Building Height: 40-50 feet
Entire roof Area: 33,980 feet
Replacement area: 31,327, done in two phases:
o Phase 1: 19,904 sft.
o Phase 2: 11,423 sft.
Mikveh ritual area and ground floor canopy roofs – were excluded
Membrane Type: hybrid roofing membrane – 2 plies sand/sand SBS modified bitumen base sheet mopped with hot type 2 roofing asphalt, flood coat of hot roofing asphalt with embedded pea gravel
Insulation: 2.5” ISO mechanically fastened and 0.5” Perlite mopped in hot asphalt
Ballast: ⅜” pea gravel
Flashings: two plies SBS modified bitumen membrane
Metal copings: 26 gauge pre-painted metal
Community Center and Place of Worship
Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto
613 Clark Avenue West
Thornhill Neighborhood, Toronto
The synagogue had a complex, multi-level roof that required extensive planning to ensure safe and efficient material handling. Due to limited access to certain areas, we had to account for additional hoisting equipment and plan for double or even triple handling of materials and debris. The fragile condition of the original roof also meant we had to limit foot traffic and take extra precautions to prevent damage during the project.
Since BAYT is both a community center and place of worship, the building needed to remain fully operational during the roofing project. This created additional planning challenges as we had to ensure that daily activities and special events could continue uninterrupted. We carefully coordinated our work schedule and made sure that the site was always clean, with clear and safe pathways for building users.
The client awarded us the project in November, meaning Phase 1 had to be executed during the fall and winter months. Planning for weather-related issues was crucial, as cold temperatures, snow, and ice could impact both safety and the integrity of roofing materials. We had to build in contingency plans for delays and ensure the roof remained watertight throughout the process.
Executing the material handling plan was complex due to the multi-level structure of the building. We had to manage hoisting materials to different levels, and then lowering debris safely from the main roof, which stood 50 feet high. Special equipment like garbage tarps and hoists were used to transport materials without damaging the roof. Space constraints around the building made set-up difficult, further complicating the execution of these tasks.
The building’s HVAC system included several oversized units, making it necessary to use a 150-ton crane to lift materials and raise these units. However, not all of the HVAC equipment could be lifted, so we worked closely with the client’s HVAC contractor and the roofing membrane manufacturer’s technical representative to design a plan. This allowed us to create a watertight seal around the remaining units, ensuring the roof’s integrity while minimizing disruption to the HVAC system.
The project involved replacing six acrylic skylights as well as two large three-section barrel skylights, one of which had a center openable section. Working with Artistic Skylights, we had to ensure that these skylights were replaced carefully while keeping the building dry during the roofing work. Managing this aspect of the project required precise timing and coordination to prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of the new roof.
Access to the roof drains presented significant challenges because of the building’s internal structure. Some areas were difficult to reach, requiring our plumbing team to use rope ladders to access interior spaces and make necessary connections. In cases where connections were made from the roof level, we had to cut through the roof deck substrate to remove the old roof drains and install new ones, which required careful execution to avoid damaging the roof or the building.
To address the unique challenges of replacing the roof at Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT), we implemented a range of tailored solutions. Our approach ensured the project stayed on schedule, minimized disruptions to daily operations, and delivered a durable, long-lasting roof that met the client’s needs. Below are the key solutions we applied to successfully complete this complex project.
Any time a roof is replaced or installed, a number of factors need to be considered. We have experienced these issues frequently over our more than 60 years in business. One is being flexible to meet client needs, such as allowing people to continue using the building during the work. Second is working with our clients’ contractors to ensure that the roof is installed correctly and prevents future leaks. A third factor, especially during these challenging times, is adjusting to pricing and supply chain issues.
We take great pride in working with community organizations. Furthermore, we complete their projects on time and on budget, while meeting their operational needs. For expert roofing of your community-use building, contact Elite Roofing today.
