Metro Distribution Centers

Metro Distribution Centers

Metro Distribution Centers
A third-party review, completed during a global pandemic, with water and condensation investigations ensuring optimal building air tightness and thermal performance during and after construction.
Services
New Construction
Subservices
Third Party Review
Sector
Industrial
Duration
201-2021
Client
Metro Inc.
Project Value
$400,000,000
Project size
2 buildings (190,000 sq ft and 280,000 sq ft)

This project included the construction of two Metro Distribution Centres, one sized at 190,000 ft2 for frozen food distribution and one sized at 280,000 ft2 for fresh food distribution.

The centres were constructed between 2019 and 2021. Pretium completed a full-time third-party site review of: 

  • roofing 
  • insulated metal panel cladding 
  • spray foam insulation 
  • curtain walls 
  • masonry construction at both facilities 

Water penetration and condensation investigations were also performed in the post-construction phase using: 

  • water testing standards and techniques 
  • infrared thermography 
  • moisture scanning 
  • temperature/humidity monitoring equipment  

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Third Party Review

Third Party Review

From specialist review at the design stage to assisting with quality assurance on behalf of the design authority or general contractor during construction, we provide the necessary engineering services to ensure work is performed to the highest standard. By leveraging our extensive experience in restoration projects, we can help teams to avoid common pitfalls.
Water Leakage Testing

Water Leakage Testing

Both qualitative and quantitative water leakage testing of building envelope components are provided including, but not limited to, in-situ performance testing of windows and doors and the use of water spray and blower doors to simulate the effects of a wind-driven rain.
Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.

Client Benefits 

Pretium worked within a large project team including the owner, architect, general contractor, and multiple subcontractors to ensure construction was executed to the highest standards and level of detail. 

Refrigeration and freezer buildings require extreme air tightness and thermal detailing to prevent interior condensation and moisture related issues. Pretium completed regular site reviews to resolve deficiencies as they came up post-construction to minimize issues once the buildings were in use. For condensation and moisture issues that were identified, various testing techniques and equipment were utilized to resolve them. 

This project was in active construction during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pretium staff worked diligently with the General Contractor to follow all on-site health and safety requirements. 

Rendering of the proposed new building as seen from a landscaped area beside the parking lot.
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Installation of cladding on to the new steel structure.
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Installation of the new roof membrane over insulation on the roof.
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Installation of the membrane at the architectural detail above the entrance doors.
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Construction of the concrete block wall.
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Infrared Thermography image showing in leak in the barrier assemblies.
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

111 Scotia Court, Whitby

111 Scotia Court, Whitby

111 Scotia Court, Whitby
A deteriorating roof with leaks, poor drainage, and designated substances was converted into a durable, watertight structure, ensuring lasting dryness and functionality.
Services
Building and Structural Restoration Specialty Testing
Subservices
Roofing
Sector
Industrial
Duration
2021-2023
Client
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Partners
Peritus Environmental
Project Value
$4,200,000
Project size
1 building (110,000 sq ft)

The facility at 111 Scotia Court is Factory Mutual (FM) insured and has a total of approx. 110,000ft2 of conventional roofing over a distribution center.

The project included the replacement of the existing BUR roof assembly throughout with a new TPO roof assembly, roof drainage upgrade, and asbestos abatement. 

Pretium was engaged in the spring of 2021 to aid in roof rehabilitation efforts at the facility. Over the subsequent two to three months, Pretium conducted reviews of the various affected systems, providing services such as: 

  • Thermography (IR Scan) 
  • Roof Assembly Review 
  • Roof Structure Review 
  • Roof Drainage Review 
  • A roofing-specific DSS (Designated Substance Survey) carried out by our sister company, Peritus Environmental.

Throughout the summer of 2021, Pretium developed specifications and drawings for a full roof replacement to FM requirements, roof drainage system upgrades, and asbestos abatement, prepared by Peritus. The project was tendered in the autumn of 2021, with Pretium’s assistance in contract preparation. Construction review and contract administration were provided by Pretium until the project’s completion in early 2023. 

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Thermography

Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.
Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study

Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, and remedial options, allows for clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.
Structural Review

Structural Review

Our structural team provides the design of unique and innovative foundations and other building structures in provinces across Canada. Our designs are often substituted for more common engineered solutions that are impractical or too expensive. We develop structural solutions where other solutions fail to meet a client’s needs
Roof Drainage Review

Roof Drainage Review

Our team will conduct a thorough review of your roof’s drainage systems, identifying potential issues and recommending solutions to be incorporated into your roof renewal program. Proper roof drainage is crucial for preventing damage and maintaining the integrity of your roof and building.
Designated Substances Survey

Designated Substances Survey

Working with our sister companies through the C3 Group, our team can offer either project-specific or whole-building designated substance surveys (DSS) to our clients.
Design and Specifications

Design and Specifications

Design documents describe the project scope, materials, and procedures based on information collected during the assessment/feasibility phase with the Owner’s agreement on approach and budget. They communicate to the contractor in a way that promotes refined pricing and increases the potential for success through improved workmanship, fewer changes and disruptions to occupants, a shorter schedule, and cost within budget.
Tendering

Tendering

A fair and competitive tender process is followed for both public and private projects. During the tender process, we respond to queries, prepare addenda, and walk the work area with the bidders. On closing of tenders, we prepare a written summary and analysis of the bids received.
Contract Administration and Construction Review

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits 

The roof replacement not only eliminated designated substances within the original roof assembly but corrected numerous water infiltration issues and improved rooftop drainage.

Pretium worked with the project team to complete the work while the building was fully occupied. This included working with the contractor to schedule and phase the work to minimize impact. 

Overview of the existing roof exhibiting evidence of deterioration and a build up of sediment/vegetation due to inadequate drainage.
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A close up view of the level of deterioration and build up of sediment/vegetation on the existing roof.
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Thermography and moisture probes were performed to determine the extent of moisture infiltration in the existing roof assembly.
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Overview of the roof replacement in progress.
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Overview of the completed new reflective roof addressing the water infiltration and drainage issues, and meeting the clients strict insurance requirements (Factory Mutual (FM) Global).
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.