Before your name goes on it, make sure OUR NAME goes on it.

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2 Before your name goes on it, make sure OUR NAME goes on it. For almost a century, Soprema has been dedicated to providing contractors and building owners with high-performance, high-reliability roofing solutions. Every day, we stake our reputation on the quality of Soprema products. And when you select your roofing components, so should you. Low life cycle cost Unsurpassed training program and certified installers Self-adhesive and cold-applied roofing applications Constant innovation with Xpress Systems Superior technical support

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4 INDUSTRY NEWS News highlights from the industry. NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE New products and technologies available to the industry. GREEN ROOFING Roof Greening Systems Inc.: An innovative approach to urban design using living materials. Roof Greening Systems Inc. (RGS) is a Canadian wholesale distributor of pre-grown vegetation and high quality green roof systems to the commercial/industrial flat-roof market on the cover SPECIAL FEATURE Comparative Performance of EPDM as protection against hail damage PRODUCT PROFILE Firestone RubberGard Reinforced Mechanically Attached (R.M.A.) roofing system is said to be the industry s first mechanically attached system that can be warranted for 25 years. 4 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 INTERNET DIRECTORY Get the latest web site information for the leaders in the roofing industry. contents Volume 29, No. 1 JULY / AUGUST LEGAL NOTES Tender Law - Duty of Fairness Revisited. In the recent case of Double N Earthmovers Ltd. v Edmonton (City of), the Supreme Court of Canada considered the scope of an owner s obligation to treat all bidders fairly during the tender process. ADVERTISER S INDEX Information hotline to contact advertisers in this issue SPECIAL FEATURE Comparative Performance of EPDM as protection against hail damage. Among the most serious and challenging threats to the performance of any roofing system is hail damage. Protecting against hail damage is one of the ultimate tests of any roofing system.

5 MANUFACTURER OF ROOFING EQUIPMENT & METAL PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTOR OF COMPLETE ROOFING SUPPLIES WE HAVE SOURCED AN AMAZING PRODUCT LINE-UP! We stock thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers from the most important, well-known brand names to products from small, hard-to-find companies. Our recent acquisition of the selected assets of the Roof Shop (formerly EMCO Building Products BP Service Centres) brings us some great new locations, wider product selections, wonderful trucking capabilities and some dedicated & knowledgeable people. Thank you to our customers and suppliers and we look forward to continuing to provide the professional roofing contractor with the products and services they need. ROOFING & SHEET METAL SUPER SERVICE CENTERS SUPER PICKERING, ON WESTON, ON WESTON, ON TORONTO, ON OAKVILLE, ON BARRIE, ON (Signet Dr.) (Weston Rd.) P: (905) P: (416) P: (416) P: (416) P: (905) P: (705) F: (905) F: (416) F: (416) F: (416) F: (905) F: (705) HAMILTON, ON LONDON, ON WINNIPEG, MB EDMONTON, AB CALGARY, AB BENSENVILLE, IL (Chicago) P: (905) P: (519) P: (204) P: (780) P: (403) P: (630) F: (905) F: (519) F: (204) F: (780) F: (403) F: (630) VISIT US ONLINE AT SERVICE IS OUR SPECIALTY

6 News industry EMCO BUILDING PRODUCTS CORP. CHANGES NAME EMCO Building Products Corp. has announced it has changed its name to Building Products of Canada Corp. The name change represents a return to roots and evokes a rich history. The company was first incorporated as Building Products Limited, and in 1964 became Building Products of Canada Ltd. The company then joined the EMCO organization and underwent a subsequent renaming in The BP in the oval, though modernized over the years, was retained continuously as a corporate trademark because it had become synonymous with integrity, quality and service to the Canadian building industry. Today, Building Products of Canada Corp. has officially reclaimed that visual identity. The company s new logo places the BP inside the open oval, evoking the letter C. 6 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 Our new name channels over 100 years of history, said Yves Gosselin, company president and CEO. It represents both the brick-and-mortar and emotional investments we have in this country, as well as our commitment to our customers, suppliers and employees. It says much about who we are and where we are going as a company. Building Products of Canada Corp. is a privately-held company headquartered in LaSalle, Que., and one of Canada s leading manufacturers and distributors of buildings. It services the residential, commercial and industrial construction markets. Operating primary manufacturing sites in Alberta and Quebec, the company employs nearly 1000 people in Canada. It also has several joint venture operations in the United States. ECOSTAR HIRES FRANK SALDANA AS WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGER EcoStar, a manufacturer of premium steep-slope roofing materials, is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Saldana as the company s new Western Regional Manager. In this position, Saldana will oversee sales for the western region covering the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and, in Canada, British Columbia. Saldana has over 10 years of experience in the construction industry, most recently serving as a territory sales manager selling high-end asphalt shingles. Saldana also has experience selling shingles, ventilation, underlayments and various other roofing products. Frank s background of strong sales experience and construction industry knowledge made him a natural fit for this position and we are excited to have him on the EcoStar sales team, said EcoStar s National Sales Manager, Charlie Taft. He will have an immediate impact on our sales in the western region and we look forward to seeing him increase our presence in an area that we feel has great potential for growth. EcoStar, a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, continues to provide premium solutions for the steep-slope roofing industry. Made of recycled materials, EcoStar offers a full line of manufactured slate, shake and designer tiles that offer exceptional longevity, durability and aesthetics. WALT ROSSITER NAMED RCI DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES The recent addition to the RCI staff of Walter Rossiter Jr., Ph.D., as director of Technical Services for RCI Inc. should serve as a tremendous benefit to the association s members and the industry at large, according to Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Birdsong. Rossiter s vast background and experience in research and knowledge of the industry will present opportunities for RCI to expand its involvement in industry technical issues and research. A research chemist with over 35 years of experience with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Rossiter has been NIST s leading roofing research staff member for the last 25 years. Much of his research has supported the technical basis on which several of the nation s roofing-related standards were based. He has published and presented scores of papers exten- Continued On Page 8

