Torch-free roofing, envelope work and testing of older materials, with shoring before any demolition, in keeping with the building’s heritage status.
or call (514) 654-9184
Heritage buildings
Torch-free methods, roof structure shoring and testing of older materials, in coordination with the engineer and the authorities concerned.
Construction AIM, a general contractor based in Anjou, carries out roof replacements, structural work and restoration in heritage buildings, often occupied and located in dense urban areas, based on the structural engineer's report and in coordination with the architect and the owner.
I
An old building with a wood structure is not renovated like a recent one. The structure has aged, the original materials may contain asbestos or lead, and each step may require an authorization depending on the building's heritage status.
Redoing a roof with a torch over an old wood structure is risky. The installation method matters as much as the membrane.
Joists, beams and roof decking have sometimes suffered years of leaks. The structure must be supported before stripping.
Asbestos, lead paint, mold: these materials must be located before the work, to protect workers and occupants.
Depending on the building's status, an authorization from the Ministère de la Culture or the municipality may be required in addition to the borough permit.
II
Depending on the building's status, several authorities may be involved.
The City of Montreal recommends checking with your borough's permit counter whether your building is a heritage building and whether an authorization is required in addition to the permit. These steps are generally taken by the owner and their professionals; we provide the description of the methods and materials, and we respect the conditions of the authorization on site.
III
Each service has its own detailed page: click its name to learn more.
IV
X
Built heritage terms, to understand the rules before you start.
V
We work on older buildings in Montreal, on the North Shore, including Laval, and on the South Shore. Heritage rules change from one city and borough to another: we check them before we start.
VI
It depends on its status and the borough. A permit is generally required to replace a roof covering in Montreal, and an authorization from the Ministère or the municipality may be added. Check with your borough's permit counter.
Because an old, dry wood structure catches fire easily. Membranes heat-welded with hot air or self-adhered membranes eliminate the open flame from the roof.
Yes. We carry out the work according to their signed and sealed plans, and we notify them of any condition found during the job. Structural reinforcement is priced once we receive their plans.
Our prices are based on the current wage rates of the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), set by the collective agreements for the sector concerned (residential, institutional and commercial, industrial), plus the materials and equipment specific to each job. Every quote is free, detailed and prepared after a site visit.
Check the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec, kept by the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications: it shows whether a building is classified, cited or located in a heritage site. Your borough or municipality can also tell you whether the building is in an area of heritage value, which changes the permit rules.
CNESST rules require locating asbestos in sprayed-on materials in buildings constructed before February 15, 1990 and in heat insulation in those constructed before May 20, 1999, and checking materials before work that could release it. We do this testing before any stripping, then apply the protective measures required for the level of risk.
VII
Three guides for preparing work on an older building.
Torch-free installation, shoring and asbestos: the steps to plan for.
Read the guide →Sheet 02 · GuideHow signed recommendations become work that is carried out and documented.
Read the guide →Sheet 03 · GuideDecontamination under the IICRC S520 standard, step by step.
Read the guide →Next step
Send us the engineer's report or a few photos: we will schedule a visit and give you a written quote.
Describe my projectPage updated October 17, 2026.
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