Cabbagetown Toronto flat roof, sloped roof and skylights project

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:59:06 +0000

We recently completed work on two adjacent properties on Sackville Street in the downtown Toronto Cabbagetown neighbourhood. The work included two new flat roofs, four new skylights, new asphalt shingles on a sloped roof section and some other minor repairs.

Upon our initial inspection we concluded the existing tar and gravel roof was definitely in need of replacing and suggested to our client the more efficient two-ply modified bitumen flat roofing system. As can be seen from the photos, the skylights were also in need of replacing as the client was experiencing some leakage around the skylight area. It is possible that the leakage was due to a leaking skylight which explains the caulking on the skylight or due to the deterioration of the tar and gravel around the skylight area. Given the condition of the skylights and the additional costs of installing the skylights on a future visit, both clients decided to have the skylights changed. However, the single large skylight on the rear flat roof was still in good condition and only required the installation of new weather stripping.

It was also necessary that one of our clients have the asphalt shingles replaced on the sloped section because there were several key problems. At the edge of the roof the shingles were cut in line with the roof which results in water running down onto the side board and under the shingles which the water marks on the plywood confirmed. Also the sloped chimney flashing was exhaustively caulked which indicates repairs to a leakage problem. Finally, the contractor installing the skylights did not align the shingles properly as the keys on the three tab shingle were not aligned. This is a key installation error of these shingles. Given the many problems in the small area the client decided to have the entire area re-roofed.

There were also some minor repairs to a leaking sloped chimney flashing on the other clients roof which I had mentioned in a previous blog article. We completed the job by finishing all metal work including all new parapet caps, wall flashings, door step flashing and chimney flashing. Please view the image gallery to see the before and after photos of our project.

Leaking chimney flashing

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:53:35 +0000

Here is an example of an inappropriate installation of a chimney flashing on a sloped roof that is sure to leak. When we examined the client's roof we easily spotted this inappropriate installation as the tall cone chimney flashing was installed over the shingles.

This is clearly inappropriate as water will run down the shingles and underneath the flashing. To prevent the water from entering underneath, the installer put caulking all around the flashing where it meets the shingles as you can see in the photo. It is only common sense that this is a poor installation as the caulking will eventually crack and water will run underneath the flashing as was evident by the wet stains on the boards upon stripping the flashing and shingles in the area. Further, the chimney flashing lacks a collar over the tall cone and is simply caulked.

To repair the problem we ordered a new tall cone chimney flashing for a sloped roof with collar and installed it appropriately. First we installed ice and water shield around the entire chimney area, then installed the chimney flashing and shingles over the flashing. The water will now run down the shingles onto the flashing and further from the flashing onto the shingles below. The appropriate overlap of items is installed in a common sense way consistent with the flow of water given gravity. The collar is installed and prevents an wter hitting the chimney to run down the collar and onto the shingles. The collar area is then caulked only where there is potential for the collar to leak. The tall cone is caulked only where the two parts are welded. This is an appropriate installation of a chimney flashing. If you are having a chimney like this installed be sure to consult a roofing professional as it is possible that the person installing the chimney is unaware of proper installation.

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Cabbagetown Toronto flat roof, sloped roof and skylights project

Leaking chimney flashing