7 MICHAEL DUCHARME NAMED ERA CHAIRMAN Michael DuCharme, director of Product Marketing, Carlisle SynTec, was named the new chairman of the EPDM Roofing Association s (ERA) board of directors at the group s annual meeting held in Baltimore earlier this year. DuCharme replaces James Hoff, vice president of Technology and Product Development at Firestone Building Products Co., who will remain on the board as treasurer. I am pleased to assume the role of chairman of ERA, given EPDM s current role as a market leader and the exciting opportunities for the product in the future, DuCharme said. I look forward to working with the board and ERA to emphasize EPDM s long record of outstanding performance and its ability to meet future standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Two new members have also been added to the group s board of directors. They are Ken Paul, territory manager, DSM Elastomers; and Hilton Purdee, product manager, Highland Industries MOVING? ADDRESS CHANGE? To ensure continued receipt of Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design, please forward address change information (specifying CRC&D) to: Fax: (905) , tanja@perkspub.com or visit our web site at and click on the Address Change icon. SPAR-MARATHON NAMED EASTERN CANADIAN MASTER DISTRIBUTOR FOR DECRA ROOFING SYSTEMS SPAR-Marathon Roofing Supplies has been appointed Master Distributor for Decra Roofing Systems for Eastern Canada. SPAR-Marathon will have a wide instock selection of Decra Tile, Decra Shingles and Decra Shake products. Decra stone coated steel roofing systems represent a perfect blending of over 40 years of research and practical experience. Offering the ultimate in performance and engineering design is what Decra Roofing Systems is all CSI S CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION NETWORK PROVIDER PROGRAM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED The Construction Specifications Institute has announced the official launch of its new Construction Education Network (CEN) Provider program. In a press conference recently held at the CSI Show in Baltimore, Walter Marlowe, CSI s executive director/ CEO, officially launched the new program with a review of the CSI CEN provider standards and a demonstration of the online support, management and reporting system. CSI CEN is off to a strong start with 23 registered providers for the program. Many of those providers were in attendance at the show and participated in the program launch. A contest was held at the event to familiarize attendees with the program. More than 100 education sessions were also conducted during the show which offered delegates CSI Continuing Education Units (CEUs). From architects, engineers and contractors to manufacturers, facility managers and developers, CSI CEN has been designed to serve the needs of the entire built community. There is said about. SPAR-Marathon Roofing Supplies operates several roofing and sheet metal super service centres, and manufactures and distributes a wide range of residential and industrial roofing products. Their Canada Specialty Products division now offers products to dealers/ distributors, lumberyards and roofing supply companies. For more information or companies that offer Decra stone coated steel roofing systems, please call (905) to be no other provider program more comprehensive in scope. There are many decision makers in the industry and we need to reach them all, said Jeff Spillane, senior manager, Benjamin Moore Paints. The CSI CEN program is a perfect fit with our existing education efforts. CSI s Construction Education Network utilizes cutting-edge processes and standards based on International Association of Continuing Education and Training(IACET) criteria, ensuring that programs bearing the CSI CEN logo have been developed to meet or exceed the highest continuing education standards in the world. For over 50 years, CSI has been the organization responsible for setting the industry standards for construction project practices. Now, with CSI CEN, CSI is setting the standards with a continuing education program that brings the industry together. For more information on the CSI CEN program, visit cenor or educational programs at Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

