Roofing in CanadaPeter Kalinger
The Canadian roofing industry, similar to that of the United
States, has made significant progress in the design and
construction of roof systems during the past few decades, resulting
in the general consensus that most roof systems are performing
satisfactorily. Although new roofing products and systems are being
introduced more rapidly than ever before, the Canadian roofing
industry has managed to avoid many of the grave errors that plagued
the industry in the past and resulted in widespread failures and
consumer dissatisfaction. Extensive research in the field of
building envelope science, dissemination of technical information
about roof system performance, and widespread practice of roof
system construction monitoring and inspections have led to a better
understanding among contractors and designers about the fundamental
requirements of satisfactory roof system performance.
Whether by design or happenstance, the Canadian roofing industry
is installing better roof systems now than just a few decades ago.
Consequently, technical performance, though still critical in terms
of the service roof systems provide, no longer is driving the
industry. Technical performance as the engine of change has been
replaced by larger environmental, social, and health and safety
issues. This is not to say technical performance and environmental
concerns are mutually exclusive and unrelated. It simply means
environmental, health and safety aspects of roofing have been
integrated into the definition of the minimum acceptable level of
performance.
Canadian consumers increasingly are insisting roofing
contractors demonstrate "eco-efficiency." They demand competitively
priced roof systems that satisfy the human needs of comfort and
reliability and bring quality of life while progressively reducing
environmental effects and resource intensity. The profusion of
"green" roofing products and practices attests to the predominance
of environmental and social concerns in the industry.
For example, Canada recently ratified its Kyoto Treaty
commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because buildings
account for 30 percent of Canada's energy use and 27 percent of
Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, ways of incorporating innovative
energy efficiency in building design are being sought to meet
Canada's greenhouse gas reduction target. In addition, with the
recent adoption of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design® Green Building Rating System in Canada, the roofing
industry also is becoming more aware of sustainable building design
and construction and looking into innovative options, such as
green...
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