Phased Industrial Flat Roof Replacement in North York

Aerial view of the building in North York, showcasing the area for the upcoming Industrial Flat Roof Replacement project.

Project Specifications

Dorplex Logo

Phased Industrial Flat Roof Replacement

Dorplex Industries Limited

Building Address:

100 Norfinch Drive

North York, Ontario

Client Goal/Purpose of Project

The primary goal of Dorplex Industries Limited for this phased industrial flat roof replacement project was to effectively address the extensive leaks and deteriorating condition of their 40-year-old roof, which had led to significant operational challenges. The client sought a comprehensive solution that would ensure the integrity and longevity of the roofing system while accommodating ongoing industrial activities. By breaking the project into three manageable phases, Dorplex aimed to minimize disruption to their operations, particularly during the installation of critical equipment, while simultaneously enhancing the roof’s structural performance to withstand severe Canadian winters.

Key Challenges

The phased industrial flat roof replacement at Dorplex Industries presented several significant challenges that required meticulous planning and execution. With an aging roof suffering from leaks and substrate corrosion, our team faced the daunting task of coordinating repairs while ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s operations. The project was complicated further by unforeseen structural issues and extreme winter weather, demanding innovative solutions and proactive communication with the client.

Planning Challenges

The original roof, installed over 40 years ago, was poorly maintained and showed significant signs of deterioration. This necessitated careful planning to ensure that the replacement could be executed effectively while addressing the extensive leaks and corroded areas.

The client requested a phased approach to minimize disruptions to ongoing operations. This required detailed coordination with Dorplex Industries to prioritize which areas to address first, particularly the production area where new equipment was being installed. Each phase had to be carefully planned to align with the client’s operational schedule.

Management & Execution

During the roof replacement, our team discovered unexpected corrosion in the deck substrate that had not been identified during the initial assessment. This necessitated immediate discussions with the client regarding remedial measures to prevent future leaks and ensure structural integrity.

The extreme winter weather presented significant challenges, including active leaks during heavy snow and freeze/thaw cycles. This made it difficult to execute repairs on the remaining roof sections without risking further damage to the interior spaces and inventory.

Visible Daylight: Signs of Deck Substrate Corrosion

The following photos highlight areas within the plant where corrosion and perforation of the metal deck substrate have become evident, allowing daylight to filter through and indicating the need for urgent repair.

Solutions for the Phased Industrial Flat Roof Replacement in North York

In response to the unique challenges presented by this project, our team implemented a series of strategic solutions designed to address both immediate concerns and long-term functionality. By leveraging our expertise and collaborating closely with the client, we developed effective strategies for reinforcing the roof structure, managing leaks, and ensuring safe work conditions. These solutions not only mitigated risks during the replacement process but also laid the foundation for the roof’s longevity and performance in the years to come.

For the production area, we collaborated with a licensed welder and a structural engineer to inspect and reinforce the roof structure, ensuring it could support the new make-up air unit. This proactive approach minimized future issues related to load-bearing capacity.
In response to winter leaks, our service plumber designed and installed custom water diverter tarps to redirect water into floor drains, protecting the client’s inventory until the full roof replacement could be completed. This temporary solution safeguarded operations and prevented further damage.
We minimized traffic over the existing roof during replacement by strategically placing and storing materials. This approach reduced the risk of additional damage to the old roof while maintaining a safe work environment.
After the project, we recommended installing additional roof drains and conducting yearly maintenance inspections to address drainage issues and prevent future ponding water problems, ensuring the longevity of the newly installed roof.

Future Ongoing Maintenance Work

Drainage Challenge: The flat deck substrate commonly used in the 1970s has no positive water drainage in the structure to the existing roof drains/rain water leaders. The resulting ponding water issues were localized and will require attention to avoid any deterioration of the roof membrane.

Solution: While not currently in the budget, we have recommended adding roof drains where required at a future date. When the client is ready, we will work on a solution that meets their budget. We installed drain sumps to improve the catchment area around existing roof drains during the roof replacement.  This assisted with positive drainage.  We also recommended a once per year maintenance inspection and tune up on the building as the section completed in Phase 1 is now over ten-years old.

Outcome

Sometimes complex jobs are hindered by extreme factors, including unexpected active leaks and weather conditions. When a project extends into three phases, with long lag times in between, unpleasant surprises are not uncommon.

With positive client communication, a priority on safety, and ingenious solutions to unexpected problems, Elite succeed in protecting the client through the storms and providing a long-lasting roof that can withstand our tough Canadian winters.

Elite Roofing prides itself on quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. Here at Elite, we are more than just a roofing company, we are a family. We’re available 24/7 to answer all of your roofing questions. That’s the Elite Advantage.

Contact Elite Roofing for your next roofing project!

Elite Roofing prides itself on quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. Here at Elite, we are more than just a roofing company, we are a family. We’re available 24/7 to answer all of your roofing questions. That’s the Elite Advantage.