Roofing BC Spring 2014 by RCABC

S PRI NG 2014 IN THIS ISSUE: FEATURES Soprema ‘test lab’ roof answers roof colour questions .....................1 Member profile: “Call one guy” – GRC Columbia................ 12

THE VOICE OF PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Vol. 11, No. 1 • SPRING 2014

ASSOCIATION President’s message..................... 3 Top Line acknowledged ............. 11 Stay On Top returns in June...... 14 Roofing BC marks 10 years ...... 16 INDUSTRY NEWS Architects planning challenging high-rise roofs ............................... 6 27 acre roof being designed ..... 10 Delta roof takes 2500 tons of rock ................................. 10 ‘V4’ LEED launched .................. 15 CASMA celebrates 25 years ...... 15 Project Shop Class kicks off....... 16 CGC partners with Enercorp...... 16 Green roof seminar planned...... 16 YVR outlet to get metal roof...... 17 Fraudulent roof claims up.......... 18 Construction outlook positive.... 18 BC capital spending cut ............. 18 BC joins Job Grant program ...... 19 Towers leading Metro permits .. 20 Canada Building Fund lauded... 20 Oakridge Centre expanding....... 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Employment contracts save legal woes ......... 22

The roof of the Soprema plant in Chilliwack was turned into a giant lab to test the energy performance of cap sheet colours and insulation. Photo: Soprema

“Call one guy” RCABC contractor member GRC Columbia ‘does it all’. See page 12

Black, white & insulation Chilliwack roof study tests insulation and answers a black and white question By Frank O’Brien

The roof of the Soprema plant in Chilliwack does more than cover one of BC’s largest roofing material manufacturers – it is also a large lab that may answer some hoary questions about energy performance. As the roof was being

constructed, RDH Building Engineering Ltd., Roxul and Soprema undertook a field monitoring study. SMT Research installed and monitored sensors and data-logging equipment. Building Science Labs provided the ASTM C518 material testing. The study was implemented to measure the impacts and benefits of membrane colour (white, grey and black) and insulation strategy on the performance of conventional roofing assemblies.

The finished roof, showing all three colours of cap sheet

The same roof membrane type – 2-ply SBS from Soprema – with three different surface granule colours was placed over three different conventional insulation strategies, creating a total of nine unique roofing assemblies (nine square in size) on the same

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building. The thicknesses of the different insulation products were varied to achieve approximately the same R-value for each of the roof assemblies. Sensors were installed to measure temperature, relative humidity, moisture content, and Insulation continued page 4

Stay On Top Steep slope roofing symposium returns in June. See page 14

From the President

“You guys in BC really know what you are doing!” During this year I have the honour and privilege of being president of both the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association. This is not a typical situation as these two associations have industry affiliations but run independently of each other. It is only by chance and unique timing that I assumed this role for 2014. The role of the CRCA is to be an advocate for the roofing industry across Canada. Every province in Canada has a roofing association that is affiliated with the CRCA. From their head office in Ottawa the association is heavily involved in the promotion of its member contractors at a national level. Roofing technical expertise is provided to government bodies and testing agencies throughout Canada. Technical staff participate in all facets of regulatory approvals such as the National Building Code, green roofing and wind uplift testing. CRCA just recently completed its 2014 national conference. It was held in conjunction with the (U.S.) National Roofing Contractors Association International Roofing

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Exposition in Las Vegas, so Canadian roofing contractors were afforded the opportunity to participate in training, seminars, and lectures at the highest level. In my role as president of CRCA I engage in conversation with individuals from other provinces and countries. The International Roofing Exposition brought in over ten thousand people from all over North America and the world, who are passionately involved in the roofing industry. The IRE is more than just a trade show for product manufacturers and suppliers. Roofing professionals issues and concerns within our are able to take in seminars on new industry in BC. We are also blessed with a really solid board of installation techniques, health and directors that includes veteran safety, business and professional contractors who work cooperatively development and risk management. and collectively on Whether you are a behalf of their peers to small operator or a fortify our position as large corporation the best roofing these conferences professionals in North provide information America. I can proudly and idea sharing that say this because of my is invaluable in extensive today’s competitive conversations with roofing market. others in the roofing My role as industry. A comment I president of RCABC is hear a lot is “you guys more involved and in BC really know what time consuming than Colin Rasmussen you are doing!” my position with Through our staff and fellow CRCA. Particularly taxing is the task member contractors the RCABC of policy setting and decision board of directors receives making for the betterment of our information about the roofing association in British Columbia. issues that affect our members, Fortunately we have excellent staff customers, employees and the at RCABC who are abreast of the

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public in BC. We are then able to make informed decisions on behalf of our stakeholders using the vast wisdom and knowledge of our fellow contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, technical staff and trade school educators. We work closely with WorkSafeBC, Industry Training Authority, BC Construction Safety Alliance and various other regulatory organizations to make sure that our members’ concerns are represented and RCABC contractors are fully compliant with construction rules and regulations. It is with great pleasure and excitement that RCABC has launched a progressive marketing and business development strategy. We have created new marketing tools that reinforce the value of our own RoofStar Guarantee, our education programs and the quality and integrity of our member

contractors and Associate Member product suppliers. Our new Director of Business Development, Judy Slutsky, has been extremely busy engaging owners, design authorities (architects, engineers, consultants) and contractors to gain insight into their perception of the value proposition of RCABC and RoofStar. Judy brings a tremendous “listen first” perspective to her business approach. Her vitality and enthusiasm for getting answers and results will lead us down a path where the RCABC RoofStar Guarantee is always the preferred roofing warranty in British Columbia. Our business development model is enhanced by the years of quality installations by RCABC companies. The assurance of a roof being installed with quality and integrity by one of our member companies, and backed by the industry’s best third party warranty should be an easy decision for a building owner. I expect that if you have been on Judy’s visitation list to date you came away with a sense of eagerness to explore the avenues of our programs. If you have not had a visit or a phone call yet please be ready for an informed and vibrant presentation on the values of the RCABC. Colin Rasmussen, President, Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia ■

Insulation cont’d from page 1

heat flux at various points within each of the roof assemblies. Displacement sensors were also installed to measure the dimensional stability of the insulation. In addition, webcam photos were used to study the impact of night sky cooling, wetting and frost, and other differences between the assemblies. To complement the field investigation of this study, the effective R-values of the insulation products were measured in the laboratory following ASTM C518 protocols.

