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Metal Roof Retrofit - Watertite Roofing

At Watertite Roofing, we specialize in top-quality metallic roof retrofit solutions throughout Ontario. We help upgrade aging roofs and improve the energy efficiency of existing low-slope metal roofs.

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    Retrofit Your Metal Roof with Confidence

    The journey of every retrofit or new metal roof installation project we undertake begins with establishing a strong and professional relationship with our client. We listen to your needs and understand that your residential or commercial roof is a significant investment in terms of finance, security, and comfort.

    Next, we customize our services to match your roofing needs, support your aspirations, and address your concerns. Therefore, when you choose our team to correct performance issues related to your metal roof, rest assured of the following;

    Quality Workmanship and Materials

    At Watertite Roofing, quality workmanship is our signature. Our unwavering dedication to offering high-performance roof retrofits is evident in every metal sheet cut, fastener, and every seam we seal. We combine our roofing knowledge and skills with high-quality materials, such as the Duro-Last roofing system or other quality Canada-made retrofit roofing systems. We never use out-of-date materials.

    The result is an economical and functional solution for Ontario building owners with low slope-metal roof assemblies in need of roof repairs or replacement.

    Certified Roof Installers You Can Trust

    Our team comprises certified design professionals and roof installers handpicked for their expertise in commercial and industrial roofing, skills, and commitment to excellence. Therefore, every roof installation, retrofit, repair, or replacement task is completed to code and exceeds our client’s expectations.

    If you have an aging roof that needs to be retrofitted, contact us. Our team will assess the condition of your existing roof and determine the roof assemblies structural integrity. We only proceed with a retrofit if the existing structure is strong enough to support a new roof assembly.

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    Put a New Duro-Last Roof over the Existing Metal Roof (Retrofit)

    Metal roofs are associated with lower initial installation costs and durability. However, that doesn’t factor in protection from rust, corrosion, temperature extremes, and exposure to weather elements. All these issues can compromise the structural integrity of your metal roof. If you have seen signs that time has caught up to your metal roof, contact Watertite Roofing.

    You don’t have to live with the ongoing challenges of a failing roof to extend its service life. Leaks, rust spots, loose fasteners, and visible wear can quickly escalate into costly structural problems if left unchecked. For instance, moisture and water infiltration can cause mold growth within your building. Thus, addressing these warning signs early ensures your property remains protected and efficient.

    Sometimes, repairing your existing roof may not be enough to prevent leaks or other forms of damage. That is where our retrofit services provide real value. Our roofing experts install a Duro-Last retrofit roofing system directly over your existing metal roof.

    During retrofitting, a new roof is installed directly on your existing roof. This eliminates the need for a complete tear-off and allows us to install a new metal roof that is watertight, energy-efficient, and built for long-term performance. This approach saves on upfront installation costs and minimizes disruption to your business or daily operations.

    Here’s why we recommend the Duro-Last retrofit systems for metal roofs in Ontario.

    No Seam and Fastener Issues

    One of the most common problems with traditional metal roofs is the seams and exposed fasteners, which are vulnerable to leaks, rust, and long-term wear. With Duro-Last systems, we can help building owners order custom-sized sheets that are custom-fabricated to your roof’s exact dimensions. This minimizes field-welded seams and creates a watertight metal roof surface.

    At Watertite Roofing, our long-standing partnership with Duro-Last ensures every roof retrofit is done with materials known for precision engineering and long-term performance.

    With the Duro-Last retrofit system, we completely encapsulate your metal roof with a monolithic, PVC flat and low-slope roof membrane, permanently sealing off all the troublesome leaking fasteners and roof seams of your old metal roof. Therefore, we can recommend the best retrofit roofing system for your building.

    Cost-Effective Roofing Solution

    Retrofitting a metal roof with the Duro-Last retrofit system is one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your property’s metal roof. Instead of a complete tear-off and replacement, we install a new Duro-Last® roof assembly over the existing roof structure. This streamlined process reduces waste, saves time, and eliminates many of the expenses associated with traditional roof replacement.

