Peter Vegh, Ph.D., P.Eng., LEED AP
Petr is always looking for and learning how to do things better, finding and applying the gained knowledge in real life and, in general, trying to practice better engineering.
Petr is always looking for and learning how to do things better, finding and applying the gained knowledge in real life and, in general, trying to practice better engineering.
As one of the largest social housing providers in Ontario, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (CHC) has a deep commitment to sustainability, implementing projects at their existing buildings that are targeting the highest performance levels and creating new high performing buildings. With that in mind, Pretium was selected to be the Prime Consultant to complete CHC’s first Step-Wise EnerPHit project at Riverside Drive.
The project team conducted a feasibility study to determine options for each of the systems requiring renovation. Eighteen scenarios were modeled in PHPP with changes to the:
The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing
Co-Investment Fund was also completed.
Specifications for the renovation were prepared including the preparation of detailed drawings, permit application, and architectural renderings for the new exterior cladding. Construction review and contract administration services
are ongoing with mechanical system installation complete and building envelope upgrades scheduled to be complete in July 2024.
The annual energy consumption is expected to drop approximately
65%
The thermal bridge free design and new continuous fresh air ventilation system combine to significantly improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
The annual greenhouse gas emissions are expected to drop approximately
64%
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Pretium completed various phases of work at the building over several years. The first major project included:
Subsequently, we completed a phased replacement of the:
Client Benefits
Pretium managed the large project that included many different construction disciplines and areas of expertise, including structural, architectural, landscaping, fire protection, electrical, mechanical, pool equipment, and others.
Pretium worked with the City of Mississauga Parks and Forestry, City of Mississauga Transportation and Works and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to acquire Building, Tree Removal, and other required permits.
Required submissions included Tree Inventory and Protection Plans, Site Surveys, a Parking Garage Flood Control Review and an Emergency Management and Evacuation Plan (EMP), amongst others.
Pretium also managed and resolved landscaping design and construction related deficiencies. Although this portion of the project was included under the larger contract, it was designed and tendered separately from our involvement.
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The building was constructed in 1966 and features 71 balcony slabs with balcony sliding doors and aluminum-framed windows with spandrel panels spanning floor-to-floor. The project scope included:
The purpose of the project was to improve the building’s performance and appearance.The scope included a full replacement of the existing window assemblies spanning floor to floor, including patio doors. The original window assembly formed the majority of the interior suite finishes. The challenges associated with this project included minimizing resident disruption and the need for interior repair.
Client Benefits
The new assembly was installed directly over the existing assembly with an estimated one day per unit installation schedule. This approach minimized resident disruption, eliminated the need for extensive interior repairs, and improved building thermal efficiency significantly.
The final assemblies gave the building a clean and polished look on the exterior that can be appreciated by more than just the building residents and managers.
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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:
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.
Client Benefits
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.
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The project began with a roof condition assessment in 2022. Thermography identified several anomalies, and subsequent test cuts confirmed moisture trapped in several assemblies. Test cuts also revealed that most of the roof sections were renewed by installing a new assembly over the original assembly, and in some cases a third assembly was installed, raising concerns about structural loading. Pretium calculated the approximate dry/wet weight of each roof section for the client and their structural engineer’s review.
Working within the client’s budget to replace as much roofing as possible, Pretium prioritized four roof sections (32,300 ft2) that were replaced in 2023. Pretium’s involvement included providing design, technical specifications and drawings, tendering, project management, and construction review for this phase of the project.
Further assessment was then carried out in 2023 with repeated thermography and additional test cuts, further confirming moisture in some assemblies and multiple assemblies having been installed on most of the sections. A strategic roof replacement plan was finalized including budget estimates for capital replacement and operations (maintenance and emergency repairs). The plan was divided into phases spanning 15 years. Annual assessments were planned to prioritize annual work based on current conditions.
Pretium then provided design, specifications and drawings for tender of the replacement of 12 roof sections totaling over 100,000 ft2 beginning in 2024.
Client Benefits
We also helped to educate the client regarding best roofing practice regarding the installation of new materials over existing. Pretium identified the replacement value of the roofing based on local market conditions, which helped the client to secure a significant budget plan for the next 15 years. The greatest challenge was prioritizing roof replacement based on so many factors, all of which that are not typically experienced on a single property including:
This challenge involved many meetings and conversations with the client and internally. Working with the client to secure an immediate, significant budget for critical replacement was a challenge, considering the extent of required roof replacement in the short term.
Being a property situated in Quebec, all technical documents are required to be produced in French for distribution to contractors. Significant time and effort were required to overcome this challenge.
Due to the physical size of this property and the fact that many of the roof sections required attention in the short term, physically assessing the roofs, performing two thermographic scans and test cuts on over 80% of the roof sections, and organizing the information into a single report was also a challenge that was overcome by significant team effort.
Ultimately, the client has been very satisfied with the result and has praised Pretium for our diligence and expertise.
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Covering the rinks and the restaurant are six roof sections constructed from a pre-engineered metal roofing system with fiberglass insulated blanket and an integral vapor barrier. The existing standing seam metal roofs were showing signs of stress due to leaks; causing corrosion of the purlins and interior damage.
The selected PVC membrane roof reconstruction design moved the insulation (and dew point) above the metal panels. This eliminated the formation of any trapped moisture and the insulation below the roof deck. By removing the interior insulation this allowed the purlins to be repaired, cleaned and painted.
Client Benefits
The installation of new insulation and membrane above the metal roofing kept the roofing work separate from the interior remedial work. This approach also allowed the building to remain operational throughout the construction.
Benefits of PVC membrane roofing:
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The facility is one storey, has a footprint of approximately 1190m2 (12,800ft2), and houses a public health lab requiring OPS security clearance. The purpose of the roof study was to provide a detailed condition assessment of the existing roof assembly including drains, flashings, etc. Physical review, thermography, destructive testing, and preliminary energy modeling using RETScreen were performed by Pretium.
The report included findings of the physical review, thermographic scan, and destructive testing, as well as multiple repair/replacement options considering IO Sustainability Best Practice Guidelines, and opinions of probable cost. The report also included annual maintenance recommendations, an analysis and comparison of several low slope roofing systems, as well as preliminary energy modeling and considerations.
Client Benefits
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Meticulous and detail-oriented with over 13 years of experience in the building science field. Fraz has developed a thorough understanding of building science principles with practical knowledge of construction practices.
Through his education and work on various projects, Fraz is committed to providing effective and efficient solutions.
John is passionate about water infiltration and building envelope renewal, in particular with respect to roofing, waterproofing, and cladding. After 40 years in the industry and as one of the founding principals of Pretium, he still takes an active, hands-on approach to problem solving and is always happy to tackle complicated or puzzling new challenges.