ELITE commercial roofing services
Join our hundreds of satisfied commercial and flat roofing customers
around Calgary and Southern Alberta
Red Seal Roofers
Our Roofing Technicians have the best training in the industry.
HAAG Certified
Every project starts with a certified commercial roof inspection.
Member since 2007
We are active member of the Calgary Business Community since our foundation.
ELITE Warranty
Exclusive 5-year Elite Workmanship Warranty on all of our projects.
Calgary and Southern Alberta building owners, facility managers, roof consultants, and engineers trust Calgary Elite Roofing for over a decade now to deliver thousands of successful repair and replacement projects.
Our commercial roofing services:
Visual roof inspection
Destructive and non-destructive testing
Written inspection reports/documentation
Client consultations
Repairs to all commercial roofing systems
Replacement in alignment with manufacturer specifications
Maintenance evaluation/programs
Sheet metal work
COMMERCIAL FLAT ROOF
We provide services for repairing, maintaining, and installing flat roofs for different types of customers, including homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, and institutional customers. We cater to structures such as hi-rise buildings, condominium complexes, and more. We offer many solutions for commercial spaces depending on the structure and design.
Some of our commercial clientele opt for traditional pitched roofs with a variety of shingle finishes such as asphalt and rubber ( see more about our roofing products ). However, our most popular roof product for commercial purposes is flat roofing.
Flat Roofing
Selecting the right waterproofing system is crucial in ensuring that your investment lasts long, especially for flat roofs that can typically last for 20-plus years. Regular maintenance is essential in keeping replacement costs low and extending the life of your commercial roof, regardless of the type of roof and its application.
As a highly qualified and experienced commercial roofing company in Southern Alberta, we are the top choice for quality commercial and flat roofs.
Advantages of a flat roof
Besides building requirements and traditional commercial space expectations, there are several reasons that anyone might consider a flat roof. Here are some highlights:
- Increased usable space: Flat roofs can be used for additional living or storage space, such as a rooftop terrace or garden (a City of Calgary permit might be needed )
- Energy efficiency: in many instances, flat roofs can be insulated more effectively than sloped roofs, which can help to reduce energy costs.
- In some instances better for solar panels: Flat roofs in some cases are better for solar panel installation compared to pitched roofs. Solar systems can be properly lifted off of the roof and installed so that they are elevated off of the main roof by a curb-mounted system so that there is a much safer and more reliable installation than some sloped roofing applications.
Cold Applied Flat Roofing
A "cold-applied roofing system" refers to a built-up roofing system that uses solvent-borne bituminous (liquid) adhesives with multiple plies of reinforcement. This type of roofing system offers many advantages, including:
- Economical
- Proven performance life
- Easy to use
Roof coatings and cement are generally one-component products that can be applied directly from the container. Today's coatings and cement are versatile and applicator-friendly. Non-flammable products are also available.
There are three types of cold application systems:
1. Cold-Process Built-Up Roofing System
There are several techniques to install this roofing system, but the predominant technique is to use heavyweight asphalt-coated fiberglass "base" sheets and adhere them with solvent-borne asphalt adhesives in multiple plies.
To install, the first sheet is usually attached to the substrate (for insulation), and subsequent plies are embedded in an application of adhesive. Finally, the membrane is covered with an aggregate surface or roof coating of choice.
Cold application process built-up roofing systems use coated or uncoated polyester reinforcements or composite (polyester/fiberglass) reinforcements in conjunction with either solvent-borne or waterborne adhesives. However, the combination of reinforcement and adhesive is typically proprietary to the system provider, and compatibility should be verified with the manufacturer.
2. Modified Bitumen Adhesive Application
Membrane Modified Bitumen roofing is similar to built-up roofing in that it uses reinforcing materials coated with bitumen. The primary difference is the use of “modification” or adding polymers to the bitumen to improve its characteristics.
Modified bitumen roofs are typically installed using hot asphalt moppings, similar to built-up roofing. Another method for some modified bitumen is to use a propane torch to melt the back of the sheet, creating a molten adhesive in which the roll could be embedded.
The fastest-growing segment of cold-process roofing is the application of modified bitumen roofing in bituminous cold-process adhesives. For safety reasons, cold-applied roofing provides an attractive alternative to hot asphalt or open flame.
