Preventative Roof Maintenance for Manufacturing Facilities

Case Study – Why It’s Essential

In the world of manufacturing, downtime is costly—and preventable roof failures can bring operations to a grinding halt. At Empire Roofing, we understand the importance of proactive planning and seamless execution, especially when working in sensitive environments like manufacturing and industrial facilities.

Earlier this week, our team was on-site at a large manufacturing facility where we’re completing a critical re-roofing project. The photos speak for themselves—there were severe issues with the aging modified bitumen roof, including full daylight visible through deteriorating decking. Water infiltration had already begun to damage valuable stored materials, prompting the need for urgent action.

Our Preventative Maintenance Program helps clients avoid exactly this scenario by identifying and resolving roof issues before they escalate. Regular inspections, documentation, and minor repairs keep systems watertight and compliant with manufacturer warranty standards. We work closely with clients to align our service schedule with their operational needs—so that safety, productivity, and comfort are never compromised.

Here’s how Empire takes the extra step on-site:

  • Daily Coordination with Facility Staff
  • Safety Protocols That Go Beyond Compliance
  • Protective Measures for Sensitive Areas
  • Minimized Disruption to Workflow

But maintenance is just one part of the equation—roofing system upgrades can unlock substantial operational savings. This particular client is replacing their old modified bitumen system with energy-efficient TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing. TPO is known for its high reflectivity and durability, helping large buildings stay cooler in summer, reduce HVAC strain, and cut energy costs over time.

Additionally, we’re removing dozens of aging skylights that have become a major source of leaks and safety concerns. The end result will be a stronger, safer, and more energy-efficient building envelope tailored to the client’s needs.

🛠️ Manufacturers – Don’t wait until it leaks.

Our team specializes in Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional roofing—and we offer 100-point inspections, cleaning, minor repairs, and reporting tailored to manufacturer warranty guidelines. If you’re due for your annual roof inspection or considering a system upgrade, we’d love to help.

📩 Contact us today: service@empireroofing.ca
📞 1-844-547-7663

Seeing What the Eye Can’t: How Drone Thermal Scanning Is Changing Commercial Roof Inspections

Thermal Drone Inspection on a Industrial Building
Thermal Drone Inspection on a Industrial Building

When it comes to maintaining commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, roofing issues often go undetected until it’s too late. At Empire Roofing Corporation, we’re raising the bar with advanced Drone Thermal Scanning, a cutting-edge service that helps identify hidden problems before they escalate into costly repairs.

Using high-resolution infrared technology, our thermal drones detect temperature anomalies across your roofing system—pinpointing moisture intrusion, insulation gaps, and areas of potential failure. These inspections are non-invasive, highly accurate, and efficient, especially for large or complex buildings.

Why Use Drone Thermal Imaging?

Traditional roof inspections can miss subtle signs of trouble. With drone-based thermographic surveys, we’re able to:

  • Capture elevated temperature variations invisible to the naked eye
  • Identify water intrusion trapped beneath roofing membranes
  • Locate deteriorating insulation and potential leak paths
  • Validate workmanship on new roof installations
  • Document thermal performance for LEED credits and energy audits

Our recent drone thermal survey, conducted using the Mavic Enterprise 3T Drone, delivered vivid thermograms and actionable insights. Even minor thermal bridging at a roof access point was identified—something that could easily be overlooked in standard visual inspections.

Fast, Safe & Reliable

Drone thermal scans are ideal for:

  • Flat or low-slope commercial roofs
  • Industrial sites with restricted access
  • Institutional facilities where disruption must be minimized

The process is quick and safe—no ladders or rooftop access required. We conduct surveys under optimal environmental conditions and in accordance with industry standards (including BRE 176 and ISO 13187), ensuring your results are reliable and actionable.

Future-Proof Your Building

By integrating Drone Thermal Scanning into your annual maintenance plan, you gain:

  • Early detection of issues before they require expensive remediation
  • Long-term cost savings by avoiding emergency roof repairs
  • Greater confidence in your building’s performance and compliance

Whether you’re managing a retail plaza, warehouse, or school, Empire Roofing’s thermographic inspections give you the insights you need to make smart, informed decisions.

🔍 Want to learn more? Contact our service team today at service@empireroofing.ca and book your Drone Thermal Survey.

Re-Roofing in Toronto? The City Might Pay You to Go Green

Empire Roofing Corporation  - Re-Roofing in Toronto? The City Might Pay You to Go Green.
Empire Roofing Corporation – Re-Roofing in Toronto? The City Might Pay You to Go Green.

If you’re planning a commercial or industrial roof replacement in Toronto, there’s a smart way to save money—and the environment—at the same time.

The City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program is offering rebates of $2 to $5 per square metre to building owners who install eco-friendly “cool roofs.” These systems help reduce energy consumption, urban heat, and greenhouse gas emissions—while keeping your building cooler in the summer.

How It Works:

If you’re replacing your current roof membrane with a reflective, energy-efficient system (like TPO), you could qualify for up to $5/m² back. That’s up to $50,000 per project—just for choosing a greener option.

