Commercial Roof Repair for a Multi Unit Industrial Property in Brampton

Project Specifications

South Roof Section
Deck Type: Steel

Vapour retardant: Reinforced kraft paper with adhesive

Insulation: 1.5” ISO insulation

Overlay insulation: 0.5” Fibreboard insulation

Roof Membrane: 4 ply built-up asphalt and embedded gravel roof membrane.
North Roof Section

Deck Type: Steel

Vapour retardant: None

Insulation: 1.5” Fiberglass insulation

Bottom Layer of Roof Membrane: 4 ply built-up asphalt and embedded gravel roof membrane

Overlay insulation: 0.5” Fibreboard insulation

Top Layer of Roof Membrane: 4 ply built-up asphalt and gravel roof membrane

Multi-Unit Industrial Property Flat Roof Repair

Address:

8050 Torbram Road

Brampton, Ontario

A thermal roof scan (Thermography) is one of the tools we use to find soiled insulation trapped inside a roof assembly. This scan can detect moisture issues that are one of the main reasons that roof integrity becomes compromised, and also one of the hardest problems to catch in advance. In many cases, roofs that are being attacked by moisture retain their structure and functionality, showing almost no signs of issues until it’s too late. Luckily, this Brampton building owner took proactive measures, and the issues found through the infrared roof scan were repaired efficiently before it became a big, and expensive, problem.

Client Goal/Purpose of Project

Our client requested a thermal scan for the roof to identify areas of suspect saturated insulation. There were no active leaks at the time of the thermal inspection, however, we wanted to ensure that there were no areas of concern. The roof has been properly maintained through the years with an annual roof inspection done in each of the past few years. All roof leaks that have occurred were repaired on a timely basis. This roof was replaced in stages, the north side in the early 1990s and the south side in 2001. The estimated useful life of the roof systems on this building is typically 20 years. We are past that timeline, especially on the north roof section, so the thinking was that a thermal scan would aid with diagnostic capabilities and perhaps indicate what additional lifespan can be expected.

Key Challenges

Maintaining the health and functionality of an aging roof system requires careful planning and precision, especially when hidden issues like saturated insulation threaten the roof’s integrity. For this multi-unit industrial property, the challenges ranged from identifying concealed problems within the roof assembly to executing precise repairs that aligned with the structure’s existing design. By proactively addressing these issues, the project ensured long-term performance while mitigating the risks of further damage. Below, we outline the planning and execution challenges faced during the roof repair process.

Planning

Aging Roof Systems

The roof sections presented a challenge due to their age, with the north side dating back to the early 1990s and the south side installed in 2001. The expected lifespan of 20 years had already been exceeded, particularly on the north section. This required a careful assessment to identify any areas at risk of imminent failure.

Undetected Saturated Insulation

Older roof systems often harbor moisture damage hidden within their layers, which remains undetectable through standard visual inspections. The thermal scan revealed areas of saturated insulation, posing a risk to the roof’s structural integrity if left unaddressed.

Management & Execution

Precise Diagnosis and Repairs

Thermal scans alone could not fully determine the extent of damage. Combining thermography with moisture probes was necessary to confirm the findings, and any discrepancies between the scan results and the real damage required quick adjustments during repairs.

Ensuring Uniformity in Repairs

Replacing damaged insulation and membranes required exacting precision to ensure the repaired sections seamlessly matched the existing roof thickness and integrity. Any inconsistencies could compromise the overall roof performance.

Solutions for a Multi-Unit Industrial Property in Brampton

Thermal roof scanning and proactive repairs ensured that the issues were identified and resolved effectively, extending the roof’s functional life. This approach combined advanced diagnostics with targeted intervention to mitigate risks.

Comprehensive Diagnostics

The project began with a thermal scan, which detected two areas of saturated insulation in the north section of the roof. To confirm the results, moisture probes were used, providing accurate data for the repair proposal.

Precision Repairs

The damaged roof sections were meticulously removed, including the compromised membrane and saturated insulation. New insulation was installed to match the existing system, creating a uniform surface and avoiding slope variations.

Prolonging Roof Lifespan

Through timely repairs, the client was able to mitigate further damage and extend the roof’s usability. This proactive approach prevented the saturated insulation from expanding and potentially triggering leaks, safeguarding the integrity of the building.

Integration of Advanced Tools

Thermal scans, combined with core sampling and visual inspections, demonstrated the importance of using multiple diagnostic tools for maintaining older roofs. This process emphasized the role of routine scans in extending the lifespan of roof assemblies.

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