These roofs usually have a mechanically attached base sheet and one or two plies of modified bitumen membrane installed in bituminous adhesives.
3. Liquid-Applied Monolithic Membrane Systems
The third type of cold-applied roof now exists which blurs the line between roof coating and roof membrane system. That is the liquid-applied monolithic roof system. Typically made of high-tech polymeric resins such as urethanes, or bitumens modified with polymers such as SEBS. The application is liquid and may not rely on reinforcing the material but cure to form a tough, rubber-like membrane to form the roof.
These types of roofs are monolithic (no seams) and are typically considered self-flashing.
Good flat roofing practices
We are meticulous about our work. When applicable we core sample to verify the existing roof assembly before recommending a course of action. Core samples are useful to determine:
- what attachment method can be used – adhered or mechanically attached
- potential controlled products can be identified – coal tar pitch, asbestos, etc.
- The thickness of the roof assembly
- The approximate weight of the assembly
Once the core test has been recorded, we put the materials back and patch the area.
Watch our commercial roofing team in action
COMMERCIAL ROOFING FAQ
There are multiple factors to consider, but the size of the project is the biggest factor determining the cost of replacing a commercial roof.
The building envelope is one of the first considerations that should be reviewed. For instance, How did the last roof assembly perform over its life cycle? or if the internal use of the building has changed?
Another example is to inspect if there's an area of poor drainage where water has ponded for years and potentially accelerated the deterioration of the membrane. In such instances, it is also a good opportunity to assess if there's a need to remove any unused roof equipment or penetrations. As well as install new roof equipment if required.
Therefore, it is required to get a site inspection to inspect and record potential design failures that may need to be corrected. We recommend a professional HAAG certified commercial roofing inspector to carry on the inspection part.
After determining the size of the project and concluding the inspection, a roof assembly can be tailor-made for the building. Depending on the membrane type, and desired R-value, together with applicable provincial and federal regulations, an overall estimated cost can be formulated and presented to the client.
The best roofing material for your roof is subjective. Each project is different and the recommended application varies accordingly
Every membrane and assembly component type has strengths and weaknesses. For example, installing a modified bitumen roof assembly on a large open concept warehouse is not as cost-effective as a ballasted EPDM ( Ethylene propylene Diene monomer ) roof assembly. Both can carry a similar warranty and protect from similar environmental concerns, but the EPDM roof assembly is significantly less expensive initially. On the other hand, the modified bitumen roof is better for roof types with higher foot traffic and roof equipment maintenance needs.
Flat roofs are common on commercial roofs for a variety of reasons. The functionality of having some of the building's control mechanisms placed on the exterior can open the interior for more workspace and productivity.
Other factors such as the control mechanisms of heating and air conditioning systems, ductwork, satellite dishes, large kitchen exhaust fans that are usually involved in commercial operations play a role here.
Costs are another factor, It can be very costly to have a sloped roof design on a low-level building such as a shopping mall. The vast footprint of the structure would cause a sloped roof design to be many times the height of the occupied space below which would add to the cost of the building significantly.
Architectural design options are highly sought after with a flat roof. Flat roofs are also not entirely flat. They do have a slight gradient that is typically 2% or 4%. Flat roofs are a monolithic design. This means that if installed correctly, the flat roof could hold water and not leak. This becomes suitable for situations where there are many penetrations in close proximity and potential snow buildup could allow water ingress on a sloped roof (watershed design).
THE ELITE ADVANTAGE
Honest and earnest appraisals of your roofing portfolio
Options tailored to your budget, by providing solutions where possible to extend the life of your existing roof
Leak tracking and mitigation services
Budget reporting/inspection reporting designed to educate our clients on their best solutions
Professional repair work
Installation of flat roofing assemblies in alignment with manufacturer standards and industry's best practices
Courteous, knowledgeable technicians and journeypersons
Warranties and related services you can rely on
Bonded, financially stable, fully insured and with a long trajectory in Southern Alberta
Our courteous and experienced representatives are trained to evaluate and provide our commercial clients with the best cost-effective solutions for correcting existing leaks, roof replacement, general roof repair, and maintenance solutions designed to extend the life of your flat roof investment.
Thank you for choosing Calgary Elite Roofing for your next commercial roofing project!