Eligible Buildings:

  • Existing commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-residential properties

Why Cool Roofs Make Sense:

  • ✅ Lower your energy bills

  • ✅ Help reduce the city’s urban heat island effect

  • ✅ Extend the life of your roof

  • ✅ Support local climate action goals

Why Partner with Empire Roofing?

We’ve completed flat roof retrofits and cool roof installations across the GTA. With decades of experience and a team that understands the rebate process inside and out, we’ll guide you from inspection to application—maximizing your return and ensuring a seamless project from start to finish.

Curious if your roof qualifies?
📞 Call us at 416-923-7663 or 📩 email service@empireroofing.ca to book a free inspection.

Let’s build a better roof—and a greener Toronto—together.

Why Summer is the Best Time for Maintenance and Inspections

@2008 CURT CLAYTONclaytonstudio.com

Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, longer days, and… commercial roof maintenance? That’s right! While your business is thriving under the summer sun, it’s the perfect time to give your commercial or industrial roof the attention it deserves. At Empire Roofing Corp., we believe that summer is the ultimate  season for inspections and repairs. With clear skies, extended daylight hours, and proactive maintenance, your roof will be in top shape, ready to protect your operations through any weather. So why is summer the best time to ensure your commercial roof is at its best?

Ideal Weather Conditions

Summer’s clear skies and warm weather provide the perfect backdrop for roofing work. Unlike fall and winter, when adverse weather conditions can impede visibility and slow down the pace of work, summer allows for thorough inspections and timely repairs. The dry conditions mean our team can identify issues such as leaks, cracks, and structural damage with a great deal of accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, the absence of ice and snow ensures a safer environment for our workers, enabling them to also complete their work more swiftly and effectively.

Proactive Maintenance

Conducting maintenance and inspections in the summer prepares your building for the upcoming harsh winter weather. Identifying and fixing problems now prevents them from escalating under the stress of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, This proactive approach helps avoid costly and disruptive emergency repairs, ensuring your roof remains in peak condition throughout the entire year.

Extended Daylight Hours

The longer daylight hours of summer allow our team to work more efficient days, accelerating the completion of inspections and repairs. This means shorter project durations and minimal disruptions to your business operations. With more daylight, we can schedule work at more convenient times, reducing the need for your business to pause operations for extended periods.

Ease of Inspection Maintenance

Summer’s warmer temperatures provide an ideal environment for inspecting and maintaining your roof. Some roofing systems benefit from these conditions, allowing for more efficient and thorough repairs when deficiencies are identified. Winter’s prolonged cold temperatures, snow, and ice can create challenging environments where inspections and necessary maintenance are greatly affected, if not completely impossible to carry out. By taking advantage of the summer weather, we ensure your roof is in top condition before the harsh winter sets in.

By scheduling your roofing maintenance and inspections in summer, you take advantage of the best possible conditions to ensure the longevity and reliability of your commercial roof. At Empire Roofing Corp., we are committed to providing top-notch service, so that you roof is ready to face any weather condition. Don’t wait for problems to arise – contact us today to schedule your summer maintenance and inspection.

Safety Fest 2024

*Update: Please note that we have made adjustments to the original dates for Safety Fest at our Canadian office locations!*

Important Announcement from Empire Roofing Corporation.

We are excited to share that our annual Safety Fest training event is just around the corner! Throughout the month of April we will be hosting the event for each of our office locations to reinforce our commitment to safety and provide comprehensive training to our dedicated team members.

Event Dates:

  • GTA: June 10-11
  • Windsor-London: June 13-14
  • Greensboro, NC (Procon Roofing Corporation): April 25-26

Procon Roofing’s Safety Fest at our USA office remains unchanged.

Please note that during Safety Fest, our field operations will be temporarily on hold as we dedicate our focus to ensuring the well-being and expertise of our team members. This brief pause is a proactive step towards maintaining the highest standards of safety in all of our projects.

Events like Safety Fest are a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service while protecting the safety of each and every member of our team.

Stay tuned for updates and highlights from the events!

Partnering in Ontario’s FIrst All-Electric Net Zero Carbon Industrial Building

Empire Roofing Corporation proudly announces its integral role in the completion of Ontario’s first-ever-all-electric Net Zero Carbon speculative industrial building! This milestone, achieved at 6750 Fifth Line in Milton, ON, stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

The 234,061-square-foot industrial building features an enhanced envelope with superior roof insulation, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced air leakage. The building boasts a 500kW rooftop solar array, offsetting 100% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Over the first 10 years, our contribution will prevent 2,151 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere – equivalent to removing 468 cars from the road!

The all-electric HVAC system, 200-300% more efficient than standard systems, ensures a projected 59% reduction in annual operating costs in the first year compared to traditional construction.

This project serves as the blueprint for the future of environmentally friendly roofing, and Empire Roofing is proud to have been a partner in its completion. As we continue to embrace sustainability, we stay committed to advancing green practices in roofing and underscore the positive impact we can collectively make on the environment.