Flat/low-slope commercial roofing is a different business from residential shingles: membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, mod-bit), manufacturer-certified warranties, property-manager clients, and service contracts that recur — with a much higher barrier and ceiling than steep-slope.
Where are you right now?
Learn it. Earn it. Own it. Pick the door that matches where you are.
Not required — Working at Heights + torch safety mandatory; manufacturer certs gate the work
Path in
Flat-roof crews — torch/heat-weld skills, then manufacturer certification
Regulated by
MOL (heights, hot work); manufacturers (warranty programs)
Insurance baseline
High CGL — fire from torch work is the defining exposure
Union route
Roofers locals on ICI work
The licensing layer, explained
No provincial trade licence (449A is voluntary); Working at Heights is mandatory. The real gates are manufacturer certification (Carlisle, Soprema, Firestone, Sika Sarnafil approve the contractors whose installs they warranty), torch-safety certification for mod-bit work, and the insurance/bonding to satisfy commercial owners.
Torch work makes fire the headline exposure — insurers scrutinize hot-work procedures, and one membrane fire can end a company. High CGL limits, strict hot-work permits, and fire-watch discipline are non-negotiable.
Go to the source
The official pages that govern this trade. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements and fees.