Roofing BC, Fall 2012 by RCABC

FALL 2012 IN THIS ISSUE: FEATURES: Asphalt Gals: taking a load off..........................1 NRC tests mechanically attached roofing systems ........ 5 Contractor profile: Mainline Roofing........................ 8 Project profile: Peace Canyon Dam ..................12

THE VOICE OF PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Vol. 9, No. 3 • FALL 2012

ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 Residential steep slope training starts in 2013 ........... 10 INDUSTRY NEWS: BCCA recruits Irish workers ..... 6 Building permits on rise ........... 6 Projects calling for bids ............ 6 Crane Safety Council forms...... 7 Beedie to build in Coquitlam..11 Vicwest, All Weather post website ...............................16 Manufacturers challenge LEED changes........................... 17 VRCA names finalists.............. 17 BC’s tallest new towers .......... 18 Firestone tech rep to retire .... 19 Rooftop garden growing........ 19 Brock White buys Steels......... 20 WorkSafeBC conducts enforcement blitz ..................... 21 Province claims role in new Atlas Roofing plant......... 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Business succession................. 22

Taking a load off Hiring a professional clean-up crew can help address roofer shortage By Karen McCluskey

With an industry-wide shortage of qualified roofers, many companies struggle to find crews to fill all the potential job opportunities out there. This challenge led the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry) to launch Asphalt

Gals Recycling Limited which handles site preparation and cleanup on re-roofing projects. Roofers can focus on roofing “Essentially, we help roofing companies keep their skilled roofers on the roof instead of dividing their time between roofing and site maintenance,” explains Shawn Bayes, executive director of EFry. “Companies who have used our services tell us it enables them to

Asphalt Gals remove used shingles from a jobsite.

complete their jobs in half the time.” Asphalt Gals cleans up tear-off and sends the material to recycling rather than landfill. It handles all aspects of off-roof site clean-up from protecting landscaping and laying tarps, to supplying bins as required, to site clean-up that includes removing nails and other debris. Crews are set up to manage all types of tear-off from asphalt to cedar conversions.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

Roofing Contractors Association of BC 9734 201 Street Langley, BC Canada V1M 3E8

As a social enterprise, Asphalt Gals is a for-profit business that supports the charitable work of EFry. In addition to benefitting roofers and the environment, Asphalt Gals was created to provide training and employment to EFry’s clients: women who have struggled with difficult lives that often include homelessness, conflict with the criminal justice system or addiction. ASPHALT GALS continued page 4

Dam! Peace Canyon Dam project both complex and unique. See page 12

From the President

“old” buildings in Europe, the restoration business appears healthy, countering the deterioration caused over time. In the last edition of Roofing BC, Today, most I concluded by informing you that construction project I was leaving on vacation to Europe. schedules are measured I will share some of my experience in months or years if they there, but through the eyes of a are a mega project, such contractor. It was sometimes as the Port Mann Bridge/ difficult to entirely remove work Highway 1 Project in from the mind. Greater Vancouver. First, I had to redefine the term Contrast this to a large “old”. We often refer to an old roof construction project such when it reaches an age of 15 to 25 as a cathedral in Europe, years, depending on the material which often took used; and a really old building on hundreds of years to construct. The the west coast is approximately 100 life of a project was generations years in age, if it still exists. A 100 long to complete, never mind the year old building in Europe would reconstruction work required be considered new when compared because of wars. The architect often to their old buildings. A few years did not see the completion of his ago, my aunt who lives design. It was probable in Germany, had to that someone working move out of her old on the foundation of home that was the cathedral did not constructed about reach the ground floor 1,000 years ago, as it in his life time. I also reached the end of its had to wonder what fall life. Granted there were protection plan workers several renovations had in place installing over this time period. the roof systems on The oldest building I these magnificent visited was the Verona buildings. Reviewing Laurence Matzek Arena in Italy, built in some pictures, I believe AD30. It is still holding up well and it was only prayer. still actively being used. About 50 Walking through Venice, Italy on operas were performed there during one occasion stopped me dead in this summer, using the same sound my tracks. I was watching the system as when the arena was movement of materials at a constructed. With the number of construction project, and was

A new perspective

ROOFING BC

Roofing BC is published quarterly on behalf of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC and the professional roofing industry by Market Assist Communications Inc.

Roofing BC online at: www.rcabc.org Managing Editor and Publisher J. Michael Siddall Phone: 604-740-8369 E-mail: Michael@RoofingBC.ca Editor Frank O’Brien E-mail: Frank@RoofingBC.ca Production/Art Director and Advertising Associate Paddy Tennant Phone: 604-507-2162 E-mail: Paddy@RoofingBC.ca

curious on their approach as this city is accessible only by boat or on foot. I could not help but think of the man hours required to load the materials, both new and old, onto the boat, often only four feet wide to fit the narrow canals, unload and transport by hand or cart through the streets that are sometimes so narrow that two people cannot walk side by side, up and over the bridges built with stairs. Not to mention completing this without inconvenience to the visitors. This translates to expensive. No wonder that housing units are rented or sold furnished, or the furniture you do buy comes in a box to be assembled. The advancement of technology in building construction was also evident. Walls that were constructed over several feet wide in old buildings are now constructed just several inches wide. Just compare

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the structure of the Eiffel Tower against the old cathedrals. The advancement of building technology and construction methods have resulted from creative thinking and continuing education together with practical experience. The arrival of the fall season is also the season of education, including the apprenticeship programs we offer: Roofing, Architectural Sheet Metal and soon Steep Roofing. RCABC endeavours to bring together the wisdom and experience from our design, inspection, material manufacturer and contractor groups to further the advancement of our industry. This edition also concludes my contribution to Roofing BC magazine. It has been an honour to sit as your president. Laurence Matzek, President, Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia ■

Contributing Writers Laurence Matzek Paddy Tennant Circulation Barbara Porth Phone: 604-882-9734 E-mail: bporth@rcabc.org While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, neither the publisher nor the RCABC will be held liable for errors or omissions. The opinions expressed in the editorial and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher or RCABC.

Executive Vice President Ivan van Spronsen, TQ ivan@rcabc.org Administrative Services Manager Barbara Porth, CAE bporth@rcabc.org Technical Manager Rob Harris, RRO rharris@rcabc.org Safety & Risk Management Supervisor Roger Sové, I.P., PID, Ad.Ed. roger@rcabc.org

An Asphalt Gals crew at work on a Bollman re-roofing project ASPHALT GALS cont’d from page 1

The work gives them an opportunity to reclaim their lives. “The roofing industry is a natural fit for our women, who are better suited to non-traditional types of employment,” says Bayes. “One of the key factors in women being able to walk away from their past lives is having steady employment that pays a living wage. Each of our “gals” appreciates the opportunity to work and likes the feeling of being good at what they do. It’s satisfying to see a clean job site and know you did it.” To ensure the venture’s continued operation, Bayes says understanding roofing companies’ needs and how their service can best support them has been critical in the development of Asphalt Gals’ offering. “We knew there was a roofer shortage and that it limits the work companies can do, even preventing some from bidding on jobs if they aren’t sure they’ll get the crews,” she says. “We have been fortunate that roofing leaders like RCABC members Bollman and Transwest were willing to share their industry knowledge with us, explaining not only how they work but why they work the way they do. That has been instrumental in developing an offering that benefits everyone involved. Bollman shared everything from how roofing is priced to their safety procedures.” A key learning was that homeowners put great value on 4

having the sites kept clean during re-roofing projects. Consequently, the amount torn off is limited to the number of squares a crew can reroof in a day. In standard practice, crews can only roof part of the day. With Asphalt Gals, they can tear twice as much because once they tie off, there is no need to come down from the roof. “Initially, there’s a period of adjustment for roofers,” says Bayes.

