All Weather Products Ltd
The Roofing Store
All Weather Products specializes in supplying roofing products for the Western Canadian and Pacific Northwest region.
Torch-On Membranes
Modified Membranes
Peel & Stick Low Slope / Flat Roof Membranes
Caulking & Coatings
Copper Drains
Roof Vents
Ridge Vents
Peel & Stick Underlayment
GAF ELK
Roof AquaGuard UDLX
Shingle mate
Roofer's Select
BP Felts
Hal Felts
Polyglass
VandeHey Raleigh
PermaDri
Rubber Coatings
Emulsions
Roofer Safety Equipment
Korkers
Synthetic Underlayments
Skylights
Roof Windows
Balcony Roof Windows
Blown in Attic Insulation Machine
Flat Roof Solutions
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Variety of solutions to waterproof low slope and flat roof projects
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All roofing materials that are built for normal slope and steep slopes are considered water-shedding devices. They are not "WATER-PROOFING" as many people are under the impression that they are, but they usually are not.
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For low slopes and flat roofs the roofing solution MUST BE Waterproof.
Contact our knowledgeable staff on what waterproofing solutions are right for your home or building, in the region your roof is being installed in.
604-585-9955, or 604-420-9000 email: info@roofingstore.ca
The following types and styles of waterproofing are typical for the West-coast region of BC, each with their own benefits, purposes, and normal applications. This list is not designed in a specific order.
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Tar & Gravel
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Modified Asphalt Membranes
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Torch-On Membranes
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Mop-On membranes
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Self Adhered Modified Membranes
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Peel and Stick Membranes
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EPDM Rubber Membranes
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Liquid Rubber Coatings - roll on applications
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Liquid Rubber Coatings - Spray on applications
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Asphalt Emulsion Coatings
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Elastomeric Coatings
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TPO Membranes
We consider Low Slopes as 2:12 slope or less. Most of the above systems can also be used on slopes exceeding this slope, but are usually not selected above 4:12 slope (at that slope and above other water-shedding solutions are more often selected).
Flat roofs should never be dead flat. They should provide a positive slope to the drain locations, or roof edge perimeters. Ponding conditions should be avoided in the rainier climates, as excessive water from rainy periods or melting snow situations can put the structure at risk of collapse from to much weight. Ponding conditions also stress the roof system and membranes, which can lead to premature failure, roof leaks, degradation of the membrane, discolouring of the roofing, as well as leading to further sagging of the structure ( especially wood frame buildings).
The reality of older roofs is that many are flat, without positive slope to the drains, and many have ponding conditions. Most manufacturers of all the above mentioned systems prefer, want, or demand positive slope to the drainage locations, so please be aware that roofs that are being re-roofed that do not retro fit in additional slope elements may not have a warranty, and may not perform to intended life durations the consumer or building owner is expecting.
Cheap bids do not allow for slope changes as a rule. Ponding conditions can be cured and flat roofs can have slopes created, but the specification and the bid must provide for this extra but necessary element.
The cures are many, but they include adding a layer of EPS style foam insulation which we call "Sloped Insulation". Besides adding a little energy efficiency, R Value, noise reduction, this EPS sloped insulation can be kitted for each building. A site measurement is taken, and a variety of thicknesses and tapered insulation is code numbered and delivered to the site, ready to be assembled similar to an easy jig saw puzzle. The roof system is then installed over this sloped insulation, and will now have positive slope to the drains or perimeters.
So now that you know that you CAN improve the roof system performance by adding a little positive slope, the current reality is that most roofers and most buyers of the roofing system are simply recovering the existing structure without improvement of slope or drainage. Buyer beware in our rainforest climate. I am not trying to be alarmist, I simply want everyone to know that the manufacturers of roofing membranes that are meant for flat roofs all expect positive slope to drains or perimeters for their roofing materials to be able to perform as expected. Plus their warranties usually require such slope or drainage, or they are voided.
If you want to have confidence in the flat roofing system, add slope. Otherwise, build the system better than the minimum standard so it has a better chance to be reliable during all our rainy, stormy, and generally wet conditions.
