Elastomer membrane
Elastomeric membranes have become the benchmark for flat roofs, particularly in Quebec, where they now equip the majority of new commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. This roof covering is specially designed to provide long-lasting, effective protection against the vagaries of the weather, while also being suitable for low-slope roofs.
Cutting-edge flat roof expertise
The quality of a roof’s coating is essential to its durability and resistance. When choosing a membrane for a flat roof, it’s essential to take several factors into account to maximize your investment over the long term.
When you choose Toiture Couvreur Rive-Sud, you’re choosing a recognized professional. We have proven expertise in the installation and repair of flat roofs. Our highly qualified, certified team works to the strictest standards, guaranteeing optimal performance and extended roof life.
An interesting solution for your roofing projects
Elastomeric membranes are renowned for their robustness in the face of climatic hazards and their low maintenance requirements. This material creates an impermeable barrier that effectively protects against water infiltration and reduces long-term maintenance costs. Their resistance to extreme temperatures makes them ideal for demanding environments.
Another key advantage of elastomeric membranes is their ability to reflect sunlight. White membranes, in particular, reduce urban heat islands, lowering the thermal load on buildings and enabling substantial savings in air conditioning during the summer. This factor is particularly advantageous for sustainable urban planning projects.
Definition of elastomeric membrane
Elastomeric membrane is an innovative, high-performance roofing solution made from rubber-like polymers. It is marketed in roll form, easy to deploy and install. This membrane offers perfect waterproofing, ideal for flat or low-slope roofs, and its exceptional lifespan makes it a preferred choice for commercial and industrial buildings.
Available in two versions, this membrane provides optimum protection against moisture and weather, while being easy to maintain, making it a practical and durable solution for your roofing projects.
Traditional elastomer membrane: robust and durable for large surfaces
The traditional elastomeric membrane consists of two layers fused together with a blowtorch, creating a watertight, highly resistant barrier. This method, particularly recommended for large flat roofs, guarantees long-lasting protection against the elements.
The first coat is applied for installation, while the second provides a robust finish that effectively withstands the harshest weather conditions. It’s an ideal solution for large commercial or industrial buildings, where long-term performance is essential.
Adhesive elastomer membrane: fast, safe installation
Adhesive elastomer membrane is an innovative option for cold installation, without the need for blowtorches.
This type of membrane is perfect for applications where the use of heat or flame is prohibited. Fast, secure installation ensures optimum waterproofing, while speeding up turnaround times. It’s ideal for projects where safety and meeting deadlines are essential.
Get a free estimate for your South Shore roofing project
At Toiture Couvreur Rive-Sud, we put our expertise at your service to help you carry out your roofing projects. We offer free estimates to help you choose the best solution for your specific needs. Contact us today for quality service and a roof that stands the test of time.
Why choose elastomeric membranes for your roof?
Designed to provide incomparable waterproofing, elastomeric membrane is a highly weather-resistant material that withstands extreme climatic conditions. It consists of two layers, the first of which is used for installation, while the second provides a granular finish for enhanced durability.
This covering system is exceptionally versatile, as it can be installed in both high temperatures (up to 30°C) and extreme cold conditions (down to -25°C), making it an optimal choice for all seasons.
Advantages and limitations of elastomeric membranes: a sustainable roofing solution
The advantages of elastomeric membranes are :
Elastomeric membranes offer optimum protection against water infiltration. It is particularly effective on flat roofs, where the risk of leaks is frequent. Thanks to its high-quality waterproofing, it helps preserve the integrity of the building by preventing moisture damage.
This type of cover resists the sun's ultraviolet rays and heat. A membrane in a light tone or with a reflective finish (such as white) reduces heat absorption and minimizes air-conditioning costs.
The elastomer membrane is reinforced with layers of fiberglass or polyester, making it tear-resistant. It is designed to absorb foot traffic without degradation. This makes it an ideal solution for accessible roofs.
Easy to handle and install, elastomeric membrane comes in rolls that are deployed on a roofing base. This ease of installation saves time while ensuring effective waterproofing.
The elastomer membrane offers exceptional resistance to extreme weather conditions. Whether it's hot, cold or raining, this membrane maintains its effectiveness, ensuring year-round protection, regardless of temperature variations.
Properly installed, an elastomeric membrane can boast durability in excess of 30 years. Its long service life makes it a strategic choice for roofing projects, especially for flat or low-slope roofs where longevity is crucial.
