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Remedial Waterproofing for Balconies: A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Balcony Leaks in Toronto’s GTA

Balconies, cherished for their outdoor charm, can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare when leaks occur. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and costly repairs. In the bustling Toronto GTA area, where extreme weather conditions are prevalent, it’s essential for homeowners to understand the causes, warning signs, and effective solutions for balcony leaks. This article, brought to you by Royal Roofing, will guide you through the intricacies of remedial waterproofing for balconies.

Causes of Balcony Leaks

Balcony leaks can stem from various sources, and understanding these factors is key to effective remediation. Immediate or post-construction issues may arise from workmanship mistakes, damaged membranes, or incorrect flashing installations. Leaks occurring after a year or two often result from weather-induced movement, lack of maintenance, and higher-level construction challenges. Additionally, factors like inadequate slope and moisture-retaining stone tiles can contribute to balcony leaks.

Preventing Balcony Leaks

To safeguard your balcony from leaks, our recommendation is a multi-faceted approach. Begin with a heavy-duty builders plastic, such as a pond liner, beneath the sand/cement screed, followed by a reliable waterproofing membrane. Proper drainage, separation from the building’s interior, and maintaining an external height lower than the internal height are essential precautions. Regular inspections, especially after extreme weather events, can identify issues early, allowing for proactive repairs.

Warning Signs and Inspection

Timely identification of warning signs is crucial to preventing extensive damage. Keep an eye out for missing or cracked grout, water stains on ceilings, difficulties with balcony doors, peeling paint, and weak structural joints. If you notice any of these indicators, contact our accredited Installers at Royal Roofing for a professional assessment and discuss potential solutions, including over-tile waterproofing.

Repairing Leaking Balconies

Delaying balcony leak repairs can lead to structural damage, making early intervention vital. Traditional methods involve removing tiles and re-tiling, but these may not address the underlying issues. Remedial waterproofing, utilizing Clear Waterproofing Membrane, offers a cost-effective, less invasive solution. This 2-part aliphatic polyurethane membrane provides flexibility and durability, making it an ideal choice for balcony waterproofing. Whether you choose a professional installer or a DIY approach, Royal Roofing provides full help desk support for your convenience.

Waterproofing Systems for Balconies

Effective balcony waterproofing systems are crucial for preventing leaks. Quality membranes, proper surface repairs, and meticulous attention to balcony details, including wall upturns, floors, drains, and balustrades, create a lasting water barrier. Choosing high-quality materials and correct installation methods is essential to avoid severe water damage and potential structural collapse.

Cost Considerations

Fixing a leaking balcony can be a substantial investment, involving labor-intensive processes and material removal. Traditional methods often lead to higher costs and longer timelines. In contrast, remedial waterproofing with Clear Waterproofing Membrane offers a more cost-effective, time-efficient solution, potentially saving homeowners up to 70% of traditional repair costs.

Don’t let balcony leaks dampen your outdoor enjoyment. Stay vigilant, address issues promptly, and consider remedial waterproofing as a practical and cost-efficient solution. For expert advice and professional assistance in the Toronto GTA area, reach out to Royal Roofing. Let us help you enjoy your balcony worry-free, regardless of the weather.

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Standing Seam Roofing Cost in Toronto & GTA

Everything You Need to Know about Standing Seam

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost in Ontario, Canada? Is metal roofing more expensive than conventional asphalt shingles? Is it worth it to invest in a metal roof at all?

If you are planning to replace your roof, countless questions may be going through your mind. To give you a short answer, installing standing seam roofing can cost you anywhere between $10 and $27+ per square foot in Toronto and GTA. Given that the average residential roof size ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $81,000 to replace a standing seam roof or install a brand-new one.

Pros and Cons of a Standing Seam Roof

As a homeowner, you should understand the importance of installing a long-lasting and reliable roof for your home. However, choosing the right roofing material can be difficult, with each type of roofing having its own pros and cons to bring to the table. Overall, standing seam metal roofing is an excellent choice for residential and commercial roofs for more than one reason. Let us take a closer look at the pros and cons of a standing seam roof.