• Grey: SRI 9, reflectance 0.14, emittance 0.85; and • Black: SRI -4, reflectance 0.04, emittance 0.85. The early findings on colour performance, after 10 months of the field study, were as expected. “No major surprises,” Dell told Roofing BC. “Our energy modeling confirms that the use of a white roof in Metro Vancouver’s climatic zone does not result in energy savings, even if the building is air conditioned.”

Insulation performance To test insulation, the different roof assembles were Colour findings “no surprise” insulated with three materials: 3.5 inches rigid The use of different coloured granules echoed the use of polyisocyanurate (polyiso, R-21.5); 5.75 inches semi-rigid light coloured roofing materials that are stone wool (R-21.4); and a hybrid using common in southern U.S. latitudes where 2.5 inches of stone wool and 2 inches of “The use of a white roof in required by energy code (ASHRAE 90.1) rigid polyiso (R-21.3). Metro Vancouver’s climatic and with LEED projects and some other In this hybrid system, the stone wool is zone does not result in energy-rating programs, regardless of used on top of the polyiso which keeps energy savings, even if the geography. In heating dominant climates building is air conditioned.” the lower polyiso layer within a tighter (most of Canada and large parts of the temperature range close to the interior U.S.), however, a dark coloured roof is generally more energytemperature. This also results in conditions that optimize the efficient because heat absorbed by the roof actually reduces apparent R-value of the polyiso insulation, Dell’s report noted. the overall building energy use. The heat flow and temperature field measurements showed The Soprema cap sheet membranes installed were: a difference in behaviour between the polyiso, stone wool, and • White reflective: SRI 70, reflectance 0.58, emittance 0.91; hybrid insulation strategies. Stone wool has a heat capacity

Homan Roofing crew adhering the first layer of Roxul DD Plus to Sopravap’r. Below: adhering the second layer of Roxul DD plus to the first layer. Each zone has sensors built in at every different layer, from the underside of the deck to the underside of the membrane. The sensors are all linked to a central computer for monitoring. Photos: Soprema

Insulation and cap sheet layout: nine unique roof test areas, each 40’x40’ and each behaving independently, with similar indoor conditions and building use

approximately 3.4 times higher than polyiso for the same design R-value. “[The] higher heat capacity of the stone wool insulation reduces the peak membrane temperature, which is positive to the longevity of the membrane; and reduces the peak interior temperature, which is typically a positive for the occupants,” Dell noted. It was found that water vapour moves within the stone wool insulation more readily than the polyiso insulation, resulting in accumulation at different interfaces during periods of high and low temperature. This means that with stone wool insulation there is the potential for more water vapour

Impact of insulation strategy and temperature on R-value SPRING 2014

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 is 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 Contributing Writers Colin Rasmussen, Robert Smithson Circulation RCABC reception Phone: 604-882-9734 E-mail: roofing@rcabc.org

redistribution with the roof system in the event of a leak. Based on projected annual energy consumption, the best performance (of just over 40 kilowatt hours per square metre) was the roof using a dark cap sheet and stone wool insulation, with the hybrid insulation under a dark cap sheet a close second. The worst energy performance (at more than 46 kWh per square metre) was the white roof insulated with rigid polyiso. The black roof performed better than the grey or white roofs, regardless of which insulation was used. However, black coloured granules on the cap sheet result in high surface temperatures which will slightly increase the rate of deterioration of the cap sheet. Therefore, Dell suggests the use of grey coloured cap sheets for

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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

The best energy performance was the test roof using a dark cap sheet and Roxul stone wool insulation, with the polyiso and stone wool hybrid insulation under a dark cap a close second.

the best combination of energy use and membrane longevity. The study will continue for the next two years. The findings will be used to “calibrate energy

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models to extrapolate the findings to other climate zones,” Dell told a RCI symposium last fall in Minnesota, where he presented results of the first 10 months of testing. ■

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

The 22-storey Telus Garden complex in downtown Vancouver will feature 10,000 square feet of patios, gardens and green space with two accessible “elevated forests.” Photo: BOMA/BC

Up on roofs If you think high-rise roofs are challenging now, look at what BC architects are planning Roofing a high-rise building can be a demanding job: cranes, elevators, winds and safety are among the heightened challenges when you get past 20 floors or more. Yet, judging from towering new projects now trending from downtown Vancouver to central Surrey, architects plan on making rooftops the most comprehensive,

complicated and demanding roof contracts in the province. In Surrey, to cap the 50-storey 3 Civic Plaza hotel and condo project, Cotter Architects is turning the roof into a commercial business that will offer conference and meeting spaces amidst rooftop vegetable gardens and water features. “This urban oasis will be available to everyone for events, parties and gettogethers,” notes a statement from Century Group, which is building the tower with Surrey City Developments. At 745 Thurlow in downtown Vancouver, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership has planned two green

roof spaces into the 24-storey office tower. This includes a rooftop terrace extending around the west, south and east sides of the building, accessible to tenants from the third floor. As well, a roof top amenity area will include an outdoor patio with seating, lounge and entertainment areas with a gas fire pit and barbeque. The Broadway Tech Centre business complex in East Vancouver already has a 270,000-square-foot roof planted with trees, shrubs, perennials and grass. The roof also boasts a sports field – a first in Canada – café patios and tree-lined walkways. Back in Vancouver, Telus Garden, a 500,000-square-foot office and

The roof of the 50-storey 3 Civic Plaza in Surrey will offer 5,200 square feet of conference and meeting spaces amidst fullyaccessible rooftop gardens and water features. Photo: Cotter Architects

residential complex is set for completion early in 2015. Its 24storey tower will be topped by 10,000 square feet of patios and green roofs that will include organic gardens to supply local restaurants. There will also be two “elevated

forests” for employee use. The message to roofing contractors bidding on high-rise work: get up to speed with the latest in wind performance data, waterproof technology and green roof designs. ■

A new 24-storey tower at 745 Thurlow is cued for a rooftop terrace extending around three sides of the building – and a separate roof top entertainment area with patios, complete with a gas fire pit and barbeque. Photo: Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership

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BP offers custom shingles for Western Canada roofing market

