Canadian Roofing Expo

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

Low-slope roofing

Roof assemblies pitched at roughly 2:12 or less, typically covered with single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC) or modified bitumen. Commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential work at the Canadian Roofing Expo leans heavily on this segment.

2

Steep-slope roofing

Pitched roof systems above roughly 2:12, using asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tile, metal panels, synthetic slate or cedar. Residential contractors make up a large share of steep-slope buyers walking the show floor.

3

TPO membrane

Thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply sheet, usually white or light grey for reflectivity, heat-welded at seams. A common specification for low-slope commercial roofs and a frequent product family among membrane exhibitors.

4

EPDM membrane

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber sheet, typically black, joined with adhesive or tape. Valued for elasticity and cold-weather performance, which matters for Canadian winter installations.

5

PVC membrane

Polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic single-ply sheet, heat-welded like TPO and often chosen where chemical resistance or hot-asphalt contact is a concern.

6

Modified bitumen (SBS / APP)

Asphalt sheet roofing reinforced with polyester or fibreglass and modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or atactic polypropylene (APP). Still widely used in Canadian low-slope and hybrid assemblies.

7

Flashing

Metal or membrane detailing at roof edges, penetrations, walls and curbs that directs water away from joints. Flashing failures are one of the most common sources of leak call-backs discussed by contractors at the show.

8

Underlayment

Synthetic or felt membrane laid beneath steep-slope cladding as a secondary water barrier. Ice-dam protection at eaves is a Canadian code topic tied closely to underlayment selection.

9

Ice dam

A ridge of ice at the roof edge caused by snowmelt refreezing, which can force water under shingles. A recurring Canadian winter failure mode and a driver of demand for eave protection and ventilation upgrades.

10

Roof deck and substrate

The structural surface (steel deck, plywood, OSB, concrete) that receives insulation and membrane. Deck condition and fastener pull-out values are frequent technical questions for restoration contractors.

11

Insulation R-value

Measure of thermal resistance for polyiso, XPS, EPS or mineral wool board. Canadian energy code updates and retrofit incentive programmes keep R-value targets moving upward on low-slope assemblies.

12

Vapour barrier and air barrier

Membranes controlling moisture and air movement through the roof assembly. Getting the control layers in the right order is a standard topic in Canadian roof assembly design sessions.

13

Wind uplift resistance

The ability of a membrane, insulation and fastener system to stay in place under negative pressure. Underwriters Laboratories and FM Approvals ratings are typically what specifiers compare on the show floor.

14

Roof coating and restoration

Liquid-applied acrylic, silicone or polyurethane systems used to extend the life of an existing roof instead of tearing it off. A cost-driven alternative that has grown as capital budgets tighten.

15

Green roof and blue roof

Assemblies carrying vegetation (green) or temporary stormwater detention (blue) above the waterproofing. Relevant in dense Ontario municipalities with stormwater management rules.

16

Metal roofing

Standing seam, snap-lock or corrugated panels in steel or aluminum, used on steep-slope agricultural, commercial and residential buildings. Panel profile, gauge and coating warranty are the usual comparison points.

17

Skylight and smoke vent

Rooftop glazing and life-safety vents that require coordinated curb, flashing and membrane detailing. Frequently specified alongside membrane replacement packages.

18

Safety rail, guardrail and fall arrest

Permanent rooftop anchoring and edge protection installed with the roof system to satisfy Ontario occupational health and safety duties for service technicians.

19

Take-off and estimate

Quantity survey of membrane, insulation, flashing, fasteners and labour used to price a roof. Most contractor attendees arrive with take-off spreadsheets and compare supplier pricing line by line.

20

CRCA

Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, the national body representing roofing contractors. Its members and regional affiliates are the core contractor audience for a Canadian roofing trade exhibition.

21

Ontario Building Code and NBC

The provincial code (harmonised with the National Building Code of Canada) that governs roof assembly fire, wind and moisture requirements. Exhibitors who can show code-compliant assemblies have an advantage with specifiers.

22

Lien, bonding and warranty paperwork

Contract terms familiar to Canadian roofing contractors, including manufacturer NDL (no dollar limit) labour and material warranties. Warranty length and exclusions are commonly compared across membrane suppliers.