Low life cycle cost
Unsurpassed training program and certified installers Self-adhesive and cold-applied roofing applications Constant innovation with Xpress
™Systems
Superior technical support
Before your name goes on it,
make sure OUR NAME goes on it.
For almost a century, Soprema has been dedicated to providing contractors and building
owners with high-performance, high-reliability roofing solutions. Every day, we stake
our reputation on the quality of Soprema products. And when you select your roofing
components, so should you.
4 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
New products and technologies available to the in- dustry.
INTERNET DIRECTORY
Get the latest web site information for the leaders in the roofing industry.
10
PRODUCT PROFILE
Firestone RubberGard™ Reinforced Mechanically At- tached (R.M.A.) roofing system is said to be the indus- try’s first mechanically attached system that can be war- ranted for 25 years.
INDUSTRY NEWS
News highlights from the industry.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Comparative Performance of EPDM as protection against hail damage. Among the most serious and chal- lenging threats to the per- formance of any roofing sys- tem is hail damage. Protect- ing against hail damage is one of the ultimate tests of any roofing system.
contents
Volume 29, No. 1JULY / AUGUST2007 www.perkspub.com
on the cover
16
24
GREEN ROOFING
Roof Greening Systems Inc.: An innovative approach to urban design using living materials. Roof Greening Systems Inc. (RGS) is a Canadian wholesale distributor of pre-grown vegetation and high quality green roof systems to the commercial/industrial flat-roof market.
6
15 14
16 SPECIAL FEATURE
Comparative Performance of EPDM as protection against hail damage.
16
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
Information hotline to contact advertisers in this issue.
30 14
LEGAL NOTES
Tender Law - Duty of Fairness Revisited. In the re- cent case of Double N Earthmovers Ltd. v Edmonton (City of), the Supreme Court of Canada considered the scope of an owner’s obligation to treat all bidders fairly during the tender process.
18
24
SERVICE IS OUR SPECIALTY
ROOFING & SHEET METAL SUPER SERVICE CENTERS
MANUFACTURER OF ROOFING EQUIPMENT & METAL PRODUCTS
DISTRIBUTOR OF COMPLETE ROOFING SUPPLIES
PICKERING, ON WESTON, ON WESTON, ON TORONTO, ON OAKVILLE, ON BARRIE, ON
(Signet Dr.) (Weston Rd.)
P: (905) 426-4443 P: (416) 744-2050 P: (416) 745-4111 P: (416) 534-8421 P: (905) 825-0034 P: (705) 792-6683 F: (905) 426-1143 F: (416) 744-4247 F: (416) 745-6773 F: (416) 534-9373 F: (905) 825-9606 F: (705) 792-1264
HAMILTON, ON LONDON, ON WINNIPEG, MB EDMONTON, AB CALGARY, AB BENSENVILLE, IL
(Chicago) P: (905) 560-2858 P: (519) 668-3626 P: (204) 338-7613 P: (780) 432-2786 P: (403) 255-8236 P: (630) 766-8434 F: (905) 560-1439 F: (519) 668-7810 F: (204) 338-7552 F: (780) 432-5019 F: (403) 255-2793 F: (630) 766-8461
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SPARMARATHONROOFING.COM
SUPER
WE HAVE SOURCED AN AMAZING PRODUCT LINE-UP!
We stock thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers – from the most important, well-known brand names to products from small, hard-to-find companies.
Our recent acquisition of the selected assets of the Roof Shop (formerly EMCO Building Products “BP” Service Centres) brings us some great new locations, wider product selections, wonderful trucking capabilities and some dedicated &
knowledgeable people.
Thank you to our customers and suppliers and we look forward to continuing to provide the professional roofing contractor with the products and services they need.
6 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
EMCO BUILDING PRODUCTS CORP. CHANGES NAME
News industry
EMCO Building Products Corp. has announced it has changed its name to Building Products of Canada Corp.
The name change represents a return to roots and evokes a rich history. The company was first incorporated as Building Products Limited, and in 1964 became Building Products of Canada Ltd. The company then joined the EMCO organization and underwent a subsequent renaming in 1987.
The BP in the oval, though mod- ernized over the years, was retained continuously as a corporate trademark because it had become synonymous with integrity, quality and service to the Canadian building industry. To- day, Building Products of Canada Corp. has officially reclaimed that visual identity. The company’s new logo placeS the BP inside the open oval, evoking the letter ‘C’.
The recent addition to the RCI staff of Walter Rossiter Jr., Ph.D., as director of Technical Services for RCI Inc. should serve as a “tremendous benefit”
to the association’s members and the industry at large, according to Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer James R.
Birdsong. Rossiter’s “vast back- ground and experience in re- search and knowledge of the in- dustry will present opportunities for RCI to expand its involve- ment in industry technical issues and research.”
A research chemist with over 35 years of experience with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Rossiter has been NIST’s leading roofing research staff member for the last 25 years. Much of his research has supported the technical basis on which several of the nation’s roofing-related standards were based. He has published and pre- sented scores of papers exten-
WALT ROSSITER NAMED RCI DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
“Our new name channels over 100 years of history,” said Yves Gosselin, company president and CEO. “It rep- resents both the brick-and-mortar and emotional investments we have in this country, as well as our commitment to our customers, suppliers and em- ployees. It says much about who we are and where we are going as a com- pany.”
Building Products of Canada Corp.
is a privately-held company headquartered in LaSalle, Que., and one of Canada’s leading manufacturers and distributors of buildings. It services the residential, commercial and industrial construction markets. Operating pri- mary manufacturing sites in Alberta and Quebec, the company employs nearly 1000 people in Canada. It also has several joint venture operations in the United States.
Continued On Page 8
EcoStar, a manufacturer of pre- mium steep-slope roofing materials, is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Saldana as the company’s new Western Regional Manager. In this position, Saldana will oversee sales for the western region covering the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and, in Canada, British Columbia.
Saldana has over 10 years of expe- rience in the construction industry, most recently serving as a territory sales manager selling high-end asphalt shingles. Saldana also has experience selling shingles, ventilation, underlayments and various other roofing products.
