Elite Case Study: Seneca College Fire Training Facility

Project Specifications

Building Height: 2 storeys
Total Area: 7,650 sq. ft.
Existing Substrate: 16GA Z-Girts
Vapour Retarder: N/A
Original Insulation: Foil faced fiberglass insulation
New Scope of Work: Remove existing wall panels and dispose, existing insulation to remain, new insulation installed in damaged areas only.
New Metal Siding: New cladding – Agway 1.5” – HF-12 siding panels secured to existing z girts.

Project Details

Client Name: Seneca College, Newnham Campus—Firefighting Training Centre
Address: 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto
Project: Cladding replacement
Timeframe: August 2025
Building Use: The Fire Training Centre at Seneca prepares future firefighters. Students get hands-on practice in the centre with comprehensive training in door breach and wall breach activities. There are even special props to teach them how to work on the roof. The fire protection programs at Seneca are a North American benchmark.

Scope

Removal and Disposal: Existing siding panels were removed and disposed of. The existing insulation was kept, with new insulation installed only in areas where damage was present.
Cladding: New Agway 1.5” – HF-12 metal siding panels were secured directly onto the existing Z-girts.

After Siding Replacement

Client Goal/Purpose of Project

We undertook a replacement of the existing metal cladding on the firefighters’ training facility, as the existing system was extensively deteriorated and rusted. The commercial metal siding installation project presented several unique challenges that demanded creative solutions.

Key Challenges

We faced several planning and management challenges with this commercial metal siding installation project, such as:

Planning and Management Challenges

Site Access

We worked closely with the GC to coordinate site access, which was complicated by the relocation of several services near the building.

Schedule Coordination

Managing the timeline was complex, as we had to schedule our work around ongoing training sessions at the school.

Multi-stage Construction

A staged evaluation of the existing conditions was necessary to properly determine the method for installing the new windows and securing the lower cladding.

Limited Ground Setup Area

Due to the building’s location, there was extremely limited space on the ground for equipment, debris disposal, and material staging.

Before Siding Replacement

Our Solutions

These challenges required us to adjust our approach, modify workflows, and implement site-specific solutions in order to complete the work safely and on time. We attribute much of this project’s success to the factors below.

Collaborating closely with specifiers and engineers
Having experienced crew equipped with appropriate tools and equipment
Executing strict logistics planning to ensure smooth operations given the limited space.

The #EliteAdvantage

Our ability to deliver complex roofing projects safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption – no matter the obstacles – is a top reason our clients trust us as their commercial roofing contractor. At 1750 Finch Avenue East, we had to navigate limited ground space, multi-stage construction, a complex timeline, and coordination of site access – all while keeping the building operational with minimal disruption to students and instructors.

However, guided by detailed planning, clear coordination, and adaptive problem-solving, we were able to complete the original scope of work within the stated timeline for this complex commercial metal siding installation project. Backed by strong project leadership and consistent commitment to our client’s priorities, the team at Elite Roofing was able to adapt to the significant challenges that came our way. That’s the Elite Advantage!