8 Mike Nosko Publisher Tanja Nowotny Editor/Production Dept. Cathie Fedak Sales Manager ppi 3 Kennett Drive Whitby, Ontario L1P 1L5 Tel: (905) Toll Free: Fax: (905) cathie@perkspub.com Web Site: Address Changes: 3 Kennett Drive Whitby, ON L1P 1L5 tanja@perkspub.com Fax: (905) Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design is a wholly owned, independent Canadian publication. It is not affiliated with any association or group. The magazine is owned and published by Perks Publications Inc., Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Copyright All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Published four times per year. Canadian Post Canadian Publication Sales Product Agreement Number Printed in Canada. News industry RADIO EARMUFFS AND NOISE EXPOSURE Some new earmuff models have built-in AM/FM radios. When using these earmuffs in industrial settings, doesn t the radio just add more noise to damage hearing? What are the noise levels under the earcup when the radio is turned on? When headset radios first appeared in stores several decades ago, they were not marketed as hearing protectors a good thing, since they offered very little attenuation of noise. At some frequencies, the headsets were even found to amplify background noise (with the radio turned off) due to resonance in the earcup. To be a hearing protector, an earmuff must be designed to be a hearing protector from the start. The volume settings of typical portable stereo headsets have been measured Continued From Page 6 sively throughout the industry, participated on and chaired numerous ASTM standard development committees, and chaired and/or contributed to various symposia and conferences on roofing research and standards development. Rossiter has served as a faculty member for the former Roofing Industry Educational Institute (RIEI) and participated in field reconnaissance of buildings following wind events with NIST and the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI). Through all of these efforts, he has developed and nurtured a rapport with all segments of the industry. Now retired from NIST, Rossiter, by filling this new position at RCI, will provide our members and the industries they serve with significant technical expertise, said at 81 dba at 50 per cent volume setting, 91 dba at 75 per cent volume and 96 dba at 100 per cent volume a hazardous noise level if listened to continuously for several hours. Ideally, a radio headset would allow the enjoyment of music at safe levels, but also reduce the background disturbance in a noisy environment. Today s new hearing protectors do just that: built-in radios contain circuitry that limits their radio output. When the radio is turned on (active mode), the sound output is electronically limited to 82 db. The noise level of the radio will certainly fluctuate (even though there is an 82 db maximum cutoff in the circuitry, the average noise level of the signal may be Continued On Page 9 WALT ROSSITER NAMED RCI DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RCI President Patrick Downey, RRC, CCCA. We look forward to the contribution he will make as we expand our focus not only in the roofing arena, but also into the waterproofing and building envelope areas. RCI is an integral member of the North American building envelope community, Rossiter said. Utilization of my skills and experience should help the association to confront issues and develop solutions to technical matters facing the industry, to disseminate research results and recommendations on roofing, waterproofing and building envelope-related issues, and to provide technical assistance to our members. Rossiter may be reached at his satellite office at (301) or via e- mail at wjrossiter@verizon.net. 8 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007

9 THE CITY OR TORONTO AND GREEN ROOFS FOR HEALTHY CITIES SUCCESSFULLY BID FOR THE 2009 WORLD GREEN ROOF CONGRESS Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American green roof industry association and the City of Toronto are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the World Green Roof Congress in The Congress will bring over 1000 delegates to Toronto from around the world to discuss the latest research, policy and technical advances in the rapidly growing green roof industry. The World Green Roof Congress is organized through the World Green Roof Infrastructure Network, an international organization made up of the leaders of national green roof industry associations from around the world. I m extremely happy the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has chosen Toronto for its 2009 Congress, said Toronto Mayor, David Miller. This is a heartening endorsement of our policies and practices, and an acknowledgement that Toronto truly is a global leader in the fight against climate change. This is a tremendous opportunity for Toronto to showcase its progress on sustainable communities and demonstrate significant progress in developing the green roof industry in North America, said Steven Peck, president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and co-host of the event. Green roofs have really captured people s attention as a beautiful way to help fight climate change and save money. Green roofs deliver more public and private benefits than any other green building technology. In 2006, the City of Toronto passed Making Green Roofs Happen, a comprehensive report on policies and programs that will advance the use of green roof technol- ogy among city buildings and in the private sector. Green roof infrastructure involves the use of technologies that incorporate drainage/filtering systems, quality waterproofing, root-repellency, engineered growing media and plants. The benefits of green (vegetative) roofs include a reduction in storm water run-off, better heat and sound insulation, energy savings, improved air quality and reduction in the urban heat island. Other benefits include increased park space, much lower). But for the sake of following example, let s just assume the worse case radio noise a constant noise level of 82 db from the radio worn in environmental noise of 90 and 100 db. When two noise sources are added together, the decibels are added logarithmically, not arithmetically. This means that the sum of two identical sound sources (90 db + 90 db) would sum to equal 93 db. Using a logarithmic calculator, let s determine the effective exposure for 90 and 100 db of Noise Level 90 db Attenuation -20 db Passive Exposure = 70 db Plus radio noise + 82 db Effective Exposure = 82 db improved aesthetics, community gardening and habitat restoration. Toronto is Canada s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. Continued From Page 8 RADIO EARMUFFS AND NOISE EXPOSURE environmental noise, with an assumed 20 db of attenuation from the earmuff, and constant radio signal of 82 db (See Figure One). Since the radio output is limited to a safe 82 db maximum, the radio adds very little sound energy to effective exposures in high noise levels. In a high-noise job that is also repetitive or monotonous, a radio earmuff can add significantly to worker satisfaction and enjoyment, without sacrificing hearing protection. FIGURE ONE. TOTAL EFFECTIVE EXPOSURE FOR A RADIO EARMUFF WORN IN 90 AND 100 DB OF NOISE Noise Level 100 db Attenuation -20 db Passive Exposure = 80 db Plus radio noise + 82 db Effective Exposure = 84 db Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