“Frank’s background of strong
ECOSTAR HIRES FRANK SALDANA AS WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGER
sales experience and construction industry knowledge made him a natural fit for this position and we are excited to have him on the EcoStar sales team,” said EcoStar’s National Sales Manager, Charlie Taft. “He will have an immediate impact on our sales in the western region and we look forward to see- ing him increase our presence in an area that we feel has great poten- tial for growth.”
EcoStar, a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, continues to provide premium solutions for the steep-slope roofing industry. Made of recycled materials, EcoStar offers a full line of manufactured slate, shake and designer tiles that offer excep- tional longevity, durability and aes- thetics.
SPAR-MARATHON NAMED EASTERN CANADIAN MASTER DISTRIBUTOR FOR DECRA ROOFING SYSTEMS
MICHAEL DUCHARME NAMED ERA CHAIRMAN
The Construction Specifications Institute has announced the official launch of its new Construction Educa- tion Network (CEN) Provider pro- gram.
In a press conference recently held at the CSI Show in Baltimore, Walter Marlowe, CSI’s executive director/
CEO, officially launched the new pro- gram with a review of the CSI CEN provider standards and a demonstration of the online support, management and reporting system.
CSI CEN is off to a strong start with 23 registered providers for the program. Many of those providers were in attendance at the show and participated in the program launch. A contest was held at the event to famil- iarize attendees with the program.
More than 100 education sessions were also conducted during the show which offered delegates CSI Continuing Edu- cation Units (CEUs).
From architects, engineers and con- tractors to manufacturers, facility man- agers and developers, CSI CEN has been designed to serve the needs of the entire built community. There is said
to be no other provider program more comprehensive in scope.
“There are many decision makers in the industry and we need to reach them all,” said Jeff Spillane, senior manager, Benjamin Moore Paints. “The CSI CEN program is a perfect fit with our existing education efforts.”
CSI’s Construction Education Net- work utilizes cutting-edge processes and standards based on International Association of Continuing Educa- tion and Training(IACET) criteria, ensuring that programs bearing the CSI CEN logo have been developed to meet or exceed the highest con- tinuing education standards in the world.
For over 50 years, CSI has been the organization responsible for setting the industry standards for construction project practices. Now, with CSI CEN, CSI is setting the standards with a con- tinuing education program that brings the industry together.
For more information on the CSI CEN program, visit www.csinet.org/
cenor or educational programs at www.csinet.org.
Michael DuCharme, director of Product Marketing, Carlisle SynTec, was named the new chairman of the EPDM Roofing Association’s (ERA) board of di- rectors at the group’s annual meeting held in Baltimore earlier this year. DuCharme replaces James Hoff, vice president of Technology and Product Devel- opment at Firestone Building Products Co., who will remain on the board as treasurer.
“I am pleased to assume the role of chairman of ERA, given EPDM’s current role as a mar- ket leader and the exciting oppor- tunities for the product in the future,” DuCharme said. “I look forward to working with the board and ERA to emphasize EPDM’s long record of outstand- ing performance and its ability to meet future standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Two new members have also been added to the group’s board of directors. They are Ken Paul, territory manager, DSM Elastomers; and Hilton Purdee, product manager, Highland In- dustries
CSI’S CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION NETWORK PROVIDER PROGRAM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
SPAR-Marathon Roofing Supplies has been appointed Master Distributor for Decra Roofing Systems for Eastern Canada.
SPAR-Marathon will have a wide in- stock selection of Decra Tile, Decra Shingles and Decra Shake products.
Decra stone coated steel roofing sys- tems represent a perfect blending of over 40 years of research and practical experience. Offering the ultimate in performance and engineering design is what Decra Roofing Systems is all
about.
SPAR-Marathon Roofing Supplies operates several roofing and sheet metal super service centres, and manufactures and distributes a wide range of residen- tial and industrial roofing products.
Their Canada Specialty Products divi- sion now offers products to dealers/
distributors, lumberyards and roofing supply companies.
For more information or companies that offer Decra stone coated steel roofing systems, please call (905) 426-6401.
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8 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
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RADIO EARMUFFS AND NOISE EXPOSURE
sively throughout the industry, par- ticipated on and chaired numerous ASTM standard development com- mittees, and chaired and/or contrib- uted to various symposia and con- ferences on roofing research and standards development. Rossiter has served as a faculty member for the former Roofing Industry Educa- tional Institute (RIEI) and partici- pated in field reconnaissance of buildings following wind events with NIST and the Roofing Indus- try Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI). Through all of these ef- forts, he has developed and nurtured a rapport with all segments of the industry.
Now retired from NIST, Rossiter, by filling this new position at RCI, “will provide our members and the industries they serve with significant technical expertise,” said
RCI President Patrick Downey, RRC, CCCA. “We look forward to the contribution he will make as we expand our focus – not only in the roofing arena, but also into the wa- terproofing and building envelope areas.”
“RCI is an integral member of the North American building envelope community,” Rossiter said. “Utili- zation of my skills and experience should help the association to con- front issues and develop solutions to technical matters facing the indus- try, to disseminate research results and recommendations on roofing, waterproofing and building enve- lope-related issues, and to provide technical assistance to our mem- bers.”
Rossiter may be reached at his sat- ellite office at (301) 253-3534 or via e- mail at wjrossiter@verizon.net.
Continued From Page 6
WALT ROSSITER NAMED RCI DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
Some new earmuff models have built-in AM/FM radios. When using these earmuffs in industrial settings, doesn’t the radio just add more noise to damage hearing? What are the noise levels under the earcup when the radio is turned on?
When headset radios first appeared in stores several decades ago, they were not marketed as hearing protectors – a good thing, since they offered very lit- tle attenuation of noise. At some fre- quencies, the headsets were even found to amplify background noise (with the radio turned off) due to resonance in the earcup. To be a hearing protector, an earmuff must be designed to be a hearing protector from the start.
The volume settings of typical port- able stereo headsets have been measured
at 81 dBA at 50 per cent volume set- ting, 91 dBA at 75 per cent volume and 96 dBA at 100 per cent volume – a haz- ardous noise level if listened to continu- ously for several hours. Ideally, a ra- dio headset would allow the enjoyment of music at safe levels, but also reduce the background disturbance in a noisy environment.
