Torch-Applied SBS Roofing in Edmonton
As the top-rated roofing company in Edmonton, Iron Shield Roofing offers professional, experienced SBS Modified Bitumen torch-applied roofing services. Torch-applied roofs are robust systems that protect flat and slightly pitched buildings from weather, foot traffic, and wear-and-tear. Your buildings and facilities are some of your most valuable investments. Give yourself long-lasting protection with the multilayered performance of a heat-applied roof. Explore a range of heat-welded roofing systems and see how Iron Shield Roofing can deliver the best results in the Edmonton area.
What Are Torch-Applied Roofing Systems?
Torch-applied roofs are multiple layers of an industrial-strength protective membrane, applied to your building with a hand-held propane torch. These roofs also go by other descriptive names such as torch-on roofing, torch-down roofing, heat-welded roofing, and more. No matter what name you prefer, torch-applied roofs all provide strong, long-lasting protection thanks to their unique application method.
How Are SBS Modified Bitumen Roofs Made?
SBS Modified Bitumen roofs feature several layers of carefully engineered asphalt, also known as bitumen. This sticky black petroleum product is a common construction material. Asphalt is softened by heat, making it easy to apply to many surfaces. Once bitumen dries, its solid surface can withstand heavy traffic and UV damage.
SBS Mod Bit roofs improve asphalt’s classic performance to provide even better strength, flexibility, and longevity. SBS roofing membranes are factory-produced as long, flexible strips. Asphalt layers are modified with rubber, plastic, or other flexible industrial materials to make them resilient and adaptable. Next, reinforcing ingredients increase the system’s strength and stability. The resulting materials are stronger and more protective than other systems.
An SBS Modified Bitumen membrane contains several layers or plies. From top to bottom, a two-ply SBS Mod Bit membrane includes the following panels:
- Top-facing mineral surface
- SBS Modified Bitumen
- Reinforced polyester
- SBS Modified Bitumen
- Heat-fusible adhesive film
Three-ply systems include an additional SBS layer. Whether you choose a two-ply or three-ply system, your roof’s layers work together to provide years of dependable, robust protection.
How Are SBS Modified Bitumen Systems Installed?
As the name implies, torch-applied roofing systems require heat during installation. SBS Mod Bit membranes are rolled from long sheets onto your roof. Once the membrane is in place, our expert roofers use portable propane torches to heat the system.
The torch’s heat softens the asphalt layers, encouraging them to mould to the unique shape of your roof. Torching the membrane also actives its bottom layer of heat-fusible adhesive. We seal seams using the torch to provide a solid connection between rows of the membrane. Depending on your roof’s unique needs, your base sheet will be either fully adhered or mechanically attached.
The Benefits Of A Torch-Applied SBS Roofing System
Long-lasting, Water-tight Protection
Heat-applied roofing systems mould precisely to your roof’s unique texture and shape. The torching process creates a tight, water-fast seal that protects your building from the elements for years to come.
Fast Installation
SBS Modified Bitumen systems are quick and easy to install. In most cases, you can keep your doors open and go about business as usual during our installation process.
Simple Maintenance
Unlike other roofing systems, a torch-applied SBS roof is simple to maintain. Iron Shield Roofing offers a range of maintenance services to make the process even easier.
Cost-Efficient
An SBS Modified Bitumen roof is an investment in your building. These systems protect your facilities from weather damage, provide long-lasting performance, and are easy to maintain, helping you keep costs down for years to come.
Long-Term Resilience
Plasticizing ingredients and stabilizing polyester layers give your SBS Mod Bit powerful flexibility and resilience. An SBS roof resists impacts, foot traffic, tears, weathering, and other common roofing threats.
Choose SBS Modified Bitumen Roofs With Iron Shield Roofing
SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems
SBS Modified Bitumen roofing systems feature layers of asphalt improved with industrial-grade plasticizers and strengtheners. A Mod Bit system provides a top-performing waterproof finish with low maintenance requirements. Give any project a long-lasting upgrade with torch-applied SBS Modified Bitumen roofing systems.
IKO Heat Welded Roofing Systems
IKO offers a range of torch-applied roofing systems designed to enhance and protect any building. IKO’s expertly engineered solutions include protective options with additional fireproofing, quick installation time, and granulated or smooth surfaces for a customized finish.
IKO Armourplast APP Heat Welded Cap Sheets
IKO Armourplast roofing systems feature a non-woven, strengthened polyester mat made with treated glass fibre strands. This innovative process offers plasticized performance for improved flexibility and resilience. Armourplast Granular APP membranes can be used as either a cap sheet or a base sheet.
IKO PrevENt Fire Rated Cap Sheets
IKO PrevENt cap sheets are reinforced with polyester or composites to provide an extra layer of fire protection. These systems are designed to handle extreme temperatures and prevent fire damage.
IKO Torchflex Roofing Systems
IKO’s Torchflex heat welded roofing system features premium SBS polymer coatings on both the top and bottom sides of the membrane. These layers melt during application to provide a solid rooftop connection. Torchflex membranes can be used as a roofing system’s base or cap sheet.
