on, but by the mid
1990's it became very popular. Roofing inspectors loved this new tech roofing
system, and soon convinced School boards, government, and commercial property
owners that this was the way of the future. And so Tar and gravel took a
backseat. Other Manufacturers followed; IKO
has been making a very good equivalent product with equal
warranty. The end result is both manufactures back and support their products
to very strict architectural standards.
It's 2014
and both SBS and Tar & Gravel for Edmonton roofing seem
to be holding up well to the Canadian climates. The proof is in the pudding. T&G is a little tougher to find
leaks and repair. One has to be a very experienced and a qualified roofing
installer to be successful at T&G repairs. SBS on the other hand, it's easy to see the deficiencies as not
covered in gravel. Simply spot the ridge, bridging, blister or hole, cut out
affected spot, prime with an asphalt based primer and re-torch one or two plies
of same product.
Other new
products that have come out in the last 20 years stating that their product is
better is up for a little criticism. As an experienced Edmonton roofing contractor
and most would agree, is that the jury is still out on some of these other
products. I can honestly say that one or two of the single ply membrane
manufacturers that say their system lasts 20 years is questionable! I'd
have to say this is a stretch and to say if they did last this long, it
wouldn't be for a day longer. Most are tenting on the walls, pulling at the glued
seams, heating and air conditioning contractors leave screws and sheet metal on
an already fragile roof system.
Each
membrane has its purpose in the Edmonton Roofing Industry. Big open warehouses with little equipment on
the roof are more suited for an EPDM
system. Sun Decks with living space underneath, a good quality PVC or SBS will do. Sarnafil Canada
installed their system on the old Maple Leaf Gardens, the blue Jay's Skydome,
and the Saddle Dome in Calgary. They make specialized deck membranes as well.
One product our company uses for EPDM
is Firestone, a company that's been
around a very long time. TPO is a
single ply membrane; it is a combination of rubber and PVC. I won't throw this
membrane under the bus, as I feel manufacturers have put a lot of effort into
bringing this product to the forefront to compete. Inspectors and architects
have been pushing this product as well, so a good qualified installer should be
able to make this product perform!
We as an Edmonton
Roofing Contractor generally look at every roof to see what product will suit
you best. So google away and consult with a reputable roofing company or an
accredited roofing inspector.
Don't forget
to ask roofing companies for proper credentials, example liability insurance
(open flame, if SBS or T&G), and WCB.
Chris
Fraser
Founder
and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta since 1997
(780)-466-1601
chris@xlroofing.ca
http://www.xlroofing.ca