    Lesser Material Costs

    Installing the Duro-Last roof retrofit system over the existing roof substrate eliminates the expense of tearing off and disposing of existing roof materials. This also reduces the need to purchase new insulation and vapor retardant membranes. Thus, you can make significant savings on your re-roofing budget for an existing building.

    Save on Labor costs

    Retrofit installations are faster and more efficient than full roof replacements. No extensive roof tear-off is necessary. This reduces the required labor hours, which lowers overall project costs while keeping your roofing upgrade on schedule. Therefore, the labor cost of retrofit systems is lower than that of a full replacement of an existing metal roof.

    Minimal Disruption to Your Operations

    For commercial and industrial properties, downtime can be costly. Retrofitting old and new roofs reduces noise, debris, and disruption to your activities. This allows business operations and building occupants to continue with minimal interruption. Thus, you can expect fewer productivity losses and less risk of revenue disruption compared to time-consuming roof replacement projects.

    Energy-Efficient Roofing

    A Duro-Last PVC membrane metal retrofit system is insulated by installing a layer of high-quality, energy-efficient insulation boards directly over the existing metal roof before the membrane is applied. This insulation fills the gaps between metal ribs and creates a flat, continuous surface that eliminates the thermal bridging common in exposed metal roofing. By reducing air leakage and minimizing heat transfer, the insulated system keeps indoor spaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, lowering heating and cooling demands. Combined with the reflective, white Duro-Last PVC membrane, which deflects a significant portion of the sun’s heat, the system enhances overall energy efficiency, improves indoor comfort, and reduces long-term HVAC costs.

    Furthermore, the reflective properties of Duro-Last retrofit systems ensure higher energy efficiency by cutting energy consumption and extending the life of HVAC equipment. Whether you want to retrofit an existing commercial or residential sloped or flat roof, Watertite Roofing is here to help you benefit from Duro-Last® roofing solutions.

    Metal Roof Solutions that’ll Last Decades

    Durability is at the core of every Duro-Last metal retrofit system. The Duro-Last metal retrofit roof systems are engineered to ensure watertight protection and resist the common issues that shorten the lifespan of traditional metal roofs. They have hidden fasteners and a monolithic functionality which guarantee superior performance against rain, snow, and temperature extremes.

    The combination of structural strength, efficient insulation, and reflective surfaces ensures that your roof is built to last for decades with minimal maintenance. Thus, retrofitting an existing roof is an economical and functional solution for property owners.

    Should You Repair, Retrofit, or Replace a Metal Roof?

    Your choice will depend on the condition of your existing roof and the nature or extent of the damage. Surface damage, such as rusting, may be fixed by installing a new metal roof on the existing structure. However, extensive deterioration of the existing roof and underlying structure may necessitate a complete replacement.

    Pre-engineered steel commercial structures with metallic roofs gained popularity in Ontario in the 1970s. In most cases, the type of roofs installed on these structures was considered ‘screw-down’ metallic roofs. They offer lasting protection against the weather because of their durability and resistance to weather-related damage.

    Fast-forward five decades, and these early ‘screw-down’ metallic roofs are beginning to show signs of extensive wear and failure. This signals the end of the roof’s useful life. Leaks may be occurring frequently, or you have noticed other signs of damage. So, should you repair, retrofit, or replace the existing commercial sloped or flat roof? Here’s what to keep in mind.

    Roof Repairs

    Before you schedule repairs for your roof, consider the fact that the roof will continue to deteriorate due to natural wear and tear. At some point, you’ll need to replace it. Think about the money spent on repairs and compare it to the cost of retrofitting or replacing it.

    In addition, the insulation layers and other materials beneath your metal roof may also get damaged if roof issues like moisture infiltration and leaks aren’t addressed. Serious damage to the underlying structure may necessitate a complete roof replacement.

    Roof Retrofit vs Replacement

    If your metal roof is severely damaged and repairs can’t restore efficiency, you can either retrofit the existing roof or invest in a complete roof replacement. Both options require careful consideration of costs, long-term benefits, and how each option aligns with your property’s future use.

    Retrofitting can extend the life of an existing roof at a lower cost than full replacement, while replacement offers the assurance of a completely new system. The table below highlights the key differences to help you evaluate which option is best for your building.