Standing Seam Roof Pros

  • Lasts a lifetime. Standing seam metal roofs are made from top-quality materials that can easily last a lifetime. Metal roofs installed by Royal Roofing in Toronto come with a 10-year workmanship warranty and will likely last you for many more years to come.
  • Weather-resistant. While looking sleek and modern, metal is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, making standing seam roofs resistant to shrinking, cracking, and eroding.
  • Energy-efficient. Installing energy-efficient metal roofing for your home is truly a smart investment. Being more reflective than asphalt shingles, these roofs will keep your house cooler during hot summer months, thus significantly reducing your energy bills.
  • Leads to cost savings in the long run. While it may be more expensive upfront, installing a metal roof will lead to cost savings in the long run due to lower upkeep expenses and replacement costs.

Standing Seam Roof Cons

  • Relatively expensive. Standing seam roofs are more expensive than conventional asphalt shingles for several reasons. First, metal material itself is not cheap. Secondly, standing seam roofing systems are more complex to install, leading to higher installation costs.
  • Longer installation time. Due to a more complex system, standing seam roofs take longer time to install as compared to synthetic slate, cedar shingles, or traditional shingles.

All-in-all, while installing a standing seam metal roof can cost you three to four times more than installing asphalt shingles, it is a worthwhile investment that can lead to significant savings in the long term.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a Standing Seam Roof

 Lower PriceHigher price
Length of panelsUnder 10’Over 10’
Width of the panels15”-20”12”-15”
Oil canning effect preventionsNoYes
Metal thickness28-26 GA24-26 GA
Seam height1”1”, 1.5”
Slope2/12 – 5/126/12 and up
Material ColorBlack, Standard colorsMatte, Less common colors
InsulationNoYes
Remove old roofNoYes
Any skylights, chimneys, valleys, dormers, ventsNoYes
Access & RentalEasy access no need rent boom or scaffoldingBoom, Scaffolding
UnderlaymentSynth. UnderlaymentHigh temp
Material TypeSteelSteel, Copper, Lead
Type of LockSnap Lock (Fast install, less secure)Mechanical Double Lock (Slower install, more secure)
Snow GuardsNoYes
Distance over 30 km from warehouseNoYes
Third Party Inspection after installationNoYes, extra 300$+
Installer Details
Company typeNo Incorporated or Sole proprietorshipCorporation
Liability InsuranceNoYes
WSIBNoYes
Installer certificatesNoYes
Labour WarrantyNoYes
Warehouse & operation costsNoYes

Roofing Material and Roof Area

Naturally, the larger your roof area, the higher the cost of installing the roof. The estimated cost per square foot depends on the roofing material and several other factors.

Roof Structure and Pitch

Other factors that affect the cost of standing seam metal roofing are the number of roof panels, chimneys, valleys, skylights, and dormers, as well as roof pitch or slope.

Generally speaking, if you can walk on the roof, installing metal panels on it would cost less. Roofs with a steeper slope will require special equipment and will take more time and effort to install, leading to higher project costs. In addition, working around valleys, chimneys, skylights, and windows requires more time as compared to installing a plain roof.

Existing Roof Removal

In addition to paying for a new metal roof, you also need to determine whether the old roofing material needs to be removed. If the old roof does need to be removed, it can add to the total cost of your roofing project.

While many times removal is required, know that some metal roofing systems can be installed directly on top of an old roof. It is always recommended to consult with a specialist like Royal Roofing Inc. to determine the best course of action.

Labour and Installation

Installing a metal roof is a complex and labor-intensive process, which requires specialized equipment and the expertise of industry professionals. Due to the complexity of installation, installing a standing seam metal roof will cost considerably more than installing asphalt shingles or other roofing types.

What Is Included in Royal Roofing Pricing?

