DECRA Metal Roof in 5th Decade of Harsh Canadian Weather

By DECRA Metal Roofing.

Unable to withstand extreme weather conditions, conventional roofing materials weren't a consideration for this project.

When building owner and master roofer Charles Lortie converted his Ottawa apartment building to upscale condominiums back in 1978, he faced some unique roofing challenges.  

Enhancing classic architecture with DECRA

The distinctive building showcases many of the classic elements of Mediterranean revival architecture and the roof elements are among its most prominent features, with a steep-sloped mansard roof popularized by the French architect, Francois Mansart.

The entire 3,000 square foot surface of the French Baroque design includes six individual roof sections so it’s perfectly understandable that the labor-intensive project isn’t one that a building owner wants to repeat every decade or so. 

The French Baroque revival theme of the building features:

• Nearly vertical steep-slope mansard roof sections

• Prominent dormer roof sections

• Cupola roof with complex geometry

• Tower roof with complex geometry

• Protruding sidelight roof sections

• 3,000 square feet of total roofing surface

• Exterior balconies directly under mansard roofs

Why conventional roofing materials were ruled out

As a seasoned Ontario roofer, Charles was all too familiar with the shortcomings of conventional roofing materials in the punishing weather conditions of Ottawa’s six-month long snow-season. On average, 10 major snowstorms per year are typical in Ottawa and severe blizzards occur at least every decade. 

Steep slope considerations

The steep-sloped mansard roof sections directly above the residents’ balconies made it even more important that all roofing materials stay firmly attached to prevent the safety hazard of falling tiles. Durable, secure roof fastening was mandatory for withstanding high winds and turbulent weather. DECRA’s unique interlocking panel system and 1-½” stainless steel hex head corrosion-proof fasteners have kept the vivid tile roof firmly in place for more than 40 years now and they’re ready for 40 more.

Clay tile concerns

Clay tiles fracture easily after repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Clay also absorbs as much as 15% of its weight in moisture over time so an already heavy material gets heavier. Any genuine clay tile roof would require constant maintenance in the seasonal extremes of Canadian weather. That maintenance is costly for the owner and disruptive to the residents in the upscale condos below. 

Conventional shingles: pay less now but pay again later

Charles quickly eliminated a quick roof-over with more asphalt shingles as an option. The original composition shingle roof was a short-term compromise that Charles chose not to repeat. Inexpensive shingles lacked the authentic appeal of a classic tile roof and required repeated replacement every decade or so after exposure to the Canadian weather. 

During the winter seasons, Ottawa’s temperatures can plunge to as low as -13° F  with 69” of average snowfall every year. Add hot summers and 34” of yearly rainfall to the mix and fishmouthing, warping, and thermal cracking are inevitable with asphalt shingles. Their short lifespan, the need for tear-offs to keep weight down, and the cost of frequent re-roofing all nullify any out-of-pocket savings for a long-term homeowner. 

DECRA: ageless beauty and durability backed by the industry’s best roofing warranty

Charles was seeking a roofing profile with beauty, strength and durability for the lifetime of his building and he found it all with DECRA Metal Roofing. 

• DECRA Tile replicates the elegance of scalloped-style clay tile with strength and durability to withstand all weather in all regions, especially for sophisticated designs featuring elaborate towers and cupolas.

• All DECRA roofs use a proprietary interlocking panel technique that provides unmatched wind uplift resistance. DECRA metal roofing profiles are warrantied up to 120 mph and DECRA tests for wind uplift at twice that velocity to ensure a 100% safety margin. 

• All DECRA products are freeze/thaw resistant and carry the highest UL Class 4 impact rating for hail damage and storm debris. 

• All DECRA metal roofing profiles have the highest performance in every roofing material comparison category.

• High-grade, zinc-aluminum alloyed steel and proprietary acrylic-bonded stone-coatings combine to provide ageless beauty and lifetime durability in the lightest weight roofing profiles.

• The outstanding performance of DECRA’s time-tested metal roofing products gives us the capability and confidence to offer the industry’s most comprehensive Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Curious about how a home, church, or building will look with a new DECRA roof? Check out the DECRA "Design My Roof" app, a great remote selling tool for contractors.