- info@vantageroofingltd.ca
- +1 (604) 332-1253
Our team is insured and fully compliant & in good standing with WorkSafe BC.
120 West 17th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1V4
Project Context
The Old Colony is a 27‑unit, three‑storey strata building constructed in 1965 and located in Central Lonsdale, North Vancouver. The property uses two different roofing systems: asphalt shingle roofing on sloped sections and SBS (modified bitumen) flat roofing over balconies and low‑slope areas. Over time, the strata began experiencing multiple concurrent concerns: active leaks around dormers and blistering on portions of the SBS membrane above balconies, alongside general buildup of moss and debris affecting drainage and inspectability. Rather than treating these as isolated fixes, the strata used the project as an opportunity to establish a clearer, long‑term approach to roof management.
The core challenge was that reacting to individual problems was no longer practical for an aging multi‑system building. Active dormer leaks required immediate attention to prevent water intrusion, while blistering on the SBS roofing indicated trapped moisture and potential substrate issues that could worsen if left unaddressed. At the same time, accumulated moss, organic debris, and partially blocked drainage components (gutters, downspouts, flat roof drains, and overflow scuppers) were making it harder to monitor roof condition and prioritize work effectively. The strata needed a contractor who could handle both roofing systems, complete urgent repairs correctly, and then help the council plan and budget for future work based on documented conditions.
The strata chose Vantage Roofing because we could work comfortably on an older multi‑unit building with more than one roofing system in play. Vantage Roofing offered the ability to perform both asphalt shingle and SBS membrane repairs while also providing ongoing preventative maintenance and written recommendations—giving the strata a single point of contact familiar with the property over time. This continuity allows the council and property manager to distinguish between routine maintenance, priority repairs, and future replacement planning, rather than relying on ad‑hoc fixes whenever the next leak appears.
We began by addressing the areas already causing problems, then expanded to building‑wide maintenance and documentation.
Asphalt shingle roof repairs (dormer leaks): We carefully removed shingles around the leaking dormer areas to expose and inspect the underlying roof deck instead of simply sealing over symptoms. Vulnerable valley and roof‑to‑wall transitions were rebuilt with improved waterproofing, including installation of new 26‑gauge W‑metal valley flashing and new step flashing, followed by replacement shingles blended into the existing roof.
SBS flat roof repairs (blistering): Affected SBS sections were carefully opened to release trapped moisture and remove deteriorated materials, allowing assessment of the substrate before repairs. Existing membrane was re‑bonded where appropriate, and new SBS membrane patches were installed to restore a continuous waterproof layer.
Preventative roof maintenance: We completed a full gutter and downspout cleaning, removed debris from both asphalt shingle and flat roof areas, and performed moss removal with roof‑safe treatment. Valleys and roof‑to‑wall transitions were cleaned, flat roof drains and overflow scuppers were cleared, and drainage conditions were inspected to identify developing and critical repair areas.
Inspection and reporting: We documented observed roof conditions, highlighted areas requiring further attention, and provided recommendations for repairs and continued maintenance, including guidance on future investigation or replacement when warranted.
The most significant result for The Old Colony is a shift from reactive roofing to planned roof care. Immediate leak and membrane concerns were resolved, but the project also established a path forward for maintaining an aging building with multiple roofing systems through regular inspections, preventative maintenance, drainage cleaning, documented observations, and targeted repairs as needed. For the strata council and property manager, this means greater visibility into roof conditions, a clearer understanding of priorities, and a roofing contractor already familiar with the property when future needs arise.