Project Country: Canada

Sociable Kitchen + Tavern in Ontario, Canada, is a modern destination celebrated for its unique design and lively ambiance. Catering to “beer nerds” and culinary enthusiasts, the venue required a roofing solution that would maintain a dry, welcoming interior while enhancing its aesthetic appeal and ensuring lasting performance. To meet these requirements, Nedlaw Roofs, a leading commercial roofing contractor in Ontario, was entrusted with the project. Their expertise, paired with the cutting-edge roofing solutions from Polyglass USA, resulted in an ideal partnership.

Nedlaw Roofs: A Leader in Roofing Solutions

Since its inception in 1988, Nedlaw Roofs has been at the forefront of commercial roofing excellence. Known for handling large-scale roofing projects across Ontario and beyond, Nedlaw excels in roof replacement, new construction, and specialty roofing applications, including living roofs and green walls. Their commitment to project safety, efficient problem-solving, and using market-leading techniques has cemented their reputation in the industry.

Project Challenges and Polyglass Solutions

For the Sociable Kitchen + Tavern project, Nedlaw sought a roofing system that combined exceptional durability, superior thermal efficiency, and a rapid installation process, ensuring the project stayed on schedule without compromising the building’s sleek and modern aesthetic. The chosen system needed to not only withstand the challenges of Ontario’s variable climate but also integrate seamlessly with the overall architectural design, enhancing the visual appeal of the establishment.

Polyglass, a leader in the roofing industry, renowned for its state-of-the-art modified bitumen technology and self-adhered membranes, emerged as the ideal partner. Their advanced roofing products, designed for performance and efficiency, provided a comprehensive solution that met the project’s demanding specifications while upholding the high standards of both functionality and design excellence.

The roofing installation was a technically complex endeavor, requiring meticulous planning and execution across multiple stages. The critical steps, utilizing Polyglass products, were as follows:

1. Vapor Barrier Installation:

• Material: PolyVap SA G
• Installation: Install kraft paper vapor barrier and ensure all laps and penetrations are properly sealed to prevent moisture ingress.

2. Insulation Layer:

• Material: 1.5″ ISO-Polytherm 4×8 (Polyisocyanurate Insulation)
• Installation: Mechanically fasten one layer of 1.5″ ISO insulation to provide thermal resistance and structural support.

 3. Base Sheet:

• Material: Elastoflex SA Base  (Self-Adhered Modified Bitumen Base Sheet)
• Installation: Apply one-ply of the self-adhered modified bitumen base sheet, using primer as needed for optimal adhesion. This layer serves as the foundational waterproofing layer.

4. Cap Sheet:

• Material: Elastoflex SA P Black Cap (Self-Adhered Modified Bitumen Cap Sheet)
• Installation: Apply one-ply of the self-adhered modified bitumen cap sheet over the base sheet for enhanced weather resistance and a clean finish.

5. Tie-In to Existing Membranes:

• Material: PolyPlus50 Modified Flashing Cement
• Installation: Use PolyPlus50 Modified Flashing Cement around the perimeter as part of Elastoflex SA P flashing detail.

6. Flashing at Parapets and Perimeters:

• Material: Two-ply Modified Bitumen Membrane Flashings using Polytack High-Tack Contact Adhesive and PolyPlus 50 Modified Flashing Cement
• Installation: Install a two-ply modified bitumen membrane system at parapets and all perimeter locations using Polytack Hi-Contact Adhesive to adhere Elastoflex SA Base and PolyPlus 50 for the Elastoflex SA P to reinforce the vulnerable areas against water infiltration.

7. Fasteners and Plates:

• Material: Standard Fasteners and Plates
• Installation: Use approved fasteners and plates to mechanically secure insulation and roofing components as needed throughout the assembly process.

Efficiency and Outcome

Drew Walden of Nedlaw emphasized the notable advantages of Polyglass products, particularly their efficiency and ease of installation. The self-adhering design of the Polyglass membranes significantly streamlined the application process, reducing installation time and ensuring the project remained on schedule despite its technical challenges. This innovative feature proved instrumental in delivering a seamless and timely roofing solution.

The completed roof successfully addressed the building’s functional requirements while perfectly complementing the sleek and modern aesthetic of the Sociable Kitchen + Tavern. The result was a durable, watertight roofing system that not only provided long-term protection and reliability but also enhanced the venue’s architectural design. Both the client and contractor expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, recognizing it as an ideal blend of practicality, performance, and visual appeal.

