Cardinal Carpentry

We’re starting 2026 with two new projects at the Robert Watson Lofts in Roncesvalles. Originally built in 1903 as the Robert Watson candy factory, it’s a solid example of early industrial construction with load-bearing masonry, brick arches, and stonework integrated into a working factory. The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, which is why the original exterior detailing was kept.

Converted to condos in 2007, the modern updates separate the original building from the new construction. Heritage requirements limit new work to either replicating historic fabric exactly or being distinctly modern. Here, a courtyard connects the structures and provides a shared outdoor space. Some lofts still carry that factory feel, with exposed brick, warehouse-style windows, and tall ceilings.

It’s often the spaces between, where old and new meet, that showcase Toronto’s character.

At our Parkdale project, we’ve installed modern square window well systems as an upgrade from the traditional corrugated steel wells you often see on older homes.

We sourced these wells from in Stratford, Ontario, supporting local manufacturing and Canadian suppliers! This system is made up of 12 inch modular segments, available in many lengths, which allows us to build clean, custom-fit wells that fit the existing foundation and window layout.

You’ll also notice a drain within the window well, which we consider best practice for all window well installations. This drain is tied into the house’s weeping tile system to help manage groundwater. We finish the drain with a protective cover and a layer of gravel on top, which looks better while further reducing the risk of debris entering the system.

Up next, we’ll be installing foundation parging to finish the exterior transition.

Stay tuned for the window well accessories, including a clear well cover and an egress ladder. Egress ladders are an important safety component, providing a code-compliant means of escape from basement bedrooms while remaining discreet within the well.

Next, we’ll move indoors and share our interior framing and window installation!

As the holidays approach and temperatures drop, we’re working to close in each of our sites before the winter break - an important milestone for our teams and for our clients!

At our Parkdale project, we’ve finished the structural steel installation and the masonry work required to prepare for new windows. The team at delivered great work with a nice brick match on a century old facade.

With the structural and masonry scope complete, we’re moving into the next phase - window wells, framing, and installing the new windows! Integrating modern performance into a century home requires careful planning, and we’re looking forward to sharing the process!

From slab to structure!

After completing the basement slab pour, we moved on to chalk out our layout. One of our favourite milestones is the review and walkthrough with clients, designers, and architects, making sure every wall, doorway, and feature is exactly where it needs to be before framing begins.

With the layout approved, we sistered the existing floor joists for added strength and extended the staircase opening to meet code-required headroom, making the stairs safer and more comfortable to use.

Another big step forward! Great progress, Cardinal team!

A small leak near a client’s eaves turned out to be a symptom of a much deeper issue.
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The culprits: An upper downspout draining directly into an overburdened lower eavestrough, poor flashing details/installation, and an unsealed window.⁣
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The damage: Rotted siding, sheathing, and framing—plus one partially compromised beam and another fully deteriorated.⁣
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The fix: We temporarily supported the structure, removed all failed material, and used structural epoxy to preserve and reinforce one of the beams. New bearing pads were poured, and a replacement beam and new framing were installed.⁣
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The result: All compromised lumber has been reinforced or replaced. Sheathing is up, and we’re prepped for AVB, insulation, strapping, and siding.
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Water is the leading cause of building envelope failure in residential construction - small design and installation flaws can cause big damages!

Nice work, team!