Another advantage of elastomeric membranes is their low maintenance requirements. An annual check-up is usually all that's needed to guarantee performance. In the event of minor damage, quick and easy repairs can be carried out using bitumen patches.
Elastomeric membrane installation and maintenance: guaranteeing the longevity and performance of your roof
The installation of an elastomeric membrane begins with rigorous surface preparation. To ensure perfect adhesion and quality workmanship, installation is carried out on a perfectly clean, dry and debris-free roof. Proper preparation optimizes installation and ensures long-lasting watertightness.
Elastomeric membranes can be installed all year round, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it’s hot or cold, this membrane retains its properties without compromising waterproofing quality.
Ensuring maximum longevity: the importance of regular maintenance
Roofing needs regular maintenance to ensure its durability and performance. A bi-annual inspection of your roof should be carried out in spring and autumn, as well as after storms. These checks are essential to spot potential damage and carry out repairs quickly. Inspections should pay particular attention to the condition of drains, gutters, flashings, joints and other vulnerable areas.
Specific maintenance also includes the cleaning of drains and gutters to prevent blockages and ensure optimum drainage of rainwater. In winter, snow removal is essential to avoid snow overload and the risk of collapse. This delicate operation must be entrusted to qualified professionals, who have the equipment and expertise to intervene without damaging the membrane.
Why put your trust in our roofers?
At Toiture Couvreur Rive-Sud, we have long-standing expertise in the installation and maintenance of elastomeric membranes, applying the highest standards of quality and safety. We are a member of the Association des maîtres-couvreurs du Québec, and many of our roofers are PAQ+S certified.
We select only high-quality materials, backed by solid warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years. This means you benefit from a long-lasting, secure roof, while investing in a long-term solution for your building.
Trust our experts to maintain and install your roof, and ensure optimum, long-lasting protection for your property.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Elastomeric membranes are traditionally installed using a blowtorch. This process involves heating both sides of the membrane, fusing them together to create a continuous, watertight covering. The special composition of this membrane makes it highly adaptable. In the event of deformation, it returns to its original shape.
Careful installation by our expert roofers guarantees optimum longevity for the membrane. It can last between 25 and 30 years, or even longer with proper maintenance. Thanks to its ease of inspection and maintenance, this membrane becomes a reliable, long-lasting alternative for years to come.
Although elastomeric membranes are more expensive than roofing materials such as TPO or EPDM, their remarkable strength and durability make them an economical long-term option, particularly for flat or low-slope roofs. Its longevity, between 25 and 30 years, is a lasting investment, and its life expectancy can be extended with regular maintenance.
To ensure optimum performance and prolong the life of your roof, we recommend an annual inspection of your elastomeric membrane. This check should cover the quality of the joints and the integrity of the fusion between the finishing membrane and the lower layer. We recommend carrying out this inspection in spring or autumn, once the leaves have fallen.
To detect any potential infiltration, a thermographic inspection can be undertaken. This technology identifies areas where water could be seeping under the membrane, by pinpointing where the insulation is saturated with moisture. Thermal inspection makes it possible to anticipate waterproofing problems before they become visible, and to take corrective action before major damage occurs.
The time it takes to install an elastomeric membrane depends on the nature and scope of the work, whether it's a repair, resurfacing or complete overhaul. The more complex the job, the longer it will take.
Elastomeric cladding can be installed in all seasons. Whether in hot or cold weather, installation can be carried out without compromising the quality of the result. After laying the underlay, the finish is torch-welded. An experienced welder can install nearly 30 rolls of finish per day, equivalent to about 2,200 square feet.
The weather and the number of roofers on site also play a part. We do our utmost to plan work according to weather conditions to ensure that the roof is perfectly watertight, even during periods of rain or snow.
Elastomeric membranes are particularly suitable for low-slope roofs, such as those on shopping malls, supermarkets and modern homes. By way of illustration, if your roof is covered with asphalt shingles on a low slope, elastomeric membrane can replace this coating, offering greater weather resistance and durability.
Yes, it is possible to install an elastomeric membrane over an existing roofing system in certain situations. This method preserves the existing coating while reducing the risk of water infiltration during operations.
When removing an old system, our roofers take care to monitor the weather to ensure that rainwater infiltrates the building, minimizing the risk of damage. What's more, this approach offers considerable savings on labor costs, given the heavy nature of the work.
Typically, a 0.5" backing board is laid to serve as an underlayment, and this process is carried out without the use of flames. Once the underlayment is in place, the elastomeric membrane is installed, ensuring total watertightness. This type of roofing guarantees lasting peace of mind, without the need for major work over many years.