Today’s new hearing protectors do just that: built-in radios contain cir- cuitry that limits their radio output.
When the radio is turned on (active mode), the sound output is electroni- cally limited to 82 dB. The noise level of the radio will certainly fluctuate (even though there is an 82 dB maxi- mum cutoff in the circuitry, the aver- age noise level of the signal may be
Continued On Page 9
much lower). But for the sake of fol- lowing example, let’s just assume the worse case radio noise – a constant noise level of 82 dB from the radio – worn in environmental noise of 90 and 100 dB.
When two noise sources are added together, the decibels are added loga- rithmically, not arithmetically. This means that the sum of two identical sound sources (90 dB + 90 dB) would sum to equal 93 dB. Using a logarith- mic calculator, let’s determine the ef- fective exposure for 90 and 100 dB of
environmental noise, with an assumed 20 dB of attenuation from the earmuff, and constant radio signal of 82 dB (See Figure One).
Since the radio output is limited to a safe 82 dB maximum, the ra- dio adds very little sound energy to effective exposures in high noise levels. In a high-noise job that is also repetitive or monotonous, a radio earmuff can add significantly to worker satisfaction and enjoy- ment, without sacrificing hearing protection.
Noise Level 90 dB Attenuation -20 dB Passive Exposure = 70 dB Plus radio noise + 82 dB Effective Exposure = 82 dB
Noise Level 100 dB Attenuation -20 dB Passive Exposure = 80 dB Plus radio noise + 82 dB Effective Exposure = 84 dB
FIGURE ONE. TOTAL EFFECTIVE EXPOSURE FOR A RADIO EARMUFF WORN IN 90 AND 100 DB OF NOISE
Continued From Page 8
RADIO EARMUFFS AND NOISE EXPOSURE
“Green Roofs for Healthy Cities,”
the North American green roof in- dustry association and the City of Toronto are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the World Green Roof Congress in 2009.
The Congress will bring over 1000 delegates to Toronto from around the world to discuss the latest re- search, policy and technical advances in the rapidly growing green roof industry. The World Green Roof Congress is organized through the World Green Roof Infrastructure Network, an international organiza- tion made up of the leaders of na- tional green roof industry associa- tions from around the world.
“I’m extremely happy the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has chosen Toronto for its 2009 Congress,” said Toronto Mayor, David Miller. “This is a heartening endorsement of our policies and practices, and an ac- knowledgement that Toronto truly is a global leader in the fight against climate change.”
“This is a tremendous opportu- nity for Toronto to showcase its progress on sustainable communities and demonstrate significant progress in developing the green roof indus- try in North America,” said Steven Peck, president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and co-host of the event. “Green roofs have really cap- tured people’s attention as a beauti- ful way to help fight climate change and save money. Green roofs deliver more public and private benefits than any other green building technol- ogy.”
In 2006, the City of Toronto passed “Making Green Roofs Hap- pen,” a comprehensive report on policies and programs that will ad- vance the use of green roof technol-
THE CITY OR TORONTO AND GREEN ROOFS FOR HEALTHY CITIES SUCCESSFULLY BID FOR THE 2009 WORLD GREEN ROOF CONGRESS
ogy among city buildings and in the private sector.
Green roof infrastructure involves the use of technologies that incorpo- rate drainage/filtering systems, qual- ity waterproofing, root-repellency, engineered growing media and plants. The benefits of green (vegeta- tive) roofs include a reduction in storm water run-off, better heat and sound insulation, energy savings, improved air quality and reduction in the urban heat island. Other ben- efits include increased park space,
improved aesthetics, community gar- dening and habitat restoration.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 mil- lion people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.
In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedi- cated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
10 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
Showcase new product
CARLISLE SYNTEC INTRODUCES SELF-ADHERING TECH- NOLOGY FOR ITS SURE-WELD TPO MEMBRANES
ECOSTAR INTRODUCES SENECA PLUS ROOFING TILES
thickness across the entire sheet. Each SAT membrane features a clear, double-sided, no-stick poly film that is easily removed from the adhesive layer. Carlisle will offer its SAT TPO membranes in 45- and 60-mil thicknesses and on sheets as large as 10-feet-wide and 100 feet long.
Because they require no liquid adhesives and since sol- vent fumes or VOCs are elimi- nated, SAT TPO roof systems are said to have less impact on the environment than tradi- tional adhered systems. The SAT TPO membranes offer the same ENERGY STAR® ratings and CRRC certifications as tra- ditional Sure-Weld TPO mem- branes, which help lower rooftop temperatures and lessen a building’s overall en- ergy costs.
Like all of Carlisle’s Sure- Weld TPO roof systems, the SAT systems are comple- mented by a variety of pre-fab- ricated, heat-weldable acces- sories. These innovative acces- sories are an economical alter- native to traditional, field-fab- ricated flashing methods and further reduce the time re- quired to install a quality TPO roof system.
For more information, con- tact Carlisle at 1-800-387- 4990 or visit the company’s web site at www.carlisle- syntec.com.
EcoStar™, a manufacturer of pre- mium, steep-slope roofing materi- als, is proud to introduce its new- est, premium roofing product – Seneca Plus tiles. Complimenting the Seneca Cedar Shake Tiles™, Seneca Plus tiles are thicker and replicate the look of thick, hand split cedar shakes.
The tiles are manufactured at varying widths of six-, nine- and 12-inches, and feature a thick cut that creates the natural appear- ance of traditional cedar shakes.
Like all of EcoStar’s premium steep-slope roofing tiles, Seneca Plus tiles are available in nine different colours that offer unique architectural opportunities for any roofing project.
Though they closely resemble natural cedar shake, the tiles are said to be much stronger than tra- ditional cedar roofing products.
The tiles are comprised of recy- cled EPDM rubber and TPO plas- tic, allowing them to thrive in coastal areas and withstand the harshest weather conditions.
With superior resistance to algae growth and decay, the tiles offer
long life-cycle savings for home and business owners alike.
Like all EcoStar premium steep slope roofing products, Seneca Plus offers superior ad- vantages, including the availabil- ity of a 50-year Gold Star war- ranty. The combination of the Seneca Plus’ aesthetics and per- formance allows this product to be widely used in a variety of resi- dential and commercial steep slope applications.
