Blog
18 May 2026
In Sainte-Thérèse, many owners of houses, duplexes and triplexes have a flat or low-slope roof. For this type of roof, an SBS modified bitumen elastomeric membrane is a reliable option for keeping the house dry, provided it is properly installed and well maintained.
This article is for homeowners: what an elastomeric roofingis, what you can keep an eye on yourself, how to choose between repair and replacement, and how to prepare for the work.
An elastomeric membrane is a bitumen modified with SBS, a polymer that makes it flexible. On a residential roof, it is installed in two plies: a base sheet and a cap sheet covered with granules that protect the membrane from UV rays. This flexibility allows it to follow the movements of the house during temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles.
It is found on flat-roofed houses, plexes, flat-roofed additions, attached garages and some low-slope porch roofs. Wherever water drains slowly, a continuous membrane is needed.
Membranes can be torch-applied or self-adhered. On a house, the self-adhered version is sometimes chosen near combustible materials, such as wood siding or eaves. Toitures OBM chooses the method based on the substrate and the roof’s surroundings.
On a residential roof, leaks rarely start in the middle of the membrane. They tend to appear at junctions: the upstand at the base of a wall, the flashing on a parapet, the plumbing vent, the range hood outlet or the roof drain. During a roof replacement or repair, these details require as much attention as installing the large surfaces.
Without climbing onto the roof, a homeowner can spot several signs that call for an inspection:
Avoid walking on the roof in winter or in wet weather, and do not try to patch a leak with a makeshift product: this often complicates the diagnosis and the repair.
Homeowners often ask this question. The answer depends on the actual condition of the membrane, not just its age.
A localized leak, a crack, a section that has come loose or a faulty joint around a drain or a vent can usually be fixed with a targeted repair, as long as the rest of the membrane is sound.
When the membrane is ageing but still watertight, resurfacing includes cleaning, preparing the existing membrane and applying a cap sheet. It can extend the life of the roof.
Repeated leaks in several places, wet insulation or a membrane weakened over a large area point instead to a complete roof replacement. Toitures OBM assesses the roof before recommending anything, to avoid unnecessary work, and clearly explains its recommendation.
A residential roof replacement is most often done while the family is living in the house. A few simple steps help you get ready:
How the project will unfold is explained to the homeowner before the work begins, so they know what to expect.
Regular inspection helps spot small problems before they cause damage inside. A maintenance and inspection visit includes checking the roof drains and water drainage, the seams, the upstands and the penetrations, as well as the general condition of the membrane, along with cleaning the roof drains. With regular maintenance, an elastomeric membrane can protect a house for several decades.
Toitures OBM is located at 1215 Tellier Street in Laval and serves Sainte-Thérèse as well as the other towns of the North Shore, Laval and Montreal. In addition to commercial buildings, industrial and multi-unit buildings, the company also does residential flat roofs.
Toitures OBM is Soprema PAQ+S certified, CAA-Québec Recommended and holds RBQ licence 5778-2823-01. Financing is available through Financeit. The team can be reached Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yes, as long as the roof is flat or low-slope. Elastomeric membranes are used on houses as well as on plexes and large buildings.
Yes. A roof inspection gives a picture of the condition of the membrane, roof drains and upstands, which is useful for planning upcoming work.
Financing is offered through Financeit. Ask the team about it when you request a quote.
A stain on the ceiling or an aging membrane? Contact Toitures OBM at 514-449-5469 or request a free quote. The team will assess your roof and explain the options suited to your home.
OBM Roofing
Elastomeric membrane specialists for commercial, industrial and multi-unit buildings in Laval, Montreal and the North Shore.
