heritage and quality renovation guide - patrimoine...

Heritage and QualityRenovation Guide

I N C O L L A B O R A T I O N W I T H

Financial AssistancePrograms

Practical tips for restoration

ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine

HERITAGE AND QUALITY RENOVATION GUIDE 3

Your building, modest as it may be, is part of Montréal’s

architectural heritage which greatly contributes to the

city’s interest and appeal. This is why it is so important

to preserve and enhance its original characteristics.

Appropriate and carefully plannedinterventions on your property’soriginal architectural elements:

- contribute to increasing its market value in the long term and conse-quently preserve your investment;

- guarantee the safeguarding of a price-less cultural heritage;

- and improve quality of life for you,your neighbours as well as for all Montrealers.

An essential guide

The guide in your hands offers loads ofessential information for anyone consider-ing restoration work: pages and pages ofsound advice concerning most of the com-ponents in a house and contact informationof numerous advertisers: specialists, well-known artisans and various organizationsin the industry.

Heritage: leverage for development

Find out about the Heritage Policy adoptedby the city in 2005. In addition, don’t

hesitate to consult the Cahiers de l’évalua-tion du patrimoine urbain [Built HeritageEvaluation Register] as well as the Grandrépertoire du patrimoine bâti de Montréal[Montréal Architectural Inventory] on thecity’s web site (www.ville.montreal.-qc.ca/patrimoine), a tool that groups factsheets on buildings and city sectors that havean exceptional heritage value. You shouldalso check the “Heritage in detail” section ofOld Montréal web site (www.vieux.montre-al.qc.ca/inventaire/hall).

Other resources at your disposal

You can also get brochures pertaining to themaintenance, repair and renovation of themain architectural components of residen-tial and commercial buildings. This infor-mation can serve as a guide for you tocomplete successfully your projects whilerespecting your building’s original charac-ter. These brochures are available in all cityborough offices.

If you have any doubts about the conserva-tion, renovation or restoration of yourbuilding or on the integration of a newconstruction, get all the information youneed from the Direction de l’aménagementurbain et des services aux entreprises in yourborough.

Everything you need to take good care of your heritage!

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Table of Contents3 Everything you need to take good care of your heritage! 7 A message from the Ville de Montréal7 Message from the Héritage Montréal foundation9 Beautiful streets, quality of life

10 Phyllis Lambert, 2007 Award for Excellence 11 Congratulations to the special awards' recipients!13 A successful conversion14 Multiple statuses for a unique architectural heritage!16 Maintain, repair, replace17 Keep an eye on your house20 The “face value” of your house21 Renovate with confidence!22 The foundation: a priority!23 To safeguard the soundness of your house (Advertorial)24 Put energy efficiency at the heart of your renovation project!25 That’s what living in Montréal is all about!26 Quiz time forheritage lovers

Special supplement – financial assistance programs: Your city lends you a helping hand27 Financial assistance programs for buildings with a heritage value28 Paint, not as difficult as you may think...29 Residential heating oil is a much needed source of energy in Québec (Advertorial)30 The real estate agent: a valued ally in your renovation projects (Advertorial)31 A legacy for architects to conserve and enhance (Advertorial)32 Restore well, beautifully and responsibly! (Advertorial)33 “Skin care” for your house is a must35 Your façade’s crown36 Let the sunshine and company in!37 Upstairs, downstairs... it’s always a good show39 Planning, preparation... success!40 What should you anticipate?... everything?

Products and services directory Acoustics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Architects (OAQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Architectural drawings – Renovation plans (see also Architects) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Architectural hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Architectural woodwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-43Building materials – recycled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Built heritage expertise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Cabinet making:see Architectural woodwork . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-43Ceramic: see Floor coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Concrete / repair - epoxy – waterproofing(see also Foundations – special and piles) . . . .43Courses / construction - renovation – restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Demolition – buildings and sheds . . . . . . . . . . .43Disaster restoration (see also general contractors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Doors and windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Doors and windows – Wood (see also Architectural woodwork) . . . . . . . . . .44