Building Products of Canada Corp. (BP), which has been a premier supplier of roofing products for more than 100 years, has developed a residential architectural roofing shingle specifically designed for the Western Canada market. “It relates to BC’s unique weather,” explained Robert Caron, BP vice-president of sales and marketing. “BP’s Mystique 42 architectural shingle is now being made with an elastomeric modified asphalt (EMA) to make it more flexible, more resistant, and to assure exceptional durability under the worst weather conditions,” added Caron. Covered by a lifetime warranty and offered in 16 stunning colours that are characteristic of BP’s entire collection of shingles, Mystique’s performance has been increased to superior levels with the combination of EMA construction and hurricaneresistant Weather-Tite™ technology. Innovation Caron points out that the truly big news here is that now, all architectural shingles in the BP collection for Western Canada, including the Mystique 42 and Manoir, incorporate the

breakthrough technological tag team of Weather-Tite™ technology and elastomeric modified asphalt construction. “Roofer response has literally been through the roof. They realize that when they combine the enhanced wind and water protection afforded by WeatherTite™, with our switch to EMA based shingles, and the fact that we’re the only ones marketing 42” shingles, they get to work with a dream shingle that’s got it all from a roofer’s point of view, and the peace of mind they get to promise their homeowner customers.” Efficiency Last year, BP started making many of its architectural shingles 42 inches wide; larger than the standard shingles currently on the market. “The feedback from contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners was immediate approval,” Caron said. “Every roofing job became easier, faster and less costly because the larger size meant fewer shingles to install, fewer nails to buy and fewer bundles to manipulate.” Selection There are many different kinds of homes across this country, and BP has a shingle style and colour to enhance every home’s curb appeal, while preserving its growing value.

The company even offers an online tool to help homeowners and contractors select the perfect match for any home’s style. “Advances in roofing technology have made our products the number one choice for residential contractors,” said Caron. “Their reasons for choosing BP can be summarized in three words: SOLID reliability, SEALANT efficiency and selection.” BAND Guarantee With roots going back more than a century, top quality products and a commitment to innovation through expertise and technology, every roofing job benefits with BP. For homeowners, the peace of mind comes from knowing they are fully PATTERNED protected from SEALANT nature’s worst BAND weather. For contractors, the peace of mind comes from working with the best products backed by BP’s solid warranty. For more information contact Building Products of Canada at 1-800-661-2726 or visit www.bpcan.com.

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Tsawwassen Mills in South Delta, by Ivanhoé Cambridge will need a 1.2 million-squarefoot roof. That is more than 27 acres. Photo: Ivanhoé Cambridge

Bids being developed for BC’s biggest roof Roofing designs are being considered for a near 28-acre monolithic roof for the giant Tsawwassen Mills retail project in South Delta. The complex will also include an adjacent “open concept” shopping centre of 500,000 square feet that is being built by Property Development Group. But it is Ivanhoé Cambridge’s Tsawwassen Mills that will provide perhaps the biggest roofing contract in the province this year. All under one roof, the mall will cover 27.5 acres, or 1.2 million square feet. The question is: what type of roof will be chosen? For its CrossIron Mills mall in Calgary, which Tsawwassen Mills is modeled after, Ivanhoé Cambridge selected a white TPO roof that covered about 32 acres. At CrossIron, the 1.4 million square foot roof is also equipped with a water catchment system that feeds three giant cisterns buried under the parking lots. Such a system is not expected to be required in much wetter BC. Because of its size and near-oceanfront location, the Tsawwassen Mills roof will likely be mechanically attached, not ballasted. The design work for Tsawwassen Mills is by Stantec Architecture Inc., while Matcon Civil Constructors Inc. did the site work. Completion of construction is estimated for spring 2016. ■

Dayhu Group’s Boundary Bay Industrial Park. Photos: Continental Roofing, Dayhu Group

Delta roof took 2,500 tons of rock DELTA – The largest industrial construction project in Metro Vancouver – the warehouse portion is as big as seven football fields – required a massive roof installed by Continental Roofing of Richmond, a long-time RCABC member. The 47-acre Dayhu Group’s Boundary Bay Industrial Park was opened in February, featuring spaces of up to 900,000 square feet with 156 loading docks. Continental’s crews had the elements on their side throughout the course of the project. “We loaded late November, started work early December and finished the roofing membrane at the end of January,” said Operations Manager Will Foulkes. “We were lucky to have the dry winter weather we had in December and January, although the wind was a constant issue,” he added. “We had a crew of 12 to 16 most days we were installing the membrane,” says Foulkes. The details, canopy roofs and sheet metal were installed in February, completing the project before heavy snowfall struck the area. The roof was the largest new construction project in Continental’s history, although Foulkes modestly describes it as “relatively straightforward” and just a matter of co-ordinating cranes (Phoenix Truck & Crane), materials (Proline Construction Materials), rock (Hans Group) and Continental’s own labour force. The roof is Firestone 0.45ml EPDM membrane ballasted with 2,500 tons of 1.5-inch river rock. The roof is finished with 24-gauge sheet metal counter flashing, according to Foulkes. ■

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There are consequences to choosing badly. However, saying yes to the RoofStar RoofStar Guarantee Guarantee means peace of mind knowing your investment is backed by the best in the industry. You’ll access the best materials, the most reliable contractors & installers—and you’ll have an independent, 3rd party inspector on your team: someone who will monitor the installation process and work on your behalf to ensure things are done right from square one. So when the thunder rolls in, you can count on RCABC to protect you from the storm. RRoofing: oofing: IIt’s t ’s w what h at w wee ddo. o.

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VICTORIA – A cover article in Roofing BC magazine’s winter issue profiling roof construction for the new Cowichan campus of the University of Vancouver Island failed to credit Top Line Roofing Ltd. for their work on the award-winning project. James Wilson, a partner in Top Line, added that extra credit for the project, which includes an extensive green roof, should go to Top Line’s project manager Art Foisey. Roofing BC apologizes for the error and for any confusion it may have caused. ■

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“Call one guy”

Troy Johnston (L), vice-president, and Glenn Bollman: GRC runs a fleet of14 trucks, including two lift trucks, as far north as Prince George and the northwest coast.