IKO Fully Adhered Roofing Systems
A fully adhered roofing system is applied directly to your roof’s deck or insulation. Depending on your needs, your IKO fully adhered roofing system will be applied with hot-mopped asphalt or self-rising foam. This method completely joins the membrane’s base layers to your insulation for a long-lasting connection.
IKO Mechanically Attached Roofing Systems
Mechanically attached roofing systems use a fastener system to connect with your building’s roof deck. These systems have consistent, dependable durability that makes them a great addition to any roof.
Learn About SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing With Iron Shield
SBS Modified Bitumen roof systems offer long-lasting benefits that will enhance and protect any project. Whether you’re looking for a first-time installation on new construction or are ready to replace your current flat roof, an SBS Modified Bitumen roof is a smart investment. As recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association, professional SBS Modified Bitumen installation ensures maximum lifespan. Iron Shield Roofing is experienced, dependable, and here to help. Contact us today to learn more about SBS Modified Bitumen roofing and explore your options.
IKO Mechanically Attached Roofing Systems
Mechanically attached roofing systems use a fastener system to connect with your building’s roof deck. These systems have consistent, dependable durability that makes them a great addition to any roof.
Learn About SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing With Iron Shield
SBS Modified Bitumen roof systems offer long-lasting benefits that will enhance and protect any project. Whether you’re looking for a first-time installation on new construction or are ready to replace your current flat roof, an SBS Modified Bitumen roof is a smart investment. As recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association, professional SBS Modified Bitumen installation ensures maximum lifespan. Iron Shield Roofing is experienced, dependable, and here to help. Contact us today to learn more about SBS Modified Bitumen roofing and explore your options.
SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing in Edmonton — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what Edmonton property owners ask most about SBS modified bitumen roofing.
What is SBS modified bitumen roofing?
SBS modified bitumen is a multi-ply flat and low-slope roofing system made from asphalt modified with SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) rubber, which makes the membrane more flexible and durable. It's installed in layers — a base sheet and a cap sheet — to create a tough, redundant waterproof barrier. Iron Shield Roofing installs SBS systems on residential, multi-family, and commercial buildings across Edmonton.
Is SBS modified bitumen good for Edmonton's climate?
Yes — SBS is one of the most popular flat roofing systems in Edmonton precisely because the rubber modifier keeps the membrane flexible in cold temperatures and able to handle the expansion and contraction of freeze-thaw cycles. Its multi-layer build also provides redundancy against leaks. That cold-weather flexibility is a big reason SBS performs well in Alberta.
How long does an SBS modified bitumen roof last?
A well-installed and maintained SBS modified bitumen roof commonly lasts around 20 to 30 years, depending on the system, installation quality, drainage, and maintenance. Keeping drains clear and addressing small issues early helps it reach the upper end of that range. Iron Shield Roofing installs SBS to manufacturer specification to maximize its lifespan.
How is SBS modified bitumen installed?
SBS can be installed several ways — torch-applied, heat-welded, hot-mopped, or with self-adhered sheets — depending on the building, substrate, and safety considerations. Each method bonds the layers into a continuous waterproof membrane with sealed seams. Iron Shield Roofing selects the application method that's safest and most appropriate for your specific roof.
What are the benefits of SBS modified bitumen?
SBS offers excellent cold-weather flexibility, strong resistance to freeze-thaw cracking, multi-layer redundancy against leaks, good durability underfoot, and a long track record in Edmonton. Its layered construction means a single point of damage is less likely to cause a leak. For many flat-roof buildings here, it's a proven, dependable choice.
How does SBS compare to TPO or EPDM?
SBS is a multi-ply asphalt-based system prized for cold-weather flexibility and redundancy, while TPO and EPDM are single-ply membranes with their own strengths — TPO for reflectivity and EPDM for simplicity and longevity. The best choice depends on the building, budget, and how the roof is used. Iron Shield Roofing installs all of these and will help you weigh the trade-offs.
Can SBS be used on both residential and commercial buildings?
Yes. SBS modified bitumen is used on residential flat roofs, multi-family buildings, and commercial properties alike, which is part of its appeal. Its durability and redundancy suit a wide range of low-slope applications. Iron Shield Roofing installs SBS across all of these building types in the Edmonton region.
How much does an SBS modified bitumen roof cost?
The cost of an SBS roof depends on the size of the roof, the number of layers, the application method, the amount of tear-off, and the complexity of drains and details. Because every roof is different, the most accurate way to know is a free assessment and written quote from Iron Shield Roofing rather than a generic per-square-foot figure.
Can an SBS modified bitumen roof be repaired?
Yes — SBS is quite repairable. Common issues like open seams, blisters, punctures, and flashing problems can usually be addressed without replacing the whole roof, especially when caught early. Iron Shield Roofing inspects the membrane to find the source and carry out the right repair.
Does an SBS roof need maintenance?
Like any flat roof, SBS benefits from regular maintenance — keeping drains and scuppers clear, checking seams and flashing, and addressing minor issues before they spread. Ponding water is the leading cause of premature flat-roof failure in Edmonton, so drainage is a key focus. Iron Shield Roofing can set up a maintenance schedule to protect your SBS roof's lifespan.