United Brothers Pro Construction Corp

Firestone vs. Siplast: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System for Your Building

Firestone vs. Siplast: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System for Your Building

When it comes to commercial roofing in New York City, two manufacturer systems consistently appear on specifications for institutional, commercial, and multi-family buildings: Firestone and Siplast. United Brothers Pro Construction Corp is a certified and authorized installer for both systems, and we are often asked by building owners and property managers which system is the right choice for their project.

Firestone Building Products

Firestone is one of the most established names in commercial roofing and offers a comprehensive range of systems including EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), and modified bitumen. Firestone systems are widely specified for low-slope commercial and institutional roofs. Their RubberGard EPDM system is particularly well-regarded for long-term performance in northeastern climates. Firestone-certified installers can provide a 20-year system warranty covering both material and labor through the manufacturer's Red Shield Warranty program.

Siplast

Siplast specializes in modified bitumen roofing systems — specifically SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymer-modified bitumen, which delivers superior flexibility and crack resistance in cold temperatures. Siplast systems are heavily specified for New York City institutional and commercial buildings where freeze-thaw performance is critical. The Siplast manufacturer warranty extends to 25 years for certified installers, making it one of the longest warranty terms in the commercial roofing industry.

Which System Is Right for Your Building?

The right choice depends on your roof geometry, existing underlying structure, budget, sustainability goals, and local specification requirements. Both systems perform exceptionally well in New York City climates when properly installed. The most important factor is not which system you choose — it is that your installer is manufacturer-certified and follows installation protocols precisely.

United Brothers is certified for both systems. Call (718) 882-0218 or email info@unitedbrotherspro.com to discuss your roofing project.