    Roof Retrofit Roof Replacement
    Requires less upfront capital than a full replacement to restore your roof’s efficiency. Requires a large upfront investment but ensures complete peace of mind and long-term performance.
    Can increase the resale value of the building. May result in a higher resale value due to the new roof system.
    Reduces short-term maintenance costs by reducing the frequency of repairs. Minimal maintenance is required, and this frees up budget for other priorities.
    Utilizes existing roof structure and reduces waste while saving on materials and labor. Requires complete roof tear and replacement. This could take time and other resources.
    Energy performance improvements depend on the retrofit system selected. May qualify for local energy rebates due to efficiency upgrades.

    FAQS

    Retrofit is the process of installing a roofing system on top of the framing system of an existing metal roof. It’s an affordable and effective roofing option, particularly if the old roof’s damage is limited to the surface.
    Yes, retrofitting is more cost-effective. It eliminates tear-off costs, reduces labor-related expenses, and minimizes business disruption compared to a complete roof replacement. Complete roof replacement takes more time and resources than retrofit.
    With quality roofing systems like Duro-Last, a retrofitted roof can last more than 30 years. Regular inspections and routine maintenance may help maximize performance and extend the roof’s service life.
    Yes. Retrofit systems often include reflective and insulated materials that reduce heat gain in the summer months and prevent heat loss during the winter months. This lowers HVAC strain and helps reduce energy bills.
    Most screw-down and standing seam metallic roofs can be retrofitted if the underlying structure is stable. Our team will inspect the existing metal roof to confirm if retrofit installation is a safe and effective option.
    Most roof retrofit projects are completed faster than full roof replacements. Depending on the roof size and the condition of your existing metal roof, the process can take a few days to a few weeks, with minimal business downtime.

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      What our customers are saying

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      Well, we started by looking for an award-winning roofing material that could withstand the harsh Canadian weather. Then we discover Dura-Last – the most advanced vinyl roofing material ever developed. In so doing we also discovered an award winning flat roofing installer, even recommended by Dura-Last themselves. Turns out Watertite Roofing is the best flat roofing installer in Canada, serving right here in Southern Ontario. Went to their office, and I couldn’t believe the number of awards that they have received. Hall walls full of awards. Nobody gets that many awards unless you’re real good. So we not only get an Award winning product to protect our commercial investment, but we get the award-winning installers to boot. Don’t gamble with your commercial properties – Watertite Roofing; the flat roofing specialists.

      Don Cormier

      Watertite did an amazing job with our rooftop terrace installation, very professional and built to last many years. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a solution that is long lasting and low maintenance. Amazing job!

      Glenn Edwards

      We hired Watertite Roofing to repair a leaking flat overhang on the front of our house that had been poorly done by another roofing company about 10 years earlier. Rot had set in and owner Zak Keyes had the solution for a permanent fix. Lead hand Jon took over from there and skillfully directed his crew to undo all the damage, working tirelessly in cold weather to give us a house that looks great and the knowledge that the problems are fixed for good. We highly recommend Watertite Roofing for flat roof construction and repair. Leanne and Pierre – Hamilton Ontario

      Leanne Joanisse

      Great responsiveness, good value and no hidden costs. Would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone needing roof work. Chris Elgar of C Elgar Holdings Limited.

      Chris Elgar

      During a heavy rain event, the roof leaked and one of the tenant was concerned about the leak. I called Watertite Roofing and they were on the roof to patch the leak by end of the same day. In the meantime, they did an assessment of the roof and provided a quotation within days for the replacement of the roof. Once the quotation was approved, Watertite Roofing promptly began to replace the roof the following day. The foreman on site for Watertite Roofing was considerate of intrusion to the businesses and their clients. The site foreman was approachable and made changes requested by the landlord. The work was completed in four days and before the next rainfall. Communication with the head office was always pleasant and frequent updates were provided every several days of work progress by the Operations Manager/Estimator. I was pleased with the quick response and the professional manner in which the work was completed ahead of time.

