Specialty Construction & Technical Services

Engineered water management systems designed to protect foundations, prevent soil erosion, and eliminate standing water. Our drainage solutions combine grading analysis, subsurface drainage infrastructure, and surface water collection to redirect water away from structures and hardscape installations.

• Grading Analysis: Topographic survey with laser level and GPS equipment to map existing grades, identify low spots, and calculate drainage flow paths. Minimum 2% slope required away from foundations (1/4" per foot)
• French Drain Systems: Perforated 4" PVC or corrugated pipe wrapped in filter fabric (geotextile sock), surrounded by 3/4" clear stone aggregate. Installed 18"-24" below grade with positive slope (1% minimum) to discharge point or storm sewer
• Catch Basin Installation: Pre-cast concrete or polymer catch basins (12"x12" to 24"x24") with grated tops for surface water collection. Connected to 4"-6" solid drainage pipe routed to discharge or infiltration system
• Channel/Trench Drains: Linear drainage systems installed flush with paver surface in driveways, patios, or pool decks. Stainless steel or polymer channels with load-rated grates (Class A-F). Ideal for collecting sheet flow across large paved areas
• Dry Wells & Infiltration: Underground chambers (36"-48" diameter, 3'-6' deep) filled with stone aggregate for water infiltration. Sized based on soil percolation rates and runoff volume. Alternative to direct storm sewer connections
• Sump Pump Systems: Submersible pumps installed in collection basins for areas where gravity drainage not feasible. 1/3 HP to 1 HP pumps with float switches and backup battery systems. Discharge piped to appropriate location per municipal bylaws
• Regrading: Excavation and fill to correct negative slopes toward buildings. Topsoil stripped and stockpiled, subgrade regraded, and topsoil replaced. Sodding or seeding to restore lawn areas after grading corrections

Common Drainage Issues We Solve: Basement flooding from improper grading, standing water on patios/driveways, erosion along retaining walls, saturated soil causing paver settlement, ice dams from roof runoff, wet crawlspaces or leaking foundations.

Warranty: 5-year workmanship on drainage installations | Design Life: 30+ years for properly maintained systems

Engineered vegetated roof assemblies that reduce urban heat island effect, manage stormwater runoff, improve building insulation, and create biodiverse habitats. Our green roof systems are designed for Toronto's climate with proper waterproofing, drainage, and plant selection for year-round performance.

• System Types: Extensive systems (2"-6" depth, low maintenance, sedum/moss plantings, 15-25 lbs/sq ft) and Intensive systems (6"-24"+ depth, full landscaping capability, trees/shrubs, 35-100+ lbs/sq ft). Selection based on structural load capacity and maintenance requirements
• Waterproofing Layer: Premium rubber membrane (EPDM) or modified bitumen with root barrier protection. Minimum 60-mil thickness, heat-welded seams, 20+ year warranty. Critical to prevent water infiltration and root penetration into building structure
• Drainage System: Modular plastic drainage mats or geocomposite panels that channel excess water to roof drains. Prevents waterlogging while retaining moisture for plant health. Integrated with overflow scuppers for heavy rainfall events
• Growing Medium: Engineered lightweight soil blend (expanded shale, perlite, compost) with optimal water retention and drainage properties. pH balanced (6.0-7.5) and nutrient-enriched for plant establishment. Weight: 70-90 lbs/cu ft saturated
• Vegetation Selection: Drought-tolerant, cold-hardy species suited for Toronto winters (-30°C). Extensive systems: Sedum varieties, mosses, native grasses. Intensive systems: Perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, small trees. All plants selected for shallow root systems and low water requirements
• Irrigation Integration: Drip irrigation systems with smart controllers and rain sensors for establishment phase (first 2 years). Low-flow emitters (0.5-1.0 GPH) on timer schedules. Optional permanent irrigation for intensive systems
• Edge Details & Safety: Perimeter ballast trays, gravel borders, or pavers to prevent soil migration. Safety railings and fall protection anchors per OBC requirements. Walkways and maintenance access paths integrated into design

Environmental Benefits: Stormwater retention (40-90% of annual rainfall), temperature reduction (20-40°F cooler than conventional roofs), improved air quality (CO2 absorption, particulate filtration), extended roof membrane life (2-3x longer), R-value insulation improvement (R-0.7 per inch of growing medium).

Structural Requirements: Live load capacity 15-100+ psf depending on system type. Structural engineer assessment required to verify existing roof can support additional weight. Reinforcement may be needed for intensive systems or older buildings.

Warranty: 10-year workmanship, 20+ year waterproofing membrane | Maintenance: 2-4 visits/year for weeding, fertilizing, irrigation checks

Navigation of municipal permit requirements, zoning bylaws, and building code compliance for GTA municipalities. We handle application preparation, plan submissions, inspector coordination, and permit closure to keep your project on schedule.

• Building Permit Applications: Required for structures >10 sq ft (sheds, gazebos, pergolas), retaining walls >1.2m (4 feet), and any construction within setback zones. Submission includes site plan, elevations, structural calculations (P.Eng stamp if required)
• Lot Coverage Calculations: Analysis of existing vs. proposed impervious surfaces (driveways, patios, pools). Municipal bylaws limit coverage: Toronto 40-60%, Vaughan 40-45%, Mississauga 40-50%. Permeable pavers may qualify for exemptions
• Setback Compliance: Verify retaining walls, patios, and structures meet minimum setback requirements from property lines (typically 0.6m-1.5m) and easements. Survey certificate or site plan required for confirmation
• Grading & Drainage Plans: Required when altering existing grades >600mm or redirecting drainage patterns. Show existing/proposed contours, drainage flow arrows, swale locations, and discharge points. Signed by Professional Engineer (P.Eng) for significant alterations
• Gas & Electrical Permits: TSSA (Technical Standards & Safety Authority) permits for natural gas lines, fire features, outdoor kitchens, pool heaters. ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) notifications for outdoor electrical work >30 amps
• Inspection Coordination: Schedule municipal inspectors for foundation, rough-in, and final inspections. TSSA inspections for gas work, ESA inspections for electrical. Provide documentation of approved materials and code compliance
• HOA Approvals: Submission of plans to homeowners associations or property standards committees. Include material samples, color swatches, neighbor consent forms, and construction timeline. Response time 2-6 weeks typical

Municipal Expertise: Established relationships with building departments in Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington. Familiar with each municipality's specific requirements and expedited review processes.

Typical Timelines: Building permits 2-6 weeks, TSSA gas permits 1-2 weeks, conservation authority approvals 4-8 weeks, HOA reviews 2-4 weeks. Applications submitted early in design phase to prevent construction delays.

Services Included: Permit research, application preparation, plan submissions, inspector coordination, permit closure