The total standing seam roof cost can depend on various factors, such as material prices, delivery, strapping, and underlayment, as well as labour and installation. At Royal Roofing Inc., the pricing of standing seam roofing includes the following items:

Material

The material plays a key role in determining the total cost of installing a metal roofing system. At Royal Roofing, we use metal sheets or coils to install standing seam roofs for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings alike. Give us a call today to get an estimate for metal roofing in your area.

Underlayment

Roof underlayment is an important additional layer of protection that helps to prevent any type of water leakage. At Royal Roofing, we only use the highest quality underlayment to ensure complete protection and security.

Delivery

The cost of delivery can vary greatly depending on your home’s geographic location. The higher the distance, the higher the delivery cost.

Wood Strapping

Wood strapping requires the use of additional material, which automatically increases the total installation cost. Wood strapping is an important step in the roofing process, as it offers ventilation and support to metal roofing systems.

Labour and Installation

Royal Roofing is a renowned roofing company based in Toronto, GTA. Our labor fees always include insurance, warranty, training programs, WSIB, and project management costs. The cost of installing a  metal roof cost can vary depending on the size of the roof and its complexity.

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EPDM vs GRP Flat Roofing: Which is Best for Your Project?

Flat roofing materials have immensely grown in popularity over the recent years, due to the advancements in technology and installation processes. From extensions and garages to commercial buildings and outbuildings, flat roofs are suitable for a range of applications with different materials and methods.

Two of the most common flat roofing materials are GRP/Liquid membrane and EPDM – but which is best for your particular project? Both GRP and EPDM flat roofs have been around for a while. However, recent advancements in the application methods, as well as the growth in health and safety concerns associated with traditional torch-on roofing, have led to the recent popularity growth of EPDM and GRP/Liquid membrane roofing.

Table of Contents

At Royal Roofing, we are happy to offer services related to both GRP/Liquid membrane and EPDM(Note: Royal Roofing not offering at the moment) flat roof types. Below, we have summarized some of the key points to keep in mind to help you determine which type of roofing material is best for your project:

What is EPDM Roofing?

“EPDM” stands for “Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer,” which is a type of rubber roofing. EPDM is a durable material, which is supplied in rolls ready to be applied across the roof surface.

What is GRP Roofing?

“GRP” is short for “Glass-Reinforced Plastic,” which is also known as fibreglass roofing. GRP material consists of resin with fibrous or glass strands that reinforce the material. Even though the resin is liquid originally, it can be cured into a solid relatively quickly by applying a catalyst.

Physical Composition

EPDM Roofing

Being a rubber-like material, EPDM is incredibly flexible, which makes it ideal for roofs with uneven structures or roofs featuring pipes, skylights, and gutters. The rubber material is difficult to break, which means that it will not be easily damaged by impacts such as falling items. Furthermore, EPDM’s flexibility allows for expansion and contraction, thus reducing the risk of cracks. In fact, EPDM roofing installed by Royal Roofing can safely expand up to 300% in length and return to its original size.

In addition, EPDM is impermeable yet breathable. This means that moisture, vapours, and smoke cannot enter the roof space; at the same time, the moisture and heat can easily escape from the roof to prevent damp, rot, and structural damage.

EPDM has excellent waterproofing qualities, which makes it ideal for a variety of applications like pond liners and seals. It is also resistant to saltwater, which makes it suitable to be used on properties near the coast.

GRP Roofing

GRP roofing is known for its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, which allows good strength properties to be achieved with less material. In addition, other unique properties of GRP allow it to be moulded to almost any shape, over and around uneven structures and irregular roof surfaces.

Finally, GRP has excellent corrosion resistance. As such, it can be safely installed on roofs near commercial buildings that handle chemicals or factories.

Installation Processes

EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing is supplied in rolls of material that can be easily unrolled across the roof. With a relatively easy installation process, EPDM roofing consists of just a single sheet of rubber-like material. The material is glued to the roof surface, and then trimmed to fit around the edges. EPDM roof kits are often sold with all the items required for installation.

While EPDM roofing can be installed in a DIY fashion, working with professionals from Royal Roofing can ensure the quality and longevity of the roof. If the installation process isn’t followed exactly, it can cause serious problems with your EPDM roof.

