Roof Restoration
Royal Ontario Museum
2020
Founded in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the world. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, the ROM houses an impressive collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens. Visitors in the United States can think of the ROM as the Canadian counterpart to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
While the ROM is recognized for its architectural splendor—particularly its crystal‐like prismatic structures—the complex design poses unique waterproofing challenges. Overlapping metal roof coverings, intricate angles, and tight spaces require a carefully planned approach to prevent leaks and maintain the museum’s structural integrity.
Project engineers conducted extensive field testing and feasibility studies, reviewing fluid applied roofing products from various manufacturers. After weighing performance and installation factors, the ROM selected the RMI‐Flex/Thane fluid applied roofing system for its reliability and proven track record under challenging conditions.
Working alongside Semple‐Gooder Roofing Corporation and ROM project engineers, RMI helped develop the specific application details, including minimum mil thickness requirements and specialized flashing techniques.
Severe winter weather and heavy rains arrived before crews could reinstall the outer metal cover, leaving the newly applied RMI Flex exposed to the elements. Fortunately, the cold and rain had no detrimental impact on the membrane’s integrity or water resistance. Despite these challenging conditions, the RMI system maintained zero leaks until the metal cover could be replaced.
Encouraged by the successful first phase, the ROM plans to continue installing RMI’s fluid applied roofing system on other crystal faces. The skylights section of the building has also benefited from the same RMI‐Flex/Thane configuration, further demonstrating the system’s versatility.
By choosing the RMI‐Flex/Thane fluid applied system, the Royal Ontario Museum reinforced its commitment to protecting one of the world’s top cultural institutions. RMI extends its gratitude to the museum for entrusting this project to its team and looks forward to further collaboration.
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