By the Numbers

Location

45 King George Rd., Brantford, Ontario, Canada, N3R 5K2

Size

1,600 square feet

Product Spotlight

Elastoflex SA Base

Elastoflex SA Base is a premium self-adhered elastomeric base membrane manufactured using patented ADESO® dual-compound, self-adhesive technology, where a “true” Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt compound is applied on the top layer and an aggressive self-adhesive compound is applied on the bottom layer. Features a high-performance reinforced polyester mat to enhance puncture resistance and dimensional stability.

Elastoflex SA P

A self-adhered Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) granulated cap sheet for use in low-slope roofing. Elastoflex SA P is manufactured using Polyglass’ patented ADESO® dual-compound, self-adhered technology. With this technology, a “true” elastomeric modified asphalt compound is applied to the top of the membrane and a proprietary self-adhesive SBS compound is applied to the bottom. Constructed with a tough non-woven polyester reinforcement that provides flexibility and dimensional stability, as well as excellent tear and puncture resistance.

PolyBrite Reinforcing Polyester

PolyBrite Reinforcing Polyester is a stitchbond, light-weight, high-performance polyester fabric designed to reinforce seam mastics on metal roofing projects. The flexible nature of this fabric allows ease of application over the critical corrugations and laps found in metal roofing.

Polytack

Polytack is a low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) quick-drying, solvent-based, high-tack contact adhesive formulated to promote maximum adhesion of self-adhered membranes for applications where adhesion is more challenging.

Polytherm

Polytherm is a highly energy efficient rigid insulation board composed of a closed-cell Polyisocyanurate foam core laminated to a fiber reinforced black non-asphaltic organic facer for superior bonding characteristics. Manufactured with a facer ideally suitable for many types of roofing products, including the direct application of ADESO® dual-compound self-adhered membranes under most project circumstances.

PolyPlus 50

PolyPlus 50, a premium modified wet/dry cement, is a superior quality formulation for use in a wide variety of roofing applications such as Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) roofing systems, various other membrane systems, and in wet, damp or underwater conditions. Can also be used for emergency repair of shingles, Built Up Roofing (BUR), concrete and general damp proofing. Its heavy “trowel-grade” consistency makes it ideal for flashing details, attachment of membrane to steep slopes and parapet walls, and a variety of waterproofing repairs.

Installing a commercial roof in the middle of a Manitoba winter takes skill, strategy, and the right materials. The cold slows everything down, moisture is a constant threat, and materials don’t always behave the way they should. When GPD Flatroofing took on the job of installing a new asphalt roofing system for Penn-co Construction Canada’s brand-new headquarters in Steinbach, they knew they had their work cut out for them.

As GPD Flatroofing is a trusted name in Winnipeg’s roofing industry, their team of Red Seal Journeyman-certified specialists was brought in to make sure this new roof could handle everything Arctic outflow threw at it, from snow and bitterly cold temperatures to the rapid freeze-thaw cycles.

Designed by Penn-co itself, one of the top construction companies in Manitoba, their building has an incredibly unique structure complete with multiple roof heights, second-level patios, and intricate architectural elements. This called for a roof that would:

• Fluidly integrate with the design
• Manage water drainage across the different elevation levels (to prevent ponding and ice buildup)
• Seal and insulate every surface, including the high and low roof transitions, second-level patios, tall perimeter walls & upstands, structural penetrations, closely placed curbs, entrance canopies, and perimeter edges and parapets.

A Roof Built for Extreme Weather

Miriam Wipf, administrator at GPD Flatroofing, noted that the sub-zero temperatures make construction materials brittle and difficult to work with, while frequent snowfalls interrupt the installation process. Their team had to implement a strategic plan to address these issues proactively to make sure there were no weather-related delays.

They kept monitoring weather forecasts throughout to schedule their workflow around real-time temperature changes and ensured all materials were stored correctly to avoid water intrusion. One of their main focuses was maintaining a clean, dry substrate, as ice, snow, and condensation could compromise the adhesion of roofing materials.

A combination of Polyglass products was used to ensure every layer of the roofing was built to last. As a leading provider of residential roofing and commercial roofing supply solutions, Polyglass offers a wide range of products that are trusted by professionals and homeowners alike.

The Solution: Polyglass’ Heat-Welded Asphalt Roofing Materials

For a climate as extreme as Manitoba’s, a heat-welded asphalt system provided the ideal solution, ensuring a secure, durable bond even in freezing temperatures. By using controlled heat to fuse the layers together, the system created a seamless, weather-resistant seal, protecting the roof from moisture infiltration and the effects of rapid freeze-thaw cycles. GPD Flatroofing specialists selected this method to deliver long-term performance, resilience, and reliability, ensuring the new headquarters remains well-protected for years to come.