GRP Roofing

As compared to EPDM, GRP roof installation requires a slightly more complicated process, with more than simply laying down rolls of material. In order to install GRP roofing, you would need to add a layer of resin, then lay a mat of fibreglass strands, followed by another layer of resin. Then, the topcoat must be applied to ensure weatherproof qualities.

While there are numerous GRP roof kits available on the market, the inclusion of several resin layers and catalysts can make GRP installation more challenging for DIY-ers. Furthermore, GRP roofing can only be installed in completely dry weather conditions and temperature above 50° F (10° C). Luckily, with Royal Roofing, you have nothing to worry about: we will be happy to take care of your GRP roof installation from A to Z.

Roof Appearance

EPDM Roofing

While incredibly versatile and easy to install, EPDM roofing is often not the first choice due to its aesthetics. EPDM is just a large piece of rubber on top of a roof, and it looks accordingly. However, this comes down to personal preference, – many people don’t worry about the look of EPDM roofing, as it isn’t often visible from the ground.

GRP Roofing

A finished GRP roof, on the contrary, has an unarguable aesthetic appeal. Seamless, clean, and available in a variety of colours, GRP roof definitely wins in the appearance domain.

Roof Longevity

Both EPDM rubber roofing and GRP/Liquid membrane roofing have an expected lifespan of around 15-20 years. Most roofs start experiencing leaks over time if seams wear out or are not sealed properly to begin with. Luckily, neither GRP nor EPDM roofs have seams, which contributes to a significantly longer lifespan.

EPDM roofing material is elastic, which allows for safe thermal movement like expansion and contraction. Even in fluctuating temperatures, EPDM roofing will not experience any cracks or splits.

GRP is extremely waterproof, which makes it a popular choice for marine applications, such as on the hulls of boats. EPDM material is waterproof as well; it is commonly used in seals, valves, and pond liners.

Neither GRP nor EPDM is affected by the sun, – it will not blister, crack, or rot with sun exposure, unlike most other flat roofing materials. In addition, compared to other roof materials, GRP is the least likely one to develop moss over time.

Roofing Repairs

EPDM Roofing

Small holes or tears in EPDM roofs can be repaired relatively quickly. Our roofing professionals can take care of all the necessary repairs; plus, there are a number of EPDM roof repair kits available on the market if you wish to attempt the repairs yourself. In fact, rubber roof repair can be as easy as patching up or sealing the damaged areas.

GRP Roofing

When it comes to GRP roofing, repairs can be a little more complicated. However, even GRP roofs can be patch repaired with special repair kits. While regular roof repair kits can only guarantee short-term fixes, special GRP roof kits can allow for longer-term repairs. With a special GRP patch repair kit, you would start by sanding down the area; you would then apply a new chopped strand mat, as well as resin and a topcoat. Short-term roof repair kits, on the other hand, usually involve the application of an acrylic sealant.

Cost

EPDM Roofing

Made from recycled materials, EPDM is relatively inexpensive. EPDM roofs can be installed with relatively generic tools, which means that you won’t likely need to purchase any additional tools if you decide to go a DIY route. In addition, the elasticity and flexibility of EPDM roofing mean that deterioration will be minimal overtime, keeping the repair and maintenance costs low.

GRP Roofing

As compared to EPDM, GRP roof installation requires more specialized products and tools, which leads to higher roof installation costs. Moreover, GRP roofing is difficult to install by yourself, – it is recommended to hire a roofing contractor instead, which further increases the overall costs. However, as compared to traditional roofing, GRP material is less likely to require repairs in the future, which would save you money in the long run.

So, which is better?

The decision of choosing EPDM or GRP roofing material ultimately comes down to the project at hand. For example, if you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-install roofing material, EPDM will be the ideal option for you. However, if you prefer better aesthetics and durability, GRP will be the right choice.

Today, both roofing products are easier to use and more affordable than ever before. Both EPDM and GRP materials have similar excellent qualities, as well as unique ones that make them ideal for different specialized applications.