“They aren’t used to how much more they can actually do if they don’t waste time coming down from the roof for clean-up. The women are also able to work easily in tight spaces and are more nimble since they haven’t spent the years of wear on their knees that roofers have.” “I think the Asphalt Gals offering has a lot of potential,” says Mike Mitchell of Bollman Roofing. “When FALL 2012

EFry came to us with the idea I thought it would be a good thing for the industry. We knew of their good work and had donated to them over the years, so we were happy to share our knowledge with them. Getting jobs done more quickly would help with the roofer shortage a lot and I also happen to think it’s great to keep people off the street and get them working.” While some roofing companies had been initially reluctant to have female crews on the job, it hasn’t been an issue, as each essentially has their own worksite either on or above ground. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Homeowners in particular have expressed satisfaction with having women on site, both for perceived enhancement to safety and the women’s attention to detail. “People seem to like the care our folks take in protecting the landscaping,” Bayes says. “We have also developed a reputation for leaving a very clean site, with a particular focus on removing any stray nails because homeowners, both in stratas and single family homes, don’t take kindly to punctured tires.” Environmental sustainability enhances competitiveness While some roofing companies dump used asphalt shingles, Asphalt Gals recycles them. Due to their high oil content, old shingles

pollute the water table and don’t biodegrade but they do easily recycle into fuel or products like new roads. Recycled asphalt even outperforms its virgin counterpart when turned into blacktop, lasting longer and therefore being more cost-effective. Recycling asphalt is usually on par or less expensive than dumping. Diverting used shingles from landfills creates a host of environmental benefits, which position roofing companies more competitively for government contracts. Both provincial and municipal governments use a scorecard to assess potential contractors for their environmental and social responsibility. While recycling can earn partial marks, using a company like Asphalt Gals enables roofing companies to score full marks by providing directly linked social benefits to their community by giving others a hand up. Hiring Asphalt Gals makes sense environmentally, socially and for a company’s bottom line. Asphalt Gals is currently the only enterprise offering site clean-up and recycling services. For more information, visit www.asphaltgals.com or phone 604-582-1044. ■ Karen McCluskey is an accredited communicator working with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver. ROOFING BC

NRC: MARS air intrusion tested Which air barriers provide the best air intrusion protection? By Dermot Mack

“Air intrusion: when the conditioned indoor air enters into a building envelope assembly, such as a roof, but cannot leave the assembly to the exterior environment” Air intrusion into a roofing system will affect the durability performance of a mechanically attached roof system. Since about one in four North American low-sloped roofs are mechanically attached, it is important to know how much air intrusion occurs and which components provide the best resistance. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), as part of its Special Interest Group for Dynamic Evaluation of Roofing Systems (SIGDERS), embarked on a unique research study to find out. The work was undertaken by NRC’s Bas Baskaran, Sudhakar Molleti and Pascal Beaulieu. To relate the air intrusion with the moisture transport in mechanically attached roofing systems, a spin-off project was started in collaboration with the Canadian Roofing Contractors

Association, NRCA and four major roofing manufacturers. The two-tiered research therefore concentrated on two key tasks: 1) test additional systems for air intrusion quantification and provide comparison with the SIGDERS control data; and 2) study the impact of air intrusion on moisture transport in mechanically attached roofing systems compared to vapour transmission, and to establish air intrusion limits for potential condensation in these roofing systems. Explaining MARS and air intrusion A mechanically attached roofing system (MARS) is a roofing assembly in which the membrane is attached, through insulation and other components, to the structural deck using fasteners. With MARS, the waterproofing membrane is available in three different types: modified bituminous membranes; thermosets including the commonly used EDPM; or thermoplastics, such as PVC and TPO. If installed correctly, the waterproof membrane is an effective air barrier impeding any air movement from exterior environment to the interior and vice versa. In MARS, due to the flexible and elastic nature of the membrane and its attachment mechanism, the action of wind and mechanical pressurization can cause the membrane to balloon or flutter (see Figure 1). The volume change of the membrane deflection causes negative or bubble pressure below the membrane, which is equalized

Figure 1: Indoor air intruding into the roof assembly

“Air intrusion in mechanically attached systems is a potential carrier of moisture into the roofing system, and the moisture transport could be considerably high compared to vapour transmission”

by the indoor conditioned air moving into the assembly – this is called ‘air intrusion’. The resulting pressure equalization is dependent on the air intrusion resistance provided by the sub-surface components below the membrane (deck, air retarder, insulation and other installed roofing components). Conclusion The research findings from this project can be summarized as follows: • Without any air retarder at the deck level, the increase in the waterproofing membrane sheet width increases the air intrusion into the system; • With a self adhered film (SAF) as an air retarder, irrespective of the assembly type and configuration,

the air intrusion is minimized by more than 70%; • The kraft paper and polyethylene sheet did minimize the air intrusion into the system with the polyethylene sheet outperforming the kraft paper, however both the air retarders underperformed in comparison to the self adhered film air retarder. *Installing cover boards on top of the insulation provided no resistance to air intrusion as the cover boards do not seal the primary flow paths of the steel deck, unlike the air retarder installed at the deck level. • The influence of air intrusion on moisture transport showed that without air retarder in the system layout, there is a risk for

potential condensation and increased moisture gain within the system, which is considerably high compared to the moisture gain due to vapour transmission. • Air retarder at the deck level can minimize the moisture gain in the roof systems, due to both vapour transmission and air intrusion. However, improper installation of air retarder can allow the intruded air to be trapped between two air retarders (membrane and air retarder at the deck level), which can also cause condensation within the roof system. ■ For the complete report and related information, contact Sudhakar (Suda) Molleti Ph.D at the National Research Council in Ottawa. Tel: 613993-9673; Email: sudhakar.molleti@nrc.ca

Figure 2: A version of ASTM D7586 test apparatus

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Thousands of Irish line up during an Overseas Job Fair in Dublin. Photo: Irish Central