One of the biggest challenges was the second-level patios, which were finished with 24×48 porcelain tiles. That meant the underlying roofing system had to be strong enough to support the weight while still providing top-tier waterproofing.

The installation was done using layers of different types of Polyglass materials, including  Polytack,  Elastoflex SA V,  Elastoflex SA Base Sheet, and  Elastoflex S6 G HP Cap Sheet.

The Elastoflex SA Base Sheet is engineered to be extremely flexible to move with temperature changes without cracking or breaking. It was simply rolled out and pressed down onto the prepared roof shingles deck, ensuring a tight bond without gaps or wrinkles. Polytack, a high-strength adhesive, was used to secure insulation to the deck to stabilize the base for the rest of the roofing. Applying Elastoflex SA V – a self-adhered vapor barrier – was critical to protect the insulation and prevent condensation build-up.

The team also installed Poly-ISO rigid closed-cell insulation to make the building energy-efficient and maximize the insulation. The insulation layer included a slope to guide water away from key areas and make sure no puddles can form to wear down the roof over time. The final protective layer of Elastoflex S6 G HP Cap Sheet was applied using heat-welding to completely eliminate any gaps where water could seep through. This precision heat-welding process created a seamless, watertight seal, ensuring long-term durability and superior protection against Manitoba’s harsh climate.

By the Numbers

Location

Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada

Size

40,414 square feet

Product Spotlight

Polytack

Polytack is an advanced solvent-based adhesive that has been specially formulated to bond self-adhering membranes to surfaces that are difficult to work with. It’s quick-drying, which speeds up installation time, and it’s a low-VOC product, making it a safer option both for the environment and workers. If you’re looking for a high-tack formula for your roof construction or repairs that provides instant adhesion even in situations where surfaces are more resistant to bonding, Polytack has got you covered.

Elastoflex SA V

This self-adhering membrane is created using ADESO® Dual-Compound Self-Adhered Technology, which features a top layer of high-performance SBS-modified asphalt and a powerful adhesive compound on the bottom. The membrane is reinforced with a fiberglass mat to maintain its shape and stability for a number of years. Its top surface is finished with a polyolefin or sand film, marked with lay lines to guide installation and a split release film on the underside that’s easy to peel off.

Elastoflex SA Base Sheet

Another Polyglass offering made with the patented ADESO® technology, Elastoflex SA Base membrane is designed for low-slope roofs. It comes with an in-built non-woven polyester mat to resist tears and punctures that might happen from heavy foot traffic or the shifting forces of wind and weather. When combined with other Polyglass cap sheets, Elastoflex SA Base forms part of a multi-ply system that speeds up installation and eliminates the need for using torches, hot asphalt, or adhesives.

Elastoflex S6 G HP Cap Sheet

Elastoflex S6 G HP is a top protective layer that combines SBS modified bitumen with a 250-gram polyester reinforcement for the most potent balance of flexibility, stability, and resistance to scratches and perforations. Equally impressive is its waterproofing capabilities as well as the variety of colors it’s available in. The bottom surface can be sand-backed or feature a burn-off film. If you choose the burn-off film option, you can easily heat-weld it for installation; hot asphalt or cold adhesive needs to be applied for the sand-backed option.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to upgrade your roof or a contractor searching for durable roofing solutions, Polyglass is the manufacturer to trust. Contact our team today to learn how we can support your roofing needs.

Gentech Roofing is a family-owned business that has served the industrial and commercial roofing needs of the Greater Toronto Area for more than 35 years. As winners of the Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Award in 2018 and 2020, they have built a solid reputation in the community for bringing stellar workmanship and service to every project they undertake. When Stonegate Dental in Guelph, ON, contracted Gentech to install a new roofing system on their facility, it came as little surprise that Polyglass was their product line of choice.

Project Needs and Challenges

Embarking this project, Gentech faced the challenge of tearing out the old 4-ply BUR roofing system and laying down a new waterproof layer in a short amount of time. They also needed to minimize their impact on the dental office and other tenants who needed to continue conducting business while construction was underway.

To meet these challenges, Gentech installed Polyglass’ Stick 1 Torch 1 roofing system, a 2-ply modified bitumen system consisting of a self-adhered (SA) Elastoflex SA base sheet and a torch-applied Elastoflex S6 G 4.0 HP cap sheet installed over 2-inch ISO boards. Thanks to its ability to adhere directly to the ISO board with minimal effort, the Gentech workers could quickly apply the single-ply base sheet layer to make the roof watertight while allowing tradespeople to carry on work inside the building below. This quick installation reduced the total man-hours for the install by at least an hour and a half for each man.