10 Showcase new product CARLISLE SYNTEC INTRODUCES SELF-ADHERING TECH- NOLOGY FOR ITS SURE-WELD TPO MEMBRANES Carlisle SynTec, a manufacturer of single-ply roofing systems, has announced the introduction of Self-Adhering Technology (SAT ) for its Sure-Weld TPO membranes. The new, Self-Adhering Technology makes installation of Carlisle s premium TPO roof systems faster, easier and more efficient than ever before. The pre-applied self-adhesive used on the SAT membranes provides all the benefits of a conventional, fullyadhered roof system without the need for messy or timeconsuming adhesives. SAT is said to increase installation speed and reduces labour requirements, allowing contractors to provide their customers with a more cost-efficient roofing system. SAT also eliminates the stress put on fasteners, plates and membranes in a traditional, mechanically-attached roof system. Building owners and occupants will experience less disruption during the installation of the SAT membrane because of the increased installation speeds and elimination of odors associated with many adhesives. The adhesive utilized on the membrane is applied under strict, factory-controlled conditions, ensuring uniform thickness across the entire sheet. Each SAT membrane features a clear, double-sided, no-stick poly film that is easily removed from the adhesive layer. Carlisle will offer its SAT TPO membranes in 45- and 60-mil thicknesses and on sheets as large as 10-feet-wide and 100 feet long. Because they require no liquid adhesives and since solvent fumes or VOCs are eliminated, SAT TPO roof systems are said to have less impact on the environment than traditional adhered systems. The SAT TPO membranes offer the same ENERGY STAR ratings and CRRC certifications as traditional Sure-Weld TPO membranes, which help lower rooftop temperatures and lessen a building s overall energy costs. Like all of Carlisle s Sure- Weld TPO roof systems, the SAT systems are complemented by a variety of pre-fabricated, heat-weldable accessories. These innovative accessories are an economical alternative to traditional, field-fabricated flashing methods and further reduce the time required to install a quality TPO roof system. For more information, contact Carlisle at or visit the company s web site at ECOSTAR INTRODUCES SENECA PLUS ROOFING TILES EcoStar, a manufacturer of premium, steep-slope roofing materials, is proud to introduce its newest, premium roofing product Seneca Plus tiles. Complimenting the Seneca Cedar Shake Tiles, Seneca Plus tiles are thicker and replicate the look of thick, hand split cedar shakes. The tiles are manufactured at varying widths of six-, nine- and 12-inches, and feature a thick cut that creates the natural appearance of traditional cedar shakes. Like all of EcoStar s premium steep-slope roofing tiles, Seneca Plus tiles are available in nine different colours that offer unique architectural opportunities for any roofing project. Though they closely resemble natural cedar shake, the tiles are said to be much stronger than traditional cedar roofing products. The tiles are comprised of recycled EPDM rubber and TPO plastic, allowing them to thrive in coastal areas and withstand the harshest weather conditions. With superior resistance to algae growth and decay, the tiles offer long life-cycle savings for home and business owners alike. Like all EcoStar premium steep slope roofing products, Seneca Plus offers superior advantages, including the availability of a 50-year Gold Star warranty. The combination of the Seneca Plus aesthetics and performance allows this product to be widely used in a variety of residential and commercial steep slope applications. For more information, contact EcoStar at or call ROOFMASTER RE-INTRODUCES ORIGINAL DRAGIN WAGON Roofmaster Products Company has reintroduced the Original Dragin Wagon - the ultimate LPG full roll application machine to the roofing industry. The seven-burner, high production unit melts and applies APP modified bitumen roofing fast and economically. With dual-control fuel lines, the seven-burners are said to offer the industry s greatest control being able to adjust three and four burners separately. The Dragin Wagon is capable of delivering up to 1,200,000 BTUs to the rolls and allows the roofer to apply one square foot within three to five minutes. Even heat is applied across the entire roll for the most efficient melting and even application. Additional features include fingertip control of the heat bar at the handle, heavy-duty stainless steel manifold, full adjustable heads, ability to adjust the angle of the heads from the handle, 35-foot LPG hose with 60 psi regulator and it weighs only 40 lbs. For more information, contact Roofmaster Products Company at or visit 10 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007