For more information, con- tact EcoStar at www.ecostar.carlisle.com or call 1-800-211-7170.
Carlisle SynTec, a manu- facturer of single-ply roofing systems, has announced the introduction of Self-Adhering Technology (SAT™) for its Sure-Weld® TPO membranes.
The new, Self-Adhering Tech- nology makes installation of Carlisle’s premium TPO roof systems faster, easier and more efficient than ever be- fore.
The pre-applied self-adhe- sive used on the SAT mem- branes provides all the ben- efits of a conventional, fully- adhered roof system without the need for messy or time- consuming adhesives. SAT is said to increase installation speed and reduces labour re- quirements, allowing contrac- tors to provide their custom- ers with a more cost-efficient roofing system. SAT also eliminates the stress put on fasteners, plates and mem- branes in a traditional, me- chanically-attached roof sys- tem.
Building owners and occu- pants will experience less dis- ruption during the installation of the SAT membrane because of the increased installation speeds and elimination of odors associated with many adhesives.
The adhesive utilized on the membrane is applied un- der strict, factory-controlled conditions, ensuring uniform
Roofmaster Prod- ucts Company has re- introduced the Original Dragin Wagon™ - the ultimate LPG full roll application machine to the roofing industry.
The seven-burner, high production unit melts and applies APP modi- fied bitumen roofing fast and economically.
With dual-control
ROOFMASTER RE-INTRODUCES ORIGINAL DRAGIN WAGON™
Additional features include fingertip control of the heat bar at the handle, heavy-duty stain- less steel manifold, full adjust- able heads, ability to adjust the angle of the heads from the han- dle, 35-foot LPG hose with 60 psi regulator and it weighs only 40 lbs.
For more information, con- tact Roofmaster Products Com- pany at 1-800-372-6409 or visit www.roofmaster.com.
fuel lines, the seven-burners are said to offer the industry’s great- est control being able to adjust three and four burners sepa- rately. The Dragin Wagon is capable of delivering up to 1,200,000 BTUs to the rolls and allows the roofer to apply one square foot within three to five minutes. Even heat is applied across the entire roll for the most efficient melting and even application.
GRACE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INTRODUCES GREEN BUILDING GUIDE FOLLANSBEE TCS II® LENDS TO CONTEMPORARY
MASSACHUSETTS HOME
Grace Construction Prod- ucts, a leader in products for the construction industry, has intro- duced “Building Green with Grace,” a new guide that helps architects and specifiers select products that achieve the pre- requisites and points needed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™.
Developed and adminis- tered by the U.S. Green Build- ing Council (USGCB), the LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted bench- mark for the design, construc- tion and operation of high per- formance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and op- erators the tools they need to have an immediate and meas- urable impact on their build- ings’ performance.
The LEED system is de- signed to promote sustainable sites, energy/water efficiency, recycled materials, indoor envi- ronmental quality and innova- tion in design. In each category, there are pre-requisites and cri- teria for which a project can earn points. “Building Green with Grace” identifies how Grace Products can help a project meet the pre-requisites and earn points in the LEED-NC (New Construction) Version 2.2 Rating System.
“Respect for the environ- ment and safety in the workplace are central to our approach at Grace,” said Larry
Golen, general manager and vice president, Commercial Construction, for Grace Con- struction Products. “Our prod- uct development efforts are geared to reducing risks to the environment and to making our products safer in production, handling and application on- site.”
Products included in the guide are the Grace’s Perm-A- Barrier® air barriers, Preprufe®
Waterproofing, Floprufe® va- pour barriers, Bituthene® water- proofing membranes, Procor®
fluid applied waterproofing membranes, Hydroduct® drain- age composites, Monokote® fire- proofing products, FlameSafe™
Firestopping Products, roofing underlayments and concrete admixtures.
For more information, con- tact Grace Construction Prod- ucts at www.graceconstruction.com.
The Cramer residence in Woods Hole, Mass., features Follansbee TCS II® Terne-coated Stainless. The home, just one block from the At- lantic Ocean and a short boat ride from Martha’s Vineyard, introduces contemporary design to its other- wise traditional surroundings.
The home’s curved metal roof and ebb-and-flow design mimic the topography of land and sea. Unlike the typical shingled, wood-frame homes in the area, the Cramer resi- dence has walls made from insulat- ing concrete forms, a stucco exte- rior and concrete floors. Follansbee TCS II material – fabricated into the home’s standing seam roof panels, half-round gutters and leaders – weathers the rain, snow and salty blasts of any marine environment.
Completed in Spring 2004, the Cramer residence contains studios for creating art and music, and gal- lery space for displaying the home- owner’s art collection. Architect Thomas Hiksdal once described the home as “a museum that someone happens to live in.”
Homeowner Catherine Cramer, a jazz percussionist and photogra- pher, has strong ties to Woods Hole.
Her grandparents met there in 1896 and built a house there in 1904. In the 1950s, more relatives became year-round residents of Woods Hole. Today, about 30 of Cramer’s
relatives call Woods Hole home, and many more visit in the summer- time. All told, Cramer’s relatives occupy 18 houses around town.
Follansbee TCS II, an architec- tural stainless steel coated with Follansbee’s patented ZT (zinc/tin) alloy, weathers naturally to an at- tractive grey patina and does not require painting. As proven by Follansbee’s extensive metallurgic testing, TCS II withstands the severe corrosive conditions of industrial, coastal, and salt-water environ- ments. The highly versatile TCS II can be tailored to a variety of de- sign forms – from the traditional standing seam roof to vertical walls, barrel applications, shingles and customized sections in flat or spheri- cal shapes. TCS II is solderable and virtually maintenance-free.
For more information, contact Follansbee at 1-800-624-6906 or visit www.follansbeeroofing.com.
InventHelp has announced that one of its clients, an inventor from Avon Park, Fla., has designed a de- vice that would make stripping away old roofing material easier on the body and less time-consuming.
The ROOFING STRIPPER would enable roofers to pull up paper, nails and roofing material quickly and cleanly. The use of the device would save time and labour, and prevent strain and fatigue. In addition, the tool is designed to be easy to ma- noeuvre and operate.
