Full Commercial Roof Replacement in Mississauga

Aerial view of the roof before replacement, showcasing the asphalt and gravel built-up membrane.

Project Specifications

Full Commercial Roof Replacement with Asphalt and Gravel Built-Up Membrane in Mississauga

Building Address:

3085 Glen Erin Drive
Mississauga, Ontario

COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in a huge spike in roofing repairs and full roof replacements. Many offices in Ontario used the closures as an opportunity to do much-needed repairs on their existing membranes. This roofing replacement was done in the fall and winter months of 2020/2021, during which time this building was partially open, requiring some creative thinking on our part utilizing asphalt and gravel built-up membrane to get the job done.

Client Goal/Purpose of Project

Our client had a positive experience with their 30-year-old roof assembly and wanted to use a similar membrane selection. They reviewed alternatives and ultimately decided to use a hot asphalt applied built-up roof because of the multi-ply redundancy and their long-term experience which provided them with the most comfort relative to other available options. The client also evaluated the pricing options for various thicknesses of thermal insulation. There was a request to increase the R-Value on the roof to improve energy efficiency as our client bears sole responsibility for all of the utility costs.

Key Challenges

We outline the major obstacles encountered during the full commercial roof replacement in Mississauga at 3085 Glen Erin Drive. These challenges spanned both planning and execution phases, requiring creative solutions and seamless coordination.

Planning

The client wanted a similar membrane to their 30-year-old roof system, choosing a hot asphalt built-up roof for its durability and multi-ply redundancy. This required careful evaluation of materials to ensure the chosen system met both performance and budget goals.

The client requested an increase in the roof’s R-value to improve energy efficiency. This required assessing different insulation thicknesses and balancing cost with the desired thermal performance.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the building had reduced occupancy, making it an ideal time to replace the roof. However, the reduced presence also meant carefully timing the project to avoid disrupting tenants.

Management & Execution

The roof housed over 20 HVAC units, requiring the team to work closely with HVAC contractors for safe disconnections, reconnections, and equipment lifts. This had to be managed in phases to ensure heating needs for tenants were met during the roof replacement.

The removal of large abandoned skylights required demolition of drywall and metal partitions, followed by infilling the roof deck. This added complexity and increased the project scope.

The team identified issues with ponding water, necessitating the installation of a new roof drain. Additional plumbing concerns were found and addressed, including the extension of vent terminals and insulation of roof drains to prevent condensation.

Before Roof Replacement

Work in progress around an abandoned skylight prior to infill of deck substrate.

Solutions for this Full Commercial Roof Replacement in Mississauga

Despite the challenges faced during the roof replacement at 3085 Glen Erin Drive, Elite Roofing provided effective solutions that ensured the project’s success. Here are the key solutions implemented to overcome obstacles and deliver a high-quality, long-lasting roofing system:

We selected a hot asphalt built-up roof for its durability, multi-ply redundancy, and long-term performance, which aligned with the client’s preference for a similar system to their original roof.
To mitigate the strong smell of hot asphalt, we added a menthol additive to the asphalt kettle. This solution made the process more bearable for both workers and tenants during the installation.
With over 20 HVAC units on the roof, we worked closely with HVAC contractors to remove threaded gas pipe connections, lift the equipment using a gantry crane, and handle electrical, gas, and ducting connections. This careful coordination ensured minimal disruption to the building’s heating system.
We removed 7-8 ft x 8 ft abandoned skylights, demolished drywall and metal partitions below, and infilled the roof deck. This step was essential to ensure the roof assembly was continuous and structurally sound.
To resolve ponding water, a new roof drain was installed and connected to the existing rainwater leader, effectively addressing drainage issues and improving roof performance.
During the project, we identified and remedied several plumbing issues, including insulating roof drains to prevent condensation and extending vent terminals for improved drainage system function.

Contact Elite Roofing for your next roofing project!

Even with these challenges, the project was extremely successful. The previous roof for this building lasted over 30 years, and we are confident that this replacement will hold up exceptionally well during extreme weather. If you are looking for information on replacing or repairing your roof, contact us here.