Is your roof 18-20+ years old? If so, it may be time for a partial or total flat roof replacement in Toronto. At that age, most roofs are nearing the end of their typical lifespans. Then again, the roof may not need to be replaced. A lot depends on the quality of installation, environmental conditions, ongoing attention to maintenance, prompt repairs and other factors. Modern membranes for flat roofs are designed to last a long time, but nothing lasts forever.
Take the right action steps to stick closer to your timelines and budget while reducing unnecessary changes and added costs. This article will steer you in the right direction.
Is it time for a commercial, industrial, or institutional Toronto flat roof replacement?
Whether your roof is aging, showing signs of wear and tear, or experiencing performance issues, it’s time to take stock and consider whether it’s time for a Toronto flat roof replacement.
These 10 steps will help you determine if you need a flat roof replacement. If you do, proper planning will help you stick closer to your budget and time frame while limiting unnecessary changes and expenses.
1. Find a reputable roofing contractor for a Toronto flat roof replacement
Have you asked, “Do I Need a New Industrial or Commercial Flat Roof Replacement?” Take the guesswork out of this decision by consulting with a reputable flat roofing company. The roofer will gauge the condition of your roof and recommend whether your best option is continued repairs, roof recovery, or a complete replacement.
Look for a Toronto flat roof replacement contractor who is transparent about the process and clearly explains your best options. Hire a roofing contractor that is well established in the Greater Toronto Area to coordinate effectively with local tradespeople. Speak with references and read reviews to check the roofer’s history of timely job completion, sticking to budget, excellent craftsmanship and customer service. Find out these 10 Things to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer.
The bottom line: Finding the right flat roof replacement partner is essential to meeting your project objectives and ensuring long-term roof performance.
2. Get an inspection to determine if a Toronto flat roof replacement is the best option.
When it comes to flat roof replacements, Toronto property owners play a big role in roof longevity. Regular inspections, ongoing maintenance, and prompt repairs extend roof life. While you may delay the need for a flat roof inspection in Toronto, a replacement will eventually be necessary.
When will you know it’s time?
First, perform periodic visual inspections. Next, schedule twice-yearly professional roof inspections to detect hard-to-spot or hidden problems. Based on the findings, making repairs may be sufficient. Alternatively, the roofer may recommend a flat roof replacement or recovery. When it’s time for a replacement, a pre-replacement roof inspection will help provide a more accurate estimate, timeline, scope and cost.
Here’s a handy Sample Roof Inspection Checklist for your Toronto flat roof.
The bottom line: A professional flat roof replacement inspector enables your contractor to create an accurate scope of work and reduce potential roadblocks.
3. Identify the materials and processes for your Toronto flat roof replacement.
Trustworthy roofers provide high-quality flat roof replacements that Toronto property owners can use to increase their property’s value. A professional roofer will determine which materials are most appropriate for your budget, environmental factors, building usage and other conditions. Flat roof replacement options include:
- Membrane type, such as 3-, 4- or 5-ply BUR, 2-ply SBS modified bitumen and 1-ply PVC/TPO/EDM systems
- Assembly, using a built-up or inverted (IRMA or PRMA) roofing system
- Installation methods such as hot asphalt, cold-adhesion, heat-welded, or self-adhesion
- Insulation options such as Polyiso or tapered insulation
- All roofing components
The bottom line: Thoroughly understand and ask questions about your flat roof replacement options. Your decisions will influence roof durability, project cost, timeline, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance.
4. Determine the cost of a flat roof replacement from Toronto contractors.
Moving on to the all-important issue of cost for Toronto flat roof replacements. Landlords may ask for a price before having a roof inspection, full consultation, or even during an initial phone call. However, it’s not realistic to expect a reputable roofer to quickly hand you a dollar amount or time frame without understanding project objectives and how to achieve them. An in-depth discussion, possibly with other members of the project team, will help determine an accurate roofing estimate.
