50 Years Strong: Celebrating Half a Century of Watertite Roofing

From a 1976 start-up to Southern Ontario’s trusted flat roofing specialist — the milestones, the people, and the values behind five decades of watertight protection.

In 1976, a small Dunnville start-up set out to solve a stubborn problem: keeping water where it belongs — outside the building. Fifty years later, Watertite Roofing has grown into one of Southern Ontario’s most trusted names in commercial, industrial and institutional flat roofing, with more than 6,700 completed projects and a reputation built one watertight seam at a time.

As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back on the milestones, the people and the values that carried us from coal tar and gravel to cutting-edge, Canadian-made roofing systems — and to thank the customers, staff and community who made it all possible.

Watertite Roofing by the Numbers:

Humble Beginnings: A 1976 Start-Up

Watertite Roofing began in 1976 as a modest start-up specializing in Texas Refinery roof coatings. In those early days, the trade looked very different: our crews worked with coal tar pitch, asphalt and gravel, and two-ply modified bitumen built-up roofing (BUR) — the tried-and-true systems of the era. What set the company apart from the start wasn’t the materials, but the mindset — a commitment to solving roofing problems through honest, quality workmanship.

That commitment quickly turned into momentum. In 1979, the business was incorporated as Tarmco Construction Limited, operating as Watertite Roofing. By 1982, we had opened our first commercial shop — the foundation for the steady growth and expansion that would follow over the next four decades.

Five Decades of Growth

Fifty years of continuous operation is a milestone few companies reach — and even fewer in a trade as demanding as commercial roofing. Over that time, Watertite Roofing has completed more than 6,700 roofing projects across Southern Ontario, earning recognition as a leader in commercial, industrial and institutional flat roofing.

Perhaps the number we’re proudest of is this one: more than 78% of our new business comes from repeat customers and referrals. In an industry where trust is everything, that figure says more than any advertisement could. It means building owners, property managers and facility teams keep coming back with their next project — and keep sending their colleagues our way.

A Commitment to Innovation

Great roofing companies don’t stand still, and neither have we. As roofing technology evolved, so did Watertite. Through the 1990s, we moved beyond traditional built-up roofing to install fibreglass, torch-down and modified bitumen systems, always chasing better performance for our clients.

The biggest turning point came in the mid-2000s. In 2004, our team travelled to the Duro-Last manufacturing facility to research cleaner, more efficient roofing technologies first-hand. What we saw convinced us of the future: in 2006, we made the strategic decision to focus on PVC roofing systems and became accredited installers of Duro-Last — a partnership that still defines our work today.

We haven’t stopped there. In 2024, we expanded our product offerings once again by partnering with Goliath Roofing Systems, adding a Canadian-made, polyester-reinforced PVC membrane engineered to perform in our demanding climate. Today, Duro-Last and Goliath sit at the heart of the durable, energy-efficient roofs we install across the region.

Investing in Our People and Our Facility

A roof is only as good as the crew that installs it. That’s why, over the years, we’ve invested heavily in our team and our infrastructure. In 2011, we expanded our facility to over 17,500 square feet, giving us the space, equipment and warehousing to take on larger and more complex projects without compromising on quality or turnaround.

Just as importantly, we’ve invested in the people who wear the Watertite name every day, with an ongoing emphasis on safety, professionalism and training. That culture hasn’t gone unnoticed: in 2025, Watertite Roofing was recognized as Employer of the Year — a reflection of the workplace our team has built together.

Leadership That Grows With the Company

Behind every long-lived company is a story of leadership. For much of Watertite’s history, that story belonged to Archie and Cheryl Merigold, whose stewardship shaped the company’s values and its reputation across Southern Ontario.

In recent years, a new generation has stepped forward — not through a change of ownership, but through a natural continuity of leadership. Zak and Dahye Keyes joined the team in 2011. Zak was promoted to Operations Manager in 2014, and in 2023 the two took on senior roles as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. In 2025, Zak Keyes was named President.

It’s a progression we’re especially proud of, because it reflects who we are: a company that grows from one generation to the next, carrying its founding values forward rather than leaving them behind.

Rooted in the Community

Fifty years in business means fifty years of being part of a community — and Watertite has never taken that for granted. Our founder, Archie Merigold, was a chartering member of the Dunnville Rotary Club, establishing a tradition of community service that continues today. We remain proud supporters of the Rotary Club and its mission to strengthen our local community.

As an active member of the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, we’ve expanded that involvement over the years. Watertite was the Presenting Sponsor of the Dunnville Mudcat Festival Kid’s Fishing Derby in both 2025 and 2026 — and our team members didn’t just write a cheque; they rolled up their sleeves to help organize, coordinate and run the event, giving hundreds of children and families a memorable day outdoors. We’re also a proud sponsor and volunteer partner of the Grand River Outdoors Cayuga Kid’s Fishing Derby, encouraging young people to get outside and enjoy the water.

We believe strong communities begin with opportunities for young people, which is why we sponsor local youth sports teams and programs. One of our favourite moments? Watertite Roofing’s Under-8 soccer team — coached by our own Zak Keyes — captured gold in the 2024 championship.

Five Decades at a Glance

A quick look back at the moments that shaped Watertite Roofing.

Here’s to the Next 50 Years

From coal tar and gravel in 1976 to Canadian-made PVC systems in 2026, the materials and methods have changed, but our purpose hasn’t: to protect the buildings, businesses and people of Southern Ontario with roofing that lasts.

Thank you to all our customers who have trusted us, our team members who have built their careers with us, and the community that has supported us. It is thanks to you that we have reached this important milestone, and it is precisely because of you that we look to the future with great enthusiasm.

Here’s to the next 50 years of keeping Southern Ontario watertight.

Celebrate 50 years with us — and protect your property for the next 50.

Whether you manage a warehouse, plant, storefront, or institution, our team is ready to help. Call 1-800-263-8452 or request your free, no-obligation quote today.