Work to replace the roof at Wellington Terrace is expected to go to tender soon, after Wellington County council approved moving ahead with the project which is expected to cost $2.5 million.
Paul Sapounzi with VG Architects updated council on the planned work. He said the plan presented by his firm calls for a flat roof to replace the existing roof on the building that has been plagued by leaks since it was built about seven years ago.
Sapounzi said the firm looked at various designs to replace the roof, which has a slightly sloped perimeter to allow for airflow over the mechanics, such as air conditioning units, placed on the roof when the building was first constructed.
He said the system created problems because the design allowed for wind to blow in under the roof, raising the roof membrane.
“It acts like a sail and pulls up the roofing system,” he said of the current roof construction.
The flat roof replacement will also minimize the need to put in trusses to build a pitched roof, which several councillors have contended would eliminate leaking.
Sapounzi said efforts to find out where the leaks were occurring would have been time consuming because water follows “the path of least resistance,” making it difficult to find.
He added Centre Wellington’s chief building official also noted material in the roof was not fire retardant (the new design will be fire retardant).
Workmanship on the current roof has also been questioned in the past.
Mayor Ray Tout asked whether the firm would stand behind the replacement if leaks continue after the new roof is installed.
“How long do you stand behind it?” Tout asked. “My concern is workmanship if we have (leak) issues.”
Sapounzi said his firm will conduct a background check of companies putting in tenders for the work, in particular the company chosen to do the work. He said a roofing inspector will be in place “to monitor the installation.”
“That will go a long way to make sure we’re going the right way,” he added.
Councillor Shawn Watters asked for further assurances.
“We’re staying with the flat roof system. You’re confident this will be the ultimate solution?”
Sapounzi replied, “We feel confident with proper inspections and contractor involved that problem will be resolved.”
It will take close to a year to replace the 75,000 square foot roof, Sapounzi said, noting the roof replacement will done in sections with work done during the day to minimize any potential inconvenience to residents of the Terrace.
Councillor Bruce Whale asked whether the firm had considered other options such as a “green roof” and a sensor system to detect potential leaks before they become a problem.
Sapounzi said the firm looked at sensors and installing a green roof and found the options would be “quite cost prohibitive.”
“We’ll make sure you have a high performance roof for a long time,” Sapounzi assured councillors.
Once installed, he recommended a regular maintenance program.
“The key here is to make sure your drains are working,” he said.
The contract is expected to go to tender soon.