Electricity / residential, commercial,institutional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Engineers – consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Floor coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Foundations - special and piles (see also Engineers and Concrete / repair) . . . .44Frames and structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45General contractor – renovation (see also Restoration-buildings) . . . . . . . . . . . .45Hardwood floors: see Floor coverings . . . . . . . .44Heating, air conditioning and ventilation (see also Plumbing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Inspection – residential buildings(see also Engineers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Interior design and layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Kitchens and bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45-46Masonry / cleaning, refurbishing,waterproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Masonry / restoration, installation . . . . . . . .46-47Mouldings - Ornaments and architecturalcolumns: see Architectural woodwork . . . . .41-43

Ornamental ironworks, stairs, railings,balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Ornaments, architectural columns . . . . . . . . . .47Painting – buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Plasterer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Plumbing (see also Kitchens and bathrooms) .47Project management – renovation,construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Realtors / brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Restoration – buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47-48Roofing and tinwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Shed renovation: see Demolition – buildings and sheds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Skylights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Soundproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Stained glass - fabrication and restoration . . . .48Stairs, railings, balconies (see also Ornamental ironworks) . . . . . . . . . . . .48Tinwork: see Roofing and tinwork . . . . . . . . . . .48Waterproofing: see Concrete / repair . . . . . . . . .43

The Heritage and Quality Renovation Guide was made possible thanks to the cooperation of businesses and institutions specializing in renovation. This brochure was produced by Jacques BeaulieuConsultant at the request of the City of Montréal, as part of the 2007 Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign under the direction of the Service de la mise en valeur du patrimoine. Photos by DenisLabine unless otherwise mentioned. Writing: Gabriel Deschambault, Frédéric Simmonot. Graphic Design: Studio Pixels. Coordination: Perception communications. Production : Liane Barriault.Translation: Textecom Inc. Revision: Alphacom. Special collaboration: Hélène Sauvé and Carlos De Lorenzi. To reserve advertising space, please call 514-255-4066.

Warning: The information contained in this brochure was compiled from June 15 to October 15, 2007. Before signing a contract, make sure that your contractor is accredited by the Régie du bâtimentdu Québec. Any advertisement or sponsorship published in this document is not an endorsement by the Ville de Montréal of the products or services provided by the participating businesses or institutions.


A message from the Ville de Montréal

Gérald TremblayMayor of Montréal

I am very pleased to present the 2007 edition of the Heritage and Quality Renovation Guide. For the lastnine years, Montréal has published this one-of-a-kind tool as part of its goal to help owners maintain,restore or renovate their properties in keeping with the city’s built heritage.

Architectural heritage contributes to Montréal’s distinctive character. That is why we, at the city, arecommitted to playing a leadership role to enhance heritage preservation. I am convinced Montrealerswill see the importance of respecting and enhancing the value of this testimony to our urban way of lifethat we have developed throughout our history.

I encourage you to make good use of this guide, and am convinced you will find tremendous personalsatisfaction in joining this year’s Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign.

Message from the Héritage Montréal foundation

Robert TurgeonChairman of the Board of Directors

Héritage Montréal is pleased to join forces again this year with the Ville de Montréal and other partners,to present the 2007 edition of the Heritage and Quality Renovation Guide.

Héritage Montréal has been working for more than 30 years to safeguard and enhance our built heritage.As property owners and members of the community, we all have a leading role to play to preserve theunique and distinctive character of our neighbourhoods’ built environment.

Please join other renovation enthusiasts, and help save our city’s identity through sustainable urbandevelopment.

Alreadysold?Wow!Before buying or selling a property,talk to a real estate agent.You'll be happy you did.


All around Montréal, there are a number of beautiful properties that contribute to the

character of the streets and make for a particularly charming and desirable living

environment. The city’s urban landscape is unique. It offers a wide variety of buildings,

with an urban or country flavour, inspired by French, British or North American styles.

It is those Montréal beauties that makeus appreciate our architectural heritageand encourage us to preserve and

enhance it. This heritage is, above all, ourhistory, an important part of our identityand our pride as Montrealers.

