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.