In fact, architects and designers are doing a disservice by designing so many multi-family and commercial / industrial buildings with flat roofs in our Pacific Northwest and Southwest BC climate region. The designs they draw up are to meet height restrictions, to meet cost considerations, or for design preference, but flat roofs are better suited for the climate of the desert states, and perhaps California.
Such building designers should create slope to their roofs, so that the roofs can "SHED" water. The same membranes can be used as earlier listed, but the additional element of slope will direct water-flow off the building. Our buildings need to defend against the onslaught of our rainforest weather, and the defense will be far more reliable and durable with better slope designed in.
A brief overview of flat roofing solutions.
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Tar and Gravel: Not very popular anymore. The original solution of choice in our region. The roofer would put down a nail down layer (s), usually 15# asphalt felt paper, and then "mop" hot asphalt and typically two more layers of the felt again. An additional hot asphalt layer was coated on top, while throwing in "pea gravel" over the top surface. The gravel served as a ballast, as a UV protection for the asphalt, and for the "look" in the case of low slope roofs.
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Problem: Too many variables. What is the quality of the felt, how many layers, how was it fastened, how much asphalt is used per layer, quality of the asphalt, what is the temperature of the asphalt at the point where it is being mopped in, what is the moisture content, what type of felt, etc? Basically the roofer is trying to manufacture a "membrane" up on the roof by assembling layers of materials in a less than controlled environment. How many layers did you "really get"? Is the asphalt as good as it used to be? Is there a warranty on the materials? Other problems include severe and even deadly burning hazards for workers, very bad odours during application, very hot unpleasant working conditions for the roofers, generally a very messy system to work with. In our region there are very few "asphalt kettles" left to be put to work, as roofers have generally gone on to more modern day roofing systems.
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Torch-On: One of the most popular roofing systems for the last twenty years in our region. Originally designed in Europe, it has been used in BC since the early 1980's.
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The original membranes were mostly APP Modified Membranes. The plasticized modifier in the asphalt combined with a polyester fabric reinforcement was a great improvement over typical asphalt felt papers. Although the European Design called for two full layers to be "Torch Welded" together and bonded to a nailed "base" sheet, many roofers put the product on as a "single ply" system. One ply was "torch-applied" to a thin fiberglass base sheet, and a number of roof failures occurred due to misapplication, poor workmanship, and misunderstanding. The APP version is more often used today in warmer states. It was a good membrane but it needed more layers and thicker base sheets to make it a more durable solution for our climate.
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The next phase for Torch-On was to use SBS Modified Membranes. Styrene Butidene Styrene is essentially a rubberized modifier added to the asphalt, and can be bonded together at a lower temperature than the APP versions. SBS Torch-On is generally either fiberglass reinforced or polyester reinforced rolled roofing membranes. The first element of a good system is to use a thick strong base sheet (normally fiberglass reinforced), which is normally nailed or mechanically fastened to the substrate. Then a minimum of one layer of "mid-Ply" is bonded to the base sheet (two mid plies are better but not often enough used). This mid ply is typically a polyester reinforced membrane that is either hot mopped on, "self-Adhered" peel and stuck on, or the more typical "Torched On" and welded to the previous layer (as well as to each 3" overlap on itself). All the stripping is then added to flash in vents, pipes, drains, and perimeters, prior to the adding the final layer which is called the cap sheet. This layer usually has a Granular Finish, it is usually a 4mm thickness polyester reinforced roll that is also "torched on" to the previous layer, as well as to each of its overlaps.
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Benefit: Versus tar and gravel, the membranes of torch on are built by manufacturers in controlled factory conditions. They are usually much better quality raw materials than "tar" and "felt" and gravel. They may come with a warranty statement that the rolls were produced as intended, and may be warranted for between ten to twenty years depending on number of layers, thicknesses, or qualification of the applicator.
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Problem: An extreme fire hazard during the application phase. A large often 350,000 BTU torch is used to attempt to fuse the layers and joints together. Even detail torches use at least 100,000 BTU flames when the roofer is working around vents, walls, and site penetrations. If the roofer does not properly bond the layers together, the roof system will fail, so the use of the open flame is critical. But this same open flame is where the problem lies, especially during re-roofing projects, renovations, and retro-fit applications. Sometimes it is carelessness on the part of the applicator that causes fires to occur, but sometimes older buildings just have materials in the structure, near perimeters, or under roof penetrations that are ready to ignite with the smallest of flames introduced to them. During the application phase there is a risk of fire, insurance must be carried, precautions need to be in place, and building owners do not always understand the risk they are taking when allowing a "Torch-On System" to be installed on their properties.