Profile GRC Columbia roofing prides itself on handling every aspect of a roofing contract By Frank O’Brien

GRC Columbia Roofing Inc. of Langley, formed in 2009 with the merger of a veteran roofing contracting company and Columbia Waterproofing Ltd., is now a multitiered contractor entrusted with major public and private-sector construction projects across the Lower Mainland and beyond. Kim Wozny, former owner of Columbia Waterproofing, is now the General Manager of the topflight roofing firm. An example of the company’s diverse services – and blue-chip reputation – is its work on the giant Mercedes-Benz flagship dealership arising on Vancouver’s Terminal Avenue. “We did a combination of waterproofing, roofing, architectural panels, metal siding and some metal roofing on the Mercedes project,” said GRC vice-president Troy Johnston, adding the 165,000-square-foot building required 600 squares metal panels and 400 squares of rooftop waterproofing. Roofing BC met with Johnston and GRC president Glenn Bollman at one of their latest contracts: the new Yorkson Creek Middle School in Langley where GRC crews were installing 3,500 metal soffit/wall panels around the roof perimeter. “We custom built these panels” said Bollman, “and proposed them for this project.” 12

GRC tradesmen Mac Johnston and Jeff Gould (foreground) install custom-made panels on a Langley school. More than 3,000 were installed in this project. Photos: Roofing BC

Glenn Bollman and Mac Johnston of GRC Columbia Roofing Inc. with metal panels made in GRC’s 4,000-square foot metal shop.

The 22-guage insulated panels, some 10 feet long, were fabricated at GRC’s 4,000-square-foot metal shop, part of its five-acre headquarters. “We do it all,” said Bollman as he sat down for an interview in his Langley office. The company, he explained, provides waterproofing, re-roofing, cedar asphalt conversions, shingles and torch-on roofing, metal roof installations, metal siding and composite panels for residential and commercial projects across the Lower

Mainland. Its crews have worked as far north as Haida Gwaii and Prince George and they recently roofed a school on the Sunshine Coast, but most of the company’s contracts are concentrated in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. The flexibility of GRC’s crews – the company can field up to 70 tradespeople – is something Bollman, a lifelong roofer, is proud of. “We have people who know SPRING 2014

waterproofing, architectural metal Capacity to do it all and any kind of roofing installation,” After nearly 40 years in the he said. business, Bollman believes a key An example of this flexibility is the strength of a roofing contracting company’s work on the solarcompany is the capacity to handle an powered, 65,000-square-foot RCMP entire job. Municipal Detachment “We can bid the building in Prince George, “A client should waterproofing, the cladding, where GRC applied be able to call the exterior wall systems as composite panels, just one guy. We well as the roofing; this is corrugated cladding and are that guy” especially important in new Prodema phenolic panels construction. A client should – plywood cores impregnated with be able to call just one guy,” Bollman thermosetting phenolic resins and said, “We are that guy.” capped with a wood veneer – to the There are many advantages to demanding LEED Gold project. handling the entire package, he said, Diverse skills are a large part of including the ability to keep a project GRC’s success, said Bollman who moving forward rather than waiting scrambled onto his first roof as the for a separate contractor to finish up. nine-year old son of roofing legend It also helps avoid potential costly Carl Bollman, one of the founders of surprises, such as a waterproof the Roofing Contractors’ Association membrane being damaged by of BC. another contractor. ROOFING BC

The new 165,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz dealership in Vancouver is among recent large GRC roofing and siding contracts. Photo: GRC Columbia Roofing Inc.

“We can deliver a more sound system when we are on site from the beginning,” he said. Having a single contractor handling multiple aspects also gives owners an advantage in today’s complicated and regulation-heavy construction environment, he explained.

LEED gold RCMP building in Prince George called on the diverse skills of GRC crews

Membership has its privileges Resolving conflicts between designers and contractors is one of the many good reasons to be a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC, Bollman said. If there is a debate on a specific detail on a roofing contract, he explained, the RCABC has all the information needed for a contractor member to make their case. “The RCABC can advise design authorities how it should be done to meet RoofStar Guarantee standards. We have that backing,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the RCABC, I don't know what kind of a world we’d be living in, because there are so many systems and details that simply won't work.” GRC (it stands for Glenn’s Roof Care) also relies on RCABC for its training programs. Bollman and Johnston both have sons who have attended the RCABC training centre in Langley and GRC prides itself on having staff trained in a variety of disciplines. “There is not enough skilled labour today so we want to make sure that our crews and our company can keep on working, no matter what the job calls for,” Bollman said. ■ ROOFING BC

SPRING 2014

Stay On Top, March 2012: Darren Hawryluk, Capital Safety’s Territory Sales Manager for BC, conducted drop test demonstrations for a captive audience. Hawryluk suspended a volunteer in a mock fall arrest situation to illustrate how quickly a harness can restrict blood flow, hence the necessity for quick action on the part of rescuers.

Stay On Top, March 2012: Safety specialist Joe Wall of Hazmasters demonstrates the use of lifelines on a roof.

Stay on Top returns Steep slope roofing symposium slated for June in Victoria WorkSafeBC in association with RCABC and BCCSA has announced plans for its second ‘Stay on Top’,

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one-day steep slope roofing symposium designed to deliver indepth safety education for people in all aspects of steep slope roofing. Although appropriate for any sector of the construction industry, the event is geared towards anyone who works in the steep slope roofing industry

as a roofer, supervisor, employer, contractor, estimator, consultant/inspector or supplier. The first ‘Stay on Top’ was held on March 28, 2012 at the RCABC’s training facility in Langley. The event, co-hosted by WorkSafeBC, RCABC and BCCSA, drew so many people that registration had to be cut off a week beforehand. The symposium will be divided into three sessions: • Responsibilities in the roofing industry – designed to illustrate that people at each level of an organization are involved and must do their part to ensure

For inquiries contact: Michael Stewart 604-833-9043 9043 michael.stewart wartt@roofmart.ca t@ fmart.ca

that a work site is safe for everyone who may enter it; • Fall protection planning and procedures – designed to assist employers, contractors and subcontractors in planning their fall protection needs for each project they work on. This session will walk participants through planning, including fall prevention methods and the use of fall protection equipment. Participants will receive tools and resources including forms, checklists, and other information to assist with fall protection planning and procedures; and

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• Practical sessions – sessions will show what WorkSafeBC officers look for on-site (including work being performed by estimators, roofers and roof consultants), allow for discussion of fall protection equipment options, and demonstrate equipment inspections. The 2014 Stay On Top symposium will be held June 10th at Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road in Victoria. Registration starts at 7:00am, with the scheduled sessions running from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The fee of $30.00 per person includes lunch. Stay on Top is a partnership between WorkSafeBC, the RCABC and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. Register online at www.bccsa.ca/roofingsymposium. For more information email steepsloperoof@worksafebc.com. ■

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New “V4” LEED includes waste points