A personal need prompted the inventor to come up with the tool.
“I plan on going into the roofing business with a friend,” he said.
“When I found out that he uses shov- els to remove old roofs, I thought that there had to be a better way.”
The original design is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 06- TPA-604, InventHelp, 217 Ninth St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368.
UNIQUE “ROOFING STRIPPER” TOOL INVENTED Versico Inc., a provider of sin-
gle-ply roofing systems, offers VersiGard® QA inside/outside cor- ners for faster and easier installation of its VersiGard EPDM roofing sys- tems. VersiGard QA inside/outside corners can be used on all VersiGard EPDM systems, includ- ing fully-adhered, mechanically-at- tached and ballasted applications.
The VersiGard QA is a combi- nation of pre-applied butyl adhesive and uncured VersiGard EPDM flashing with a total thickness of 95- mils that can be used to flash both inside and outside corners. The seven-inch by nine-inch pre-cut corners make flashing details easy, saving roofing contractors valuable time and money.
The pre-applied adhesive on the
VERSICO OFFERS VERSIGARD QA INSIDE/OUTSIDE CORNERS FOR FASTER AND EASIER INSTALLATION
corners increases the speed and ease of VersiGard EPDM installa- tions, drastically reducing labour costs for contractors and installation costs for building owners. The thick- ness of the pre-applied adhesive is factory-controlled, ensuring consist- ent coverage and strong bonding to the roofing membrane while waste and material costs are reduced.
No caulking or extra tools are re- quired when installing VersiGard QA inside/outside corners because solvent flash off is eliminated. The ultimate adhesive strength of the seven- to nine- inch corners is achieved almost in- stantly, which further reduces the time needed to install a VersiGard EPDM roofing system.
For more information, contact Versico at www.versico.com.
green roofing
Roof Greening Systems Inc. (RGS) is a leading Canadian wholesale dis- tributor of pre-grown vegetation and high quality green roof systems to the commercial/industrial flat- roof market. The company’s mandate is to pro- vide incomparable value, 100 per cent customer satisfaction, environmental leadership and integ- rity of business practices.
“Roof Greening Systems Inc. provides high qual- ity pre-grown solutions at a price that allows cus- tomers to enjoy the best available value in the Canadian marketplace,” a company spokesperson said. “We employ continuous improvement prac- tices that incorporate leading research and tech- nology to ensure that we deliver best-in-class value.”
RGS is a privately-held corporation located in Cambridge, Ont. Since it’s inception in 2005, RGS has been able to provide its clients with not only
Continued On Page 14
12 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
R
Roof Greening Systems Inc.
An Innovative Approach To Urban Design Using Living Materials
Roof Greening Systems Inc.
An Innovative Approach
To Urban Design
Using Living Materials
14 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
project profile
Continued From Page 12
a design element, but also the construc- tion aspect as well. RGS has developed a program that brings together the or- ganizations needed to construct a green roof, from the design and consulting to the waterproofing membrane. The company is able to provide a complete green roof system to suit the client’s needs. This provides a cost savings, as well as a smoother approach to a suc- cessful Green Roof.
“We have put together varied plant species that have been very successful, and we also have the team, knowledge and ability to custom grow a blend to suit our customers’ needs,” the spokes- person said. “Our team of project man- agers, production managers and sales force has put together a product that will be long lasting and beautiful for years to come. The unique advantage of our product is that the customer will have a mature green roof at the time of installation and will not have to wait for seed or plugs to grow.”
The term “green roof” is generally used to represent an innovative yet es- tablished approach to urban design that uses living materials to make the ur- ban environment more liveable, effi- cient and sustainable. Other common terms used to describe this approach are eco roofs and vegetated roofs. Green Roof Technology (GRT) is the system that is used to implement green roofs on a building.
RGS green roof systems are con- structed using components that have the following capabilities:
• Seal the roof against penetration by water, water vapour and roots.
• Retain enough moisture for plants to survive periods of low pre- cipitation, yet are capable of draining excess moisture when required.
• Provide soil-like substrate mate- rial to support the plants.
• Maintain a sustainable plant cover, appropriate for the climatic re- gion.
• Offer a number of hydrologic, at- mospheric, thermal and social benefits for the building, people and the envi-
ronment.
• Protect the underlying compo- nents against ultraviolet and thermal degradation.
“Green roof technologies not only provide building owners with a proven return on investment, but also repre- sent opportunities for significant social, economic and environmental benefits, particularly in cities,” the spokesperson said.
One of the biggest benefits to a green roof is it reduces storm water run-off.
Water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by the plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through evaporation.
In the summer, depending on the plants and depth of growing medium, green roofs retain 70 to 90 per cent of the precipitation that falls on them; in winter they retain between 25 to 40 per cent.
“Green roofs hold rain like a sponge and allow nature to dissipate the mois- ture naturally rather than rely on ag- ing storm sewer systems,” the spokes- person said.
Green roofs not only retain the rain- water, but also moderate the tempera- ture of the water and act as natural fil- ters for any of the water that happens to run-off. Green roofs reduce the amount of storm water run-off and also delay the time at which run-off occurs,
Continued On Page 29
log-on today perkspub.com
Accu-Plane Enterprises Inc. – www.accuplane.com Alberta Roofing Contractors Association – www.arcaonline.ca Asphalt Roofing Contractors Association – www.asphaltroofing.org
Atlas Roofing Corporation – www.atlasroofing.com
Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association – www.casma.ca Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association – www.coppercanada.ca
Canadian Roofing Contractors Association – www.roofingcanada.com Canroof Corporation – www.canroof.com
Carlisle Syntec Canada – www.carlisle-syntec.com
Firestone Building Products Company – www.firestonebpco.ca IKO Industries Ltd. – www.iko.com
Labour Saver – www.laboursaver.com
Menzies Metal Products. – www.menzies-metal.com National Roofing Contractors Association – www.nrca.net New Brunswick Roofing Contractors Association – www.nbrca.ca
Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association – www.ontarioroofing.com Posi-Slope Enterprises Inc. – www.posislope.com
Roofers World Inc. – www.roofersworld.com
Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia – www.rcabc.org Roofing Contractors Association of Manitoba – www.rcam.ca Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia – www.rcans.ca
Roofmart (Ontario) Limited – www.roofmart.ca
Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association – www.srca.ca Sika Sarnafil – www.sika.ca
Soprema Inc. – www.soprema.ca
Spar-Marathon Roofing Supplies Ltd. – www.sparmarathonroofing.com
Web Site Directory Of Industry Leaders
Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design will publish and promote the “Web Site Directory of Industry Leaders” in every issue.
