10915 134a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 1M2, Canada
Inspection Address
10915 134a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 1M2, Canada
Inspection By
Chris McAllister
Inspection Date
May 27, 2025 at 9:52:48 p.m.
Existing Roof System
Describe the type and conditions of the various membranes types on the roof
Our topside inspection at Rosslyn Place Lodge began with clarifying the existing roof material. While initial information suggested a "fabric roof," we quickly determined it's actually a Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) membrane. Walking across this TPO surface, it felt quite firm underfoot. This rigidity points to an underlying insulation layer or possibly a fibre board beneath the membrane, rather than a softer, unsupported installation.
Getting a clear understanding of this TPO system and its base is a critical first step. It directly informs how we'll proceed with diagnosing the water infiltration issues and what solutions will be most effective. Our next steps will involve a more detailed look at the condition and installation of this TPO membrane.
Interior Condition, Leaks, Insulation, Roof Deck Type
Collect pictures to help depict the issues presenting on the interior of the building, if accessible collect images of any below deck insulation and the roof deck type.
Following the initial topside assessment, we proceeded to inspect the interior dining area lounge, which the client had identified as an area of concern. Our examination here confirmed the presence of a leak, evidenced by distinct water stains visible on the ceiling surface.
Further close inspection of the ceiling revealed associated cracking within the material, alongside areas of saturated water spots. While these spots were not actively dripping or damp to the touch during our visit, their condition strongly suggests a persistent or recurring issue with water infiltration rather than an isolated incident.
To ensure thorough documentation of these interior conditions, a series of photographs were captured, . This data is crucial for correlating the interior damage with our subsequent findings on the corresponding topside roof section, aiding in the accurate identification of water entry points.
Attic/Crawl Space Inspection
Check vent/insul/deck/struct/plumb/wire/pests/moisture. Note damage, leaks, ventilation, & insulation. Photo any issues
No attic or crawl space
Exterior Roof Inspection
Exterior roof inspections assess the visible condition, including damaged shingles/tiles, leaks, flashing, and gutters. Flat roofs require close membrane scrutiny: blisters, cracks, seams, and ponding areas. Check for rot, mold, structural issues, ventilation, and chimney condition. Document findings with photos, noting membrane type and condition. Prioritize safety and thoroughness.
Upon initial assessment, a considerable accumulation of leaves and assorted organic debris was evident across the surface, indicating a need for routine clearing.
The drainage system for this roof area comprises four drains and three downspouts that channel water from an upper roof level; these downspouts are currently supported by cement blocks. A critical observation was made regarding one of these downspouts, which is missing its bottom elbow. This deficiency poses a risk of water discharge behind the perimeter metal flashing, potentially leading to moisture ingress. Furthermore, the cement pads situated beneath these downspouts require cleaning and thorough inspection, as prolonged concentrated water flow can compromise the TPO membrane. During the inspection, two of the four primary roof drains were found to be obstructed by organic debris; these were cleared on-site to restore immediate drainage functionality.
Examination of the TPO membrane itself revealed prevalent air gaps along nearly all seams. This suggests a potential separation or inadequate adhesion between the TPO sheeting and the underlying insulation layer, that could escalate into more significant issues over time if not addressed. The overall cleanliness of the roof is also a concern, with visible dirt and miscellaneous wind-blown materials necessitating a comprehensive cleaning to maintain the membrane's integrity and reflective properties.
Of significant and immediate concern, multiple gashes were discovered in the TPO membrane. These were particularly pronounced in the vicinity of a roof anchor penetration, known as a "witches hat." These marks in the membrane are direct pathways for water infiltration and are believed to be contributing actively to the leaks reported in the dining area below. These damaged sections require urgent repair to prevent further water entry and associated interior damage.
Evidence such as concentrated dirt patterns, water staining, and visible footprints in the immediate vicinity of the gashes suggests previous foot traffic and possibly recent work conducted in this specific area. The presence of construction debris, including shingle granules and fragments apparently originating from the higher, three-story roof section, further complicates the surface conditions. A closer inspection of the roof anchors indicated that their mounting hardware appears to be of a newer installation than the TPO membrane itself. This observation, combined with the specific nature and location of the membrane damage, points towards the possibility that these gashes were inadvertently created during the installation of these anchors or subsequent related service activities.
In summary, while the dining room TPO roof section is in what might be termed "fair" condition generally, there are critical deficiencies that demand immediate attention. The identified gashes in the membrane represent acute vulnerabilities and must be professionally repaired without delay to halt ongoing water infiltration and protect the building's interior.
Exterior Roof Materials
Meticulous documentation of the existing roofing system is essential. For color, capture well-lit photos from various angles, noting manufacturer and color names. If unknown, compare physical samples to color charts under natural light. A cut test requires careful removal of a small section, noting material layers, thickness, and degradation. Photograph the cut and surrounding area, recording markings. Additionally, document insulation type (fiberglass, foam, etc.) and thickness. Record fiberboard composition and condition (water damage, delamination). Specify the vapor barrier type (polyethylene, kraft paper) and condition (tears, punctures). During the cut test, examine underlayment and roof deck type (plywood, OSB, etc.). Ensure thorough documentation of all materials for accurate matching and assessment.
At a minimum, the roof requires a thorough cleaning and immediate patching of all identified gashes and significant problem areas. It is also advised to double-check all roof anchors, particularly those installed by other contractors, for proper sealing and potential contribution to membrane damage. Given the widespread scratches and the nature of the existing damage, exploring a restorative roof coating could be a viable and potentially more rapid solution to address the superficial membrane abrasions and extend the roof's service life.
