COMMERCIAL PILOTS
A commercial roof pilot decision: what to measure before and after
Define the evidence before the work. A practical pilot checklist covering roof condition, baseline data, application quality, measurement and decision gates.
Choose the question before choosing the measurement.
A useful pilot is a bounded decision, not simply a coating application followed by photographs. Is the owner deciding whether a roof is suitable for restoration, whether a heat-load change warrants a wider rollout, or whether a proposed system fits an asset plan? Write down the question, the evidence needed and the conditions for proceeding.
Predicted performance and monitored performance are different. A model can compare scenarios before work. A pilot can collect observations after work. We keep them separate, and we set the baseline before work starts so the pilot answers the question you asked.
Tested surface properties under defined conditions.
A prediction based on building inputs and assumptions.
Observed results, with a baseline and relevant adjustments.
Before work: establish the roof and building baseline.
- Roof assembly and condition: membrane type, layers, insulation, known moisture concerns, installation history and inspection findings.
- Repair and drainage: leaks, penetrations, flashing, ponding, outlets and repairs required before restoration. A coating is not a substitute for defective details or structure.
- Roof area: define the pilot boundary and identify the conditioned space below it, shaded areas and any comparison area.
- Energy and HVAC: available utility history, meter boundaries, heating fuel, equipment, schedules, occupancy and significant operational changes.
- Site-specific goals: state whether the aim concerns roof condition, surface temperature, indoor conditions, energy use or another defined decision.
- Proposed system: compatibility, product documentation, preparation requirements, application scope and project-specific written terms.
Record dates and locations for photographs and inspections. If measurements are planned, agree sensor locations, units, logging intervals, equipment checks and who keeps the data. Gaps in the baseline are recorded, never filled with guesses.
During delivery: quality assurance is its own evidence.
Define the repair, cleaning and preparation scope before application. Document substrate condition, compatibility review, relevant environmental conditions, application checks and departures from the agreed scope. Use the manufacturer-specified requirements for the proposed system; do not substitute a generic checklist for those instructions.
Preparation/application QA supports confidence in the delivered work. It does not demonstrate energy savings. Keep work records, inspection findings and monitored building results in separate parts of the handover.
- Who confirms that repairs and preparation are complete?
- Which application checks are required, who records them and how are exceptions resolved?
- What photographs, product records and completion information will the owner receive?
- Which maintenance and follow-up responsibilities are assigned after handover?
After work: compare like with like.
Match each measure to the question. A roof-surface temperature comparison needs comparable exposure and weather context. Indoor temperature readings need occupancy and HVAC context. Energy evaluation needs the relevant metering boundary, baseline and adjustments for weather or operational changes.
| Evidence | Define in advance | Interpretation limit |
|---|---|---|
| Roof condition and work completion | Inspection scope, dated photos, repair records, acceptance checks and handover. | Documents condition and delivered work; not an energy outcome. |
| Roof-surface or indoor conditions | Locations, equipment, timing, exposure and weather/HVAC context. | A temperature observation is not an annual utility-savings result. |
| Energy or HVAC performance | Meter boundary, baseline, comparison period, weather/operation adjustments and analysis responsibility. | A raw before/after bill difference may include unrelated changes. |
| Modelled scenarios | Inputs, assumptions, scope, sensitivity and decision criteria. | Predicted outcomes remain predictions unless independently supported by monitoring. |
The Save on Energy Retrofit measurement and verification guidelines are relevant further reading when a project is being considered under that program. We build the measurement plan to those requirements. A before-and-after photo is not an M&V plan.
Assign responsibilities and decision gates.
- Screen: the owner and roof reviewer establish goals, access, roof condition and whether further review is justified.
- Define: agree the proposed system, repairs, scope, baseline, evidence plan and who is responsible for each record or analysis. Model only where appropriate.
- Authorize: proceed only after suitability and scope are accepted. Resolve missing information, consent for data use and any program requirements before relying on them.
- Deliver and accept: document preparation, application and completion checks; record unresolved items.
- Review: compare the agreed evidence with the decision criteria. Identify limitations and decide whether to stop, investigate further or consider a wider scope.
Agree success criteria before results are available. A pilot that meets them is the business case for the wider rollout.
Incentive screening is not approval.
Save on Energy Custom Stream eligibility is case-by-case and must be checked against current program criteria. Review the current Custom Stream page and applicable measurement/verification requirements with the program before relying on an incentive in the business case.
A cool-roof product rating does not establish program eligibility. Application timing, proposed measures, evidence and project requirements need confirmation. NanoGuard screens your project against current programs and prepares the evidence the application needs. The program makes the approval decision.
Bring a roof, a question and the data you have.
The partner pilot brief describes what to send and a practical collaboration pathway. Send us the roof, your role, the pilot goal and the data you have, and we will scope the pilot.
For material terminology, read the Ontario cool-roof ratings guide. For assessment and restoration context, visit Commercial or the FAQ.
Sources & further reading
- Save on Energy Retrofit Program Custom Stream: current criteria and program requirements.
- Save on Energy Retrofit M&V Guidelines (PDF): measurement planning and evidence expectations.
- DOE Guide to Cool Roofs (PDF): roof/climate considerations.
- NRCan Hospital Retrofit Guide (PDF): broader building operations and retrofit context.