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Problem: The Insurance ISSUE. Many roofers do not have VALID insurance to cover them if a fire were to break out on someone's property during a torch-on application. We understand that there may be as few as 25% of the roofers who do apply torch-on in our region that actually do have any valid insurance to protect the roofer or the building owner in the event of a fire. Those that do have current and valid insurance to cover such problems must pay a very high price each year for the insurance, and not every company will qualify for it even if they can afford it. Five years ago the insurance companies in Canada realized they were collecting only $2 million in premiums, but paying out at least $9 million in claims each year. So the premiums suddenly went up, many roofers could no longer qualify or afford such insurance, and for those that did pay it the cost of doing the roofs suddenly went way up, and so did the end selling prices for the jobs. Currently there are some contractors who continue to install Torch on but they carry insurance from offshore Insurance Companies (Southeast Asia and India for example). If a fire were to occur, would those Insurance Companies come forward with the funds to repair or replace the building that burnt down? Would they pay for damage to property, or injury, or worse? Would the building owner's insurance cover the rebuilding cost if the contractor can't pay up? Another problem is the non insured roofing contractors who "claim" they are insured, and may state this in writing, but having liability insurance or WCB insurance does not mean they have valid insurance for the fire issue. When it comes to insurance BUYER BEWARE ( with big or small companies), and please do due diligence on qualifications, insurance, and types and styles of roofing systems.
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Problem: Too often roofers install the "minimum" amount of layers. Sometimes they install less, but no where near enough do they offer to include more layers, or thicker layers.
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Mitigation of the Fire Issue: The Insurance questions still need to be dealt with, but one can mitigate the fire hazard by making the "mid-ply" a Peel & Stick Self Adhered membrane application. After the base sheets are mechanically fastened to the substrate and structure, the mid plies need not be torch applied. BY using self adhering membranes, most of the fire hazard can be reduced by encapsulating the building in modified membranes completely prior to applying the last layer, the "torch-on cap sheet.
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Self Adhered Membranes: An advancement of the Torch-On membranes. Similar in nature to "Torch-On membranes, these are SBS Modified Asphalt membranes that do not require open flame to adhere layers together. This is the solution to the fire hazard of "torch applied systems". They are mostly made by the same companies who build the torch applied systems, as an answer to the insurance and fire hazard concerns. A mechanically attached base sheet, preferably a good quality thick base such as Hal Perma-Board, is first installed. Following this is a "self adhering" mid-ply which has its film release paper removed to allow it to "stick" and adhere to the previous layer as well as itself. A second ply of mid-ply is added for ultimate protection (or the first mid ply is lapped on the half way mark of each roll). Following the mid plies is the "cap" sheet, which is adhered to the previous layers as well as to its overlap areas. No flame was necessary to build a good roof. The cap sheet has granules imbedded in it just like the torch on. The system works usually with a little warmth in the air (should be above 10 degrees Celsius and rising), and by having the applicator run a 70 lb roller over the membrane to assure a good bond, after he has installed each layer.
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Benefit: No Fire Hazard, less worry. No specialty insurance for "hot roofing applications" needed.
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Benefit: Looks just like torch on, all the layers are built in controlled factory conditions, and the application has less variables than torch on (such as how much heat was used to torch the layers, was it "fully" torched, was there enough "bleed out")
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Problem: The components for self adhered cost more than "torch-on". The roofers would rather purchase the cheaper torch on even though the self adhered system can install a little faster, and it does not have the fire hazard. Typically a self adhered system costs about $1 more per square foot for materials than torch on ( 3 ply versus 3 ply).
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Problem: A seasonal product in our area. The mean daily temperature does not allow for many days of use between November until the middle of March. Once it is installed it does not matter, but the application temperature is important for a proper bond to occur.
