What should you do about heavy snow load on a flat roof in Gatineau?
Quick Answer: If a flat roof in Gatineau is carrying heavy snow, watch for warning signs — sagging, new interior cracks, sticking doors, or creaking — and have snow removed professionally if load looks excessive. Do not climb onto a snow-covered flat roof or use metal tools that can puncture the membrane. The best long-term […]
Flat Roof Trouble Spots on Gatineau Homes: What to Check and Why
Flat Roof Trouble Spots on Gatineau Homes Flat roofs work hard in Gatineau. Heavy snow, spring melt, summer heat, and strong winds all hit the same surface. When that surface has weak spots, water finds its way into your home fast. Most of the time, the leak does not start in the middle of the […]
Rooftop Unit Structural Due Diligence on Gatineau Flat Roofs
Protect Your Flat Roof Investment Before Adding RTUs Rooftop units, or RTUs, are the metal boxes you see sitting on many commercial and multi-unit residential flat roofs. They include HVAC systems, makeup air units, dehumidifiers, and other mechanical equipment that keep indoor spaces comfortable and safe. On flat roofs across Gatineau, Ottawa, and the Outaouais […]
How Often Should a Residential Flat Roof in Quebec Be Inspected or Replaced?
Spring inspection (April–May): Walk the roof to identify winter damage, membrane cracks, opened seams, displaced flashings, and ice dam residue near drains. Clear all drains before spring rainfall season. Fall inspection (October): Inspect for summer UV damage and ensure drains are clear before freeze-up. Address any issues before the first hard freeze makes them worse. […]
How Much Does Flat Roof Replacement Cost in Gatineau or Ottawa?
The primary cost variables for flat roof replacement in Gatineau are: surface area in square metres, number of membrane layers to remove, condition of the roof deck (rot or damage adds material and labour), amount of rigid insulation being added or replaced, complexity of penetrations and flashings, and drain configuration. Cossette provides itemized estimates that […]
What Causes Flat Roofs to Leak on Homes in the Outaouais Region
Cause 1: Failed Seams Seams are the most vulnerable point of any membrane system. If the torch weld was incomplete during installation, or if the seam has opened due to thermal cycling over time, water enters directly at the gap. Seam failure is particularly common at membrane terminations (edges) and at changes in direction on […]