Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Property

Roofing material should follow the roof's pitch, drainage, substrate, exposure, and intended use. Colour and appearance matter, but the roof's design narrows the practical options first. This guide compares the systems CL Roofing installs for residential and commercial properties.

Roof pitch decides more than preference

Shingles shed water through overlapping courses, so they need enough slope for water to drain as designed. Flat and low-slope roofs drain more slowly and need a continuous membrane system. Decks, parkades, and detailed surfaces may call for liquid-applied waterproofing.

A free on-site estimate allows the existing roof, drainage, penetrations, and substrate to be assessed before a system is recommended.

Sloped roofs: architectural asphalt shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles are a common option for residential roofing on sloped roofs. CL Roofing installs IKO and Malarkey shingle systems.

• Wind performance. Product rating, fastening pattern, roof shape, edge details, and installation all affect wind performance. The selected product should match the building and exposure.
• Algae and moss resistance. Available product features vary. Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance remain important in damp, shaded conditions.
• Repairability. Localized shingle damage can sometimes be repaired without replacing the full roof when the surrounding system remains serviceable.

Shingles still need suitable underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and drainage. The visible shingle is only one part of the roof assembly.

Flat and low-slope roofs: two-ply torch-on membrane

CL Roofing installs Soprema two-ply torch-on membrane for suitable flat and low-slope roofs. A base sheet and cap sheet are joined to form a continuous system, with careful detailing required at drains, penetrations, walls, and edges.

Torch-on installation uses heat and requires trained handling, compatible substrates, and appropriate site controls. It is commonly considered for both homes with low-slope sections and commercial roofing projects.

Decks, parkades, and detailed surfaces: liquid membrane

Liquid membrane waterproofing is applied as a coating and cures into a continuous layer. It can suit roofs, parkades, flat decks, and surfaces with complex shapes where sheet materials would require many cuts and seams.

The substrate must be assessed and prepared correctly. Drainage, movement, traffic, existing coatings, and manufacturer requirements all affect whether a liquid membrane is appropriate.

How to choose the right system

Start with the roof's pitch and use, then assess drainage, substrate condition, penetrations, exposure, and the existing assembly. The written quote should identify the proposed system and explain why it fits the project.

• Sloped roof: consider a compatible IKO or Malarkey architectural shingle system.
• Flat or low-slope roof: consider Soprema two-ply torch-on where it suits the roof and substrate.
• Deck, parkade, or detailed surface: consider liquid membrane waterproofing where appropriate.

If the existing roof is widely deteriorated, explore roof replacement. If the problem is isolated and the surrounding system remains serviceable, a targeted repair may be enough. CL Roofing provides free on-site estimates and clear written quotes to document the recommended scope.