Single-Ply Roofs in Oshawa

When Oshawa businesses with single-ply roofs need to restore an ageing membrane and can't justify the expense of replacing it, they turn to National Roof Coatings Of Canada Inc.

We use energy-efficient, protective, seamless coatings to address widespread issues that typically shorten the average service life. Every project is supported by industry-leading manufacturers and completed by a fully trained and experienced restoration team.

Call (519) 323-4597 to arrange an inspection with a free quote!

See How Single-Ply Roofs Are Restored

Who Should Restore Their Single-Ply EPDM Roof?

Single-ply roofing consists of a flexible synthetic polymer, typically EPDM, installed on flat roofs. It’s favoured across multiple sectors because it’s lightweight, cost-effective, and generally one of the easier roof types to install. However, we’ve seen all the ways they can begin to degrade, regardless of who manages the property or which industry it's in.

This makes our restoration process well-suited for:

  • Commercial properties: Offices, retail centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and others can extend roof life while avoiding the cost and disruption of a full replacement.
  • Industrial facilities: Warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centres can protect operations, equipment, and inventory from water intrusion.
  • Agricultural buildings: Barns, equipment sheds, and storage facilities can restore ageing single-ply roofs before leaks threaten machinery, livestock, crops, or supplies.

Do EPDM Roofs Shrink?

EPDM roofs are well known to shrink over time. It’s one of the defining failure modes of the material as it ages. This can lead to a variety of issues that we fix as part of our process.

The material is a synthetic rubber membrane. Years of UV exposure, heat cycling, oxidation, and weathering gradually cause the membrane to contract. As it shrinks, it pulls against its attachment points and roof penetrations. This causes seams to separate, which means the flashing pulls loose and the membrane slips from the parapet walls or roof edges.

Before we layer the coating, we prepare the surface by repairing the substrate as needed. The problems we’ve named here demonstrate why the restoration process unfolds in stages.

Why Drainage Matters for Flat Single-Ply Roofs

Drainage matters for any roof, whether it's pitched or flat. However, flat single-ply roofs are more susceptible to standing water simply because of how the roof is designed. Even a slight obstruction or low spot can prevent water from flowing toward the drains as it should.

Drainage issues, such as the drain itself leaking or the surrounding membrane deteriorating, can allow water to enter the roofing system. By sealing and waterproofing drains, and creating a reinforced monolithic system, we help keep water moving where it belongs while reducing the risk of leaks and premature deterioration.

National Roof Coatings Of Canada Inc’s Solutions for Single-Ply

Our solutions for single-ply systems are simple, but not superficial. The entire roof is assessed, prepared, repaired, reinforced, and coated to create one continuous protective system.

For property owners, that translates into:

  • Extending the service life of your existing single-ply roof
  • Eliminating common sources of leaks
  • Protecting the membrane from weathering
  • Reducing the need for disruptive and expensive roof replacement
  • Helping improve energy efficiency
  • Lowering long-term maintenance and repair costs
  • Restoring the roof with minimal disruption

Why Do Single-Ply Roofs Have Their Own Restoration Process?

Single-ply roofs, of course, have their own restoration process. Even within the roof type, products and procedures vary because of the conditions on the surface. But there’s a deeper reason why every system that falls within this category requires a tailored approach.

It starts with how single-ply membranes behave. Their unique characteristics, such as their reliance on seams and attachment points that expand and contract, require specialized repairs and reinforcement before the roof can be restored with a seamless coating system. The simpler part of this explanation is that we use products that are only designed for certain roof types or conditions, in order to deliver long-term performance.

Matching the restoration system to the roof assembly helps ensure proper adhesion, durability, and lasting protection. We never assume what’s appropriate for a situation.

What Type of Roof Repairs Are Required Before Coating?

Your single-ply system will likely require roof repairs before the coating, to ensure it’s ready for the following step, where we seal the seams.

These tend to be the most common issues addressed at this stage:

  • Open or deteriorating seams
  • Blisters or membrane separation
  • Cracks, tears, and punctures
  • Loose or damaged flashing and edge details
  • Wet, deteriorated, or unstable substrate

What Makes Roof Cleaning Necessary for Restoration?

Roof cleaning is another foundational first step in the restoration process. Repairs are what address the roof's physical defects, but cleaning goes the extra mile by removing the dirt, debris, biological growth, oils, and other contaminants that can interfere with adhesion. We use the ASTEC® Rinseable Cleaner to complete this task with precision.

The coating must be chemically and mechanically bonded to the membrane beneath it, for the restoration to be completed to our standard.

What Factors Affect the Single-Ply Roof Restoration Timeline?

Your single-ply roof restoration doesn’t require you to stop production. You can continue your work while we do ours. But we also know that having a timeline helps you understand and plan for the project, all of which has its own. We always do what’s necessary to create the best waterproof seamless barrier. We never rush the process.

That said, here are some general estimates to give you some idea:

  • Up to 10,000 sq. ft.: Approximately 1–2 weeks
  • Around 20,000 sq. ft.: Approximately 2–3 weeks
  • Around 50,000 sq. ft.: Approximately 4–6 weeks
  • Around 100,000 sq. ft.: Approximately 8–12 weeks

Get Answers From a Roofing Coating Specialist

Every roof is different, and so are the questions that come with it. If you'd like to know whether your single-ply roof is a good candidate for restoration, National Roof Coatings Of Canada Inc is here to help. A qualified roof specialist will provide straightforward answers and practical recommendations based on the condition of your roof, with a free quote.

Looking for single-ply roofs in Oshawa? Contact us at (519) 323-4597.