For details on how to get involved in our internet program, please contact Mike Nosko at mike@perkspub.com
log-on today perkspub.com
16 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
special feature
16 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007 By RIC VITIELLO, President, Benchmark Services Inc.
Pe Pe A A
Among the most serious and challeng- ing threats to the performance of any roofing system is hail damage. Failure of a roof membrane due to hailfall can result in flooding and damage to inventory and equipment. Protecting against hail damage is one of the ultimate tests of any roofing system.
The following article will review the hail pro- tection performance of several roofing systems, es- pecially an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) roofing membrane. With more than 40 years of success as a roof system of choice for low slope applications, EPDM is a leading roofing choice of architects, roof consultants and contrac- tors for both new construction and replacement roofing projects. In fact, overn 20 billion square feet of EPDM roof has been installed on more than 500,000 warranted roofs.
The information in this article is based on personal research and site studies I have conducted since 1989 while serving as a roof con- sultant to insurance companies, individuals and corporations. With mover 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, I am a profes- sional member of the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI) and a member and trained Hail and Wind Damage Investigator of the Roofing In- dustry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI).
Continued On Page 18
A
Comparative
erformance of EPDM
As Protection Against
Hail Damage
Comparative
erformance of EPDM
As Protection Against
Hail Damage
18 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
special feature
Continued From Page 16
HAIL DAMAGE A GROWING CONCERN The “hail belt” area of the United States, the region most susceptible to hailstorms, appears to be getting larger, according to research from the Na- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration’s (NOAA) National Se- vere Storms Laboratory. Areas of the country that were not particularly vul- nerable to hailstorms now seem to be receiving hail fall and areas that regu- larly received hailstorms are seeing more storms with larger hail. The map in Figure One shows sections of the Midwest and the East that are particu- larly prone to receiving hailfall greater than three-quarter inch in diameter.
This is the size that is generally consid- ered the minimum threshold for prop- erty damage.
REVIEW OF ROOFING SYSTEMS’
HAIL PROTECTION PERFORMANCE In recent years, the range of options for roofing systems has grown dramati- cally. Using information, both anecdo- tal and objective, gained during numer- ous site studies, we will review the per- formance of several of these systems in regards to protection against hail dam- age. While it is clear that these materi-
FIGURE ONE. Average number of days per year where hail greater than or equal to 0.75-inches in diameter may occur within 25 miles of any point in the United States based upon NWS reports for the years 1980 to 1999 (Source: DOC/NOAA/National Severe Storms Labora- tory).
als perform in a more than acceptable fashion in most circumstances, they struggle to maintain their protective qualities when facing significant hailfall.
BUILT-UP ROOF
The beginnings of built-up roofing technology go back as far as ancient
Egypt with the use of pitch as a water- proofing agent. The great improvement came with the addition of interleaved felt plies to provide tensile strength to hold the system together. The bitumen used in modern systems may be coal tar pitch or asphalt but both are con- sidered to be built-up roofs. Grave sur- faced built-up roofs are somewhat less likely to be hail damaged than smooth surfaced built-up roofs because the gravel disperses the impact energy but when damage does occur it can be more difficult to pinpoint.
Smooth surfaced or gravel, the re- sult is the same. The asphalt or pitch is displaced or cracked at the surface and the fibreglass felt may be fractured al- lowing water infiltration and the be- ginning of premature deterioration.
Water infiltration into the insulation may spread and what begins as a small puncture may become a large repair.
Multiple hail blemishes may require tear-off and re-roof as the only practi- cal remedy. The photo in Figure Two shows a hail impact fracture on a smooth surfaced asphalt built-up roof.
SPRAYED POLYURETHANE FOAM
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPUF) roofs are popular in some ar-
FIGURE TWO. Built-up roof damaged by 1-1/2-inch hail.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
eas where hailstorms are becoming more frequent. Although the foam is closed cell and may not leak immedi- ately after damage by hail, the required repairs to this type of roof can be very costly and the fractures can be particu- larly difficult to find on some of the newer granule surfaced systems. Hail damage on these roofs can be repaired unless the number of hail fractures is very large which then may require tear- off and re-roof or at least scarifying of the surface and re-coating. The photo in Figure Three reveals a fracture of the SPUF coating caused by hail impact approximately 1-1/2 inch in diameter.
MODIFIED BITUMEN
Modified Bitumen roof systems have been popular in North America for over 30 years. They were originally invented in Europe and provide good service when applied correctly in the appropriate situation. Modified Bitu- men is composed of asphalt that has had modifiers processed with it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The two most common modifiers are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene). Both types of modified bitumen are provided in rolls approximately three feet wide.
The membrane is rolled out and seamed together with heat or cold adhesive.
The system is usually made up of two or more plies similar to a built-up roof.
Modified bitumen systems are typi- cally more hail resistance than smooth surface built-up roofs but other factors come into play. The APP membrane
is modified with a plastic and so is less flexible than rubber. This makes it somewhat vulnerable to fracture by hail. The SBS membrane is modified with a type of rubber that is vulner- able to ultraviolet degradation which the sun will deteriorate in short order.
Because of this, the membrane is protected by a granule surface. This granule surfacing may be displaced by hail impact and even though the mem- brane is not fractured, it would require replacement due to the granule displace- ment. Both APP and SBS membrane systems can be damaged by hail impact since they are still asphaltic products.
The photos in Figures Four and Five show an unsupported area on smooth surfaced APP membrane and an SBS granule surfaced membrane. Both were damaged by approximately 1-1/2-inch diameter hail.
PVC SINGLE-PLY
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) single- ply roofing membrane has become a popular choice in the last 25 years. Each manufacturer of PVC membrane has its own slightly different recipe for its PVC product. There are differences in
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
FIGURE THREE. Hail damaged granule surface SPUF roof.
