Marcin

Flat roofing Toronto. Leaking modified bitumen flat roof in Toronto.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:09 +0000

We recently installed our two ply modified bitumen SBS flat roofing system on a pair of leaking flat roofs in Cabbagetown, Toronto. The flat roofs were leaking due to improper application of the roofing membranes resulting in both condensation and leakage through the seams. Watch our roofers cut the membrane and expose a roof that appears to be in good condition yet, contains a significant amount of water underneath and between the membranes.

Our Cabbagetown, Toronto client was experiencing serious leakage in the bathroom of his townhouse. Contributing to this leakage were improperly sealed seams along the edge of the roofing membranes. The roofing membranes are to be heat sealed using a propane torch such that the edge of one membrane roll is overlapped and bleeds onto the previously applied membrane roll. This bleed will ensure the roof will not leak. The bleeds on this roof were very small or non-existent which eventually results in the rubber membrane lifting and allowing water to travel under the membranes. Also, improper heating and application of the rubber itself will lead to air pockets between the roof deck and the rubber membranes causing condensation. Both of these issues were the cause of the leakage on this particular roof as is generally the case.

We proceeded to strip the entire roof and install our two-ply modified SBS bitumen flat roofing system, using Soprema 180 base membrane, 250 cap membrane and 1.5 inch poly iso insulation. We also installed a new copper drain with a u flow seal. Uflow seals are designed to be tightened using internal screws which compresses the thermoplastic seal, forcing it to expand and make contact with the wall of the old pipe. This prevents vertical movement and stops water backup damage.

Slate roofing Toronto. Leaking valley and slate roof tiles.

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 19:37:03 +0000

Our downtown Toronto client's mansard roof was leaking near the valley where the two slopes meet. Contributing to the leakage was a narrow valley that did not run far enough under the natural slate tiles. Given the slate tiles on the smaller mansard section were in poor condition we replaced them with new slate tiles cut to match the decorative design and removed and replaced slates on the other section to install a proper width valley.

The slate tiles on the smaller and lower sloped section of the mansard roof were in poor condition, so given we were replacing the valley it made sense to install new natural slate tiles on this section. We installed high quality Quebec slate in the unfading black and light green colour to match the existing slate. For a section of that slope, the slate tiles were cut in a decorative diamond shape to match the existing scalloped edge slate design. In the video, you can see our slate mason cutting the green slate tiles with a slate cutter. As always we installed ice and water shield underlayment underneath the slate tiles and installed them using 2 inch copper nails. The valley installed was black to match neighbours roofs and is of heavy guage pre-painted steel. To finish we installed a new black ridge cap along the peak of the roof.

Along with the slate repair, M&R Roofing also installed our two ply modified flat roofing system.

Below is an image gallery of the slate project. Please visit our slate tiles blog category and slate roof portfolio for other information regarding our slate services.

Cedar shakes on mansard roof in Toronto

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:42:47 +0000

We recently installed new handsplit medium resawn cedar shakes on a mansard roof in Deer Park, Toronto. The project also included the installation of our two ply modified flat roofing system and a new skylight.

The existing cedar shakes around the mansard roof below the flat roof were in poor condition, resulting in leaks on the rear mansard. Our client decided to have new cedar shakes installed on the mansard in addition to the installation of our two ply modified flat roofing system.

The cedar shakes installed were Western Cedar handsplit medium resawn shakes of premium grade. The Premium grade is 100% clear and 100% heartwood with a 100% edge grain. These shakes have split faces and sawn backs. Cedar shakes are manufactured by cutting back cedar logs into desired lengths. Blanks or boards of proper thickness are split and then run diagonally through a bandsaw to produce two tapered shakes from each blank. This shake is produced with both faces sawn. It gives the neat, tailored look of a shingle but with the rugged shadow line of a shake, caused by the thicker butt.

The cedar shakes were installed with ice and water shield underlayment along with all new metal flashing on the ledge and the small parapet around the flat roof. The cedar shakes were tied in with the existing cedar on the neighbour’s adjacent roof. For more examples of our cedar shakes and shingles projects please visit our cedar shakes and shingles blog category and our portfolio.

Please scroll down for image gallery of the project.

Velux skylights installation on flat roof in Toronto

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:56:48 +0000

Our Cabbagetown, Toronto clients were experiencing continuous condensation problems with the large 4 x 8' acrylic dome skylight on their flat roof. To solve this problem M&R Roofing fabricated a custom curb mount "A-shape" frame for their flat roof and mounted two 4 x 4' Velux glass skylights.

