Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1469378
J U N E 2 0 2 2 | 21 Roofing/Cladding Materials P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y B U I L D I N G P RO DU C T S O F C A N A DA From an architectural view, the terracotta panels can be made in a huge array of natural colours, diversified textures, and are available with custom colours, too – plus, glazing technology results in diversified textures and glazing effects. Rogers isn't too surprised that this particular product is being specified in diverse building projects. "For starters, tile jobs that I did 15 years ago look brand new today, and with our current supply chain issues notwithstanding, prices have been on a slow but steady decline." One of the most noteworthy projects Rogers has been involved with is Phase B of the University of Toronto Mississauga campus, in which 12,000 square feet of custom terracotta tile (custom colour and profile) was used for the atrium's interior and exterior. Despite the weight of the panels (about 80 pounds per piece), work crews were able to install more than 100 of them per day. When asked about supply chain issues, Marie-Helene Roussel, manager, merchandising and advertising at Building Products of Canada (BP Canada), says, "Our procurement team has been working diligently to make sure our cli- ents are all well taken of – and we are very grateful for them. Our raw materials are locally sourced for the most part, which makes things somewhat easier for us. Of course, raw materials are only a part of the equation, and like everything else, the volatile nature of gas prices will impact the price of construction mate- rials, whether it be 2x4s or roofing shingles." In terms of roofing trends for 2022, Nathalie Lambert, BP's marketing director, says with regards to the residential sector, "It's no longer just about having a functional roof overhead, but rather the trend is to combine durability with fashion and infuse roofing with colour, texture, and a mix of materials to enhance the overall curb appeal of a home." Helping this along is BP's new line of Manoir laminated shingles, a breakthrough roofing collection that mimics the luxurious look of Europe's spectacular castles. Blanketing roofs with extra-strength natural stone and slate-like finish, the Manoir collection – which is infused with advanced technology for long-lasting protection that can resist the roughest weather (it can measure up against wind speeds equivalent to those found in a Category 4 hurricane, in fact) – is the first line of shingles to emerge from BP's recently created Chroma Color Lab. Laurence Matzek, director, RoofStar Guarantee Program of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC), describes 2022 as "busy for the industry overall, but we feel like we're playing a game of whack-a-mole with the various challenges our members face, from product supply to delivery and workforce shortage. "The biggest challenge remains workforce – but of course you can say that about any sector of the trades. Our association operates an Educational Foundation that provides technical training for industry apprentices and fosters recruitment with school programs and underemployed/under-represented groups in the roofing trades. We also have been creative in our apprenticeship program over the past two years, offering regional training and providing a hybrid online/in-person course option, with the classroom part being online and the practical or shop part of the course held in locations outside the Lower Mainland, such as Duncan, Langford, and Prince George." Manoir Versailles laminated shingles. Triumph Roofing.indd 1 2019-07-18 12:07 PM