BCCA recruiting Irish workers Recruiters from the BC Construction Association (BCCA) have been to Ireland trying to lure skilled tradespeople to work in BC. The BCCA, which has had success with similar drives, helps employers and new hires navigate the immigration process. There is a sense of urgency. The Construction Sector Council estimates the BC construction industry will need to attract and retain 20,000 new workers to meet labour requirements between now and 2020. In Ireland, meanwhile, an estimated 140,000 construction workers are unemployed in a country with a jobless rate of around 14 percent. “We have a range of programs in place to put British Columbians into

construction jobs and can help anybody who is looking for work,” BCCA vice-president Abigail Fulton told the Journal of Commerce. “We have about 50 people in the field placing workers and trying every angle to fill construction jobs. We only go overseas when we can’t fill a position locally.” The Foreign Skilled Workers BC program (FSWBC) was created in March to recruit foreign journeypersons with unique skills, in response to the growing need for skilled and experienced tradespeople. Currently, the BCCA has more than 1,000 applications from skilled Irish tradespeople seeking work in BC. They also have CVs from tradespeople around the world. The new initiative was developed

after the BCCA led a small group of construction industry leaders from western Canada on a trip to Ireland in March to investigate construction trades training and compare trade qualifications. Fulton estimates that the program has already filled about 25 jobs and there are about 100 job offers currently being negotiated. The FSWBC is also designed to assist employers with the immigration process, including the federal government’s Provincial Nominee Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. BCCA members and other employers who want to participate in the program are required to pay a nominal fee for service for each skilled journeyperson placed with their organization through the program. No fee is charged to the incoming worker. The BCCA was in Ireland with a delegation of about 15 construction companies to recruit foreign workers. Job fairs planned for Dublin, Cork and Belfast were scheduled to run through to October 4. The BCCA and its regions represent more than 2000 BC construction firms, 85 of which are directly involved in the FSWBC trip. After October 4, the delegation was headed to Glasgow, Scotland to talk to contractors, training providers, government officials and workers in order to facilitate recruitment from the country. These meetings were expected to be followed by a job fair from October 13 to 14. ■

FALL 2012

Metro building permits increase VANCOUVER – Total building permit values in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region were up 16 percent in July 2012 from June 2012, according to Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s analysis of Statistics Canada Building Permit Report. “Construction activity in the Lower Mainland is on a strong uptrend, and it is reflected in this month’s permit numbers,” said Keith Sashaw, president of the VRCA. “Total permits issued reached their third highest monthly level since the economic recession of 2008/2009, with commercial permits hitting their second highest level.” Total permit values in July 2012 rose to $841.3 million compared to $727.5 million in June 2012. Nonresidential permits rose 30 percent to $231.1 million from $177.4 million in June. Residential permit values rose 11 percent to $610.3 million in July from $550.1 million in June. Values were up 25 percent to $4.55 billion from $3.63 billion in the first seven months of 2011. Total non-residential permits were up 22 percent compared to the first seven months of 2011, to $1.513

billion from $1.244 billion. Residential permits were 27 percent higher at $3.036 billion compared to $2.386 billion during the same period in 2011. ■

Projects calling for bids A number of large BC construction projects are now open to bidding, including roofing contracts. These include: • Distribution Centre Warehouse Delta, BC Estimated value: $87 million Size: 900,000 square feet Contact: Dayhu Group Proposal, Boundary Bay Airport. The construction schedule will be firmed up by December 2012. • Condominium Apartment Towers, Commercial Burnaby BC, Station Square at Metrotown (redevelopment) Estimated Value: $200 million Contact: Beedie Living (Beedie Development Group) Civitas Architecture Inc did the preliminary master plan for the project. A construction update is coming later this year. • Yorkson Area Middle School Langley BC Estimated value: $22.7 million The school will be built to LEED Gold standards. Contact: Langley District School Board ■

ROOFING BC

New Crane Safety Council seeks members EDMONTON – The recently established Canadian Crane Safety Council is seeking to build a membership base as it works to harmonize crane regulations and credentials in BC and Alberta. The Council was set up September 14 during the Crane & Rigging Conference Canada 2012 in Edmonton, when the initial starting directors were introduced. “The panel discussion at the conference was excellent and very positive because there were many people who stood up to ask how they can join and get involved in the new safety council,” said BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) executive director Fraser Cocks, who is also the acting chair of the newly established Canadian Hoisting & Rigging Safety Council (CHRSC). Five directors, who are senior executives of companies, organizations and associations across Canada, signed a document to meet the legal requirements to establish the Crane Safety Council. Cocks told the Journal of Commerce, “This is not a government initiative and nothing

ROOFING BC

Cranes soar above BC Place Stadium during construction. Photo: Craneblogger/PCL

has been forced on us. We are taking care of all aspects of business and working towards a common goal.” The driving force behind the creation of the CHRSC is a unique initiative to harmonize regulations and credentials in BC and Alberta. “The BC Association for Crane Safety has established a close and ongoing working relationship with Alberta,” said Cocks. “We will use the Alberta-BC

relationship as a model that will be extended to the rest of Canada, while a new structure is developed to include and welcome all jurisdictions. This structure will be refined as we go along.” The Government of Alberta has been taking a close look at the BC assessment process for crane operators, which operates without any provincial government funding. Under the BC model, assessors go out to site, as opposed to having

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crane operators come to a central location to be tested. This approach eliminates the cost of renting a site and a crane, and relieves the operators of the stress of being tested on an unfamiliar crane. The practical assessment is supervised by the BCACS and conducted by a third party assessor, Fulford Harbour Group. The BCCSA is also in the early stages of developing a reciprocity agreement with Washington State.

The first phase of the project, which involves a feasibility study, is complete. Phase two of the project will include research that analyzes the details of the regulations, standards and testing. The BCACS spent three years developing the CraneSafe Certificate system, in partnership with WorkSafeBC, the BC Industry Training Authority and 52 members of the crane industry. ■

Profile

(L-R) Mainline founder Don Lyons with co-owners Mike Kosolofski, Chris Lyons, Rick Kosolofski and Matt Kosolofski.

Rolling with Mainline Cariboo-based Mainline Roofing “covers every corner of BC” By Frank O’Brien

Chris Lyons and Matt and Mike Kosolofski literally learned roofing in their fathers’ footsteps and then followed their lead to replace both dads as co-owners of Mainline Roofing Co. Ltd. Mainline is a premier roofing company in the Cariboo and one of the earliest members of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC. The company was started 48 years ago by Don Lyons, now 67 and semi-retired. Richard Kosolofski left architectural training to join Lyons as a partner in 1979. Richard’s sons began their career as teenage “grunts” during the summer helping their dad, Mike recalls. Chris Lyons started even earlier. “I was up in the shop at 10 years old and full time by 16,” he said. All are apparently very good at 8

Williams Lake Information Centre, one of many metal roof contracts completed by Mainline

it. Today, Matt 34, Mike, 29 and Chris, 45, are co-owners leading a 40-person staff – 32 in the field – that handle major roofing contracts from the Lower Mainland to the Kootenays to the far north. One problem the fast-tracking team is facing: finding workers with the same ‘can do’ attitude that they had as children. “It’s tough finding qualified people,” Chris said. While a nonunion shop, Mainline pays industry

wages, offers full medical and dental, and pitches in to an employee registered savings plan. But, he said, they still lose crews to Alberta’s oil patch and, ironically, to the northern BC building boom that provides much of Mainline’s business. Anyone hired at Mainline should be ready to work and ready to roll: the company’s fleet of 20 trucks, including six high-lift cranes, are seen from the Cariboo to the FALL 2012

Kootenays, from Vancouver to Vanderhoof, from Prince George to Prince Rupert; with contracts in all areas in between, including a large cultural centre in Prophet River. “We cover every corner of BC,” said Matt Kosolofski. The company’s primary work is larger commercial contracts but they also handle residential and will take on any size job, Lyons said, including cedar shake roofs, shingles, plus soffits and gutters

through an affiliate, Big Sky North Holdings Ltd. Mainline’s long experience gives them the credibility to change specs on big contracts if they believe they can provide a good alternative. Mainline’s owners are confident that their recommendations and skill will provide their clients with a better, stronger roof that stands up to the northern climate. Mainline, however, has also built a reputation as sheet metal ROOFING BC

Mainline’s sheet metal crew attached a standing seam machine to a fabricated frame and lifted it up with a zoom-boom to match the pitch of the roof in Smithers.