CASMA celebrates 25 years OTTAWA – The Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association (CASMA) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Since 1989, it “has worked to ensure that the industry, its customers and homeowners were well served and properly protected. CASMA acts as an industry watchdog, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of manufacturing, distribution and installation,” according to a CASMA release. Over the years, CASMA members have witnessed dramatic changes in the competitive landscape, in the way shingles are sold, in manufacturing technologies, and in the evolution of shingle design. In a volatile economic and competitive environment, the association has been ever vigilant, safeguarding the interests of its constituents. For more information on CASMA, on the Canadian shingle industry and for technical information on shingle roofing, visit http://www.casma.ca. ■

Version 4 or “V4” of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has been launched by the U.S. Green Building Council and it has a fresh focus on waste management. V4 is a result of five years of development and 22,000 public comments, according to the Council. Nearly 90 percent of Council members voted in favour of the new standards. An estimated 100 projects around the world have registered for V4 certification. There are 20 large LEED projects complete in BC and at least two dozen under construction. The Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre are among the biggest. Building owners and developers have until June 1, 2015 to register under the V4 banner. In V4, several LEED categories have been “re-weighted” and nearly all the forms, documentation, website and reference guide have new information and a new look. Some aspects of LEED have been simplified, such as the LEED recertification, which under V4 requires only submission of performance data. LEED V4 also more finely classifies structures and adds standards for data centers, warehouse and distribution centers, hospitality properties, existing schools, The Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre is BC’s landmark LEED building. Photo: VTCC existing retail, and four- to six-storey residential projects. It introduces a new rating system for neighbourhood development and asks for planning and metering of energy and water use. Another area of V4 demands information on waste management and how much demolition materials have been diverted from landfills, as well as how waste will be handled in a building. ■

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Roofing BC magazine celebrates 10 years Anniversary issue plans underway The summer issue of Roofing BC will mark 10 years since its first edition was printed, and the publishing team is planning a special celebratory feature in honour of the occasion. Publisher Michael Siddall will reflect on the history of the magazine while editor Frank O’Brien works with the RCABC to track down former apprentices for the anniversary report. Also included in the feature will be a two-page spread in recognition of the advertisers whose support has made it possible to publish the magazine. Visit RoofingBC.ca for information about the magazine or to contact the publishers. ■

FALL 2012

IN THIS ISSU E:

THE VOICE OF PROFESSIONAL

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Vol. 9, No. 3 • FALL 2012

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

Asphalt Gals remove used shingles from a jobsite.

Gals Recycling Limited which complete their jobs in half handles site preparation and the time. As a social enterprise, Asphalt cleanAsphalt Gals cleans up tear-off ” up on re-roofing projects. Gals is a for-profit business and sends the material to that Roofers can focus on roofing recycling supports the charitable work rather than landfill. It handles of “Essentially, we help roofing all EFry. In addition to benefitting aspects of off-roof site clean-up companies keep their skilled roofers and the environment roofers from protecting , landscaping and on the roof instead of dividing Asphalt Gals was created their laying tarps, to supplying to provide time between roofing and bins as training site and employment to EFry’s required, to site clean-up maintenance,” explains Shawn that clients: women who have includes removing nails and struggled Bayes, executive director other with of EFry. difficult lives that often include debris. Crews are set up to “Companies who have used manage homelessness, conflict with our all types of tear-off from the services tell us it enables asphalt to criminal justice system or them to cedar conversions. addiction. ASPHALT GALS continued

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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 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..1 1 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

page 4

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

NO. 40014608

CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

WI NTER 2012-13

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

THE VOICE OF PROFESSIONAL

IN THIS ISSU E:

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Vol. 9, No. 4 • WINTER 2012-13

Artist rendering from W.T. Leung Architects shows the fifth-floor plaza at Quintet in Richmond. The waterproofed plaza features ponds, waterfalls and plantings on top of a rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane. Photo: W.T. Leung Architects Inc.

Wet and waterproof Quintet complex in Richmond stretches waterproofing challenge By Frank O’Brien

The giant $165 million Quintet project in Richmond, by Canada Sunrise Corporation and being built under the direction of Ledcor Construction, has proved a

challenge for roofing contractor Pacific Waterproofing Ltd. of Burnaby. Quintet will be comprised of five towers and townhomes in downtown Richmond on the Skytrain line. It will also be the future home of Trinity Western University (a private university) and a new 30,000 square foot City of PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT RETURN UNDELIVERABLE

Richmond Community Centre. The primarily residential development has proved a huge hit with buyers. The first phase, with 295 units and to be completed in 2013, sold out in just two weeks. Some people camped out for two days as they waited to purchase what some see as Richmond’s premier residential development .

FEATURES: Quintet: wet and waterproof ....1 Profile: Pacific Waterproofin g.. 8 Roofing and the new BC Building Code ..................... 11 Architectural metal “bulb seam” roofing .................12 HST switching back to PST .....17 ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 RCABC AGM report ................... 5 Prompt payment lobby............. 7 Training programs require changes........................ 10 INDUSTRY NEWS: Safety blitz may repeat........... .. 5 Waterproofing: more than the membrane ....................... ..... 6 Underlayment UV warranty doubles ....................... 9 Outlook 2013 ....................... ... 14 VRCA Awards of Excellence ....15 Vancouver’s green plan .......... 16 BC’s Energy Efficiency Building Strategy.......................16 Green roof demand on rise.....16 Roof moved in one piece ........18 Building permits ramp up.......18 Construction trade shows: Expo, RCI, Buildex ................... 19 Tower design wins award ...... 20 Roofing nailers recalled ......... 20 Copper price rise forecast...... 20 Shop yards worth money........2 1 NRCA repair manual out ...... 21 CRCA releases spec manual .. 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Computers at work – and privacy ................. 22

ASM ‘bulb seam’ roofing

Gaining popularity in Canada See page 12 Construction of the first phase, which represents two of the projected five 14-16 storey towers, began in April 2011. The second phase of three additional buildings is planned for completion in 2015. The total square footage of the entire complex is 762,000 square feet. QUINTET continued page

Trade shows on horizon

February and March offer up three events. See page 19

NO. 40014608

CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

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

Green roof technologies examined Janet Holder made a “significant contribution” to Project Shop Class on behalf of the Northern Gateway Project. Photo: Construction Foundation of BC