11 FOLLANSBEE TCS II LENDS TO CONTEMPORARY MASSACHUSETTS HOME The Cramer residence in Woods Hole, Mass., features Follansbee TCS II Terne-coated Stainless. The home, just one block from the Atlantic Ocean and a short boat ride from Martha s Vineyard, introduces contemporary design to its otherwise traditional surroundings. The home s curved metal roof and ebb-and-flow design mimic the topography of land and sea. Unlike the typical shingled, wood-frame homes in the area, the Cramer residence has walls made from insulating concrete forms, a stucco exterior and concrete floors. Follansbee TCS II material fabricated into the home s standing seam roof panels, half-round gutters and leaders weathers the rain, snow and salty blasts of any marine environment. Completed in Spring 2004, the Cramer residence contains studios for creating art and music, and gallery space for displaying the homeowner s art collection. Architect Thomas Hiksdal once described the home as a museum that someone happens to live in. Homeowner Catherine Cramer, a jazz percussionist and photographer, has strong ties to Woods Hole. Her grandparents met there in 1896 and built a house there in In the 1950s, more relatives became year-round residents of Woods Hole. Today, about 30 of Cramer s relatives call Woods Hole home, and many more visit in the summertime. All told, Cramer s relatives occupy 18 houses around town. Follansbee TCS II, an architectural stainless steel coated with Follansbee s patented ZT (zinc/tin) alloy, weathers naturally to an attractive grey patina and does not require painting. As proven by Follansbee s extensive metallurgic testing, TCS II withstands the severe corrosive conditions of industrial, coastal, and salt-water environments. The highly versatile TCS II can be tailored to a variety of design forms from the traditional standing seam roof to vertical walls, barrel applications, shingles and customized sections in flat or spherical shapes. TCS II is solderable and virtually maintenance-free. For more information, contact Follansbee at or visit VERSICO OFFERS VERSIGARD QA INSIDE/OUTSIDE CORNERS FOR FASTER AND EASIER INSTALLATION Versico Inc., a provider of single-ply roofing systems, offers VersiGard QA inside/outside corners for faster and easier installation of its VersiGard EPDM roofing systems. VersiGard QA inside/outside corners can be used on all VersiGard EPDM systems, including fully-adhered, mechanically-attached and ballasted applications. The VersiGard QA is a combination of pre-applied butyl adhesive and uncured VersiGard EPDM flashing with a total thickness of 95- mils that can be used to flash both inside and outside corners. The seven-inch by nine-inch pre-cut corners make flashing details easy, saving roofing contractors valuable time and money. The pre-applied adhesive on the corners increases the speed and ease of VersiGard EPDM installations, drastically reducing labour costs for contractors and installation costs for building owners. The thickness of the pre-applied adhesive is factory-controlled, ensuring consistent coverage and strong bonding to the roofing membrane while waste and material costs are reduced. No caulking or extra tools are required when installing VersiGard QA inside/outside corners because solvent flash off is eliminated. The ultimate adhesive strength of the seven- to nineinch corners is achieved almost instantly, which further reduces the time needed to install a VersiGard EPDM roofing system. For more information, contact Versico at GRACE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INTRODUCES GREEN BUILDING GUIDE Grace Construction Products, a leader in products for the construction industry, has introduced Building Green with Grace, a new guide that helps architects and specifiers select products that achieve the prerequisites and points needed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGCB), the LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings performance. The LEED system is designed to promote sustainable sites, energy/water efficiency, recycled materials, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design. In each category, there are pre-requisites and criteria for which a project can earn points. Building Green with Grace identifies how Grace Products can help a project meet the pre-requisites and earn points in the LEED-NC (New Construction) Version 2.2 Rating System. Respect for the environment and safety in the workplace are central to our approach at Grace, said Larry UNIQUE ROOFING STRIPPER TOOL INVENTED InventHelp has announced that one of its clients, an inventor from Avon Park, Fla., has designed a device that would make stripping away old roofing material easier on the body and less time-consuming. The ROOFING STRIPPER would enable roofers to pull up paper, nails and roofing material quickly and cleanly. The use of the device would save time and labour, and prevent strain and fatigue. In addition, the tool is designed to be easy to manoeuvre and operate. Golen, general manager and vice president, Commercial Construction, for Grace Construction Products. Our product development efforts are geared to reducing risks to the environment and to making our products safer in production, handling and application onsite. Products included in the guide are the Grace s Perm-A- Barrier air barriers, Preprufe Waterproofing, Floprufe vapour barriers, Bituthene waterproofing membranes, Procor fluid applied waterproofing membranes, Hydroduct drainage composites, Monokote fireproofing products, FlameSafe Firestopping Products, roofing underlayments and concrete admixtures. For more information, contact Grace Construction Products at A personal need prompted the inventor to come up with the tool. I plan on going into the roofing business with a friend, he said. When I found out that he uses shovels to remove old roofs, I thought that there had to be a better way. The original design is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 06- TPA-604, InventHelp, 217 Ninth St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) ext Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