      Silvio Mucciarelli

      Thank you Ibrahim, We really appreciate your Google rating us five stars. Can you share a few words about your experience please as it would be helpful for fellow Googlers. Thank you kindly from Management and Staff

      Ibrahim Jame Mosque

      I had the opportunity to work with Watertite in 2008, they educated me on their product along with the installation process. The job was completed in a diligent and timely manner and the material is a superior technologically advanced product. Most recently, I had an ice issue this past December where Watertite came out to my building to tackle an ice issue. Upon completion, I was shocked to hear from Zak that there was NO charge for the time spent. There are a very few out there that exercise honest ethical business practice…….THANK YOU

      Zappa Zappa

      After doing a lot of research on possible solutions for renewing an existing 35yr old low pitch corrugated metal roof on a pre-eng industrial building; a membrane overlay system was chosen as the most effective from a performance, cost and warranty standpoint. After engaging 3 local firms for proposals, it quickly became apparent that Watertite was by far the best solution to meet our needs. Their rep (Zak) was very easy to work with, maintained great communications, and was very professional/responsive to any questions or communications I had. Through the whole process (survey, quotation, project coordination/execution, and wrap-up), Watertite and their personnel were top notch with little inconvenience to the tenant. Definitely would not hesitate to highly recommend Watertite and the Duro-last membrane system.

      Dave Allan

      Zak at Watertite was fantastic! Called him up to get a quote and was very happy with the responsiveness. The work was completed as promised and in a very professional. Would definitely recommend them for any roofing needs.

      D. B.

      The crew from Watertite Roofing did and amazing job. They were professional and friendly and worked hard to get the job done. Quality of work was fantastic. It even cost less than originally quoted and appreciated the honesty. Highly recommend this company.

      J. W.

      It’s great to see local businesses such as Watertite Roofing – Specialists in Flat Roofing actively participating and helping the local community. Thank-you so much for your support this year at our BMX race track. We all do it for the kids!

      FALLS BMX PARK (Falls BMX Park)

      As a custom home builder and renovator we work on many unique projects that require unique products and solutions. We only work with contractors that can provide the level of professionalism, service, and product quality that we demand of ourselves for our clientele. Watertite Roofing is one of those contractors who sets the bar higher for others. Their response time, organization of operations, and delivery on service is rarely paralleled. And they install a durable, well warrantied product that takes a load off our minds. We wouldn’t use anyone else.

      David Tucker

      In 2018 the team at Watertite installed a new flat roof on our building. Being that it was fairly new product and procedures to us we were a bit apprehensive at first. However, Zak and the team were great to deal with in terms of explaining the new product and installation procedures and it really eased our mind during the decision making process. During installation the team couldn’t have been better. Quick, clean and efficient, very knowledgeable and upon completion they took the time to explain the do’s and don’ts as well as general maintenance tips for us to follow. This past week during the excessive snow storms we’ve had in our area we had some water dripping into our office and showroom. Zak had a team member over the next business day to have a look, at no charge. He did the best he could to clear the water and ice from a frozen eavestrough and downspout that was causing water to travel behind siding and under the membrane. We are very grateful for them to have come out so quickly and not even charge us even though the leak wasn’t even from their roof installation! We have another project in the works for the spring time and we will definitely be going with the team at Watertite again!

      Steve Yendt

      We did our due diligence on roofers when we needed a complete new 15,000 square foot flat roof. All signs were positive for Watertite and they did not disappoint us, they did a great job. Zack was our main contact and he kept us informed throughout the project and always returned our calls in a timely fashion. Well done Watertite team! Larry Fontaine, president of Fontaine Transport Inc.

      Barb Fontaine

      Zac and his team have been incredible from our first contact. They were the most reasonably priced of 4 quotes, got the job done quickly when they said they would, have promptly responded to any queries and have came back to support installation of ventwork during renovations. The new roof, trim and eaves troughs look great and we’re very happy with the service.

      Amanda Harry

      our service areas

      Watertite Roofing proudly serves communities across Southern Ontario, delivering expert flat roofing solutions with proven reliability. From St. Catharines to Brantford, Hamilton to Dunnville, our certified team brings decades of experience to every project. We understand local needs and tailor our services for lasting results—whether it’s a repair, replacement, or retrofit. With offices conveniently located, we’re never far when your business needs trusted, high-performance roofing.

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