Project Shop Class kicks off with $294,000 VANCOUVER – The Construction Foundation of BC, whose members represent the construction, automotive and resource sectors, has raised nearly $300,000 towards high school trades training. The Project Shop Class launch dinner in January was hosted by the BC Construction Association (BCCA) to name schools that would receive funding. Out of 115 schools, the Foundation had planned to select up to 10 schools to support. However, BCCA president Manley McLachlan surprised the audience by revealing that the Foundation had decided not to turn any school away; Project Shop Class has accepted all 115 schools that had applied and will work to find donors to help every school. In total schools are seeking close to $9 million in financial support. “In looking through the applications it became clear that every school was committed, had a true need, and deserved to receive support,” said McLachlan. “And we certainly know the demand is there in the sector for more skilled tradespeople. The Project Shop Class website enables anyone in the province to support any school for any amount. Tonight, we’re thrilled to see industry step up in such a big way to get the campaign started.” The most significant contribution of the evening came from Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project. ■

InterCoast Building Solutions has announced Big Ideas In Living Architecture, a full day seminar about green living roofs and gardens. Presentations will examine sustainable architectural design using advanced building envelope technologies, including a focus on green roofs. Hosted by InterCoast’s John Riley, Big Ideas In Living Architecture will address the key design issues associated with sustainable buildings. The event is primarily geared toward architects, engineers, building owners, LEED AP professionals and building designers. The keynote speaker is Paul Kephart, president of Rana Creek, an ecological design firm specializing in environmental planning, landscape architecture, habitat restoration and native plant propagation. Other scheduled speakers include Richard Hayden and Bruce Duncan of American Hydrotech, Marjoline Auger of Hydrotech Membrane Corp, Randy Sharp of Sharp & Diamond, Oscar Warmerdam of SemperGreen International and Les Yard, Technical Sales Representative for Dow Building Solutions. The seminars are being held at two locations – Monday April 14th at the Holiday Inn, 4206 Macleod Trail S.E. in Calgary; and in Vancouver on Tuesday April 15th at the Empire Landmark Hotel, 1600 Robson Street. For more information or to register visit www.icbuildingsolutions.com. ■

CGC announces partnership with Enercorp MISSISSAUGA, ON – CGC Inc. has announced that the company has entered into an agreement with Enercorp Inc. to accelerate the growth of its building envelope and select performance panels products in Canada. Enercorp Inc. now represents CGC Inc. in the Architectural & Design segment and is responsible for securing specifications and supporting the sales of a number of 16

Securock® and Sheetrock® Brand products. Enercorp Inc. is the leading sales, specification and technical agency in the roofing segment throughout Canada. Based out of Toronto Ontario, the company has ten representatives nationwide providing representation and support at the owner, architect, consultant, distributor and contractor levels.

“This partnership with Enercorp is aligned with CGC's strategy to grow and specify our building envelope product offerings. The business relationship combines CGC’s manufacturing capabilities, quality and customer service with Enercorp market knowledge and specification expertise,” said Mark Hemphill, CGC Director, Industrial Products and Specialty Substrates. CGC Inc. is a leading marketer, SPRING 2014

manufacturer and distributor of gypsum panels, joint compound, related gypsum products, ceiling tile and grid in Canada. Since 1993 Enercorp has been providing a full range of services to building products manufacturers, including representation at the architectural and consultant level, marketing support, field review assistance, and technical support. Its staff of professionals are well

situated to cover every region of the country. Enercorp is an active member on Industry technical and education committees across Canada including: CSC, RCI, SWAO, CRCA, QMRA, RCABC, ARCA, OIRCA and others. For more information, visit www.enercorp.ca. The Enercorp representatives for BC are Len Coughlin (leonardc@enercorp.ca) and Todd Gerrard (toddg@enercorp.ca). ■ ROOFING BC

Standing-seam metal roof will top new outlet mall. Photo: McArthurGlen Group

YVR outlet mall sports metal roof RICHMOND – Construction has started on the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport, which will sit on a 30-acre parcel of Vancouver International Airport land close to the Templeton Canada Line Skytrain station in Richmond. The first phase, scheduled to open with 100 stores in

spring 2015, will be made up of 11 two-storey structures in an open-air village setting. It will cover 220,500 square feet of retail space, with 125,000 square feet added for phase two of the project. The mall includes a standing-seam steep-slope metal roof

on the main two buildings. Strabag Inc. is the general contractor for the project, and the design is by Stantec Architecture Ltd. Stantec Consulting Ltd. is the consulting engineer. The centre is expected to open by spring 2015. ■

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This is what real hail damage often looks like. Faked hail damage can leave linear marks that are deeper than real hail. Photo: National Insurance Crime Bureau

“Fabricated” roof damage is fraud While not as prevalent in British Columbia as in parts of the United States, RCI warns that fabricated roof damage – to cash in on insurance or warranties – is becoming more common. The U.S. National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that there has been a 407 percent increase in hail damage claims since 2008, a figure the Bureau calls “fishy.” In some cases it is fraud, according to roofing consultant and Fellow of RCI, Lyle Horgan who has been called in to investigate suspicious hail damage claims. In a report in RCI’s Interface magazine, Horgan said investigative tools include checking neighbourhood damage, weather and wind reports and having knowledge of the type of marks that hail inflicts on a roof. “Ice particles, regardless of size, will not pulverize [rooftop] mineral granules,” he notes. A hammer or a rock in a sock – tools often used by fraudsters – often will. Some fraudsters are “dime spinners”, scratching a coin into a roof to simulate hail damage.

A key clue is peripheral damage. Horgan looks at neighbouring homes, gardens, fences, utility boxes and other structures. If they did not suffer hail hits, it is unlikely the claimant’s building did either. Also, hail damage leaves random scars on the roof, while fake damage will often be done in a linear fashion. Fake wind damage claims are also a cause of concern. Clues to a fraudulent claim include highly irregular tear lines and lightweight debris remaining on the roof that is said to have faced high winds. As Horgan explains, “Ordinary wind damage will involve torn, creased or folded tabs or even the loss of entire courses. Linear creasing at the top of tab exposure represents legitimate compromise to a shingle roof; folding and creasing elsewhere on the tab exposure is a dubious occurrence.” Also, hail and windstorms travel in certain directions. It is unlikely that the west side of a property would have hail damage if the storm traveled in an east to west direction, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. ■