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EPDM: A rubber sheet membrane used for built in gutters as well as to cover small or large buildings. It must only be installed by professionals who are factory trained. Typically a 45 mil membrane, EPDM is either loose laid down over insulation panels (and then ballasted down with heavy round rocks), or it is fully adhered ( and sometime mechanically fastened) to the substrate or over insulation panels. The EPDM rubber is relatively inexpensive, and it may come in very large rolls. Often it would take a large crew of men or mechanical equipment to unroll and manipulate the materials. It is the joint work, and the penetrations which are critical in this system, and the joint compounds, adhesives, and cover flashings are quite expensive and need to be installed with great care and attention to detail. Rare are there roofs with no joints or penetrations, or mechanical equipment on flat roofs, so such detail work is very important when considering an EPDM roof system.
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Benefits: The sheets can come in many sizes, some as large as 50 feet by 100 feet, and often 15 feet to 30 feet in width (x 100 ft). Large sections of roofs can be covered in one piece. The sheets do not cost too much ( but the accessory products can add up fast).
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Problems: No back up line of defense. If the first layer fails, water will get in the building.
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Problems: Its the details that count, and its just as often that its the details that fail. Without proper joint work, and good adhesive and cover strip practices, this roof can be prone to leak. A pin hole will never "self seal" and there is no room for error in this roof system.
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Problems: The popular ballasted system is completely covered in rocks, so any leak can be very difficult to find the source and repair.
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Rubber Coatings: These are especially useful for re-roofing, renovations, and recover applications. There are two types... a roll on coating out of a pail, as well as a professionally applied spray on version that requires specialized pump sprayers. We carry a new innovation called Perma-Dri, which is a liquid rubber coating that will become a monolithic membrane with no joints to worry about. Rather than trying to manipulate larger cumbersome rolls (often requiring cranes) the product can simply be painted on, or better yet the pros can spray it on in very short order. This rubber emulsion creates a seamless roof, and one can have it put on fairly thin ( similar thickness to EPDM), or increase it many times if one desires the extra protection. The spray on version dries almost instantly once applied, while the roll on version will take a couple days to cure fully. But, it can rain on it shortly after application with no ill affects, so this product is excellent for climate region. Perma-Dri saves the expense of tearing off and disposing of old roofing materials. As long as the old roof is in decent shape, once the gravel (if any) is removed, and the roof is cleaned and prepped, a complete covering of PermaDri liquid rubber coating will create a durable long lasting new roof membrane. It can also be coated with White or Grey Elastomeric coating to better reflect the suns heat and create a "Cool Roof" Energy Star compliant roof. Or add a designer colour to create some architectural flare to the look of the roof on the building. The Elastomeric coating can be green, red, blue, or whatever colour suits your imagination as it can be custom blended.
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Benefit: A modern new way to cover old roofs. It can cover old EPDM, Torch-On, Tar & Gravel (once the gravel is removed), and many other roof surfaces. It can also recoat over old metal roofs, foundations, underground parking, concrete slabs, water towers, and many other materials.
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Benefit: Avoids capital expenditure on complete new roof. This recoating system is a maintenance expense and can have great tax advantages compared to a complete re-roof.
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Benefit: Saves disposal costs, and as such is environmentally smart.
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Benefit: Not expensive to install. Very efficient for those who are qualified dealers and have invested in the pump spraying machinery. The roll on coatings are also very easy to install.
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Benefit: A monolithic rubber membrane which is seamless has significantly reduced the element of workmanship error or omissions, and can thus be counted upon as a very durable solution.
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Benefit: When combined with fabric, it can be used as a pond liner, viaduct waterproofing, and many other useful waterproofing coating purposes. Imagine, being able to spray out a single monolithic waterproofing over the irregular surface and edges of ponds... no joints, no worries.
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Problem: The materials are more costly than torch-on membranes ( although the labour will be significantly less), and are similar in cost to self adhered membranes.
The roof SYSTEM is not the place to cheap out, or cut the budget. It is meant to protect your home, your contents, and your family for decades to come, and you are hoping to be able to count on it being an adequate and dependable defender against the weather and the elements. As a flat roofing system DOES NOT have the added benefit of being a water-shedding element, it needs to be waterproof, and it needs to be very, very dependable.
Copyright 2011 All Weather Products