Commercial Flat Roofing Hamilton

Flat Roofing Services From New Builds to Upkeep

The City’s 2020 Employment Area Inventory tracks ten employment areas in Hamilton, and our crews work across them, including:

• Airport Employment Growth District
• Red Hill North and South Business Parks
• Stoney Creek Business Park and Flamborough Business Park
• Bayfront Industrial Area, the City’s largest and oldest

What We Handle on a Commercial Flat Roof

• 1. Installing a flat roof system on new construction. We work with developers and general contractors from site assessment to final inspection. A properly installed roof starts with a roof structure sloped toward the drains, correct drain locations and metal flashing details.
• 2. Roof inspections with written reports. Regular inspections find small cracks, damage from UV rays and blocked drains before they cause significant damage. You get a report on the roof surface, seams and drains.
• 3. Maintenance plans and storm checks. Regular maintenance visits keep the roof clean, clear the drainage system and fix small defects early, which avoids costly repairs. On the Mountain, above the Niagara Escarpment, drifting snow piles against parapets and rooftop units, so we check those after major storms.
• 4. Replacing your old roof. When your existing commercial or industrial flat roof reaches the end of its service life, Watertite Roofing provides dependable flat roof replacement solutions in Hamilton. Our team assesses the existing roof assembly, recommends a practical replacement system and installs it to deliver long-term waterproofing performance, backed by manufacturer warranties and our experience as flat roofing specialists since 1976.

Timely Flat Roof Repairs That Prevent Future Leaks

Flat roofs are easier and safer to reach for maintenance than pitched roofs, but water sits on them where sloped roofs shed it, so a small blockage or crack leads to leaks, mould and structural damage. Our flat roof repair services cover emergency calls and full membrane restoration, including work on the roof of a former elementary school, and quick flat roof repairs are what keep a roof off the replacement list.

Leak Sealing With the Right Materials

Leaks usually start at drains, seams and flashing. We find the exact source, seal it with membrane patches or a heat-welded repair that matches the existing roof, and check the surrounding area to prevent leaks from returning. Roofing cement can stop a small leak on an asphalt roof for a while, but it is not a lasting fix.

Fixing Pooling Water and the Drainage System

Water pooling on a flat roof, also called ponding water, can damage the roofing membrane and, on some roofs, seep into the second layer. We unclog and clean drains, and where pooling keeps coming back, we recommend proper drainage upgrades such as extra drains or tapered insulation.

Clearing Algae and Adding Reflective Coatings

Standing water and debris feed algae, moss and mould. We remove organic material and can apply a reflective coating to protect the roof surface from UV rays, which can improve energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs in summer.

Repairing Cracks, Blisters and Gravel Roofing

Temperature swings make flat roofs expand and contract, which cracks older membranes, and blisters usually mean moisture is trapped between layers. On gravel roofing, which lasts 15 to 30 years with proper care, we move the stones aside, repair the membrane and replace the gravel, then tell you whether the damage needs a surface repair or a complete replacement.

Replacing Built Up Roofing and Modified Bitumen Roofs

Built up roofing uses alternating layers of asphalt and felt with gravel as the top layer, and modified bitumen uses multiple layers of reinforced asphalt sheets.

When either has reached the end of its service life, or the roof has extensive damage, a roof replacement with a PVC single ply membrane gives the building a new roof, with new metal flashing at edges and penetrations. Single ply roofs go down faster than a built up roofing system, so we can limit downtime for tenants and protect the building’s structural integrity.

Why We Recommend Goliath PVC Membrane

Goliath PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane is made in Cambridge, Ontario, by Canadian General Tower, which reports supplying more than one billion square feet of PVC membrane since the 1970s.

• 1. Lower material and disposal costs. In a retrofit, the membrane goes over the existing roof, so there is no tear-off or disposal cost. With dry insulation you also skip new insulation and a vapour retarder, which cost more than the membrane itself.
• 2. A longer roof service life. A properly installed Goliath membrane extends the roof’s lifespan and avoids the frequent repairs that shorter-lived single ply roofs and older asphalt systems need.
• 3. Low upkeep and usable roof space. With correct drainage and sealed seams, the roof needs little upkeep and keeps its energy efficiency. Its usable space can hold solar panels or heavy HVAC equipment, with walkway pads for foot traffic.

Flat Roof Replacement Costs by Material

Roofing material and roof size set most of the price on commercial roofs. A PVC retrofit over an existing flat roof averages $9 to $15 per square foot, and PVC over an existing metal roof $10 to $18. Estimated replacement costs by roofing material:

• 1. Labour costs. Labour costs rise on tall buildings with limited access and on complex jobs such as tear-offs. Our quote lists materials, labour hours and total cost.
• 2. Choosing between different materials. Budget materials cost less up front but often need more maintenance, so the best choice depends on the building, its use and the local climate.
• 3. Permits, tear-off and the new stormwater fee. Permits and tear-off disposal add to cost and timing. From 2027, the City of Hamilton also charges a stormwater fee on industrial, commercial and institutional properties, based on measured hard surface including rooftops. Per the City’s guidance manual:

• One billing unit per 291 m² of impervious area
• Credits of up to 50% for approved on-site measures, including blue roofs and green roofs

Plan Your Hamilton Flat Roof Project

Call 1-800-263-8452, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or request a free quote. Tell us the roof size, its age and where water shows inside, and we will recommend repair, retrofit or replacement with a written price.

Commercial Flat Roofing Questions in Hamilton