Toronto-based Austin Roofing & Waterproofing Incorporated, recognized as Canada's premier authority in commercial and industrial roofing, is solidifying its market leadership with innovative steel roof coating and restoration systems. As steel roofs across Ontario age and face deterioration, the company provides facility owners with advanced solutions to extend roof lifespan, avoiding expensive tear-offs and panel replacements.
The Growing Demand for Steel Roof Restoration
For over four decades, Austin Roofing has served commercial and industrial clients throughout Ontario, with operations stretching from Windsor to Ottawa. The company reports a significant surge in demand for steel roof restorations. Aging steel roofing assets commonly suffer from corrosion, fastener failure, seam separation, and degradation from ultraviolet (UV) light. According to company president Patrick Austin, this segment has become one of the fastest-growing parts of their business as organizations seek cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to complete roof overhauls.
Patrick Austin emphasizes the structural longevity of steel roofing systems. "Steel roofing systems are structurally sound far longer than most people realize," he stated. He explains that clients seek a contractor capable of properly assessing, preparing, and restoring the existing roof assembly, rather than opting for removal or simply adding another layer on top.
Superior Technology Over Traditional Methods
The core of Austin Roofing's approach involves sophisticated, spray-applied steel roof coatings. This method creates a seamless, monolithic membrane that chemically bonds to the existing steel sheeting. Patrick Austin contrasts this with conventional membrane overlays, which require installing thousands of screws and fasteners through the original steel.
"Logically, you do not want to be adding thousands of screws and fasteners through your roofing substrate while simultaneously trying to keep it watertight," Austin noted. The fluid-applied system encapsulates seams, fasteners, penetrations, and panel overlaps, eliminating countless potential failure points. This process also enhances roof reflectivity, weather resistance, and overall durability without disrupting daily facility operations.
A Strategic Advantage for Facility Management
From a lifecycle cost perspective, steel roof restorations offer a compelling strategic advantage. A full roof replacement involves material disposal, structural exposure, and significant operational downtime. Austin Roofing's coating system transforms the original steel roof into a reinforced substrate, with the coating acting as the primary protective layer.
"You can visualize it as transforming the original steel roof into a reinforced base, while the coating system becomes the primary defense layer," Patrick Austin explained. He highlighted that critical factors for long-term performance include coating thickness, adhesion, and overall system compatibility. This engineered approach shields against moisture intrusion, corrosion, UV exposure, and thermal expansion.
While Austin Roofing installs and maintains a full spectrum of roofing systems—including modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, and built-up roofing—the company identifies steel roofs as uniquely suited for this fluid-applied restoration technology. The company's leadership in this niche, demonstrated since its founding over 40 years ago, continues to help Ontario property managers combat oxidation, coating breakdown, surface rust, and thermal movement in their aging steel roof assets.
