Roof Replacement for a Multi-Unit Retail Building in Ajax

Project Specifications

Year of completion: 2009
Roof area: 40,580 sft
Deck substrate: Steel
Vapour retardant: Reinforced kraft paper with adhesive
Base layer of insulation: 3.0″ ISO mechanically fastened.
Cover board: 0.5″ fibreboard
Roof membrane (field): 4 plies #15 perforated organic felt paper complete with a flood coat of asphalt and embedded pea gravel
Roof membrane (perimeter walls and roof upturns): 2 plies of SBS modified bitumen membrane, base sheet applied in asphalt and cap sheet with brown granules welded

Commercial Roofing: Multi-Unit Retail Building Flat Roof Membrane Replacement

Address:

1801 & 1901 Harwood Avenue North

Ajax, Canada

With over 53,000 square feet, numerous parapet heights, and floating returns back onto the main roof, this project was a challenge! We’re thrilled with the beautiful end result.

Client Goal/Purpose of Project

The client sought a roofing solution that seamlessly integrated with the architectural design of their multi-unit retail buildings in Ajax while ensuring durability and ease of future maintenance. With over 53,000 square feet of roofing, the project required a membrane that could accommodate straightforward repairs and facilitate the installation of new equipment as condominium units were sold and occupied. The client prioritized a solution that combined aesthetic appeal, long-term functionality, and compatibility with the intricate parapet and façade details of the structures.

Key Challenges

The roof replacement for the multi-unit retail buildings at 1801 and 1901 Harwood Avenue North came with its share of complexities. These challenges arose across management/execution and planning, requiring a strategic and detail-oriented approach to ensure the project’s success.

Planning

Future Equipment Installation

The commercial roofing system had to allow for easy retrofitting of equipment on unfinished condominium units, adding a forward-thinking dimension to the design and material selection.

Thermal Performance

Ensuring proper thermal insulation was a top priority. This required a preference for hot asphalt installation for the top layer of ISO insulation to reduce thermal bridging, despite industry trends for cost-cutting alternatives.

Overflow Scupper Design

Developing an unobtrusive yet functional overflow scupper detail required collaboration to balance aesthetics and utility.

Management & Execution

Complex Parapet Designs

The buildings featured intricate parapet details, including three different heights, floating returns, and cornice moldings. These required meticulous attention to ensure watertight installations and seamless aesthetics.

Sensitive Façade Materials

The light-colored stucco façade on 1901 Harwood posed a challenge, as hot asphalt use could cause staining. This required a careful selection of materials and techniques to avoid damage.

Varied Client Requirements

Coordinating with the client, carpenters, and architects to align the roof’s functionality with the architectural vision added layers of complexity.

Multiple Roof Levels

Numerous roof levels and design variations necessitated detailed coordination to create a cohesive and durable system.

See some pictures below of the before and after

1901 after roofing construction was completed

Solutions for this commercial roofing Multi-Unit Retail Building in Ajax

To overcome these challenges, the Elite Roofing team implemented a series of innovative and client-focused strategies. By blending technical expertise with architectural finesse, the project met all expectations in terms of performance, aesthetics, and future readiness.

By proactively addressing each challenge, the team delivered a high-performing roof system that is both functional and visually cohesive, cementing the client’s trust and satisfaction.

Selection of a Durable Membrane

Installed a 2-ply SBS modified bitumen membrane, chosen for its ease of repairs and compatibility with future equipment installations.

Enhanced Insulation Installation

Applied the bottom layer of ISO insulation using screws and secured the top layer in hot asphalt to minimize thermal bridging and enhance energy efficiency.

Parapet Detailing

Worked closely with the client and architects to ensure watertight parapet designs across three different heights, floating returns, and intricate cornice moldings.

Minimized Façade Impact

Used methods that eliminated hot asphalt application near the light-colored stucco façade, preserving the building’s visual appeal.

Integrated Scupper Design

Collaborated with the client to create a scupper detail that balanced functionality with a low-profile aesthetic.

Single-Source Warranty

Managed all detailing inside the parapet to provide a single-source warranty, ensuring accountability and long-term reliability.

Contact Elite Roofing for your next roofing project!

If you’re building a new building, thinking of replacing the roof on your existing building, or a trusted roofing partner in Toronto, Ontario, contact Elite Roofing here. We’re available 24/7 to answer all of your roofing questions. That’s the Elite Advantage.