Worker adjusts a brake and shear machine in Mainline’s 3,000-square-foot metal shop.

Mainline installed “bullet proof” 2-ply SBS on the roof of the Prosperity Ridge Shopping Centre in Williams Lake. Photos: Mainline Roofing

the RCABC guarantee [RoofStar specialists, with a long list of metal Guarantee Program] to be on the roof and siding projects completed. bidding block for large commercial These include the Williams Lake and government contracts.” Lyons Tourism Information Centre, the said. “We proudly put the RCABC North West Community College in logo on all our quote sheets.” Smithers, the Smithers Recreation Mainline is COR certified (a Centre, and the Chetwynd requirement of RCABC membership) Recreation Centre, as well as confirms Paul Sorley, the company’s commercial contracts such as the Safety and Training Coordinator. McDonalds restaurant in Williams Sorley served 20 years as a Health Lake. Mainline also roofed the local and Safety Walmart, using “You need to have the official in a TPO. RoofStar Guarantee Program major forestry Mainline mill and is has its own to be on the bidding block certified in 3,000-squarefor large commercial and both fall foot metal government contracts.” protection and shop but it can mobile equipment safety. He is also bring the fabrication right to bringing the Mainline crew up to the site. In a project for a diamond date on safety and training drilling company in the Bulkley requirements. “I plan to work Valley, their crews rolled with a myself out a job,” Sorley joked. three ton sheet metal truck and Chris admits he and his partners attached a new standing seam don’t take much time off – though machine to a fabricated frame, hunting season demands a break – designed by Matt, and lifted it up because of the amount of work with a zoom boom to match the scheduled. When he spoke to pitch of the roof (see photo). The Roofing BC in late August, the same concept was used for a company had eight very large mining project building north of projects on the go, including the Williams Lake. The company’s crews are also up new fire hall in Fort St. John, a school in Fort St. James and many to speed on new green roof more. “And there is a lot more technology, installing 40 squares of coming,” he said. planted roof on the Williams Lake There may also be a third campus of Thompson River generation of roofers coming. Last University, a job that took two winter, Chris’ 13-year old son was weeks to complete. running a skid-steer loader with Mainline has been an RCABC ease in Mainline’s yard; and Matt member since 1969, and the and his wife are expecting their benefits have flowed every year since, Lyons said. “You need to have second child. ■ ROOFING BC

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“Having a certified crew with provincial qualifications would give roofing companies an edge when bidding against those without qualified workers.”

Residential steep roof training on horizon The new Residential Steep Roofer apprenticeship training begins next year at the RCABC campus. The Roofing Contractors Association of BC is gearing up to offer the Residential Steep Roofing Apprenticeship training, beginning early in 2013. The term ‘Residential Steep Roofer’ refers to a roofer who covers 1:3 ratio (4 in 12 pitch) roof frames and other steep roofs with weatherproofing materials,

including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes and shingles, metal tiles and panels, slate and concrete tiles. The training is being offered with the Industry Training Authority and extends the training being offered at RCABC. The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is a provincial crown agency, responsible for managing BC’s industry training system.

Shirley Caldwell, RCABC’s Education & Training Manager, notes the considerable benefits to employers and consumers: “Having a certified crew with provincial qualifications would give roofing companies an edge when bidding against those without qualified workers. It would also save the company money on call backs to

repair deficiencies. The homeowner would also show due diligence by hiring companies with workers who have completed all the safety training.” It is recommended (but not mandatory) that those taking the Residential Steep Roofing have Grade 9 or equivalent in math and English. Applicants must have the

ability to climb ladders and to be capable of carrying medium to medium-heavy loads. The course is 180 hours (six weeks) in duration based on a 30hour week. Work-based training covers 2,400 hours and completion of the ITA Certificate of Qualification exam. Students must achieve 70 percent competency to pass the course. The first courses will run from January 28 to March 8, 2013. An applicant can become certified as a Residential Steep Roofer by completing the course, or by challenging the certification through the ITA. Residential Steep Roofing graduates could help to make the roofing industry safer as their training will include the CSTS Workers course, WHMIS, First Aid and Fall Protection. “Falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injuries for workers in the residential construction industry,” notes Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC director of Worker and Employer Services. For more information, contact either Shirley Caldwell or RCABC registrar Cindy Grantham at 604882-9734. ■

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ROOFING BC

FALL 2012

Power project Re-roofing the Peace Canyon Dam powerhouse Flynn Canada crews prepare the powerhouse roof for 2ply SBS. Styrofoam pieces, some with bitumen attached, are shown collected in large net bags (lower right).

In preparation for re-roofing, the original gravel ballast and styrofoam insulation on the powerhouse have to be removed, while leaving the old 4-ply BUR in place.

June 13 By Frank O’Brien Photos: Mel Hoffart, Topside Consulting and GC Glass Canada

BC Hydro’s Peace Canyon Dam on the Peace River in northern BC generates enough electricity to power 200,000 homes, and has for 32 years. But the dam’s aging facilities, which include a large powerhouse, a visitor centre and an administration building, were in dire need of a roof system upgrade. The work was close to wrapping up when we spoke to Mel Hoffart of Topside Consulting (2004) Ltd. of Dawson Creek and Mike Connelly, superintendent/project manager from Flynn Canada’s Kelowna office. In April, Flynn’s roofing crews arrived on the site, about six kilometres southwest of Hudson’s Hope, to begin a $1.5 million reroofing contract that would see approximately 681 squares of 2-ply SBS installed. It would ultimately require a crew of 12, and would also

June 22 include the installation of a large and high-output power sites is a complex extremely long glass skylight, and a and costly undertaking,” he noted. new 23-square standing seam metal Hoffart explained that safety was roof on the administration building. a huge concern, and everyone involved in the project, even the At 70,200 square feet, the Peace glazing crew, was required to take a Canyon Dam complex is one of the site-specific course before starting largest projects ever to be slated for the job. “We learned that working in a RoofStar guarantee in the Northern a generating plant, there are Region. Its size and magnitude procedures and protocols that must demanded extensive pre-planning be adhered to,” long before the bid added Connelly. process began. “... they had to spill to Every step of the “Since the winter lower water levels in project had to be of 2010-2011, the reservoir. Any time pre-planned around Topside Consulting a dam has to spill, that’s electrical ‘danger has been working money down the river.” zones’, to minimize with a team of both the risk to the engineers from BC workers and the expense of Hydro to design a roof system that disrupting power. met their needs. The criteria included Working on a dam is unlike any low-risk and safe replacements, both for the people and the environment,” other roofing project. Site access and working hours are impacted by the said Hoffart. operation of the facility itself – a “A roof system with a long power plant can’t just be shut down trouble-free life was also a very high on a moment’s notice, says Hoffart. priority, as construction at these