When receiving a quote for a flat roof replacement, Toronto property owners should expect to see these areas covered:
- Total materials needed, including membrane, insulation, vapour retardant, vents, drains and flashings
- Repair or replacement of all roofing elements, including roof substrate and parapet blocking
- Time and labor costs from pre-installation through final inspection
- Equipment rental for items like cranes, boom trucks or forklifts
- Dumping and disposal fees
- Other related costs
The bottom line: Don’t expect instant answers on the cost of your commercial flat roof replacement in Toronto. Your roofer must understand the details of your project before providing an estimate and time frame.
5. Plan the timeline for your flat roof replacement for Toronto’s climate.
Next up, ask when the roofer can start your flat roof replacement project in Toronto and an anticipated completion date. Staying on track requires careful planning, along with contingencies for bad weather. Other timing factors include project size and complexity, materials, supply chain issues, and tenant comfort. In some cases, roofers may suggest taking a phased approaching. Here’s a case study on a project with a phased approach.
The bottom line: Planning the timeline for flat roof replacement in Toronto depends on many factors. An experienced roofer, especially one with knowledge of your industry, will help plan a timeline that meets your needs.
6. Compile the documentation for a flat roof replacement that Toronto regulations require.
Is thorough documentation for your flat roof replacement a big deal in Toronto? Yes! Roofing specifications, warranties, materials lists, permits, and other documents offer protection to landlords, clients, and workers by ensuring:
- Worker Safety
- Compliance with building codes
- Compliance with environmental and energy codes
- Contractual and legal protection
- Project planning, management and quality control
- Financial management and risk mitigation
- Meeting insurance and warranty requirements
Also, confirm that the Constructor is identified, as required by the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and that any required Notice of Project is in place. Ensure the contractor has adequate and up-to-date insurance coverage and WSIB clearance certificate for worker safety.
The bottom line: Protect yourself and prevent snags by carefully checking that all necessary documents are in place.
7. Communicate with Tenants
Don’t leave your tenants in the dark. Inform them about the upcoming project, identify any potential disruptions or changes to building access, and answer any questions they may have about the plans and process.
8. Prepare the Building
Taking steps to prepare the building to adhere to the projected timeline and ensure worker safety. Important steps to take include:
- Remove or stow away (where possible) any obstacles, including equipment and inventory or otherwise protect these items as required with daily tarping.
- Provide clear access to the roof, including an exterior ladder, as needed.
- Protect any sensitive areas from potential dust and debris. This would include vehicles in exterior parking areas and anything on the exterior of the building (including landscaping, furniture and stored product or equipment).
- Walk through the premises to determine areas requiring interior tarping and protection for people working below, sensitive equipment, and inventory. In multi-unit properties it is not always possible to visit every building occupant in advance as many tenants are not always on site during regular business hours.
- A written notice should be sent to all occupants advising them to prepare their premises and move/protect any sensitive items, where required.
9. Determine Other Required Trades
A roofing project often requires the participation of other trades, most commonly plumbing, HVAC, and interior tarping. As part of the overall project planning and budgeting process, the landlord should schedule a pre-bid job walk to provide all prospective bidders to view the project and ask questions so they can provide fixed price or T&M (Time and Materials) quotes.
10. Commercial/ Industrial Job Site Access
Site access should be planned for the security of tools, equipment, and materials and personal safety. Three basics are posting signage as needed, having the contractor install fencing around their equipment, and discussing the need for an on-site portable toilet.
Get Ready for Your Flat Roof Replacement
A flat roof replacement requires planning carefully and making well-informed decisions in consultation with an experienced professional roofing contractor. From inspection to planning and installation, the roofing company you choose can make all the difference between a poorly executed project and one that maximizes the investment in your commercial or industrial property. Are you considering or ready for your next roof replacement? Contact Elite Roofing in Toronto for experience and craftsmanship you can trust.