12 green roofing RRoof Greening Systems Inc. (RGS) is a leading Canadian wholesale distributor of pre-grown vegetation and high quality green roof systems to the commercial/industrial flatroof market. The company s mandate is to provide incomparable value, 100 per cent customer satisfaction, environmental leadership and integrity of business practices. Roof Greening Systems Inc. provides high quality pre-grown solutions at a price that allows customers to enjoy the best available value in the Canadian marketplace, a company spokesperson said. We employ continuous improvement practices that incorporate leading research and technology to ensure that we deliver best-in-class value. RGS is a privately-held corporation located in Cambridge, Ont. Since it s inception in 2005, RGS has been able to provide its clients with not only 12 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 Continued On Page 14

13 Roof Greening Systems Inc. An Innovative Approach To Urban Design Using Living Materials Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

14 project profile Continued From Page 12 a design element, but also the construction aspect as well. RGS has developed a program that brings together the organizations needed to construct a green roof, from the design and consulting to the waterproofing membrane. The company is able to provide a complete green roof system to suit the client s needs. This provides a cost savings, as well as a smoother approach to a successful Green Roof. We have put together varied plant species that have been very successful, and we also have the team, knowledge and ability to custom grow a blend to suit our customers needs, the spokesperson said. Our team of project managers, production managers and sales force has put together a product that will be long lasting and beautiful for years to come. The unique advantage of our product is that the customer will have a mature green roof at the time of installation and will not have to wait for seed or plugs to grow. The term green roof is generally used to represent an innovative yet established approach to urban design that uses living materials to make the urban environment more liveable, efficient and sustainable. Other common terms used to describe this approach are eco roofs and vegetated roofs. Green Roof Technology (GRT) is the system that is used to implement green roofs on a building. 14 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 RGS green roof systems are constructed using components that have the following capabilities: Seal the roof against penetration by water, water vapour and roots. Retain enough moisture for plants to survive periods of low precipitation, yet are capable of draining excess moisture when required. Provide soil-like substrate material to support the plants. Maintain a sustainable plant cover, appropriate for the climatic region. Offer a number of hydrologic, atmospheric, thermal and social benefits for the building, people and the environment. Protect the underlying components against ultraviolet and thermal degradation. Green roof technologies not only provide building owners with a proven return on investment, but also represent opportunities for significant social, economic and environmental benefits, particularly in cities, the spokesperson said. One of the biggest benefits to a green roof is it reduces storm water run-off. Water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by the plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through evaporation. In the summer, depending on the plants and depth of growing medium, green roofs retain 70 to 90 per cent of the precipitation that falls on them; in winter they retain between 25 to 40 per cent. Green roofs hold rain like a sponge and allow nature to dissipate the moisture naturally rather than rely on aging storm sewer systems, the spokesperson said. Green roofs not only retain the rainwater, but also moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for any of the water that happens to run-off. Green roofs reduce the amount of storm water run-off and also delay the time at which run-off occurs, Continued On Page 29

15 Web Site Directory Of Industry Leaders Accu-Plane Enterprises Inc. Alberta Roofing Contractors Association Asphalt Roofing Contractors Association Atlas Roofing Corporation Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association Canadian Roofing Contractors Association Canroof Corporation Carlisle Syntec Canada Firestone Building Products Company IKO Industries Ltd. Labour Saver Menzies Metal Products. National Roofing Contractors Association New Brunswick Roofing Contractors Association Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association Posi-Slope Enterprises Inc. Roofers World Inc. Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia Roofing Contractors Association of Manitoba Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia Roofmart (Ontario) Limited Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association Sika Sarnafil Soprema Inc. Spar-Marathon Roofing Supplies Ltd. Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design will publish and promote the Web Site Directory of Industry Leaders in every issue. For details on how to get involved in our internet program, please contact Mike Nosko at log-on today perkspub.com

16 special feature By RIC VITIELLO, President, Benchmark Services Inc. AAmong the most serious and challenging threats to the performance of any roofing system is hail damage. Failure of a roof membrane due to hailfall can result in flooding and damage to inventory and equipment. Protecting against hail damage is one of the ultimate tests of any roofing system. The following article will review the hail protection performance of several roofing systems, especially an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) roofing membrane. With more than 40 years of success as a roof system of choice for low slope applications, EPDM is a leading roofing choice of architects, roof consultants and contractors for both new construction and replacement roofing projects. In fact, overn 20 billion square feet of EPDM roof has been installed on more than 500,000 warranted roofs. The information in this article is based on personal research and site studies I have conducted since 1989 while serving as a roof consultant to insurance companies, individuals and corporations. With mover 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, I am a professional member of the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI) and a member and trained Hail and Wind Damage Investigator of the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI). Pe A 16 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 Continued On Page 18

