Commercial Services
Commercial Roofing & Flat Roofs
Commercial roofing in Calgary for flat and low-slope roofs, shingled sections and metal. We repair and replace SBS, TPO, PVC, EPDM and built-up roofs, run roof surveys and maintenance programs, and respond to leaks 24/7.
Commercial roofing in Calgary: we repair and replace every type of roof system
Total Exteriors is a Calgary commercial roofing contractor working for property managers, condo boards and building owners. Most commercial roofs here are flat or low-slope, so most of our commercial work is flat roofing, but we also repair and replace shingled and metal roofs on commercial buildings.
Flat roofs aren’t completely ‘bubble-level’ flat. They work in much the same way as a gutter system, angled slightly or pitched a couple of degrees, so that water flows into a downspout. Even so, flat roofing materials need to be able to absorb the brunt of the weather and to withstand ponding hail and water or snow and ice until it melts.
A roof’s main job is to create a barrier of protection between the building below and the atmosphere above. At Total Exteriors we understand that and have the experience to deal with all types of roofing systems, such as:
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is a multi-ply roofing material. A base layer is mechanically attached to the roof deck with plates or bars. A ply overlap is then sealed to the base layer with a permanent adhesive. Finally a granule top surface is applied to provide aesthetic and energy efficient properties.
Built Up Roofing (BUR)
Most often referred to as tar & gravel roofs, BUR is just that. Built up roofing can include up to four plies or more consisting of alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt, coal tar, or other adhesive) with a topping aggregate layer of gravel or other materials. Built up roofs have been in use for over 100 years with their biggest advantage being the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Membrane roofs are durable… in a sense, but a gravel coating can withstand heavy collisions. There is of course the added weight requiring reinforcement to the supporting structure.
EPDM
Commonly known in the industry as a rubber roof. While not common in Alberta we occasionally do come across them.
PVC Single-Ply Membrane
PVC membranes are a single layer of thermoplastic material. PVC roofs are especially strong and durable, featuring a minimum breaking point of 300 pounds per inch. Seams are heat-welded (hot air welded) to form a watertight bond. The welded seams are actually stronger than the material itself! Most PVC membranes, especially white-coloured ones are very energy efficient, because they reflect the sun’s energy instead of absorbing it. The PVC membranes often come with lifetime warranties.
TPO
Is another single-ply roofing membrane that chemically bonds rubber, ethylene, and propylene as well as numerous filler materials. TPO roofs have been growing in popularity ever since their introduction over 20 years ago. TPO is said to offer the best of both EPDM and PVC in one package. The material is closer to a rubber roof in cost, but also features welded seams for durability like PVC membranes.
Silicone Spray
Silicone spray is an example of a protective coating installed on a roof. The biggest advantage of a spray on roof is foregoing any seams like you have with membranes. Many would assume that spraying on a roof material would be much less expensive than applying a physical material, but in reality the silicone covering is one of the most expensive roofing procedures.
Materials Life-Span
The life span of your flat roof depends on a lot of different factors starting with proper installation. In Alberta we have rapid weather changes that often see Spring, Summer, and Winter conditions in the same week. This means exterior material will be put under more stress which can reduce its life span. A roof that is accessed a lot will also wear down faster.
Contact Total Exteriors today to discuss your options for dealing with issues regarding the flat roof system on your Commercial property.
Commercial flat roofing in Calgary
Most commercial buildings in Calgary, from warehouses and strip malls to condo blocks, hotels and industrial shops, have low-slope roofs. Large roof areas collect hail, hold snow for weeks and carry HVAC units, vents and drains that all have to stay watertight.
Total Exteriors repairs, maintains and replaces commercial flat roofs for property managers, condo boards and owners. We also repair shingled roofs on mansards and sloped sections of commercial buildings. For houses, garages and infills, see residential flat roofs.
SBS modified bitumen
A multi-ply system with a granulated or smooth cap sheet. It is widely used on Calgary commercial roofs and stands up well to foot traffic around rooftop equipment. Read our SBS roofing guide.
TPO and PVC single-ply
Thermoplastic membranes with heat-welded seams, usually light coloured to reflect heat. Repairs focus on seams, terminations and penetrations.
EPDM and built-up roofs
We repair existing EPDM rubber and tar-and-gravel built-up roofs, and tell you plainly when re-roofing makes more sense than another repair.
Commercial shingle and metal roofing
Shingled mansards and sloped roofs
Many condo complexes, retail plazas and offices have shingled mansards, sloped sections or fully pitched roofs. We repair and re-shingle them after hail and wind, match existing materials where possible, and can upgrade to impact-resistant shingles.
Metal roofing for commercial buildings
Standing seam and ribbed steel panels suit warehouses, shops, canopies and agricultural buildings. We install new metal roofs and repair hail-damaged panels, seams, trims and flashings. See our metal roofing page for how metal handles Calgary hail, snow and chinooks.
Roof surveys and maintenance programs
Commercial roof surveys
Our survey covers the membrane, seams, flashings, parapets, penetrations, drains and scuppers, plus signs of trapped moisture. Where leaks are hidden, we use thermal imaging to find wet insulation beneath the membrane.
You get a written report with photos, the problems ranked by urgency, and options: targeted repairs, a partial re-roof or full replacement.
Maintenance programs
Scheduled inspections, typically in spring and fall and after major hail or wind events, catch problems while they are still small. A maintenance visit includes clearing drains and scuppers, resealing flashings and penetrations, repairing minor membrane defects and recording the roof’s condition over time.
For more, read our guides to preventing commercial flat roof leaks in summer rains and flat roof maintenance in Calgary’s weather.
Leak response and insurance claims
When a leak starts
Call our 24/7 emergency line at (403) 407-0208. We find the source, make a temporary repair to stop water entering the building, then return with a scope for the permanent fix. Water often travels before it shows inside, so we trace it on the roof itself.
Snow, ponding and chinooks
Blocked drains and low spots leave water standing on large roofs, and chinook melts followed by a hard freeze can push water back under seams and flashings. Keeping drains clear through winter prevents many of the leaks we are called for.
Hail, wind and insurance
Calgary sits in Canada’s hail alley. Large hail can bruise or puncture membranes and damage rooftop equipment, and strong winds can lift edges and flashings. Our HAAG-certified inspectors document the damage with photos and measurements and work with your adjuster through the claim.
See our insurance claims process, hail damage and wind damage pages, or report a claim. Call (403) 313-4932 for a quote.
Commercial roofing FAQs
How often should a commercial flat roof be inspected?
At least twice a year, in spring and fall, and again after any major hail or wind storm.
Should we repair or replace our commercial roof?
Localised problems on a sound membrane can usually be repaired. Widespread wet insulation, repeated leaks or a failing deck point to a partial or full re-roof.
Can you work while the building is occupied?
Yes. We phase work around tenants, guests and business hours. See how we work on condo buildings, retail stores, industrial buildings and hotels and motels.
Which commercial roof systems do you work on?
SBS modified bitumen, TPO, PVC, EPDM and built-up (tar and gravel) flat roofs, plus shingled and metal roofs on commercial buildings.
We provide commercial roofing in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Crossfield, Irricana, Beiseker and Rocky View County. See all commercial exterior services.
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(403) 407-0208