GPD Flatroofing Ltd. wins Silver in ARMA’s Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards for Penn-co headquarters

By Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

An expertly executed asphalt roof in harsh winter conditions earns GPD Flatroofing Ltd. national recognition.  

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is proud to recognize GPD Flatroofing Ltd. with a Silver Award in the 2025 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program for their exceptional work on the Penn-co Office headquarters in Steinbach, Manitoba.  

This project illustrates the strength, versatility and visual appeal of asphalt roofing systems, even in Canada’s challenging climates. 

Project overview & challenges 

The new Penn-co headquarters — an architecturally ambitious project designed in-house — features dynamic roof elevations, high structural upstands and functional second-story terraces finished with 24x48 porcelain tiles. Entrusted with bringing this vision to life, GPD Flatroofing Ltd. navigated Manitoba’s harsh winter environment to deliver a precise and durable roofing system without delay. 

Installation required more than technical skill; it demanded active adaptation. The team closely monitored shifting weather patterns, making real-time decisions to protect materials and maintain progress. Thorough substrate preparation, despite icy conditions, ensured the integrity of adhesion. High curbs, numerous penetrations and tightly confined details added layers of complexity. However, the expert use of heat-welded asphalt membrane systems allowed GPD Flatroofing Ltd. to overcome these obstacles, resulting in a flawless and high-performing finish. 

“The Penn-co Office project highlights outstanding achievement in commercial roofing,” said Reed Hitchcock, ARMA executive vice president. “GPD Flatroofing delivered remarkable craftsmanship and technical expertise while overcoming the specific challenges of this building.”

This project goes beyond standard execution, showcasing craftsmanship, material performance and aesthetic complexity. The varying roof heights, striking terrace spaces and elevated canopies seamlessly blend form and function, pushing innovative boundaries. The high walls and unique roofline contribute to the building’s distinct identity, while the quality of installation ensures performance that matches its visual ambition. 

Why asphalt roofing  

To address the project’s architectural and environmental demands, GPD Flatroofing Ltd. utilized Polyglass materials, including a premium base and cap sheet system.  

The decision to use a heat-welded asphalt roofing system proved essential for both durability and scheduling. In cold-weather regions like Manitoba, the ability to protect year-round is a critical advantage and one that asphalt can provide with confidence. The staggered base and cap sheet application, bonded through heat welding, created seamless protection that could flex with the building’s thermal expansion and contraction. 

Asphalt’s layered seams and weld-strength bonding offer increased resistance to moisture infiltration and wind uplift, even in projects with complicated roof geometries. The system’s adaptability, low maintenance requirements and resilience under extreme conditions made it the clear solution for this high-profile commercial facility. 

The finished project offers top-tier reliability and complements the overall design.  

Excellence in asphalt roofing: Winning Silver

The Penn-co Office Steinbach project demonstrates how asphalt roofing can achieve a perfect balance between precision and aesthetic appeal.

GPD Flatroofing Ltd. received a $1,000 monetary prize, national industry recognition and coverage on ARMA’s website and social media channels.

Celebrations took place in San Antonio, Texas, during the International Roofing Expo (IRE), where the team commemorated their achievement and shared insights with industry peers.

ARMA’s Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program recognizes the top steep- and low-slope asphalt roofing projects across North America based on four categories: Why Asphalt, Project Challenges, Distinction and Beauty.

Projects with the highest scores earn Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. Participants have the opportunity to receive awards in the Best-in-Class categories, which are awarded solely based on judges’ nominations. These include In the Neighborhood, Commercial/Mixed Use, Craftsmanship and Technical Difficulty.

The 2025 program received 92 submissions, showcasing success stories, innovative solutions and complex artistry in asphalt roofing systems.

To learn more about the awards program or ARMA, visit asphaltroofing.org.