17 Comparative rformance of EPDM s Protection Against Hail Damage Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

18 special feature Continued From Page 16 PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. HAIL DAMAGE A GROWING CONCERN The hail belt area of the United States, the region most susceptible to hailstorms, appears to be getting larger, according to research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration s (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory. Areas of the country that were not particularly vulnerable to hailstorms now seem to be receiving hail fall and areas that regularly received hailstorms are seeing more storms with larger hail. The map in Figure One shows sections of the Midwest and the East that are particularly prone to receiving hailfall greater than three-quarter inch in diameter. This is the size that is generally considered the minimum threshold for property damage. REVIEW OF ROOFING SYSTEMS HAIL PROTECTION PERFORMANCE In recent years, the range of options for roofing systems has grown dramatically. Using information, both anecdotal and objective, gained during numerous site studies, we will review the performance of several of these systems in regards to protection against hail damage. While it is clear that these materi- FIGURE TWO. Built-up roof damaged by 1-1/2-inch hail. 18 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 FIGURE ONE. Average number of days per year where hail greater than or equal to 0.75-inches in diameter may occur within 25 miles of any point in the United States based upon NWS reports for the years 1980 to 1999 (Source: DOC/NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory). als perform in a more than acceptable fashion in most circumstances, they struggle to maintain their protective qualities when facing significant hailfall. BUILT-UP ROOF The beginnings of built-up roofing technology go back as far as ancient Egypt with the use of pitch as a waterproofing agent. The great improvement came with the addition of interleaved felt plies to provide tensile strength to hold the system together. The bitumen used in modern systems may be coal tar pitch or asphalt but both are considered to be built-up roofs. Grave surfaced built-up roofs are somewhat less likely to be hail damaged than smooth surfaced built-up roofs because the gravel disperses the impact energy but when damage does occur it can be more difficult to pinpoint. Smooth surfaced or gravel, the result is the same. The asphalt or pitch is displaced or cracked at the surface and the fibreglass felt may be fractured allowing water infiltration and the beginning of premature deterioration. Water infiltration into the insulation may spread and what begins as a small puncture may become a large repair. Multiple hail blemishes may require tear-off and re-roof as the only practical remedy. The photo in Figure Two shows a hail impact fracture on a smooth surfaced asphalt built-up roof. SPRAYED POLYURETHANE FOAM Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPUF) roofs are popular in some ar-

19 PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. FIGURE THREE. Hail damaged granule surface SPUF roof. is modified with a plastic and so is less flexible than rubber. This makes it somewhat vulnerable to fracture by hail. The SBS membrane is modified with a type of rubber that is vulnerable to ultraviolet degradation which the sun will deteriorate in short order. Because of this, the membrane is protected by a granule surface. This granule surfacing may be displaced by hail impact and even though the membrane is not fractured, it would require replacement due to the granule displacement. Both APP and SBS membrane systems can be damaged by hail impact since they are still asphaltic products. The photos in Figures Four and Five show an unsupported area on smooth surfaced APP membrane and an SBS granule surfaced membrane. Both were damaged by approximately 1-1/2-inch diameter hail. eas where hailstorms are becoming more frequent. Although the foam is closed cell and may not leak immediately after damage by hail, the required repairs to this type of roof can be very costly and the fractures can be particularly difficult to find on some of the newer granule surfaced systems. Hail damage on these roofs can be repaired unless the number of hail fractures is very large which then may require tearoff and re-roof or at least scarifying of the surface and re-coating. The photo in Figure Three reveals a fracture of the SPUF coating caused by hail impact approximately 1-1/2 inch in diameter. The membrane is rolled out and seamed together with heat or cold adhesive. The system is usually made up of two or more plies similar to a built-up roof. Modified bitumen systems are typically more hail resistance than smooth surface built-up roofs but other factors come into play. The APP membrane PVC SINGLE-PLY PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) singleply roofing membrane has become a popular choice in the last 25 years. Each manufacturer of PVC membrane has its own slightly different recipe for its PVC product. There are differences in Continued On Page 20 MODIFIED BITUMEN Modified Bitumen roof systems have been popular in North America for over 30 years. They were originally invented in Europe and provide good service when applied correctly in the appropriate situation. Modified Bitumen is composed of asphalt that has had modifiers processed with it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The two most common modifiers are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene). Both types of modified bitumen are provided in rolls approximately three feet wide. FIGURE FOUR. APP Modified Bitumen punctured by hail. Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.