Still not sure whether EPDM or GRP material is best for your roof? At Royal Roofing, we can help you make the right decision and take care of the roof installation from A to Z. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

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How Much Does Rubber Roofing Cost?

The cost of rubber roof installation can range from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the roof size, pitch, and slope. You can expect to see a price between $4.25 to $9.25 per sq. foot, or $425 to $9,625 per square for a single-story house of standard size. Costs can vary depending on the local labor costs and the type of the installed rubber roof. You can choose to install PVC, TPO, or EPDM rubber roofing.

Rubber Shingles and Roofs


Rubber roofing provides a budget-friendly option for roofing shingles that are eco-friendly, durable, and available in various designs and colors. Such roofs are resistant to cracking, rotting, discoloration, denting, mold, and moisture absorptions, and most manufacturers offer a warranty for at least thirty years.
A rubber roof is built with affordable recycled materials and can also help you to reduce the energy bill due to the insulating capabilities of rubber. In addition, if your rubber roof begins to leak, most of the time, it can be fixed with a fresh application of a strong sealant, a simple repair, or the replacement of a few shingles.
These features combined with the ease of rubber roof installation, low maintenance, and the variety of available styles and colors, make rubber roofing an excellent option when the time comes to put a new roof on your home.
– Energy efficient
– Lasts 15-30 years
– Low roof maintenance
– Highly insulating
– Usually a 30-year manufacturer warranty

Other Cost Factors to Consider

  • Other factors that could increase the cost of roof replacement projects include: high-quality insulation or underlayment, thicker roofing material, repairs, or an extended warranty agreement.
  • Most likely, rubber roofing is more expensive than asphalt roofing, but costs less than slate, metal, clay, or other premium types. Before you choose asphalt due to the lower price, consider that the performance and quality is one of the highest for the price with rubber roofing.
  • The installation of rubber roofing is quicker and easier than other materials. In addition, rubber is lighter in weight, which makes its delivery easier.
  • In order to offer all of the typical benefits, rubber roofing needs to be properly installed – remember about this if you are thinking of handling the project yourself. Even though DIY work is more budget-friendly, you may end up wasting money on home damage or repairs. Protect your roof investment by hiring professionals at Royal Roofing Inc. that know everything about rubber roofing installation.
  • We recommend booking a consultation with us to see whether a rubber roof is the right type of roof to install for your home.

Energy Efficient Rubber Roofs


Rubber roofing shingles are produced with 95% recycled materials, such as recycled rubber, plastic and slate dust, and more. In addition, used shingles can be melted and recycled into a new product.
Rubber roofing is available in a variety of different styles and colours, so you shouldn’t feel limited by the dark gray shade that many people associate with rubber. In fact, for warmer climates, it is worth investing in a slightly more expensive white-on-black rubber roofing, which is resistant to UV rays, absorbs heat, and helps to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Rubber Roof Maintenance

It is important to inspect your rubber roof shingles several times a year. In addition, cleaning your roof every 5 years can help you maintain your warranty.
To clean your rubber roof, begin by sweeping and rinsing off any loose grime. Then use a spray mechanism to apply a commercial grade cleanser created specifically for rubber care. Use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge mop to activate the cleanser. Make sure to regularly rinse your brush or mop in a bucket of clean water and remove any remaining dirt with a hose.

Cons of Rubber Shingles

Over time, spots of black mold can appear on your rubber roof shingles. However, regular cleaning of your roof can remove these spots, so they shouldn’t be a source of concern.
For additional protection, you can add a coating of UV protectant. Make sure that any coatings applied to the rubber roof do not contain petroleum distillates, as they could lead to blistering of your rubber shingles and can allow water to soak into the subframe of your roof.
In addition, new rubber roofs have a strong odour, which will dissipate with time. While it is a minor nuisance, it can become problematic for people suffering from respiratory problems.

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How to Extend Your Roof Life with a Roof Warranty

Have you purchased a new house in Toronto or GTA recently and don’t have a roof warranty anymore? Or, maybe, your roof warranty has expired and you feel like you need that extra protection?

