The importance of compliance in Vancouver commercial roofing projects

Commercial roofing companies in Vancouver must adhere to a variety of roofing regulations and codes. These codes exist at municipal, provincial and federal levels. They inform every roofing project in regards to safety, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Vancouver commercial roofers’ compliance is necessary for:

• Safety
• Fire prevention
• Energy efficiency
• Environmental sustainability

Safety 

Vancouver buildings are subject to specific weather-related and geological forces, namely wind, rain and seismic activity. Therefore, commercial roofs need to be able to withstand each of these conditions so that people inside and outside the building remain safe.

Codes ensure that, through material selection and installation methods, these roofs have superior weather-proofing capabilities and flection (the ability to move as the building shifts).  Compliance with commercial roofing standards ensures Vancouver roofs are safe and durable, built to withstand challenges specific to our region.

Fire Prevention

Fires start on roofs for a variety of reasons–during installations using an open flame (Torch-on roofs), after lightning strikes, from sparks from nearby (forest) fires, and due to rooftop equipment failure (HVAC units, for example). Fire regulations address these scenarios and require the compliance of commercial roofing companies in Vancouver to maintain optimal rooftop fire safety.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency regulations continue to become more robust in ongoing efforts to conserve energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Roofing materials contribute to energy efficiency in two ways–the type of roof, and the insulation. Metal roofs and cool roofs (green roofs, roofs with reflective coatings) reduce heat absorption in hot weather, thus lowering cooling costs. Insulation uses R-value ratings to regulate heat transfer. This helps buildings stay warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer, which reduces energy consumption.

Environmental sustainability

There’s a growing push across the country and in Vancouver in particular toward environmental sustainability in commercial roofing. A number of eco-friendly options are available for commercial building owners, including inverted roofs, cool roofs and green roofs. Each comes with distinct advantages in addition to energy savings.

In addition to federal, provincial and municipal regulations, the roofing industry supplies its own Canadian Roofing Reverence Manual. Compliance to this list of best practices provides another layer of safety for Vancouver’s commercial roofers and their projects across the city.

As Laurentian Roofing professionals, we stand by our commitment to excellence and adherence to all  regulations, codes, standards and best practices in regards to each and every one of our roofing projects. Have questions, or need a free estimate? Give us a call, we’d love to hear from you.  604-345-7663