Torch on roofing uses modified bitumen membranes to waterproof flat and low slope roofs. Paragon Roofing BC provides torch on roof installation, replacement and repair for Vancouver homes, strata properties and commercial buildings.
A suitable system starts with the condition of the roof beneath it. We review the membrane, deck, insulation, drainage and junctions so the proposed work addresses the building as a whole.
Membrane roofing and pitched roofing can share one building. Their junctions need a coordinated detail.
UNDERSTAND THE ASSEMBLY
What is an SBS torch on roof?
SBS stands for styrene butadiene styrene, a synthetic rubber used to modify roofing asphalt. The resulting membrane combines a reinforced sheet with flexible bitumen. A typical assembly uses a base sheet and a protective cap sheet, with additional reinforcement at roof details.
The cap sheet in a torch applied system is bonded using controlled heat. Base sheets can be mechanically attached, self adhered or installed using another method specified for the assembly. Not every layer is torched directly to the deck. The selected products, substrate and manufacturer’s instructions determine the attachment method.
Granules on an exposed cap sheet help protect it from sunlight. The membrane still needs sound support, compatible flashing and planned drainage. It is not a substitute for correcting persistent ponding, and an ordinary exposed roof membrane is not a finished walking deck.
Where it can fit
Garages, additions, laneway homes, townhouse roof sections and commercial buildings can have low slope areas suited to membrane roofing. Suitability depends on the actual slope, roof assembly, exposure and project requirements.
What it needs around it
Drains, scuppers, parapets, skylight curbs and wall junctions must connect to the membrane. Where a roof meets shingles or metal, the transition needs to respect how both systems shed or resist water.
All three can be appropriate on a suitable low slope roof. Compare the complete assembly and proposed workmanship rather than assuming that one material is best for every building.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.
How common flat roofing systems differ
System
Material and seams
Questions for your building
SBS torch on
Reinforced modified bitumen in a layered assembly. Torch applied sheets and laps are bonded using heat.
Which base and cap sheets are proposed? How will drainage, junctions and hot work risks be addressed?
TPO
A thermoplastic single ply membrane with hot air welded seams. Light coloured options are common.
Which membrane thickness, attachment method, insulation and penetration details suit the roof?
EPDM
A flexible rubber single ply membrane with seams and accessories joined using the specified system.
Which attachment and seam products are proposed? How will edges, openings and adjoining materials be detailed?
Roof size, access, substrate, wind exposure, equipment and maintenance routes influence the choice. Reflectivity can affect solar heat absorption, but it does not establish a fixed energy saving for a particular building.
These roof examples illustrate the different conditions to include in an assessment. The roof field, perimeter and adjoining pitched sections all contribute to water management.
Mixed roof areas need a planned connection between the membrane, metal edges and adjacent shingles.Roof openings and raised curbs interrupt the membrane field and need compatible flashing details.
START WITH YOUR PROPERTY
Tell us about your Vancouver roof
Share the property address, building type and whether you need a leak assessment, replacement or a new roof. Mention known drainage problems, past repairs and any access restrictions. Existing photos or roof reports can help explain the concern.
Use the form below or call 604 358 3436. An assessment helps establish the suitable scope before a membrane or repair approach is selected.
Paragon Res Roof #1
Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message. Please try again later.
REPAIR OR REPLACE
Can an existing torch on roof be repaired?
A localized defect may be repairable when the surrounding membrane and supporting layers remain suitable. An inspection should establish the source of the leak and the extent of any moisture beneath the surface. A ceiling stain does not necessarily sit directly below the entry point.
Investigate a targeted repair
An isolated open lap, damaged flashing or puncture can justify a compatible repair. Check nearby seams, drains and terminations as well as the visible damage. The repair must connect to sound material and address wet or deteriorated layers where present.
Review replacement options
Recurring leaks in separate areas, widespread cracking, extensive old patches or wet insulation can make a larger replacement more appropriate. Compare the cost and limitations of further repairs with a scope that addresses the underlying assembly.
Blisters, splits, loose flashing and water remaining around drains are reasons to arrange an assessment. A blister alone does not prove that the whole roof needs replacing. Its condition, location and the surrounding assembly matter.
The sequence depends on whether the work is a new assembly, replacement or approved recover. The following items help owners understand what should be reviewed and included in the proposed scope.
Assess the existing roof
Review membrane condition, roof history, drainage and visible signs of moisture or deck movement. Further investigation, including test openings where appropriate, may be needed to establish concealed conditions.
Choose removal or recover
A recover means installing a new assembly over a suitable existing roof. It depends on moisture, attachment, loading, existing layers, available flashing heights and applicable system requirements. Covering wet insulation or an unsound deck does not resolve the problem.
Prepare the supporting layers
Include required deck repairs, insulation, cover boards and air or vapour control layers in the scope. Consider condensation and the use of the space below. Where appropriate, tapered insulation can help direct water toward the planned outlets.
Install the specified membrane
Use compatible base and cap sheets with the attachment method, laps and reinforcement required by the selected assembly. Installation conditions must suit the products. Plan weather protection for work in progress and the end of each work period.
Complete the junctions
Integrate drains, scuppers, roof edges, parapets, wall flashings, vents and equipment curbs. Check how roof work connects to adjacent siding, skylights and pitched roofing. Flashing heights and terminations can affect the design.
Inspect and hand over
Review seams, details, drainage paths and the included work. Confirm cleanup, care requirements and the actual written warranty terms for the selected products and workmanship. Keep the agreed scope and roof records for future maintenance.