“It cost Hydro thousands of dollars per hour every time they had to turn off a transmission line so crews could work in certain areas.” Connelly and his crew changed their schedules accordingly. “We had to adjust work hours for the outages of the [500 kilovolt] power lines in two areas of the roof. We were faced with roofing these areas at night, as that was the only time they could stop generating power.” Night work was one of many ways the Flynn team minimized the toll on BC Hydro. “Water levels were higher than usual with spring run-off this year, and they had to spill to lower water levels in the reservoir,” he explained. “Any time a dam has to spill, that’s money down the river,” he added. “It was also a very warm spring so the draw on power was high due to air conditioning demands.” Access and space limitations presented their own challenges from

the onset, said Connelly. “We had Vac Attack remove all the ballast and they were also limited to working off the tailrace, and that involved running longer hoses than normal.” “We had to load the roof of the powerhouse from the tailrace,” he said, “and there were limits of approach involved with the 500 kV power lines. There were tall red lightning rods directly in line with them. We had to stay at least 20 feet away at all times.” The area’s rapidly changing temperatures, moisture levels and climate also had to be taken into account. “When we started the project in the spring we were faced with a lot of bad weather,” says Connelly. “The only other times we were faced with moisture was when we were roofing the areas that were within the limits of approach and we had to deal with dew, as this was night work.” Despite the unusual nature of the

Before re-roofing: the 32-year old Peace Canyon Dam near Hudson’s Hope

The tailrace often provided the only safe access to the powerhouse roof, for Vac Attack crews and loading of materials by cranes.

500 kilovolt power lines in two areas are identified by tall red lightning rods; crews had to stay a minimum of 20 feet away

The powerhouse roof would be stripped of old gravel ballast and styrofoam before installation of 2-ply SBS FALL 2012

The old fiberglass skylight was to be upgraded with 1200 linear feet of double-paned aluminum-framed glass

The control building flat roof runs down to the administration/ visitors centre flat roof. The steep slope was slated for a standing seam metal roof. ROOFING BC

July 26 project, Connelly gives full credit to Topside Consulting for making his job more manageable. “The roofing project was relatively straightforward due to Topside Consulting codesigning a great spec by leaving the existing 4-ply in place.” One step at a time The dam complex upgrade had been originally designed with an inverted roof membrane assembly (IRMA) to offer maximum protection from the dramatic changes in climate. Northern BC sees a broad range in temperature and humidity from winter through summer, and even during the warmer months, can go from near-freezing to high 20’s in the course of a 24-hour period. The roof assembly needed to accommodate these extremes. In preparation for re-roofing, the original gravel ballast and styrofoam insulation on the powerhouse had to be removed, while leaving the old 4-ply BUR in place. Over the years, large chunks of styrofoam had fused to the bitumen, the result of a combination of heat and pressure. Flynn’s crews had to gather the pieces of styrofoam, some with bitumen still attached, and collect them in large net bags until they could be properly taken from the site. “We were right on the river and we could not have any debris blowing off the roof and ending up in the water,” explained Connelly. As Hoffart pointed out, a tremendous amount of planning was involved in the project, but even the most experienced roofer could not have foreseen every hiccup along the way. Nobody knew the full extent of what they would find as the old layers came off the flat roofs, and details would be worked out when the existing assembly was opened up and revealed. “As it turned out, the expansion joints that run right across the roof and skylights (from upstream to downstream side) required

Only one control zone is left to roof. The remainder is all insulated with either base sheet or cap sheet installed.

The skylight penthouse roof is all to the base sheet level. Some of the areas right beside the skylights have the cap sheet left off so that the glaziers can work on the glass installation without scuffing the new cap sheet.

Expansion joint material in the very early stages of installation

A small amount of perimeter flashing is installed, and some more metal is awaiting installation

September 24: Powerhouse roof nearing completion ROOFING BC

August 27 FALL 2012

The administration/visitors centre flat roof in progress, as seen from the control building roof. The orange snow fence is added to the guardrails to prevent any windblown material

from leaving the roof. The Flynn crew has removed all of the old insulation and gravel and the vapour barrier has been torch applied to the original BUR membrane.

The new insulation and coverboard have been screwed in place over the new vapour barrier, and there are three roofers torch-applying the base sheet (left). The bottom left corner of the

left photo shows the edge of the upper level roof – also complete to base. The silver spots visible on the black base sheet are screws and plates. To the right of the black base sheet are

two layers of insulation with staggered joints to prevent thermal breaks in the system. The light gray area to the right of the insulation is the sanded surface vapour barrier.

The blue granular surfaced torch-on membrane on all the complex roof areas acts as a safety control zone.

replacement, but the exact assembly at the skylight section required a hands-on, on-site consultation with the glaziers and inspection team,” said Hoffart. After the old materials were removed a new SBS sanded base was torch-applied to the remaining BUR membrane. Then two layers of polyiso insulation, with sloped crickets of the same material between the drains, were fastened down to the deck with a cover board. A two-ply SBS membrane was installed over the new insulated system using 180 fire-rated cap sheets. The visitor information centre and the top of the control building were also covered with the 2-ply SBS system, Connelly explained. The insulated system used on the steeply sloped concrete deck of the administration building roof consisted of a self adhered vapour barrier to the primed concrete deck, two layers of 2” polyiso between Z-girts every two feet horizontally; and a 24-gauge PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) finish standing seam metal roof fastened to the girts. This finish is far more fade resistant than the usual silicone modified polyester (SMP) finish, notes Hoffart. All the flat roof materials were sourced through Convoy Supply Ltd., and Cascadia Metals of Delta supplied the metal coil which was roll-formed on site by Flynn. 14

The view down to the administration/visitors centre roof, as seen from the control building roof, with the standing seam metal roof installed FALL 2012

ROOFING BC

This steep slope metal roof runs from the control building flat roof down to the admin/visitors centre flat roof. The insulated system consisted of a self‐adhered vapour barrier to the primed concrete deck, two layers of 2” polyiso between Z‐girts every two feet horizontally; and a 24-gauge PVDF finish standing seam metal roof fastened to the girts.

The powerhouse roof looking towards the control building

Big skylight The large skylight seems a rare treatment for a remote dam site, but as Hoffart explains, it serves a dual purpose. The skylight, which runs along nearly the entire ridge of the powerhouse roof, allows light to shine out at night and accentuate the look of the building, which is visible from a downstream bridge across the Peace River. “It’s a kind of BC Hydro public relations beacon,” says Hoffart. More practically, it also allows light into the tall, windowless building during the day. In any case, the 1980-era fiberglass and aluminum skylight was “in pretty bad shape”,

