Professional Home Inspectors in Mississauga, ON

There are many factors involved in the decision process for the type of roof construction. Some of these factors include but are not limited to the following: cost constraints, life expectancy, warranties, environment, building height, roof access, roof traffic, drainage, existing roof construction and reuse of good materials, construction constraints, access for construction, type of deck, R value of insulation, building codes, qualification of trades in area, aesthetics, etc.

Phenolic insulation is no longer used in the roofing industry as a insulating product. Phenolic insulation if wet will generally turn to acid and attacked galvanized and non galvanized steel decks. However, this product is not a problem over concrete or wood decks. Phenolic insulation is also not a problem over gypsum boards sealed with a vapour retarder. If you are unsure whether you have phenolic insulation, contact us, a roofing contractor or another consultant and ask for core cut verification. We suggest that phenolic insulated roofs be scanned at least once every two years. If the roof is dry then there is no need to replace your roof at this time. Some of the previous manufacturers of phenolic insulation provide technical assistance and financial assistance to replace damaged insulation, decking or systems. Some of the previous manufacturers to visit their sites include Koppers and Domtar.

A vapour retarder should be used where there is the possibility for moisture to rise above the deck system. i.e. residential buildings, food processing, restaurants, hospitals, schools,pulp and paper process or any area of high humidity.

The roofing consultant like a professional engineer has a duty to protect you the client and the public. For more details on consultant responsibilities visit our RCI web link. For responsibilities of the roofing contractor visit the NRCA web link.

We recommend to our utility customers to scan the high voltage distribution system at least once every year or second year depending on the site of the utility. Larger utilities scan twice a year. Depending on your budget you should at least scan the three phase system, all your substation equipment, all major underground switch gears and all major vaults servicing downtown customers.