20 special feature Continued From Page 19 the added ingredients used in various PVC membranes, particularly the plasticizers. Since PVC in its natural state is rigid, the process of making it into a flexible single-ply roof membrane requires the addition of plasticizer chemicals. Some manufacturers are liquid and others use solid plasticizers. The type of plasticizer used can make a great difference in whether the membrane becomes brittle as it ages and then more vulnerable to hail damage. PVC membrane is typically reinforced with a polyester fabric but some of the older types were not. The photos in Figures Six and Seven show PVC roofs that have been impacted by three-quarter-inch to 1-1/2-inch hail. The first is reinforced and the second is not. The circular fractures eventually transfer through the membrane and develop into leaks. The last two photos in this series are Figures Eight and Nine. They show a FIGURE FIVE. SBS Modified Bitumen roof granule displacement caused by hail. PVC roof approximately three years after a hailstorm. Repeated repairs were done with various types of surface caulking until the owner finally realized that it would not be possible to seal all of the hail fractures that continued to open up and leak. EPDM ROOFING PERFORMANCE IN HAIL PROTECTION EPDM roof membrane provides benefits similar to some other popular membranes like low installation cost, low life cycle, maintenance and repair costs, quick installation and it can even be coated with white acrylic coating to improve its energy efficiency. In addition to all of the typical benefits of a high quality roof membrane, EPDM can be installed in such a way to allow for a 30 year warranty against hail damage. The photos in Figures 10 and 11 show EPDM roofs that have been impacted by hail as large as two-and-onehalf-inch in diameter with no resulting membrane damage, and therefore no leaks. BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. 20 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 FIGURE SIX. Reinforced PVC Membranes hail fractured.

21 BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. evolve with changes and improvements along the way. Modern seaming methods as well as accessories details, and flashing materials have helped to make this system the most popular roof membrane used today in the United States. The membrane is available in 45, 60 and 90-mil thickness. The 90-mil membrane offers higher resistance against damage from hail or other punctures. Ice balls have been used to simulate hail impact on roof system test decks. Figure 12 shows ultimate failure of the thinner 45-mil membrane only when impacted by a three-inch-diameter ice ball at feet per second, more than 90 miles an hour. THIRTY-YEAR PROTECTION AGAINST HAIL DAMAGE Forecasts from NOAA indicate we are entering a cycle likely to last sev- Continued On Page 22 FIGURE SEVEN. Non-Reinforced PVC Membrane damaged by small hail. ADAPTABILITY OF EPDM ROOFING SYSTEMS EPDM roof systems can be installed in any of three basic methods. The least expensive is to simply lay the membrane loose over the insulation substrate and cover it with rock ballast to prevent blow-off. The second method is by mechanically-attaching the membrane at intervals on the roof and covering the attachment fasteners with EPDM cover-strip material or overlapping seams. The third method is to fully adhere the membrane to the substrate material. The membrane can also be coated with a white acrylic coating to reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain below the roof. The variety of installation options increases the attractiveness of an EPDM roof system for virtually any building. PROVEN PERFORMANCE Since its development more than 40 years ago, EPDM has continued to The Made in Canada Menzies Blue Seal has a blue high-impact, super-strong nylon inner core with high-quality EPDM for the compression seal. The screws are stainless steel. The nuts are brass non-twist. Available in 3, 4, 5 and 6 sizes. The RCABC requires that all drains installed in the warranty program have a mechanical seal to prevent water back up problems. The Menzies Blue Seal is the solution to water back up problems and soundly meets RCABC requirements. Also available Menzies retrofit drains with a cast aluminum strainer that is mechanically attached to the drain (Vandelproof) as standard. For more information about Menzies Drains and the new Menzies Blue Seal, talk to a Menzies representative or visit the Menzies web site. SPUN ALUMINUM DRAINS, SPUN COPPER DRAINS, and CLAMP-TITE DRAINS are compatible with Menzies Blue Seal. BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. FIGURE EIGHT. Hail damaged reinforced PVC membrane, temporary caulk repairs. MENZIES METAL PRODUCTS th Avenue Surrey, BC Canada V3S 3M2 Ph: (604) Fax: (604) Toll Free: Web Site: info@menzies-metal.com Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST

22 special feature Continued From Page 21 eral years, with more frequent incidents of severe weather. This will increase the importance of effectively protecting buildings and the contents within them from the effects of a catastrophic roof failure. EPDM roof systems provide long-term protection that can extend 30 years or more into the future. A variety of warranty terms are available for your selection, including 30-year coverage against some levels of hail damage, incidental puncture and wind damage up to 100 miles an hour. This coverage of EPDM systems is significant because most manufacturers of other roof systems do not provide warranty coverage for hail of any size. Different companies have their own warranty programs. Please contact EPDM membrane manufacturers to learn more about warranty specifics for EPDM membrane products. BENCHMARK SERVICES INC. FIGURE NINE. Hail damaged PVC membrane with thousands of temporary caulk repairs. SUMMARY Based on field and test data, it is clear that EPDM roof membranes outperform other roof systems in terms of hail protection. In tests including simulation of hail up to three inches of diameter, EPDM roofing membranes did not suffer membrane damage and avoided leaking problems endemic to other roofing surfaces in similar circumstances. As added incentives to potential buyers, EPDM roofing manufacturers and suppliers offer their product in a variety of thicknesses and with three installation options. These cost-effective considerations, combined with extensive warranty coverage as insurance of performance, make EPDM roofing the leading choice, especially when determining roofing options in areas of the country with significant 22 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 FIGURE 10. EPDM membrane impacted by 2-1/2-inch hail. No membrane damage. BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.