FIGURE FOUR. APP Modified Bitumen punctured by hail.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
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20 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
special feature
Continued From Page 19
the added ingredients used in various PVC membranes, particularly the plas- ticizers. Since PVC in its natural state is rigid, the process of making it into a flexible single-ply roof membrane re- quires the addition of plasticizer chemi- cals. Some manufacturers are liquid and others use solid plasticizers.
The type of plasticizer used can make a great difference in whether the membrane becomes brittle as it ages and then more vulnerable to hail damage.
PVC membrane is typically reinforced with a polyester fabric but some of the older types were not. The photos in Figures Six and Seven show PVC roofs that have been impacted by three-quar- ter-inch to 1-1/2-inch hail. The first is reinforced and the second is not. The circular fractures eventually transfer through the membrane and develop into leaks.
The last two photos in this series are Figures Eight and Nine. They show a
PVC roof approximately three years after a hailstorm. Repeated repairs were done with various types of surface caulking until the owner finally real- ized that it would not be possible to seal all of the hail fractures that contin- ued to open up and leak.
EPDM ROOFING PERFORMANCE IN HAIL PROTECTION
EPDM roof membrane provides benefits similar to some other popular membranes like low installation cost, low life cycle, maintenance and repair costs, quick installation and it can even be coated with white acrylic coating to improve its energy efficiency. In addi- tion to all of the typical benefits of a high quality roof membrane, EPDM can be installed in such a way to allow for a 30 year warranty against hail dam- age. The photos in Figures 10 and 11 show EPDM roofs that have been im- pacted by hail as large as two-and-one- half-inch in diameter with no resulting membrane damage, and therefore no leaks.
FIGURE SIX. Reinforced PVC Membranes hail fractured.
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
FIGURE FIVE. SBS Modified Bitumen roof granule displace- ment caused by hail.
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
The Made in Canada Menzies Blue Seal has a blue high-impact, super-strong nylon inner core with high-quality EPDM for the compression seal. The screws are stainless steel. The nuts are brass non-twist.
Available in 3”, 4”, 5” and 6” sizes.
The RCABC requires that all drains installed in the warranty program have a mechanical seal to prevent water back up problems. The Menzies Blue Seal is the solution to water back
up problems and soundly meets RCABC requirements. Also available – Menzies retrofit drains with a cast aluminum strainer that is mechanically attached to the drain (Vandelproof) as standard.
For more information about Menzies Drains and the new Menzies Blue Seal, talk to a Menzies representative or visit the Menzies web site.
SPUN ALUMINUM DRAINS,
SPUN COPPER DRAINS, and CLAMP-TITE™ DRAINS are compatible with Menzies Blue Seal.
MENZIES METAL PRODUCTS
19370 60th Avenue Surrey, BC Canada V3S 3M2 Ph: (604) 530-0712 Fax: (604) 530-8482 Toll Free: 1-800-665-8840 Web Site: www.menzies-metal.com E-mail: info@menzies-metal.com ADAPTABILITY OF EPDM
ROOFING SYSTEMS
EPDM roof systems can be installed in any of three basic methods. The least expensive is to simply lay the mem- brane loose over the insulation substrate and cover it with rock ballast to prevent blow-off. The second method is by mechanically-attaching the membrane at intervals on the roof and covering the attachment fasteners with EPDM cover-strip material or overlapping seams. The third method is to fully adhere the membrane to the substrate material.
The membrane can also be coated with a white acrylic coating to reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain below the roof. The variety of installation options increases the attractiveness of an EPDM roof system for virtually any building.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
Since its development more than 40 years ago, EPDM has continued to
evolve with changes and improvements along the way. Modern seaming meth- ods as well as accessories details, and flashing materials have helped to make this system the most popular roof membrane used today in the United States.
The membrane is available in 45, 60 and 90-mil thickness. The 90-mil mem- brane offers higher resistance against damage from hail or other punctures.
Ice balls have been used to simulate
hail impact on roof system test decks.
Figure 12 shows ultimate failure of the thinner 45-mil membrane only when impacted by a three-inch-diameter ice ball at 133.2 feet per second, more than 90 miles an hour.
THIRTY-YEAR PROTECTION AGAINST HAIL DAMAGE
Forecasts from NOAA indicate we are entering a cycle likely to last sev-
FIGURE SEVEN. Non-Reinforced PVC Membrane damaged by small hail.
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
FIGURE EIGHT. Hail damaged reinforced PVC membrane, tem- porary caulk repairs.
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
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22 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
special feature
Continued From Page 21
eral years, with more frequent inci- dents of severe weather. This will increase the importance of effectively protecting buildings and the contents within them from the effects of a catastrophic roof failure. EPDM roof systems provide long-term protec- tion that can extend 30 years or more into the future.
A variety of warranty terms are available for your selection, includ- ing 30-year coverage against some
levels of hail damage, incidental puncture and wind damage up to 100 miles an hour. This coverage of EPDM systems is significant because most manufacturers of other roof systems do not provide warranty coverage for hail of any size.
Different companies have their own warranty programs. Please contact EPDM membrane manufacturers to learn more about warranty specifics for EPDM membrane products.
SUMMARY
Based on field and test data, it is clear that EPDM roof membranes outper- form other roof systems in terms of hail protection. In tests including simula- tion of hail up to three inches of diam- eter, EPDM roofing membranes did not suffer membrane damage and avoided leaking problems endemic to other roofing surfaces in similar cir- cumstances.
As added incentives to potential buyers, EPDM roofing manufacturers and suppliers offer their product in a variety of thicknesses and with three installation options. These cost-effec- tive considerations, combined with extensive warranty coverage as insur- ance of performance, make EPDM roofing the leading choice, especially when determining roofing options in areas of the country with significant
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
FIGURE NINE. Hail damaged PVC membrane with thousands of temporary caulk repairs.
FIGURE 10. EPDM membrane impacted by 2-1/2-inch hail. No membrane damage.
Green Roofs. The Benefits are Growing.
Sika Sarnafil, A Business Unit of Sika Canada Inc.