Watch the Polyglass time study to see the labor-saving benefits of the Stick 1 Torch 1 system when compared with a 2-ply torch-applied roofing system:

The Stick 1 Torch 1 roofing system also allowed for a much cleaner and less intrusive roofing installation, with no asphalt ribbons, no over pours, and no strong odors to inconvenience Stonegate Dental’s patients. For the Gentech contractor on-site, the installation’s primary benefit was its safety as the Stick 1 Torch 1 system does not need hot asphalt for its application. He also found it to be more cost-effective, with no need for propane or the hiring of additional resources to operate the asphalt kettle.

Polyglass Product Spotlight

Gentech utilized the following Polyglass products with the Stick 1 Torch 1 system installed on the Stonegate Dental building:

• Elastoflex SA Base is a flexible yet highly tear-resistant modified bitumen membrane featuring ADESO® dual-compound self-adhering technology and finished lay lines for easy and accurate installation. When used in conjunction with an approved Polyglass cap sheet, Elastoflex SA Base provides exceptional waterproofing properties. It allows for a fast and clean installation without the need for torches, hot asphalt, or separate bonding adhesives.
• Elastoflex S6 G 4.0 HP is a high-performance Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) cap sheet ideal for multi-layer low-slope roofing assemblies. When used as part of a high-quality multi-ply roofing system, it adds a strong layer of waterproofing and can be easily applied to the base via torch heat welding or cold adhesives.

Polyglass leads the industry providing innovative solutions for commercial roofing contractors. They feature a broad line of high-quality products designed to accommodate a full range of roofing systems and a wide variety of challenges. To learn more about how our products can benefit your next commercial roofing project, contact us here.

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Project Overview:

Encore Custom Preforms produces more than 84 different types of plastic bottles at its Mississauga, Ontario facility for companies across North America. When the 20,000 sq.ft. built-up roof (BUR) on the facility needed to be replaced in 2016, the company hired Cherry Roofing to inspect and recommend a new roof system.  A seasoned roofing contractor serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1979, Cherry Roofing selected a hybrid BUR.  Cherry Roofing used Polyglass’ multi-ply SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) membranes to provide long-term waterproofing protection. With a 20-year warranty, the new roof system will protect the building and assets for years to come.

The Roof System:

After removing the existing BUR and cleaning the steel deck, Cherry Roofing adhered a Kraft vapor barrier to the deck. The 1.5” polyisocyanurate insulation was hot-mopped over the vapor barrier followed by the installation of 1/2” fiberboard. The crew hot-mopped two plies of Elastoflex S6, a SBS base sheet reinforced with a polyester mat and saturated with a rubberized asphaltic compound to increase durability.  The roof system was finished with a top flood coat of asphalt followed by a pea gravel pour. Elastoflex S6 G Oak, a premium SBS cap sheet reinforced with a non-woven 250 grams polyester map, was torch-applied to the perimeter flashing.

Project Overview:

Cherry Roofing installed a new hybrid built-up roof (BUR) system on the Maxxit Systems building in Mississauga, Ontario. Maxxit Systems designs and develops interior and exterior environments for retailers, grocery stores, restaurants and automobile dealerships. The 20-year roof features Polyglass’ multi-ply SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) membranes and will provide long-term performance for the facility where a team of creative thinkers bring design ideas to reality.

The Roof System:

After removing the existing BUR and cleaning the steel deck, Cherry Roofing adhered a Kraft vapor barrier to the deck. The 1.5” polyisocyanurate insulation was hot-mopped over the vapor barrier followed by the installation of 1/2” fiberboard. The crew hot-mopped two plies of Elastoflex S6, a SBS base sheet reinforced with a polyester mat and saturated with a rubberized asphaltic compound to increase durability.  The roof system was finished with a top flood coat of asphalt followed by a pea gravel pour. Elastoflex S6 G Oak, a premium SBS cap sheet reinforced with a non-woven 250 grams polyester map, was torch-applied to the perimeter flashing.

Onyx Roofing, a residential and commercial roofing contractor based in Vaughan, Ontario, reroofed a 35,000 sq.ft. warehouse building in Vaughan, Ontario using Polyglass’ multi-ply system. Products included Elastoflex V 2.2., a high quality, fiberglass reinforced, SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified bitumen roofing membrane. For the weathering surface, Onyx Roofing chose Elastoflex S6 G 250 cap sheet in Oak.  Elastoflex S6 G is a SBS modified bitumen membrane reinforced with a non-woven 250 grams polyester mat.  The cap sheet is available in 10 colors.

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