Analysts bullish in construction outlook OTTAWA – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is predicting that construction spending will top $300 billion this year, up from $284 billion in 2013. Michael Atkinson, president of the Ottawa-based CCA, noted that the value of construction in Canada has more than doubled over the past decade. New federal government infrastructure spending should boost institutional work in 2014 and residential construction should remain stable, the CCA suggests Growth in non-residential construction will moderate, according to the Construction Sector Council (CSC). “Slower growth is projected for the 2014– 2021 scenario period and growth is spread out over a high plateau of gradual employment gains. Growth accumulates to 44,000 new jobs across the scenario to 2021.” “[BC] stands out among all the provinces for strong employment growth through the recession and across the scenario period, with employment up by 16 percent from 2009 to 2021,” according to a CSC forecast. BC non-residential work is increasingly concentrated in utility and mining projects in the north. Residential activity should continue to grow to 2017, the forecast suggests. ■

BC Deputy Premier Rich Coleman: budget balanced but cuts coming in institutional construction spending. Photo: BC Government

BC Budget cuts capital spending

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SPRING 2014

VANCOUVER – Schools, hospitals and other government construction projects have been important to the roofing industry over the past few years, but such spending will slow into 2015. Speaking at the Buildex Vancouver conference a week after the BC Budget was released, Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas, noted that BC could be the only province to present a balanced budget this year. He also told the construction audience that capital spending for 2014-2015 will increase to $6.62 billion, compared to $5.96 billion in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. However, budget papers show that total capital spending is

forecast to decline to $5.79 billion in 2015-16 and $5.29 in 2016-17. This represents a drop in capital spending compared to 2011-12 ($7.14 billion), 2010-11 ($8.1 billion) and 2009-10 ($7.2 billion). Government infrastructure spending on hospitals, schools, post secondary facilities, transit and roads will total $11 billion over the next three years. BC Hydro spending on electrical generation, transmission and distribution projects is estimated to be about $6 billion in the same time period. Budget 2014 includes $2.3 billion in capital spending over the next three years by post secondary institutions, which includes renovation projects. ■ ROOFING BC

BC roofers and other construction firms will share in the new Canada Job Grant: $15,000 per worker in training costs is covered.

BC signs on to Canada Job Grant VICTORIA – The BC government has signed on to the federal Canada Job Grant, a program aimed at increasing the supply of construction tradespeople over the next 10 years. BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond and Federal Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney signed an agreement in principle for the Canada Job Grant on March 11. “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached between Minister Bond and Minister Kenney,” said Paul de Jong, president of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). The program is designed to encourage greater employer participation in skills training decisions and ensure that training is better aligned with job opportunities, particularly in sectors facing skills mismatches and labour shortages. “We know the province has questions about how this program will be implemented,” said de Jong. “So, we would like to work with

them to ensure the employers are able to provide the necessary input, which will allow the right workers to get the right jobs.” The Canada Job Grant will provide up to $15,000 per person for training costs, including tuition and training materials. This includes up to $10,000 in federal contributions. Bond and de Jong said there is a skilled labour shortage in BC and the problem will increase as LNG projects are developed. BC construction employment is expected to grow by more than 15,800 workers between 2014 and 2023. Over the same period, replacement demand due to retirements will require about 34,000. New entrants from the younger population are estimated at more than 23,700. On balance, the BC construction industry will need to recruit more than 26,100 workers from outside the local market. The National Energy Board has approved LNG export licences for eight proposed projects in BC. Four

are expected to be under construction by 2017. A study produced by Grant Thornton for the BC government estimates that the construction of five LNG projects will generate an average of 39,400 full time equivalent jobs annually over a nine-year construction period. ■

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Multi-family towers will lead Metro permits

Above: twin-tower Uptown complex by Bosa starts construction this summer in Coquitlam. Photo: Bosa Developments

Above left: Tate, a new 41-storey residential high-rise by the Bond Group is arising in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Bond Group

VANCOUVER – Total building permit values for the Lower Mainland ended 2013 down 5 percent at $7.07 billion from $7.46 billion in 2012 and analysts expect only modest gains this year. Multifamily homebuilding is seen as being the dominant sector, with residential accounting for nearly three-quarters of all new construction last year. In 2013, residential permits were up 5 percent to $5.13 billion, according to Statistics Canada. “Commercial permits should be lifted in 2014 by project-specific investments,” according to the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). The start of the Credit Suisse office tower in downtown Vancouver, the large

Tsawwassen First Nations retail development in South Delta and the large retail outlet mall at YVR boost commercial values, the VRCA notes. But, the sheer number of highrise residential projects arising across the Lower Mainland will dwarf even these massive commercial jobs. The following are just some examples of the action that will see an estimated 17,600 new strata residential units started this year, with another 20,000 forecast to start in 2015. • Tate, a new 41-storey residential high-rise by the Bond Group for downtown Vancouver, BC, will feature a unique curvilinear design by Merrick Architecture. The development is aiming for LEED gold certification. • Bosa Properties’ Uptown in West Coquitlam will feature two concrete towers with a total of 451 condominiums. Construction will start this summer and is slated for completion in late 2016. • Westbank’s 52-storey, 500-unit tower, as yet unnamed, will feature a “twisting” structure at the north end of the Granville Street bridge. It will launch in late March 2014. • Jim Pattison Developments and Reliance Properties Ltd. will include two residential towers of 33 storeys and 47 storeys as part of its $500 million megaproject, the Burrard Gateway, in downtown Vancouver. ■

$53B infrastructure budget wins support OTTAWA – The Association of Consulting Engineering CompaniesCanada (ACEC) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) have voiced support for the federal government’s New Canada Building Fund (NCBF), announced in the recent budget. Application for infrastructure funding from municipalities and provinces will be accepted as early as April 1. In total, the federal government has allocated $53 billion over the next 10 years. “The consulting engineering and construction sectors look forward to working with the government and stakeholders in the weeks ahead on the development of the NCBF terms and conditions, including an efficient application process for projects and P3s screen process”, says a joint release from ACEC and CCA. According to the federal government, “for British Columbia, this represents almost $3.9 billion in dedicated federal funding, including almost $1.1 billion under the New Building Canada Fund and an estimated $2.76 billion under the federal Gas Tax Fund.” ■

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SPRING 2014

ROOFING BC

Up to 5,000 construction jobs will be generated by the $1.5 billion expansion of Oakridge Centre, Vancouver. Rendering shows what is planned over six phases. Photo: Ivanhoé Cambridge

Oakridge expansion pegged at $1.5B VANCOUVER – Ivanhoé Cambridge, the owner of Oakridge Centre, and Westbank Development have received approval from Vancouver city council for a $1.5 billion redevelopment of the Vancouver mall site. The project could include 14 towers that would range between nine and 44 storeys and more than 1.8 million square feet of retail space. The work is expected to provide more than 5,000 jobs, provide $228 million in community amenities and deliver both

family and social housing in Vancouver’s Cambie corridor. “The new Oakridge Centre will support thousands of new jobs, build urgently needed new affordable housing and offer remarkable community benefits, including new child care spaces, a new community centre and library, a new seniors’ centre and significant new park space,” said mayor Gregor Robertson. The approval ended a week of often contentious public hearings where speakers were both in support and opposed to

Turn roof tops into useable, attractive roof decks

WI NTER 2012-13

IN THIS I SSUE:

THE VOICE OF PROFESS

IONAL ROOFING CONTRAC

TORS

Vol. 9, No. 4 • WINTER

2012-13

Artist rendering from W.T. Leung Architects shows the fifth-floor plaza at Quintet in Richmond. The waterproofed plaza ponds, waterfalls and features plantings on top of a rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane. Photo: W.T. Leung Architects Inc.