The control building roof completed

he says, noting that the fiberglass panels were brittle from years of exposure, and so yellowed that “you couldn’t see through them”. Flynn sub-contractor GC Glass Canada Inc. of Kelowna removed the old skylight and replaced it with 1,200 linear feet of modern aluminum-framed, double-paned, sealed unit glass models. Connelly expressed satisfaction with the job as work was winding down in late September. “BC Hydro has very high standards when it comes to safety and quality, so Flynn Canada and its employees were up for the challenge. Early in the project there were some

challenges but overall Flynn Canada and BC Hydro worked well together and the project was a success both with safety and schedule.” The dam, scheduled for completion by midOctober, is 700 miles from Flynn’s Kelowna office. The distance had presented personal challenges for the workers, who were staying in an RV park and were on a ten-and-four turnaround rotation, said Connelly. If his prediction is accurate, it won’t be the last time his crews are called upon to go where the work is. “Since we opened the branch in Kelowna we have been actively bidding on work in the northern part of the province and

been successful with landing work,” he says. One of the company’s bigger jobs will be re-roofing a number of buildings at the Quintette coal mine, which is expected to reopen near Tumbler Ridge next year. In the spring of 2013, Flynn will also be installing the roof on a second powerhouse being constructed downstream of the Waneta Dam on the Pend d’Oreille River near Trail. Connelly is justifiably confident going into the new contract. “As a result of this [Peace Canyon Dam] project it will make any future work for BC Hydro more productive and profitable for both parties.” ■

Flynn sub-contractor GC Glass Canada Inc. of Kelowna removed the old fiberglass skylight and replaced it with modern aluminum-framed, double-paned, sealed unit glass models. ROOFING BC

FALL 2012

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Vicwest and All Weather launch new website

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OAKVILLE, ON – All Weather Insulated Panels and Vicwest, two leaders in the manufacture of insulated metal panels (IMP) for the industrial, commercial and cold storage construction markets, announce the launch of a new combined website showcasing the depth of their North American product portfolio. The new site replaces the previous All Weather Insulated Panels site and is

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accessible via awipanels.com or vicwestpanels.com. “This new, dedicated website is a natural extension for our companies as we continue to combine our focus on the North American IMP market” said Scott Ringler, Marketing Director for Vicwest. “It will allow our customers, architects and building owners to access the strength and resources of two industry leaders in a single, easy-touse and visually appealing site and will provide the platform for us to deliver more extensive technical and product information for use in the specification, design and installation of insulated panels.” Users of the new site can view the full range of products along with a vast array of technical documentation associated with each product, including details, specifications and load span tables. An interactive “Find a Sales Rep” feature also puts users one step closer to personal assistance with their projects. Quick links to interrelated product, technical and resource information can be found throughout the site to minimize the paths and time spent in searching for information. Features to be added include a “Member Center” that includes secure access to specific technical documents such as CAD files and testing reports as well as product enhancement announcements, new

specifications and company developments. A French language site will also be launched in the near future. “We are currently in the process of enriching our content base with a focus on making it easier for building designers and contractors to not only view the aesthetics and performance of our products but also have more ready access to tools and 24/7 resources to help them realize their design vision” added Ringler. For more information, visit awipanels.com or vicwestpanels.com. Insulated metal panels Insulated metal panels are manufactured composites comprising rigid steel facings and an insulating core. They offer superior thermal resistance, structural integrity and one-step installation compared with fieldassembled building insulation systems. IMP is a dominant building material in Europe and other overseas markets, and is gaining rapid acceptance in North America by displacing more traditional building materials and processes due to their green building properties offering unsurpassed insulation capacity using environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. For more information, visit www.vicwest.com. ■

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Manufacturers challenge LEED changes WASHINGTON, DC – A coalition of U.S. manufacturers of building materials is campaigning against a plan to start offering LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits to builders that do not use certain materials that contain “chemicals of concern”. The new American High-Performance Buildings Coalition includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the American Chemistry Council and smaller trade groups for manufacturers of building products. The group notes that LEED credits would go to builders that avoid using chemicals that already face tougher regulations in Europe because of links to health problems. Those chemicals are widely used in a variety of building products, including roofing. Craig Silvertooth, president of the industry-funded Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing, said that more than 90 percent of roofing membranes wouldn't make the cut. Asphalt, a key ingredient in shingles, is on the list, he said. ■

VRCA names project finalists The 2012 competition also VANCOUVER – The Vancouver features two projects that have Regional Construction Association achieved the Living Building (VRCA) has named the Silver Award Challenge Standard certification, a winners for the 24th annual Awards new international standard in of Excellence, a premier industry sustainability. Two of the first event honouring the region’s projects to construction achieve this leaders. certification Three in North winners America, the were VanDusen selected in Botanical most Garden categories Visitor for their use Centre of innovative and the techniques, VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre UniverCity new Childcare materials or Centre at SFU, are also nominated exceptional project management in the 2012 Awards of Excellence and each will receive a Silver Sustainable Construction category. Award.

The Gold Award winners were to be announced at the 24th Annual VRCA Awards of Excellence gala dinner on October 17, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. ■

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FALL 2012

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Coquitlam: The 42-storey – 400-foot high – M3 tower in Central Coquitlam by Vancouver-based Cressey will be Coquitlam’s tallest building when it completes in three years. It will complete a trio of Cressey residential towers near the Coquitlam Centre mall.

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Surrey: At 50 storeys, the 3 Civic Plaza tower in central Surrey will be the “highest tower between Vancouver and Calgary” according to Century Group, which is completing the monster high-rise with Surrey City Development Corp. The $100 million project adjacent to Surrey’s new library and City Hall is a combination of hotel and residential space. It will be built to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver “or better” and will be complete in 2015, according to Century Group.

Developers are pulling the trigger on what they say will be the tallest new towers in their respective communities. Note: in most cases, bids are still being accepted for the roofing contracts.

Burnaby: The new Solo District, at Lougheed Highway and Rosser Avenue in the Brentwood area, will include a 52-storey tower in the second phase, but a 45-storey high-rise in the first phase will be the tallest in Burnaby. Developed by Appia Developments, a Bosa company, Solo is a mixed-use project of condominiums, retail and commercial space. The first phase could complete by 2014.

Victoria: At 27 floors, the first phase tower at Capital City Centre in Saanich will be the tallest building on Vancouver Island, according to League Financial Partners, the developer. The tower anchors a 14-acre mixed-use project with nearly four million square feet of residential and commercial space. The first phase should complete by 2014.

FALL 2012

ROOFING BC

Firestone technical rep set to retire

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Firestone Building Products Canada has announced that Peter Cox, Technical Representative for Western Canada, will retire from Firestone effective December 31, 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peter has had an illustrious career in roofing,â&#x20AC;? said Firestoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technical Manager Rosalene Brunka. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was the General Manager at his family-owned roofing business, Fosco Roofing, then ran his own company, PMC Roofing. He was also in the roof consulting business for five years.â&#x20AC;? Cox joined Firestone Building Products as Technical Representative in September 1995, covering the regions of Western Canada, Washington, Idaho and Oregon. For the past 10 years, his focus has been Western Canada. Cox holds a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Business Administration from St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s combination of experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and friendly professionalism has made him a true asset to Firestone and he has been a key contributor to the growth in our market. He will be pursuing his lifelong passions of music and writing, in addition to starting up a small consulting firm in his retirement,â&#x20AC;? says Brunka. As of Roofing BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press time, the company was still â&#x20AC;&#x153;looking for the right candidateâ&#x20AC;? to fill Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position. â&#x2013;

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Rooftop commercial gardens growing in Vancouver Alterrus Systems CEO Christopher NG prepares rooftop commercial garden. Photo courtesy Petti Fong/ Toronto Star