Many downtown Toronto homes feature large scale acrylic dome skylights on their flat roofs. In some cases, these skylights can produce an enormous amount of condensation when the warm air that rises from within a home reaches the cold surface of a large skylight. The condensation problems are more likely to occur the larger the skylight. The problems are also more likely with acrylic then glass skylights because of the greater heat loss through the acrylic material. However, glass skylights installed on a flat roof must be installed on an appropriate slope to prevent heavy amounts of snow from mounting on the skylights. Therefore, acrylic skylights which are more likely to produce condensation problems but can be fabricated in a dome shape that fullfills this sloping function are a cheaper and more practical option for large scale flat roof skylight installations. Therefore a trade off exists.

After experiencing condensation problems for some time and attempting several unsuccesful solutions, our clients decided to install two 4 x 4' Velux glass skylights in place of the existing 4 x 8' acrylic dome skylight. In addition to eliminating the condensation problems our clients also wanted to find a solution for reducing the blazing heat that would result in their upper level rooms, especially during the summer months. To attend to this second issue our clients decided to install a (VCE) Velux electric venting curb mount skylight with Comfortplus glass and blackout blinds.

In order to install the Velux skylights according to the manufacturers sloping specifications, we had to fabricate a custom curb mount frame that met these specifications and also met other requirements. The frame was built such that it allows the two 4 x 4' skylights to sit next to each other in place of the existing 4 x 8 ' skylight. To prevent snow from mounting on top of the two skylights and to allow for proper curb mount installation we had fabricated an insulated tunnel in between the skylights. To eliminate potential condensation problems from the frame itself because of the height of the frame required for manufacturers sloping specifications, we insulated the entire frame appropriately. We then installed our two ply modified flat roofing system as shown in the above video.

Below is a photo and photo gallery of the finished product. This particular "A-shape" frame is a custom fabrication by M&R Roofing and another example of the extensive skill set and knowledge of our employees. If you are experiencing similar skylight condensation problems please contact us.

Toronto slate roof. Slate tiles and copper on Heritage Toronto home

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:32:18 +0000

This past week, M&R Roofing's experienced slate masons installed fine Quebec natural slate tiles, which were finished with copper flashings, on the roof of a Heritage Toronto home in Cabbagetown.

Our Cabbagetown, Toronto client had initially called us to repair some of the slate tiles on the mansard roof of his Spruce Street home. When we arrived to inspect the condition of the roof, we saw slate tiles that were in extremely poor condition. Many were very soft and breaking easily into dust. The slate appeared to be of inferior quality. There were approximately 20 to 30 tiles that needed to be replaced. In addition, others would be broken in the process of the repair and would also need replacing. Given that 40 to 60 tiles would need to be replaced and that others may break in the near future due to their poor condition, we advised our client that it was most cost efficient to install new slate tiles on the roof. Given the home was designated as a heritage property by the Heritage Toronto board in 2005, the details of our proposed work had to be approved by Heritage Toronto. The proposal was approved and we proceeded with our installation last week.

Before we began stripping the existing slate tiles, we protected the landscaping on the property accordingly. Once the mansard roof and dormer were stripped, we replaced all rotten boards and installed ice and water shield underlayment. Our experienced slaters then began installing the slate tiles. The slate tiles selected by our client were identical in size to those previously installed, in order to tie in the roof with his neighbour's slate roof. The slate tiles installed were of a high quality Quebec slate in the unfading black colour. The tiles were 10 x 16 inches in size with a 1/4 inch thickness. The slate was installed with all copper flashing including copper wall flashing, copper ice stoppers and copper step flashings and valley for the dormer.

M&R Roofing offers a wide range of high quality Quebec and Vermont roofing slate tiles. Many various sizes and intriguing colours options are available as shown in the video below.

Below is a image gallery of photos of the slate roof before, during and after installation. Please also visit our portfolio gallery for photos of other slate roof projects completed by M&R Roofing.

Toronto flat roof balcony, deck, rafters repair Part 1

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:28:08 +0000

Last week M&R Roofing began another flat roof balconies repair project. It included carpentry work such as the installation of new roof rafters and deck, followed by the installation of our two ply modified flat roofing system with polyiso insulation in the Beaches, Toronto.

When our sales consultant Maciej arrived to view the job, our distraught client has already removed the drywall from the ceiling so that Maciej could see the extent of the damage caused by the leaking balconies. The damage was extensive and would require the removal of the entire existing roof materials, roof decking and much of the roof framing. After viewing our video of a similar balcony repair we had done and discussing all matters with Maciej, with confidence our client decided to employ the services of M&R Roofing.