Tel. 1-800-268-0479, www.sika.ca
Green Roof Systems from Sika Sarnafil are a beautiful addition to any building. And, they benefit you and the environment by reducing building energy consumption, extending the life of the waterproofing membrane and reducing storm water runoff. When you specify a Sika Sarnafil green roof you get more than beauty and watertight security; you get peace of mind knowing you have selected a company with more than 35 years of green roof experience all over the world.
And, our proven Milestone Management™process ensures your completed roof meets our high standards – and yours.
Let us provide you with the benefit of our experience. Request your FREE informative Green Roof Design Guide.
Call 1.800.268.0479 or visit www.sarnafil.ca/green1.
BENCHMARK SERVICES INC.
hailfall.
IMPLEMENTATION
Visit the EPDM Roofing Associa- tion www.epdmroofs.org web site for more information on EPDM roof sys- tems and how they can affect you.
About the Author
Ric Vitiello is president of Bench- mark Services Inc., a forensic roof con- sulting company based in Louisville, KY, that specializes exclusively in roof failure analysis. His professional cre- dentials include:
• More than 25 years of experience in the roofing industry.
• Professional member of the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI).
• Member and Trained Hail and Wind Damage Investigator with the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI).
• Past president and co-founder of the Greater Louisville Roofing Con-
tractors Association now merged with the Kentucky Roofing Contractors As- sociation (KRCA).
• Served 12 years as a Board Mem-
ber of the Louisville Better Business Bureau.
• Certified Arbitrator for the Na- tional Panel of Consumer Arbitrators.
FIGURE 11. EPDM fully adhered to fibreboard insulation. No membrane damage.
24 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
product profile
Firestone RubberGard™ Reinforced Me- chanically Attached (R.M.A.) roofing system is the latest commercial roofing solution now offered by Firestone Build- ing Products Company and the indus- try’s first mechanically attached system that can be warranted for 25 years.
“Firestone consistently invests in advanced roofing tech- nologies through extensive research and development,”
said Jim Jannasch, EPDM product manager for Firestone Building Products. “We strive to provide contractors, building owners and specifiers with the latest in roofing innovation when choosing a Firestone roofing system.
The new RubberGard R.M.A. builds from the long-term
New Firestone EPDM Roofing
System Introduced
F
success and dependable quality of RubberGard while providing alternative features and benefits.”
The RubberGard R.M.A. system is attached under the EPDM membrane so fasteners do not penetrate the membrane itself, therefore minimizing the risk of leaks and providing uninterrupted weatherable thick- ness.
Ideal for large projects, the system’s EPDM panels
complete tear-offs. The installation of the R.M.A. sys- tem is accomplished in four steps:
(1) After installing Firestone insulation per speci- fications, attach Firestone’s QuickSeam R.M.A. strip in a pattern designated in Firestone’s Technical Data- base.
(2) Prime the back of the EPDM membrane and between the tape on the R.M.A. strip using Firestone’s are bonded to Firestone
QuickSeam™ R.M.A. strips to ensure fast installation.
The system meets various Underwriters Laboratories fire resistant and Factory Mutual 1-60 and 1-75 wind uplift ratings.
The RubberGard R.M.A.
system is an ideal recover sys- tem utilizing large panels for maximum efficiency. While the system is an good recover alternative, it can be used in new construction as well as
QuickPrime Plus and allow to dry.
(3) Remove the release liner from the R.M.A. Strip.
(4) Install the membrane over the R.M.A. Strip and roll with Firestone’s QuickRoller.
For more information, contact Firestone Building Materials Company at (905) 363-3133, Toll Free: 1-888- 292-6265 or visit the compa- ny’s web site at www.firestonebpco.ca.
“Firestone consistently invests in advanced roofing technologies through
extensive research and development...
The new RubberGard R.M.A. builds from the long-term success and dependable
quality of RubberGard while providing alternative features and benefits.”
Jim Jannasch, EPDM product manager for Firestone Building Products
26 Canadian Roofing Contractor & Design - JULY / AUGUST 2007
legal notes
In the recent case of Double N Earthmovers Ltd. v Edmonton (City of), the Supreme Court of Canada considered the scope of an owner’s obligation to treat all bidders fairly during the tender process.
In this case, the City of Edmonton initiated a tender for a contract to sup- ply equipment and operators to remove refuse from a city landfill. As part of the tender specifications, the City re- quested that the equipment must be 1980 or newer. The bidders were re- quired to provide serial numbers and licence registration numbers for the equipment to be used.
When the tenders were opened, the City determined that Sureway Con- struction Ltd. and the plaintiff, Dou- ble N Earthmovers Ltd. were the first and second lowest compliant tenders.
Subsequently, the city engaged in dis- cussions with both Sureway and Dou- ble N regarding their bids. The City ultimately awarded the contract to Sureway. After being awarded the con-
Tender Law –
Duty of Fairness Revisited
tract, Sureway advised the City that it intended to use equipment that was older than 1980 (contrary to the ten- der specification). Despite the City’s initial objection, it ultimately acqui- esced in respect of Sureway’s proposed
that Sureway made representations in its bid that its equipment was made in 1980 (when it was in fact made in 1979), and/or that notwithstanding its bid, it planned to use equipment that was older than 1980. Double N also claimed that during the post-tender negotiation stage, the City failed to investigate Double N’s allegations about Sureway’s equipment and thus implic- itly allowed Sureway to supply older equipment contrary to the tender. By allowing Sureway to supply older equipment, the City breached the ob- ligations it owed to Double N during the tender process.
The trial judge dismissed all of Dou- ble N’s claims. The trial judge found that Sureway’s bid was compliant and as such, the City was entitled to enter a contract with Sureway to perform the work. The trial judge also held that the City’s obligation to treat the other bid- ders fairly ended once the City entered into a contract with Sureway to per- form the work. The Court of Appeal
Continued On Page 28
Double N Earthmovers Ltd. v Edmonton (City of) (S.C.C)
equipment.
Double N initiated a claim against the City on the basis that Sureway’s bid was non-compliant and therefore the contract should not have been awarded to Sureway. Double N alleged
I
By JENNIFER LEITCH & HOWARD WISE, Goodmans LLP Barristers & Solicitors