VANCOUVER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A â&#x20AC;&#x153;vertical farmâ&#x20AC;? is being installed on the roof of a six storey parking garage in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver-based Alterrus Systems is installing its system, which it claims can grow up to 80 varieties of leafy greens, the first North American commercial farming operation atop a parking lot. Michael Levenston, executive director of Vancouver nonprofit organization City Farmer, believes more commercial ventures will follow if it is successful. Christopher Ng, CEO of Alterrus Systems, says the vertical gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produce, which includes lettuce, spinach, salad mixes and herbs, will be packaged on-site and delivered to market the day it is harvested. The facility occupies about 5,000 square feet on the top level of the parkade. The city of Vancouver owns the garage and is leasing part of it to Alterrus. A block away, another non-commercial garden on the rooftop of the YMCA is already growing vegetables. â&#x2013;

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Brock White acquires Steels St. Paul, MN – On August 1, Brock distribution company that covers all White Company announced that it of Western Canada.” had purchased the assets and Brock White president Richard ongoing business operations of Garland echoes Fast’s enthusiasm. Steels Industrial Products Ltd. Steels “The acquisition significantly will now operate under the name expands the Brock White presence Steels – A Division of Brock White in Canada,” he says. “Brock White Canada Company LLC. The company and Steels share a tradition of will continue to stock its current product expertise and superior product lines including Firestone, customer service. We value the IKO, Dow Styrofoam, Tech-Crete, strong relations we maintain with Henry, Maxam, Bilco, and many our supply partners and believe others. that combining The purchase operations will “It allows us to provide of Steels will allow us to greater value to our add eight better serve the suppliers, by offering a locations in Western construction distribution Alberta and Canadian company that covers all British Columbia construction and of Western Canada.” to the ten industrial markets Brock markets.” White currently serves in Canada. By expanding the portfolio, “the “This expanded coverage allows us acquisition will bring value to to serve our customers in a variety suppliers of Steels and Brock White of cities in a consistent manner,” by offering a unified strategy for says Brock White Canada’s Vice getting their products to market. We President and General Manager, are excited about the wider range Neil Fast. “It also allows us to of products now available to us provide greater value to our through Steels,” said Garland. “We suppliers, by offering a construction also believe our customers will fully

endorse this move and see it as a step towards providing more of the products they want in more locations.” As for Steels staff and customers, it’s business as usual. According to Fast, Brock White invited 101 of the 105 Steels employees to stay on, and all but one accepted the offer. “That rate of retention makes us very pleased,” says Fast. “A distribution company is nothing but

FALL 2012

its employees and their relationships with their customers and vendors. That so many former Steels employees chose to join Brock White ensures a very smooth transition for all partners.” Supplying materials to residential and commercial construction projects has always been center to both Steels and Brock White, says Fast, noting that the companies now have facilities in

some of the same cities including Burnaby, Calgary, Prince George and Edmonton. “Over the next year, we will work to combine those operations into single buildings. We will notify all our customers and vendors as these changes occur,” he adds. “For more than 50 years, Brock White has provided contractors with specialty construction materials from site preparation to complete building envelope solutions. Experienced sales representatives and deep inventories help ensure an excellent customer experience,” says Fast. “All of our locations either have vehicles on site to deliver materials to customers, or we work with local independent carriers to get product out in a timely fashion.” Brock White originally purchased Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon branches from Steels in the mid90’s as part of its entry into the Canadian market. The company expanded further into Canada through several acquisitions. With the purchase of Steels, Brock White now serves customers from Victoria, BC through Thunder Bay, Ontario. Brock White Company LLC is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota with Canadian operations based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more information, visit brockwhite.com. ■ ROOFING BC

Inspectors checking residential roof sites WorkSafeBC conducts safety blitz Through to November 3 of this year, WorkSafeBC is conducting a “Stay on Top” enforcement blitz aimed at single-family residential roofing. During this blitz, which started in June, WorkSafeBC prevention officers are conducting inspections on single-family detached, wood-frame construction work sites to ensure slope roofing and framing contractors are complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Workers Compensation Act. WorkSafeBC is conducting this enforcement blitz as part of its 2012 construction high-risk strategies, aimed at reducing serious injuries and death caused by falls from heights on construction sites, according to a WorkSafeBC bulletin. Employers visited will be expected to: • plan and supervise all work on site to prevent falls from heights (ladders, roofs, scaffolds, floor and roof openings, etc); • ensure workers are instructed and trained in fall protection; • ensure workers use fall protection; and that the equipment is inspected and maintained; and • provide safe access to all work locations (suitable ladders, stairways, work platforms, scaffolds, walkways and ramps). Notes WorkSafeBC, “Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injuries in the residential construction industry.” As of early October, WorkSafeBC officers had written up almost 900 violations as part of the enforcement action. For more information visit www2.worksafebc.com ■

Province claims role in new Atlas plant VICTORIA – The BC Jobs Plan played a key role in convincing Atlanta, Georgia-based Atlas Roofing Corporation to open its new $20 million manufacturing plant on Annacis Island, according to Jobs Minister Pat Bell. The new Atlas plant will create 35 jobs plus additional employment for seasonal employees. The plant will produce polyiso insulation board, which is used for roofing and walls in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In a news release, the province took credit for attracting the manufacturer to BC. “Atlas Roofing’s expansion into BC has been guided and facilitated by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and its International Trade and Investment Attraction division,” the release stated. “Ministry efforts focused on familiarizing the company’s executives with the advantages of setting up in BC, most notably BC’s large contingent of talented and highly skilled workers and access to Asian markets. “This comes at a time when we can look objectively at our plan and see that it is working, bringing new dollars into the province and creating jobs for British Columbians,” Bell said. Atlas suggests a strong Western Canada economy played a role in the decision to open its second Canadian plant in the Lower Mainland. “Reaching the Pacific Northwest with polyiso insulation products is an important priority for Atlas,” said Tom Rowe, Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Construction in Western Canada is trending upward at the moment and the Western US continues ROOFING BC

Taking part in the ribbon cutting at the Atlas plant’s grand opening are Ken Farrish, President of Atlas Roofing Corporation; Shandor Nikoras, plant manager; and the Honorable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business and member of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Skills Training.

