If you’ve ever gotten a quote for a flat commercial roof in Edmonton and seen the words “torch-on” or “SBS membrane” on the paperwork — you’re not alone in wondering what exactly that means. It’s not the most self-explanatory term, but it describes one of the most proven, durable, and widely trusted commercial roofing systems in Alberta.
At Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd., it’s literally in our name. Here’s everything you need to know about torch-on SBS roofing — what it is, how it works, why Edmonton’s climate makes it the smart choice, and when it’s the right system for your building.
What Is SBS Torch-On Roofing?
SBS stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene — a synthetic rubber compound blended into modified bitumen (asphalt) to create a high-performance roofing membrane. The “torch-on” part describes how the membrane is installed: a propane torch applies controlled heat to the underside of the membrane sheet, melting it and fusing it directly to the roof substrate or the layer below it.
The result is a seamless, heat-welded, waterproof bond — with no glues, cold adhesives, or mechanical fasteners holding the seams together. When done correctly by a certified commercial roofing contractor, the seams are as strong as the membrane body itself.
A standard SBS torch-on system is two-ply:
- Base sheet — bonds directly to the roof deck or insulation board, providing structural adhesion and a primary waterproof layer
- Cap sheet — the top layer, which carries UV protection, weather resistance, and the mineral granule finish that reflects sunlight and protects against surface wear
Together, these two layers create a roofing system with exceptional redundancy — if the cap sheet is damaged by hail or debris, the base sheet remains as your secondary line of defence.
Why SBS Performs So Well in Edmonton
Edmonton’s climate is genuinely demanding. Winters drop to -35°C or colder, summers push past +30°C, and the seasons in between deliver rapid freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, hail, and heavy snow loads. Most roofing systems struggle under at least one of these conditions. SBS was engineered to handle all of them.
Here’s why it works in Edmonton specifically:
Cold flexibility. The rubber modifier in SBS membranes allows the material to remain flexible in extreme cold. Unlike standard bitumen or some single-ply plastics that become brittle and crack at low temperatures, SBS bends without breaking — which is critical when Edmonton rooftops experience -30°C overnight lows.
Thermal movement tolerance. Commercial roofs expand and contract with temperature changes. Heat-welded SBS seams move with the membrane rather than pulling apart, which is what causes leaks in adhesive-based or mechanically fastened systems over time.
Excellent waterproofing. The torch application creates a continuous, monolithic waterproof barrier across the roof surface. There are no open seams, exposed fasteners, or adhesive gaps — the membrane is fused solid. This is especially important for the flat commercial roofing common on Edmonton warehouses, retail plazas, and industrial buildings, where water has nowhere to go but drain — or pond.
Hail and puncture resistance. SBS membranes, particularly with granulated cap sheets, offer meaningful resistance to hail impact — a real consideration in Alberta summers.
Long service life. A properly installed and maintained two-ply SBS torch-on system typically lasts 20 to 30 years in Edmonton’s climate when the base is sound and drainage is adequate. That’s significantly longer than many competing single-ply systems under the same conditions.
How the Installation Process Works
Understanding the installation process helps you know what to expect and what questions to ask your commercial roofing contractor in Edmonton.
Step 1 — Roof inspection and deck assessment Before any membrane goes down, a professional team inspects the existing deck for structural integrity, moisture infiltration, and drainage adequacy. Applying a new SBS system over a compromised deck or wet insulation creates problems from day one. Learn more about what a thorough commercial roof inspection involves.
Step 2 — Tear-off or preparation Depending on the condition of the existing roof, the old membrane may be torn off entirely, or the new system may be installed over a prepared substrate. For commercial re-roofing projects, the existing system condition determines which approach is appropriate.
Step 3 — Insulation board installation Polyisocyanurate (poly-iso) or EPS insulation boards are mechanically fastened to the deck. This step affects both thermal performance and the slope created for drainage — a critical detail for flat roofs in Edmonton.
Step 4 — Base sheet application The base sheet is torch-applied to the insulation board, with seams overlapped and heat-welded to create a continuous first layer.
Step 5 — Cap sheet application The granulated cap sheet is torch-applied over the base sheet, with all laps thoroughly heat-welded. Flashings at walls, penetrations, drains, and edges are detailed and sealed.
Step 6 — Quality inspection Every seam and flashing is inspected before the job is signed off. Professional crews probe seams for adhesion and verify drain clearances and slope. This final check is what separates a properly warranted installation from one that will cause problems in year two or three.
Is Torch-On SBS Right for Your Building?
SBS torch-on is the go-to system for most flat and low-slope commercial buildings in Edmonton — warehouses, retail strips, industrial facilities, apartment buildings, and mixed-use properties. It’s particularly well-suited when:
- Your building has a flat or low-slope roof (less than 1:12 pitch)
- You need long-term performance with minimal annual maintenance
- Your previous roof was also an SBS or built-up system (compatibility makes re-roofing straightforward)
- You want a system backed by manufacturer warranties from established brands
If you’re unsure which system is right for your property, a thorough commercial roof inspection will give you the information you need before investing in a new installation.
Torch-On SBS and Ongoing Maintenance
Even the best torch-on SBS system needs periodic attention to reach its full service life. Annual or biannual commercial roof repair and maintenance visits catch small issues — minor seam lifts, flashing separations, blocked drains — before they become costly repairs or interior damage.
A well-documented maintenance program also protects your manufacturer warranty. Many warranties have language requiring periodic professional inspection to remain valid. Proactive maintenance is always less expensive than reactive repair — and far less expensive than early replacement.
Why Silverback Torch On Systems for Your Edmonton Property
Torch-on SBS roofing is a system that rewards specialization. The quality of a heat-welded installation depends entirely on the skill and experience of the crew applying it — seam temperatures, overlap widths, flashing details, and drainage slopes are all hands-on judgement calls that an inexperienced team gets wrong.
Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd. specializes exclusively in commercial roofing in Edmonton and surrounding Alberta communities. Our name says it all — torch-on SBS membrane installation is our core service, and our team has the certifications, WCB compliance, and local climate experience to back up every project we complete.
Ready to get a professional assessment for your commercial property? Contact our Edmonton team for a free roof inspection and detailed proposal.
Want to go deeper on Edmonton commercial roofing? Read these next: