Roofing Supplement

MORE THAN A ROOF Maximizing the value of a building’s top investment

ROOFING SUPPLEMENT TO:

PRODUCED BY:

WHAT DOES YOUR ROOF DO FOR YOU? | THE VALUE OF PREVENATIVE MAINTENANCE | GREEN ROOFS UNDERSTANDING ROOF RESILIENCY | TOP 9 SOURCES OF ROOF DAMAGE | WHITE ROOFS

What Does Your Roof Do for You? A building’s roof is key to its protection and critical to tenant comfort. It can also be an energy-saving asset and a top contributor to a building’s value. For these reasons and more, it’s understandable why many view their roof as one of the most important – if not costly – investments for their property.

Which begs the question: What is your roof doing for you?

Is it protecting your asset? A roof’s number one job is to safeguard a building and its occupants against the natural environment. That means standing up to regional climates and staying resilient during extreme weather events. It also means protecting building systems from damage and remaining in peak condition for decades, rather than years.

Is your roof saving energy? A well-designed roof will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building. What’s more, amenities such as solar panels or skylights, and eco-friendly alternatives such as cool and green roofs, can help control internal temperatures while contributing positively to the environment.

And then there’s your bottom line. Is your roof contributing to lower energy bills? Is it built to last, or will it chip away at your funds through constant repairs? These factors depend on a roof’s design, its materials, and how much you’re willing to invest to construct it right the first time or when it comes time for a replacement.

Last – and never least – are your tenants. Is their property’s roof keeping them comfortable? Is it keeping them safe? Excessive leaking can lead to system failures, while poor insulation and low-quality materials can cause unwelcoming interior conditions. Reversely, well-made roofs will work with the building envelope to create a comfortable environment no matter the season, while offering an interactive outdoor space (depending on its design).

Surely, there’s a lot of pressure riding on your roof. But while it’s important to ask what your roof is doing for you, it’s also necessary to ask what you are doing for your roof. For example, do you have a roof maintenance program?

Have you invested in the right assemblies, membranes, and designs to help it last? Lack of maintenance or poor planning can add up in costly repairs or roof failures. It pays to keep tabs on the condition of your roofing components and perform regular (and professional) check-ups.

When it comes to ensuring the health, resiliency, and added benefits of a property’s roof, there is plenty to keep in mind. In this issue, you’ll find some of today’s foremost considerations. n Photos credit: Flynn Group of Companies

Roofing Supplement

3

ROOFING ONLINE EXCLUSIVES CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Wood roof systems offer unique opportunities Wood is increasingly becoming the building material of choice, as evident in the growing number of buildings featuring aesthetically striking wood roofs.

Construction will soon commence on Ontario’s largest commercial solar energy rooftop portfolio ever installed.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Green roof benefits for buildings Green roof benefits, along with those of vertical gardens, can have big impacts on residential, institutional, industrial and commercial buildings.

Capitalizing on solar’s gain Sticking pieces of metal on a roof to generate energy and save a company money sounds easy enough, right?

Snow and ice removal are important at apartments where exterior parking and driveways are located on the roof of an underground parking garage.

HORTICULTURAL PRACTICES

When designing a green roof, three elements have to be optimized: drainage, growing media and plants.

CONNECT WITH US ON:

www.REMInetwork.com

The Value of Preventative Maintenance A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to maximizing the life expectancy of a roof. But as with everything else related to roofing, it’s essential to do so with consistency, an eye for quality, and a focus on safety.

Photo credit: Flynn Group of Companies

Performing regular roof maintenance is one way to protect against future repairs.

That maintenance can include any number of basic tasks such as ensuring the drains are kept clean, flashings are examined, baskets are void of debris, membranes are free from tears, and that the surface is not overburdened by excess snow or water.

It can also involve checking for missing screws and parts, and ensuring that prior repairs are holding up.

“There’s a lot of really small stuff you can do on the preventative maintenance side to prevent further problems down the road,” says Paul Nunes, Vice President of National Service with Flynn Group of Companies, insisting, “It makes a big difference when you do preventative work compared to being reactive.”

Different roofs will require different types of inspections. For example, Dale Kerr, Principal with GRG Building Consultants Inc., explains that maintenance for a flat roof with an inverted system requires making sure the ballast is evenly distributed, as heavy winds can scour the stone ballast which, in turn, can lead to a shifting of the insulation. For conventional roofs, where insulation is located below the membrane, maintenance may otherwise require the use of infrared scans to check for areas of wet insulation.

No matter the roof, however, Kerr insists, “The key to an effective roof maintenance

plan is regular inspection. A problem that is not caught and fixed early can result in substantial damages, such as saturated insulation and damage to interior finishes.”

No doubt, with a roof maintenance plan in place, all stakeholders can rest easier knowing vital components are being checked on a regular basis and that potential issues are being dealt with before they turn into costly emergencies. Yet while building operators and staff share a responsibility for such maintenance, there are benefits to calling in pros who know exactly what to look out for and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty.

“A proper roof inspection means crawling on the roof and on the underside of the decks to inspect things that might be hidden to the untrained eye, and that’s what roofers do every day,” adds Nunes.

Additionally, roofing specialists support their inspections with before-and-after photos of repaired components, detailed service reports, and overviews of deficiencies that may require future repairs. They will also be equipped with tools that may otherwise be unavailable to building staff.

“Professional roof consultants have tools at their disposal, such as infrared photography, that can identify pending problems and can make recommendations for isolated repairs that can extend the life of the roof,” suggests Kerr.

Professional roof maintenance is also often the safer alternative. After all, a roof-

top poses numerous fall hazards, and with any number of safety requirements to contend with, it makes sense to trust the more complex maintenance work to an experienced crew.

“There are a lot of safety issues that should be thought about before a property manager gets up on top of that roof,” reminds Nunes. “You need to make sure you’re tied with a special harness, for one, and that you’re tied into something that can hold your weight if you’re going over the edge. Responsible roof maintenance means knowing these safety requirements, and being able to recognize what’s on the roof so that whoever’s going up there isn’t going to end up on the ground.”

“Hiring a professional roofing team is a small investment, but if the alternative is putting your person at a risk, then that in of itself justifies making the call,” he adds.

When it comes to a roof’s construction and ongoing maintenance, every investment counts. That means spending the time and resources necessary to keep your roof operating at its best, and developing a plan that ensures it’s being cared for throughout the year.

As for the alternative, lack of proper maintenance can result in ongoing service calls and higher expenses on the back end of a roof’s life.

“If you get a roof put on with the expectation for it to last 25 years and all of Roofing Supplement

5

SNOW REMOVAL TIPS Canadians are no strangers to snow. On top of buildings, however, excess snow can lead to rooftop sliding and, on rare occasions, roof collapse. As such, regular snow removal is an important part of preventative maintenance, yet not as straightforward as one might assume. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: • Using steel shovels to remove snow can cause scraping damage to roof components. Use a power brush or plastic alternatives instead.

• Be careful when using heavy machinery or sharp objects to deal with ice and snow as those may also lead to damage.

• Some de-icing materials (i.e. sodium chloride, calcium chloride and potassium chloride) can adversely affect concrete and cause reinforcing steel to corrode if it leaks through. Consider chloride-free alternatives instead, such as urea fertilizers or calcium magnesium acetate.

• Avoid stockpiling snow on parking roofs as doing so could exceed the design capacity of the structure.

• Rooftop parking expansion joints are particularly susceptible to damage. If using a snowplow, remove snow parallel to the joint and avoid crossing an expansion joint.

Source: Dale Kerr, Principal with GRG Building Consultants Inc.

the sudden it needs replacing in 15 years, that’s a lot of money to dish out that much earlier. And if you haven’t budgeted for that replacement, it can be a huge hit,” says Nunes.

DON’T REACT, PREVENT There are two types of repairs when it comes to roofing: reactive and preventative. Reactive repairs occur when the damage is done and a solution is required immediately, while preventative repairs are those which are applied before identified issues become big problems.

“The differentiation between emergency and permanent repair is a very important one to make,” notes Nunes, explaining, “An emergency repair may not be very expensive, and it might stop the pain for a time, but because it’s being done quickly and under poor working conditions it’s certainly not going to be permanent.”

In such emergency instances, companies will typically follow-up immediate repairs with a report outlining what it will take to go beyond the quick fix and prevent larger or recurring problems down the road. And while the price may deter some from making that investment, it’s important to do the long-term math.

“As soon as a customer’s pain goes away they typically assume it’s done and they don’t have to worry about that anymore, but it’s not necessarily like that. We need to come back when the conditions are better and follow-up that temporary patch or fix with the right materials,” says Nunes. n

87 Bakersfield St., Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1Z4 Tel: 416-787-0649 Fax: 416-787-0640 Email: service@crawfordroofing.ca

INSTITUTIONAL

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

• High Rise • Schools • Emergency Services • Roof Top Decks

• Modified Bitumen • Waterproofing • Roof Anchors • Sheet Metal

• Built Up • Single Ply • Restoration • Inverted

Servicing Your Community Since 1973 ~ Services Fully Bonded & Insured

Proud Member of:

6

Roofing Supplement Crawford_Roofing_October_Supplement_2015.indd 1

2015-10-19 10:29 AM

Understanding Roof Resiliency In the roofing world, “resiliency” refers to a roof’s ability to withstand everyday conditions and stay intact during severe weather incidents. Whether or not your roof is up to the task depends on a number of variables, including the strength of its design, the durability of its materials, and the quality of its installation. Above all, however, it depends on every component working together to strengthen the whole.

“A roof is an assembly of components that come together to form the first line of defense against the elements. One can have the most resilient membrane, but if it’s not part of a comprehensive system then its performance potential is compromised,” explains Mirza Hodzic, with Firestone Building Products Canada.

When it comes to resilient designs and materials, there are options that have proven effective in Canadian conditions. Fullyadhered roof assemblies, for example, are a popular choice in cold and windy climates, while high-density cover boards are near

essential for protecting roofs against impacts, be they man-made or natural.

Materials like polyiso insulation are also effective in adding to a roof’s protection and energy-efficiency thanks to its ability to provide a higher R-value per inch than competing products. Furthermore, EPDM roofing membranes have proven to be invaluable in harsh Canadian climates thanks to their UV-resistant design, durability, and flexible, weatherproof design.

“Today, EPDM is used to keep water out of buildings across the world. In fact, in Canada many of the first EPDM roofs

installed in the 1980s are performing immaculately to this date,” reports Hodzic.

These attributes also make rubber-based EPDM membranes an ally in a storm, as its flexible nature allows it to perform at extreme variances in temperatures with virtually no change in its physical properties.

These examples notwithstanding, the resiliency of a roof ultimately relies on the quality with which it was built, and building operators’ commitment to ongoing preventative maintenance. Adds Hodzic, “A minimal maintenance budget with a couple of annual trips to a roof can exponentially extend its life cycle.” n Roofing Supplement

7

Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association Professional Roofing for 50 Years

Why Choose a Professional Roofing Contractor?

Roofing’s Voice in the Province

Buying or specifying a new roof represents an important investment for the building owner. A roofing system is one of a building’s major assets.

Owners today must recognize the significance of the financial commitment they are making to protect their building and its contents.

The OIRCA is affiliated with the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association and their provincial partners as well as, the National Roofing Contractors Association in the United States. OIRCA is the ICI roofing industry’s advocacy group working on behalf of our members, the industry and the general public.

When selecting a roofing contractor to install, service, or maintain an industrial, commercial, or institutional (ICI) roof, the owner or their representative should insist on using a professional roofing contractor.

The OIRCA and its members serve the construction industry through committees that specialize in roofing technology, industry occupational health and safety, risk management, insurance, apprenticeship and education, and labour relations. This work is intended to not only enrich our member companies but the industry as a whole.

It pays to remember that all roofing contractors are not alike. Prequalifying your roofing contractor ensures the job gets done right the first time. There is no foolproof method for selecting a professional roofing contractor, but you can start the process by choosing a member of the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association (OIRCA).

Our Mission: To assure through accountability, excellence in roofing construction.

About the OIRCA There is an excellent chance that you are currently sitting under a roof installed by a roofing contractor that is a member of the OIRCA. It is a fact that OIRCA members and their well-trained and highly skilled employees install three out of every four roofs in the ICI sector right across the province of Ontario.

The OIRCA is not a trade association per se. New member applicants do not secure membership by simply completing an application and sending it with payment. Rather, those companies must meet specific criteria and submit to a thorough evaluation that includes on site workmanship inspections as well as an independent safety audit; a process that may take six to nine months to complete. Accepted membership applicants serve a two-year probationary period where workmanship and safety will be monitored.

Ultimately the Association provides the construction industry with a means to pre-qualify roofing contractors. By specifying an OIRCA member, the purchaser of roofing services is assured competent and competitive roofing practices. As a self-policing organization, the OIRCA stands behind the principles and ethics of our Association and expects each member to do so as well.

www.ontarioroofing.com

OIRCA members take pride in their workmanship and issue the OIRCA Standard Form of Warranty, which covers their installation work for a period of two (2) years. Our associate members, who manufacturer and supply roofing systems, may provide long-term system warranties that cover their materials as well as workmanship and, in some cases, water tightness.

OIRCA members have access to an exclusive third-party liability insurance program. Designed specifically for ICI roofing contractors, the Association works directly with the insurer and their brokers to ensure that coverage exceeds CCDC requirements and represents OIRCA’s risk management policies.

940 The East Mall, Suite 301 Etobicoke, ON M9B 6J7 Tel: 1-888-33OIRCA (336-4722) Fax: (416) 695-9920 E-mail: oirca@ontarioroofing.com

TOP Sources of NINE Roof Damage A roof’s performance can be affected by a number of short- and long-term factors. To get the full life out of your roof, keep an eye on the following: SHIFTING FOUNDATIONS Seismic shifts or thermal expansions that can affect a roofing structure.

EVERYDAY EXPOSURE Heavy winds, winter storms, heat waves, air pollution, and other natural elements that take their toll on roofing materials over time; as well as extreme storms or temperatures that can result in emergency repairs.

LIVING AMENITIES Biological growths such as plants, vegetation, fungus, and algae that can cause moisture.

EXISTING ERRORS Pre-existing defects that occur in the roof’s construction or materials.

FOOT TRAFFIC Membrane damage caused by residents out for a rooftop stroll or tradesmen working on equipment without proper consideration for roofing components.

VANDALISM Intentional damage caused by rooftop visitors.

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE Damages that occur after failing to spot and prevent future problems or using the wrong equipment during maintenance.

BUILDING USE Damages caused as a result of unique interior conditions.

NEW EQUIPMENT Damages caused by installing new equipment on a roof without first assessing its assembly and strength.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY? CALL: 647.408.4992

www.acgflatroofing.com

YOUR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL FLAT ROOFING EXPERTS Trust your flat roofing installation, maintenance and repair to our skilled flat roof specialist

Over 20 years of reliable flat roof installations

ROOF REPAIRS

10

New roofs, roof replacement and roof repair – guaranteed

ROOF REPLACEMENT

Exclusive roof inspection and customized maintenance programs

MAINTENANCE

Expert assessments to help you accurately budget your future roofing costs

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Roofing Supplement ACGFlatRoofing_Roofing_October_Supplement_2015.indd 1

2015-10-21 2:47 PM

Adding Amenities Want to do more with your roof? With a little creativity, professional guidance, and the right amenities, it’s possible to turn a run-of-the-mill rooftop into something more. Installing solar panels or green roof systems, for example, can turn your roof into a energy-savings generator, while the addition of lounging furniture and entertainment features can transform an otherwise unused space into a unique venue for tenants.

As with any roofing initiative, adding amenities to an existing roof takes careful consideration.

“We’re definitely seeing more people wanting to use the roof as a space for things like green roofs, solar panels, or just tenant areas.

What building owners and their operators need to remember,

SOLAR PANELS Installing solar panels on a roof can be a big plus in terms of reducing electricity (which, in turn, can also mean big savings on utility bills). Making that investment, however, comes with a few considerations.

“The rooftop is the ideal location for solar panels to maximize their efficiency, however you need to consider the roof membrane and roof structure before you make the plunge. The roof membrane should ideally be new before mounting penetrations and attaching through it, and the structure assessed first. Also, from a building enclosure perspective, the panels should ideally be mounted on curbs and utilize properly detailed roofing penetrations to avoid leakage problems,” says Graham Finch, Principal at RDH Building Science. in Vancouver.

Adding an array of solar panels can be simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Proper installation requires professional consultation from both engineers and roofing contractors to determine if the existing roofing assembly requires re-enforcing or other upgrades to handle the weight of a solar panel.

“You definitely want to talk to a structural engineer first,” says Finch. “When you put solar panels on a roof, it adds some extra weight and the panel configuration can inadvertently collect snow, so the engineer needs to look at that design because you may need to re-enforce the roof at the same time.”

If the temptation to add solar panels hits, it may also be a good move to wait until the roof is up for renewal.

That is, new solar panels may not tie into the existing roof membrane, or the structure itself may not provide the strength possible. “Throwing solar panels on a roof midlife can create challenges, so it’s best to wait until you’re considering an entire roof replacement,” suggests Finch.

though, is that those uses actually change the design of the roof and introduce potential risks, because you are adding more weight and foot traffic, which may damage the roof,” says Graham Finch, Principal architect at RDH Building Science Ltd. in Vancouver.

Surely, the right amenities can unlock a roof’s full potential. But before going ahead with that upper-floor garden or viewtiful party space, it’s vital to make sure you’re doing so on solid ground.

“Whenever you add something to an existing roof or change its use, you need to work with an architect or engineer and a contractor to make sure you’re doing it properly with the right assemblies and membranes,” insists Finch. n

Making Projects Work Building science

integrated services in roof & Building envelope

inspection & Management

LVM is Proud to Be engLoBe since june, 2015 englobecorp.com Roofing Supplement

11

Green Roofs When it comes to roofing trends, green is becoming the new black. One need only look up to many of today’s big city skylines to see that a growing number of building stakeholders are hedging their bets on rooftop gardens with hopes of reaping energy savings, resident loyalty, and environmental benefits in return. And while there are certainly benefits to be had from rooftop vegetation, it takes more than a green thumb and good intentions to make them thrive.

For the uninitiated, green roofs (aka living roofs) define those that are covered either partially or completely in a growing medium to produce plants or food. In addition to turning an otherwise drab rooftop into a tranquil and interactive environment, green roofs help block ultraviolet rays from wearing down roofing materials, thereby increasing the lifespan of the roof. Green roofs can also act as a sponge during heavy rainfalls, diverting water from city storm water systems, which can fill quickly during severe rainfall.

Photo credit: SUSTAINABLE.TO

Innovative Roofing Solutions .

Consulting Engineers Project Managers Materials Testing & Inspection

DAVROC & A S S O C I A TE S L TD .

2051 Williams Parkway, Units 20 & 21 Brampton, Ontario L6S 5T4 t (905) 792-7792 12

Roofing Supplement

DAVROC. CO M

© DAVROC & ASSOCIATES LTD.

Roof Evaluation, Repair & Replacement Leak Detection Infrared Thermography Ventilation Analysis & Upgrades Maintenance Program Design Life Cycle Analysis & Capital Planning Photovoltaic (Solar Roof) Installations Green Roof Consulting & Design

Still, perhaps the biggest advantage of green roofs is their natural cooling abilities, which can go a long way towards controlling interior temperatures and reducing the amount of energy needed to run building systems.

“When a green roof is transpiring, it’s giving up water vapour off the roof,” explains Paul Dowsett, Principal Architect with SUSTAINABLE.TO Architecture + Building. “It’s similar to how we cool ourselves down by sweating; the green roof gives off water vapour that cools down that entire roof membrane.”

Certainly, there are benefits gained from green roofs. The decision to install one, however, is not to be taken lightly.

With the introduction of green roof amenities comes irrigation systems, garden infrastructure, and other equipment which may not integrate well with existing roof membranes and assemblies.

Those initial challenges can be addressed through proper planning and design. Where building owners and operators stumble, however, is in the ongoing maintenance requirements.

“Some people think that green roofs are maintenance-free, and while that might be true two-to-three years down the road, it’s not the case when the roof is getting established,” warns Dowsett.

Proper green roof maintenance includes watering, weeding, and replacing plants that do not survive the unusual roof environment. It also includes setting aside room in one’s budget for having these tasks done by professionals who understand what it takes for plants to thrive in specific regions and under abnormal elevations.

If this turns you off from green roofs – have faith. While they may require greater care, green roofs can equate to operational savings, enhanced tenant comfort, and a cleaner urban landscape. n

White Roofs To white roof or not to white roof? This is the question facing many in the real estate community as the advance of white roofs (aka cool roofs) brings with it both pros and cons in the Canadian climate.

Photo credit: Flynn Group of Companies

Cool roofs can take the form of light coloured roof membranes, light colour ballast (rocks or pavers), or vegetative green roofs.

The science behind cool roofs is simple. Much like lightlycoloured shirts are better for keeping cool in the summer and darker shirts are more apt to cause sweating, lightly-coloured roof membranes reflect more sunlight from rooftops than traditional dark-coloured roofs (i.e. asphalt shingles or built-up asphalt).

Moreover, cool roofs and green roofs may help mitigate what is known as the “Urban Heat Island Effect” in major urban centres, a term that described the collective heating effect that city roof tops and heat-absorbing materials can have in a dense urban environment. This in turn can make it more costly to heat buildings in the city and – perhaps more importantly – contribute to health issues.

“Cities tend to issue heat alerts more frequently when there are these dark roof buildings,” notes Paul Dowsett, Principal Architect with SUSTAINABLE.TO Architecture + Building, noting, “White roofs or cool roofs reduce that heat island effect, meaning there’s less cooling energy for the building, the neighbourhood is healthier, happier, and all those good things.”

That’s not to say white roofs are for everyone. In fact, some argue that while white roofs make sense in places like southern U.S. where temperatures are typically higher for greater amounts of time, they may not fit as well in colder Canadian climates where the savings between heating and cooling even out over the course of the year.

“It’s a climate thing,” suggests Finch. “You need to look at it carefully for your building, because it really depends on the type of building and where it’s located and the type of roof assembly and how it is insulated underneath. Adding a white roof membrane to the wrong roof assembly can spell disaster and may lead to damage of the underlying structure if the whole assembly isn’t considered.”

Commercial and industrial buildings which require more cooling, are examples where white roofs may work better than dark ones. Others may be buildings, where durability is favoured more than energy savings.

“Certain roof membranes such as single ply TPO and PVC membranes last longer when lighter colours are used rather than darker ones while other roof membranes such as SBS or EPDM are not as affected by colour. Manufacturers will guide you to the selection of appropriate membrane colours for the climate zone,” explains Finch.

While the decision to add white roofs isn’t as cut and dry in Canada as it may be elsewhere, it remains a viable option in the right conditions. And, considering all buildings are in constant cool down mode throughout the year, having that extra cooling support can help.

Here again, says Finch, it pays to do one’s homework. “You just need to be careful, because you don’t just put on a white roof membrane because it’s the latest trend. You want to talk to someone in the industry about it before you do it, because doing something as simple as changing a roof’s colour can inadvertently mess things up underneath.” n

• • • • • •

Roof & Wall Audit & Budget Preparation Specification / Drawing / Tender Development Project Management Leak / Maintenance Management ICI Roofing / Green Roofing / Critical Site National Coverage

Dantech Building Technologies Inc. 145 Renfrew Drive, Suite 120 Markham, ON L3R 9R6 Main: 905.415.8880 800: 866.880.8881 24/7: 416.200.1669 Email: info@dantechbuildingtech.com Roofing Supplement

13

Stephen Teal Manager Flynn Canada Ltd.

Colin Rasmussen Owner, Western Roofing Past CRCA President

ORICA / Don Marks, Executive Director of the Ontario Roofing Contractors Associations

What should you look for in a professional roofing contractor? We asked three representatives to share their advice.

What are the advantages to hiring professional roofers to install a new roof, or perform service and maintenance for an existing roof?

ST: Buying a new roof or servicing an existing roof is an important investment. Before you spend your money, it’s important to make sure you’re working with a contractor who knows what they’re doing and has the experience and track record to back them up.

CR: The largest advantage is accountability and follow-up. Too many times owners tell me that they hired a company and there was no accountability. Hiring a professional roofing contractor for any service is just smart due diligence on behalf of the owner.

DM: Worker safety is a priority for the professional roofing contractor, so they’re trained to meet the latest provincial safety standards. They also carry the appropriate amount of commercial general liability insurance and are financially capable of providing surety/bonding coverage.

A professional roofing contractor operates out of a traditional office/shop/yard business operation. They do not operate their businesses out of a pick-up truck or their home basement. As well, virtually all professional roofing contractors operate sheet metal shops as part of their business, allowing them to fabricate sheet metal copings and flashings that can be installed on the job by qualified sheet metal mechanics or employees. Also, they are proficient with installing all types of ICI roofing systems and are approved applicators with major roof system manufacturers.

What are the advantages to working with a roofing contractor that is a member of a provincial or national association?

ST: Involvement in a professional organization keeps a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues in the industry. Many provincial associations require a rigorous approval process too, so you know that contractor has been vetted and that they uphold the industry’s best practices and values.

CR: Roofing professionals that are members of a provincial and/ or national association have already gone through approvals and screening by their provincial and national body. To be a member, you have to obtain and then maintain numerous qualifications, which include proof of ownership, trade training, insurance, bonding, safety programs, and past work history.

DM: Roofing contractors that join their provincial and national roofing associations are professional roofing contractors (PRC). In Ontario, for example, applicants must meet stringent qualifications and specific criteria, and submit to a thorough evaluation that includes on-site workmanship inspections and an independent safety audit. There are also specific application requirements, including a minimum number of years in the business, liability insurance, and bonding. Ultimately, however, the association provides the construction industry with a means to pre-qualify roofing contractors because, in essence, the association has pre-screened their members.

What should property owners/managers consider when looking for a professional roofing contractor?

ST: There’s no fool-proof methods for telling a qualified contractor from an unqualified one, but there are things you can do to make the best possible decision. It’s a good idea to prequalify contractors on a number of factors including their track record, industry knowledge and affiliations, and commitment to safety.

You’ll also want to insist on a written quotation, information on warranties, and proof of insurance; as well as ask about important things like what their provisions will be for on-site supervision and their professional maintenance program.

CR: Smart owners now focus on contractors that offer a complete roofing package. It’s a busy world, so if an owner has confidence that their work is being handled by a professional with all of the required processes in place, it allows the owner to focus on looking after other areas of their business.

DM: Those who procure roofing services need look no further than companies that are members of their provincial and national associations. Those companies have met the challenge and scrutiny imposed by these associations and they have proven they are Professional Roofing Contractors and that they are prepared to stand behind the principles and ethics of those organizations.