The Atlas plant grand opening in October was well attended by members of the roofing industry.

steady expansion in commercial building. Both markets require energy-efficient building envelopes to meet increasing federal and local codes and standards. Helping architects, building owners, consultants, and contractors use our extensive polyiso product line to meet their needs is an exciting business opportunity for Atlas.” The new plant will meet demand for polyiso roof and wall insulation products in the region, according to Atlas. All of Atlas’ polyiso products are available through the new facility, which began shipments earlier this year. The new plant rounds out Atlas’ eight North American polyiso manufacturing locations and is the company’s 17th North American production facility. Atlas’ new BC polyiso manufacturing facility will

incorporate state of the art laminating and blowing agent technologies to produce a polyiso board with versatility and high Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) values, according to the company. “This new plant will produce the smoothest, flattest polyiso board products in the industry, using leading lamination processes,” Rowe said. The new Vancouver facility joins the existing Toronto location as the second Atlas polyiso plant in Canada. “Our new plant is an opportunity to cultivate new partnerships with building materials distributors, contractors, construction specifiers and building owners in the region, while providing even better service to our existing partners,” stated Ken Farrish, president of Atlas. ■ FALL 2012

LEGAL AFFAIRS

Is it difficult? This is not an easy process. A business is a complex bundle of assets and liabilities that cannot be transferred easily like, for example, a piece of land. How long does it take? 10 critical issues for Each case is different. Depending roofing company owners on what is involved, the minimum by Don Sihota amount of time is about one year. In my role as a lawyer, I help However, complex cases can take up business owners transition their to ten years. Business owners who businesses to new owners so they plan for business succession can set can move on to the next stage in their own agenda and timeline. their lives. For those unfamiliar with What options do business owners business succession planning and have? what it means, this article will help The common options are (1) in gaining an understanding of this transfer or sell to a third party; (2) complex topic. transfer to children; (3) transfer or What is business succession sell to management; or (4) simply planning? shut down and walk away. Within Business succession planning is these options, there are many the process of planning for the variations. It takes foresight and transfer of your business. This good planning with experienced becomes relevant when the advisors in order to design the plan founder(s) and owner(s) reach a that is right for you. stage where they would like to step Are there any alternatives to the back from long work hours and four business succession options? enjoy the benefits that the business While these four options have can provide. numerous variations, there is Why is it so important? another option that deserves special In the year 2000, 18 percent of attention. Many business owners business owners in BC were over don’t realize or take advantage of the age of 55. Ten years later, in the option called the “staged 2010, 31 percent of buyout”. The staged business owners buyout can allow the were over the age of business owner to 55. For most “run the business business owners, from the golf course” their business is while maintaining likely their biggest access to the income asset. In the next the business few years, many generates. In fact, in business owners are some cases the going to realize they business owner may have to deal with actually realize more how to transfer this money by asset. As we move implementing this Don Sihota into the future, there option than they will be more businesses to be would if they had simply sold the transferred (greater supply) and business outright! I discuss this fewer potential persons to transfer option in great detail in my the businesses to (less demand) – seminars. and this could mean falling values. Are children the natural The livelihood of the owners and successors to the business? their employees will depend on They certainly should be included whether the business owner makes in the process, but business owners a business succession plan. Failure must also consider the possibility to plan for the inevitable will impact that their children may not be the everyone. best people to run the business. An

Business succession

management, lost vitality, infighting owner’s objective is to use the or even litigation. Again, this is business to look after and provide clearly an unintended result but can for children and even grandchildren be the likely outcome of a plan that after they are gone. If a child is not did not consider all the issues interested or is not capable, it involved. Yet it makes no sense to doesn’t have to be install them as The staged buyout this way. There is a president. The can allow the better way where unintended business owner to proper resources are consequence of this “run the business brought to the table will be the from the golf course” to structure a destruction of the while maintaining business succession business and maybe access to the income plan that works. even the family unit! the business Only with a The result can be the generates. workable and exact opposite of the flexible business owner’s desired objective. I urge you to consider this succession plan will the business continue for generations after the point carefully because passing founder is gone. businesses to children is fraught with danger. As the business owner, What are the biggest mistakes business owners make regarding it is up to you to make sure the business succession? unintended consequence does not Failure to plan is right at the top happen. of the list of big mistakes. Another What can go wrong? mistake is not realizing how The ultimate result of a bad complex business succession business succession plan (or no planning can be. Failure to get plan) can be the destruction of the sophisticated professional advisors business, whether through poor

to help them in the process very early on, is another mistake. Business owners are adept at running their business, but not at business succession planning. Why don’t business owners plan for succession? Most business owners are controlled by what is urgent, not what is important. It may be trite to say but what is urgent may not be important, and what is important may not be urgent. Business succession planning is critically important, but it is not urgent. It is ignored until it becomes urgent – when a crisis arrives. You have too much at stake to let circumstances control your destiny. You must break free from what’s urgent and pay attention to what’s important. The survival of your business depends on it. ■ Don Sihota is a business lawyer with Vancouver firm Clark Wilson LLP where he assists owners of private businesses transition their businesses to children, employees, management or to unrelated third parties. He can be reached at (604) 643-3123 or dcs@cwilson.com.

FALL 2011

IN THIS I SSUE:

FEATURES:

THE VOICE OF PROFESS

IONAL ROOFING CONTRAC

TORS

Member profile: Olymp ic Roofing Ltd.

Former Olympic wrestler Dean DeHamel is turning his young company into an industry contender By Frank O’Brien

Port Coquitlam roofer Dean DeHamel came within a match of representing Canada at the Beijing Olympics in 2010, and the nationally ranked wrestler young now has a solid grip on the local roofing industry.

As founder and president of aptly named Olympic Roofing Ltd., and one of the latest members of the Roofing Contractors of BC, DeHamel believesAssociation he knows what it takes to build a winning company: hard work, talented crews and the experience to take on any contract. and guts

DeHamel, 34, started Roofing in 2001, shortly Olympic completing his RCABC after apprenticeship training with

Western Roofing Ltd. of Kamloops. “It all started as a summer job,” he recalls, with his first roofing job the expansion of Thompson River University, where he worked on both flat roofs and metal sheets. Recalls DeHamel: “I remember walking to school one morning in Kamloops with my nice clean clothes and I saw Western working on a warehouse Roofing with the tar kettle smoking and the workers on the roof with dust all over them.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABL E CANADIAN ADDRESSES

Vol. 8, No. 3 • FALL

Dean DeHamel of Olympic

2011

Member profile: Olympic Roofing ..........................1 LEED the new normal ............... 8 Nelson Roofing wins ASM awards ........................... ....12 Fall protection hierarchies....... 16 ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 Steep roofing partnership between RCABC, CITO............... Admiral saves boathouse....... 6 20 INDUSTRY NEWS: New roof walkway system....... 6 Roofing Expo booking .............. 6 BC’s Commercial outlook brightens.................................... .. Largest solar roof complete....109 Hurricane-proof nail................ 11 Steep slope better in high winds................ ..................11 New wood building guide.......11 BC Building Code delayed.......11 Firestone’s SA TPO and weatherproof vapour barrier membrane....... ..............14 Metro building permits up......15 WorkSafeBC gets creative ...... 18 Roofing BC coming online .....18 BC Housing aids building science programs ......................19 China’s Ghost Cities empty .... 21 RCI waterproofing seminar ... 21 CSC presents free fair ............. 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Postemployment restrictions ....... 22

Roofing

Award-winning ASM

I thought to myself, ‘man I would never want to do that job – it’s hot and dusty, glad I’m going today’, but only a couple to school later that’s right where of years I ended up, now I look back and just laugh. DeHamel started Olympic ” with an old Ford pickup and Skidoo trailer he borrowed from his dad. His first contract was installing shingles for Sears residential and he then moved onto commercial OLYMPIC continued

on page 4

Nelson Roofing takes ASM work to new heights. See page 12

Fall protection 101

First in a series. See

page 16

TO:

Roofing Contractor s Association of BC 9734 201 Street Langley, BC Canada V1M 3E8

Your official magazine, reaching key roofing professionals and specifiers throughout British Columbia Book your next ad now! 604-507-2162 Paddy@RoofingBC.ca 22

FALL 2012

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