Whatever the case, the roof warranty service from RoyalRoofing Inc. is the ideal solution for all of your roof-related worries. At RoyalRoofing Inc., we would like to offer a paid inspection and provide our extra roof warranty to make sure you receive prompt and high-quality repairs in case something happens to your roof.

How Does Our Roof Warranty Work?

When customers purchase a roof inspection with an extended roof warranty, they remain protected from any roof breakage, damage, or leaks that might occur in the future. In case something happens to your roof, our skilled roof professionals will come and resolve the issue in no time. It is worth noting, however, that, in case the roof was damaged by wind, storm, animals, a falling tree, or the owner himself, we might charge extra for materials or partial labour work.

In the future, if you decide to install a new roof with Royal Roofing Inc., we will provide an additional discount of up to 50% from the inspection fee on the new roof.

Here is an example: 

Imagine that you decide to get an extended roof warranty that could last anywhere between 3 and 10 years. After we conduct an inspection at a specified cost (let’s say $500), we determine that, based on the roof, we could provide 5 years of extended warranty.

If in 5 years, the roof doesn’t require any repairs, and you decide to install a new roof, we will give a 50% discount on the inspection fee of $500, which is $250. This way, you won’t need to spend extra money on installing a new roof and will still be covered by us.

In another case, if, over the course of five years, we have to come in and fix the roof several times, we could provide a smaller discount when you decide to install a new roof.

Keep Your Roof Protected with Royal Roofing Inc.

These days, the cost of installing a new roof is far from cheap, and it isn’t surprising. The cost of renovating a home keeps increasing, and roof material costs have been steadily going up over the past decade.

The fact that a new roof may come out pricey makes the roof warranty yet more meaningful to homeowners. Luckily, you can extend the life of your roof and keep it in good shape with an extended roof warranty from Royal Roofing Inc. Give us a call today to learn more about your roof inspection and warranty options.

Ask The ExpertArticlesMaterialsRoofing Work
Repair and installation of slate shingles for private houses and heritage buildings
A variety of commercial and private buildings use asphalt shingles that are popular and sought-after roof materials. House owners ponder and prefer to exploit well-known materials and often pick asphalt shingles as the best choice for roof updates and new roof establishments when turning to roof specialists. Speedy roof repair plays an important role in such choice, which is why clients of roofing companies prefer fast installation and reconstruction of asphalt shingles which could be performed within 1-2 days. More…
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Green Roofs: Types, Advantages, Experimental and Simulation Studies, Comparison (Green, White & Black)

Previous research works suggest that buildings with green roofs are eco-friendly. For example, green roof i.e. green vegetation on roof top retain storm water during storms and heavy rain, which reduces amount of water entering city runoff system. First, the green roofs retain excess water, and later they return this water to atmosphere by evapotranspiration. Consequently reduces runoff helps in reducing amount of pollutant which enter a non-regulated storm water system.These benefits have been demonstrated in many experiments which were conducted across many sites, cities, and landscape. In addition, green roofs help in regulating internal temperature of buildings, which reduces overall energy consumption of a given building. Buildings™ energy consumption reduces because green roofs provide shading, increase thermal mass, and cool the buildings™ internal temperature. However, amount of energy saving depends on various factors such as design of green roofs, climatic season, and level of insulation or thickness of vegetation provided on the roof. Research statistics suggests that amount of irrigation on the green roofs also influence amount of energy reduction. For example, during summer proper irrigation of green roof reduces demand of buildings™ air conditioning requirement from 98.90% to 90.80%; similarly, during winter buildings™ heating requirements comes down from 38.30% to 27.40%. Therefore, it can be concluded that benefits of green roof vegetation contribute to a sustainable development towards combating climate change. Developing green roof buildings are better alternative to other greening strategies such as street trees and green city gardens which is a challenging task for city administration in cities with higher building fraction i.e. lesser land availability for planting trees due to presence of large number of buildings.
More…