SAFE APPLICATION AND LOCAL CONDITIONS
Plan for Vancouver rain and the building around the roof
Wet seasons make drainage and weather protection central to a Vancouver roofing project. Water needs a clear route to drains, scuppers or gutters. Leaf debris, changes in slope and unsuitable outlet details can prevent that, even when the membrane surface appears intact.
Torch application uses open flame and requires skilled installation, assessment of combustible materials and appropriate hot work controls. Flameless SBS options also exist. The method should be selected for the assembly and site conditions, including locations where using a torch would be unsuitable. This is professional roofing work, not a homeowner repair method.
Insulation and moisture control also need to suit the building. A roof over heated living space has different considerations from an unheated carport. Existing condensation concerns should be reviewed as part of the assembly rather than attributed automatically to a membrane leak.
For permit planning, the City of Vancouver lists installing roofing among work that does not generally require a building permit. Structural repairs and broader alterations may require approval. Confirm the requirements for the actual scope before work begins.
The base, cap sheet and laps must form a compatible assembly. The product specification determines how each layer is attached.Roof transitions need an integrated detail. Surface sealant alone does not replace the required membrane and flashing connection.
A CLEAR WRITTEN SCOPE
What affects torch on roofing cost in Vancouver?
A useful price reflects the roof assembly and site conditions, not only its area. Two roofs of similar size can require different removal, access and detailing work. A small roof can also carry setup and access costs that do not reduce in proportion to its area.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.
What to compare in a torch on roofing estimate
Scope item
What the estimate should clarify
Existing roof and removal
Which layers are removed or retained, disposal arrangements and how concealed damage will be assessed and priced.
Deck and supporting layers
Allowances or scope for deck repairs, cover boards, insulation and any air or vapour control work.
Membrane specification
The proposed base and cap sheets, attachment method and compatible components.
Drainage and flashing
Work at drains, scuppers, perimeters, walls, parapets, skylights and equipment curbs.
Access and coordination
Roof height, staging, delivery, resident or tenant access, protection and any planned phases.
Completion and written terms
Cleanup, exclusions, care requirements and the actual product and workmanship warranty terms.
Compare repair and replacement proposals on their intended scope and limitations. A low initial price does not establish the best outcome, while a long warranty term does not predict the service life of the complete roof. Ask which conditions and exclusions apply to the proposed work.
COORDINATE THE PROJECT
Homes, strata properties and commercial buildings
Homes and additions
Include garages, laneway buildings and shallow roof sections in the assessment. Connections to the main roof, adjacent walls and existing drainage can affect the work even on a compact area.
Strata properties
Bring existing roof reports, council requirements and known leak history. Agree on access, communications, shared roof boundaries and any phasing before work starts. Keep comparable scopes available for the approval process.
Commercial buildings
Include rooftop equipment, access routes and the needs of the occupied spaces below. Coordinate any related trades and review drainage and penetrations as part of the commercial roofing scope.
AFTER INSTALLATION
How should a torch on roof be maintained?
Arrange inspections at intervals suited to the roof’s age, exposure and product requirements. Spring and autumn reviews can be useful where seasonal debris affects drains, with additional checks after significant weather or rooftop trade work.
Keep drains, scuppers and drainage routes clear of debris through safe professional maintenance.
Review seams, flashing, membrane damage and areas where water remains.
Check access routes and locations around rooftop equipment for wear or punctures.
Record changes, repairs and recurring concerns so isolated defects can be distinguished from wider deterioration.
Avoid unnecessary traffic and unsuitable surface treatments. Moss or vegetation should be assessed with the membrane’s care requirements in mind. Discuss a suitable schedule through our Vancouver roof maintenance services.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Torch on roofing questions
Is torch on roofing suitable for a Vancouver home?
It can be suitable for a flat or low slope section such as an addition, garage or laneway building. The roof slope, supporting assembly, drainage and installation conditions must be assessed before selecting the system.
Are both membrane layers applied with a torch?
Not necessarily. A torch applied cap sheet can be used with a base sheet attached by another approved method. The selected assembly and manufacturer’s requirements determine how each layer is installed.
Can torch on roofing be installed over my existing roof?
A recover may be possible when the existing roof and supporting layers are suitable. Moisture, deck condition, attachment, loading, existing layers and flashing heights need review. Wet or deteriorated materials should not simply be covered.
Does ponding water mean the membrane needs replacing?
Not by itself. Blocked outlets, roof slope and local depressions can affect drainage. Persistent ponding should be assessed with the membrane condition and the underlying assembly so the cause is addressed.
How long will a torch on roof last?
Service life depends on the products, installation, drainage, exposure, supporting layers and maintenance. Ask about the proposed assembly and its care requirements. A warranty term is different from an assurance of roof life.
Can torch on work be completed during rain?
Installation requires conditions suitable for the selected products and a dry, prepared substrate where specified. Weather protection and scheduling must be planned for the work in progress. A project schedule should allow for unsuitable conditions.
Is torch on roofing the same as a usable roof deck?
No. An exposed roofing membrane is not automatically suitable as an occupied walking surface. A roof terrace or other regularly used area needs an assembly and protective surface designed for that use.
What should I send when requesting an estimate?
Send the Vancouver property address, building type, roof concerns and whether you are planning repair, replacement or new construction. Include available roof reports, known access restrictions and any strata requirements.
PARAGON ROOFING BC
Request a torch on roofing estimate
Tell us about your Vancouver roof and the issue or project you are planning. We can discuss an assessment and a scope that accounts for the membrane, drainage and details around it.