Wet and waterproo Quintet complex in Richmond stretches waterproofing challenge

By Frank O’Brien

The giant $165 million Quintet project in Richmond, by Canada Sunrise Corporation and being built under the direction of Ledcor Construction, has proved a

challenge for roofing contractor Pacific Waterproofing Ltd. of Burnaby. Quintet will be comprised of five towers and townhomes in downtown Richmond on the Skytrain line. It will also future home of Trinity be the Western University (a private university) and a new 30,000 square foot City of

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABL E CANADIAN ADDRESSES

the project. Consultation also included open houses attended by more than 2,300 residents, 505 online feedback questionnaires, and over 13,000 visits to consultation kiosks at Oakridge Centre. The mall will remain open during construction, which will be undertaken through six phases at different areas of the site. Given the scale of the project, three architectural firms – Henriquez Partners Architects, Stantec Architecture and Gensler – are involved in the design process. ■

FEATURES: Quintet: wet and waterproof ....1 Profile: Pacific Waterproofing .. 8 Roofing and the new BC Building Code ..................... 11 Architectural metal “bulb seam” roofing .................12 HST switching back to PST .....17 ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 RCABC AGM report ................... Prompt payment lobby............. 5 7 Training programs require changes............ ............ 10 INDUSTRY NEWS: Safety blitz may repeat............. 5 Waterproofing: more than the membrane ........................... .6 Underlayment UV warranty doubles ....................... Outlook 2013 .......................... 9 14 VRCA Awards of Excellence ....15 Vancouver’s green plan .......... 16 BC’s Energy Efficiency Building Strategy............ ...........16 Green roof demand on rise.....16 Roof moved in one piece ........18 Building permits ramp up.......18 Construction trade shows: Expo, RCI, Buildex ................... 19 Tower design wins award ...... 20 Roofing nailers recalled ......... 20 Copper price rise forecast...... 20 Shop yards worth money........21 NRCA repair manual out ...... 21 CRCA releases spec manual .. 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Computers at work – and privacy ................. 22

ASM ‘bulb seam’ roofing

Gaining popularity in Canada See page 12 Construction of the first phase, which represents two of the projected five 14-16 storey towers, began in April 2011. The phase of three additional second is planned for completion buildings The total square footage in 2015. entire complex is 762,000of the square feet. QUINTET continued

page 4

Trade shows on horizon

February and March offer up three events. See page 19

TO:

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

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LEGAL AFFAIRS

Employment contracts A well-worded contract can save money, time and legal woes by Robert Smithson

A new year is a great time of year for employers to focus on the basics of the employment relationship. A cornerstone of that relationship is a properly implemented, written employment contract. One of the key rules about employment contracts is that (to use the legal term) there must be “consideration” flowing to the notice) clause contained in an been provided to the employee for employee in exchange for accepting employment contract signed just signing the written contract after the the employer’s terms. This commencement of the employment. consideration must exist in order for days after the employment had commenced. If the severance clause It concluded there had been none. the employment contract to be in the written contract Decision binding on the The Court struck down the had been enforceable, employee. Typically, written employment contract and the employer would the consideration imposed the common law standard only have had to flowing to a new of pay in lieu of notice. The provide the employee employee is the offer employee was given 13 months’ pay with six months’ pay of employment itself. in lieu of notice. If the in lieu of notice (an additional seven Timing is one months’ pay over what had been severance clause crucial aspect of the provided in the written contract). wasn’t enforceable, exchange of What lesson should employers the (usually) greater consideration. If the common law standard take from decisions such as this? employment has That there is a correct way to of reasonable pay in already commenced implement written employment lieu of notice would when the employer Robert Smithson contracts in relation to new have applied. seeks to have the employees and this must be The Court reviewed the employee enter into a written followed if contracts are to be circumstances of the employee’s employment contract, there is no binding on the employee. hiring, 16 years earlier, and of the new consideration flowing to the The contract must be delivered to signing of the employment contract. employee. As such, it is crucial that the candidate prior to Of significance was employers routinely have new “...it is crucial that the date on which the Court’s conclusion employees enter into written employers routinely (s)he is to commence that the written employment contracts prior to the employment contract have new employees employment. An commencement of the employment. enter into written accompanying cover contained provisions Court case employment letter should state which were The principle that employment contracts prior to simply that the detrimental to the contracts must be signed before the the commencement individual is being employee (relating to employment commences was of the employment.” offered employment termination, demonstrated a few years back in a on the terms and intellectual property decision of the BC Supreme Court. conditions set out in the contract rights and restrictions on The case involved a claim for and that (s)he can signify acceptance competition) and which had not wrongful dismissal by an employee of those terms by returning the been discussed before the who had been terminated after 16 signed and witnessed contract. employment commenced. years of employment. The cover letter enclosing the The BC Court considered whether The employer sought to rely contract should not contain any or not any new consideration had upon a severance (pay in lieu of

offers or suggestions of additional, or different, terms than those set out in the contract. Any other documents referred to in the body of the contract (such as, for instance, a job description, policy manual, or benefits summary booklet) should be attached to, or included with, the contract when it is delivered to the employee. The candidate should initial each attachment to indicate receipt of that item at the same time as the contract. Most importantly, the contract must be accepted, by way

of the candidate signing and returning the document, prior to the commencement of provision of employment services. Following these simple rules will ensure the enforceability of written employment contracts for new employees. And, they will save your business a lot of money. ■ Robert Smithson is a labour and employment lawyer, and operates Smithson Employment Law in Kelowna. For more information about his practice, visit http://www.smithsonlaw.ca. This subject matter is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

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SPRING 2014

ROOFING BC