The RGC Guarantee Program BY ROB HARRIS, RRO
The RGC Guarantee Program is used throughout BC for roofing on institutional, commercial, industrial, and multi-residential buildings. Five and ten year terms are available; both are backed by the Roofing Contractors Association of BC (RCABC) to repair leaks due to defective workmanship or materials, for the term of the guarantee. The guarantee program is effective because all work must be done by an active RCABC member company installing proven, accepted material systems to RGC Guarantee Standards and the material manufacturer’s published instructions. The process from start to finish is reviewed by an accepted independent inspection company reporting to RGC and the owner’s representative. The process for most re-roofing projABBOTSFORD
CALGARY
COURTENAY
KELOWNA
ects usually starts with a survey of the building by one of the accepted inspection companies. The inspector reviews the current roof system and details such as HVAC units, skylights, and vents etc., taking all of the information required to write a specification for the project. The specification will dictate the removal of the old roof components, alterations and repairs to the roof deck and details, as well as installation of the new roof system. With a detailed specification, qualified tenders will be bidding on the same scope of work. When the project is complete and final inspection passed, copies of all reports are sent to the RCABC Guarantee Corp. (RGC). The Guarantee certificate is then printed and sent to the roofing contractor to sign and give to NANAIMO
RICHMOND
SURREY
VICTORIA
Now you know! ERIC LANGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2008
General overview of a multi-level school roof. the building owner. At the two year anniversary of the guarantee, RGC will send notice to the inspection firm that the reinspection is to be done. The inspector then accesses the roof to look for deficiencies that would be detrimental to the roof as well as maintenance issues, usually removal of debris or physical damage. Copies of the report are sent to the roofing contractor and building owner by RGC. The roofing contractor is required to correct any problems that are their responsibility, at no cost to the owner, and send notice to RGC that any deficiencies have been corrected. RGC takes full responsibility for the guarantee at that time. Maintenance issues which are the responsibility of the owner are also noted. The ten year guarantee has maintenance inspections at the five and eight year anniversaries. Roof leaks must be reported directly to the roofing contractor as well as RGC for the first two years, and then to RGC after the two year reinspection. The claim must be in writing and can be sent by fax or email to the Technical Manager, who will assign a member contractor or inspector to investigate and/or repair the leak. There are a variety of roof systems available today and selection should be made for building type, use, and local environmental conditions. With all sys-
