Commercial roofing guide

A starting guide to commercial roofing systems

A commercial roof is an assembly, not just its top surface. The membrane, insulation, deck, drainage and details all matter. Use these terms to start a conversation with a qualified roofing professional about the building you actually have.

By Commercial Roofers Canada · Reviewed 2026-10-31

Single-ply membranes: TPO, EPDM and PVC.

These are different membrane families used in low-slope roofing. EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane; TPO and PVC are thermoplastic membranes. The relevant choice includes the complete specified system and installation approach, not simply a product name or colour.

  • Does the contractor's published experience include the specified membrane?
  • What fastening, flashing and drainage details would the design require?
  • Who will establish the specification and confirm compatibility with the existing assembly?

Modified bitumen and built-up roofing.

These terms describe other common low-slope roof-system families. Contractors may describe modified bitumen as SBS or APP, and built-up roofing as BUR. Ask which assembly and application method is proposed, how it fits the building, and what precautions the work requires.

  • What are the actual products and layers in the proposal?
  • Is the existing roof being removed, repaired or incorporated into the new design?
  • What building-occupancy and installation constraints affect the job?

Metal, coatings and other approaches.

Metal roofing, liquid-applied systems and restoration coatings appear in some companies' published services. Their suitability depends on the particular roof and specification. A company advertising a service is a starting point for enquiry, not proof that the approach fits your building.

  • What inspection supports the recommended approach?
  • Which existing conditions need to be addressed first?
  • What maintenance and warranty conditions come with the complete system?

Use the directory to find experience.

Profile roof-system lists reflect the sources reviewed. An empty list means the specific materials were not established in that research, rather than that the contractor cannot work with them. Confirm the actual team's experience and the proposed specification directly.

Sources and further reading.

  1. Carlisle SynTec: EPDM membranes
  2. Carlisle SynTec: commercial single-ply system families
  3. RCABC Roofing Practices Manual

General questions for a first conversation. The appropriate roof specification and work scope need assessment by qualified professionals familiar with your building.

Find companies to talk to

A better shortlist.
A more useful first conversation.

Find companies with published experience relevant to your building, then take the next step directly.

Find roofing companies