When our employees arrived on the job site to repair the roof they were surprised to see a sandwich of roofing materials lying on the roof deck. The roof deck was covered with four layers of plywood, one layer of green turf carpeting, one layer of asphalt and two layers of rubber membrane! Even with all these layers the roof deck leaked to such a point that all the plywoods and many of the rafters were rotten. Also, contributing to the water and moisture was a serious case of condensation. We began by stripping the entire roof deck which was a heavily labour intensive and then installing all new wooden rafters with hangers. When the framing carpentry was finished on one of the balconies we installed new decking and rafters in such a manner as to create the appropriate slope for drainage of the balcony roof, as discussed in a previous blog entry. We then installed our usual two ply modified flat roofing system with 1.5 inch polyiso insulation using a 180 base SBS membrane and 250 SBS cap membrane.

The above video contains part of the work that went into the project. A second video will follow showcasing further progress of the project. Below is a photo gallery of the project.

Certainteed Carriage House shingles on Toronto roof

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:39:53 +0000

We recently installed the Certainteed Carriage House luxury asphalt shingle in Colonial Slate colour on a roof in East York, Toronto. Our client tastefully selected this premium shingle in order to preserve the appearance of the original natural slate which we removed.

The Certainteed Carriage House are super-heavy weight asphalt shingles which provide premium performance and are intended to evoke the pride and prestige of scalloped edge natural slate. These shingles come with a limited lifetime manufacturers warranty and provide premium performance in terms of wind and fire resistance and algae protection. Our client's home initially featured slate which was recovered with designer asphalt shingles by the previous owner. To preserve the appearance of the original slate in a cost effective manner, our client decided on the Carriage House shingle in the Colonial Slate colour. The shingle was a great choice given the large sweeping roof and dormer which account for a large portion of the home's front area. The colour was also a great choice as it provides a nice contrast with the red brick and off white painted natural slate on the dormer as shown in the photo gallery below. Our client was very pleased with the aesthetic improvement the shingles provided to his home. This is another example of the positive aesthetic effect the selection of a luxury shingle can provide to a home. Please scroll down to view the image gallery below.

Toronto custom copper gable dormer roof

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:53:28 +0000

Our experienced coppersmith recently installed custom copper around a gable dormer roof above the front entrance of a Leaside, Toronto home. Our client was extremely pleased with the elegance the copper added to his home. This is another example of the various high quality services M&R Roofing provides throught the diverse skill set of our employees.

Please contact us and view our copper and metal work portfolio.

Toronto custom copper roof parapet wall caps

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:18:07 +0000

These custom copper flat roof parapet wall caps installed on a coach house in the Annex, Toronto are an example of the custom copper and metal work done by our highly trained and experienced coppersmiths. M&R Roofing provides various high quality roofing services.

Our Annex, Toronto client contacted us to scrap the old metal parapet wall caps from the flat roof of his coach house and install new copper caps. Copper is a premium alloy used in roof related flashing and ornamentation. Many clients prefer the more expensive and durable alloy because it looks stunning with natural materials such as slate and cedar. Even in this example it looks great on the aged brick and defintely suits the character of the grand Annex, Toronto home. The video showcases or highly trained and experienced coppersmith installing the prefabricated custom parapet wall caps on the flat roof. All the caps are custom fabricated at our facilities according. M&R Roofing is capable of meeting all your custom copper and metal work requests, so please contact us and view our copper and metal work portfolio.

Flat roof Toronto balcony repair. Roofing Toronto

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:27:40 +0000

Last week M&R Roofing completed a flat roof balcony repair in Toronto where we installed our two ply modified bitumen flat roofing system with polyiso roof insulation and built a new balcony railing.

Our client's home featured a balcony accessible from the dormer walkout on the front slope of the house. This house design is typical in western East York neighbourhoods. Many of the homes have balconies that are leaking and are rotten. The railings, decks and even rafters under the decks are rotten because the balconies are covered with subpar materials. Since the balcony is exposed to the outdoors it should be waterproofed with some type of flat roofing system. Specifically one that inludes some form of insulation as the balcony area is above a warm area of the house and should be insulated to prevent condensation problems. Previously the balcony was covered with welded galvanized metal. Metal is not a good solution for this sort of flat roof area because with time the welds will begin to crack and the metal will begin to move around. Metal also causes condensation as the warm air from the house meets the cold metal surface. To prevent condensation issues we installed 1.5 inch polyiso insulation. We also disassembled the side wood walls and the door step in order to run the rubber membrane up onto the walls and under the door step. We then flashed the area with black metal flashing and caulked it appropriately. After installing the new flat roof we built and installed a new wood railing on the balcony. The new railing is built according to code standards which makes it sturdy and accessible for the client. The client can now confidently choose to install some form of decking to her liking over the flat roofing system.