In the fall of 2007, for the 17th year in a row,the Montreal Architectural HeritageCampaign (MAHC) showcased thesebeautiful properties, individual homes,multiple dwelling buildings, condominiumsand also shops that were properly preserved

in keeping with their original architecturalcharacteristics. While some of these areexceptional historical properties, all arebuildings that can be distinguished by the quality of their restoration andmaintenance. Needless to say that theirowners will be the first to benefit in everyrespect from this careful conservation work,given its long-term positive impact on theirproperty's market value.

Montréal celebrates its built environmentevery year because the wealth of its architec-

tural heritage is also part of its citizens’quality of life. In 2007, some 40 propertiesearned a prize and five special awards weregranted for exceptional contributions to thepreservation of our built heritage (moreinformation in the following pages).

For more information on the MontréalArchitectural Heritage Campaign and the2007 award recipients:ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine

Beautiful streets, quality of life

10 HERITAGE AND QUALITY RENOVATION GUIDE

Montréal Architectural Campaign

Phyllis Lambert, 2007 Award for Excellence

The Award for Excellence is granted to an individual (or group) who has demonstrated a will to

contribute in an important way to heritage preservation in the common interest. In this particular

instance, this will was demonstrated brilliantly, here and abroad, by the 2007 recipient, Ms. Phyllis

Lambert, architect and founding director of the Canadian Centre for Architecture.

Ms. Lambert made history in thefield of architecture as early asthe 1950s, when she became

planning director for the Seagram Buildingin New York. Today, she is known worldwide for her contribution to the advance-ment of contemporary architecture and forher advocacy with respect to the socialaspects of preserving urban architecturalheritage and the public dimension of archi-tecture. Convinced of the importance of act-ing to preserve the urban fabric of cities, Ms.Lambert became the founding president ofHéritage Montréal and also played animportant role in the creation of the Sociétéd’amélioration de Milton-Parc in 1979, themost important cooperative housingrenovation project in Canada.

From 1984 to 2007, she was a member ofthe Board of Directors of La Société duVieux-Port de Montréal, an organization thathas the mandate to redevelop this historicaland formerly industrial site, giving it aleisure and tourist vocation. In 1997,Ms. Lambert set up the Fonds d'investisse-ment de Montréal, the only private fund inCanada that contributes to the revitalizationof low- and medium-income neighbour-hoods.

Ms. Lambert is active in the fields ofresearch and museology and has directednumerous projects concerning heritage andits preservation, both in Canada andoverseas. She is the author of innovativepublications on photography and architec-

ture, urban development in Montréal as wellas on eminent architects.

Ms. Lambert is the recipient of honorarydegrees from twenty-seven North Americanand European universities and was thewinner, in 1997, of the Hadrien Award ofthe World Monuments Fund. She is aFellow at the Royal Architecture Institute ofCanada, which awarded her its Gold Medalin 1991; Honorary Fellow of the AmericanInstitute of Architects and the RoyalInstitute of British Architects; Companionof the Order of Canada; Grand officierof the Ordre national du Québec and Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et desLettres de France.


1435, RUE SAINT-ALEXANDRE, BUREAU 1000, MONTRÉAL (QC) H3A 2G4TELEPHONE 514-393-9490 FAX 514-393-9498

THE ARTISAN AWARDDiane Côté and François PaquetPatrimoine urbain Inc.The Artisan Award is granted to anindividual or a corporation that performed remarkablerestorations of heritage or decorative architecturalelements. The winner of this year’s award is Patrimoineurbain inc., which was established in February 2000 by Ms. Diane Côté and Mr. François Paquet.

Since its foundation, Patrimoine urbain Inc. has beeninvolved in the protection of crowns and otherornamentations on the façades of heritage homes. Theyuse state-of-the-art tools and favour premium materialsthat were used by artisans of yesteryear, such as wood,slate and copper.

THE HERITAGE AWARD FOR COMMERCIALBUILDINGS OF THE GREATER MONTREAL REAL ESTATE BOARD Henry Birks & SonsThe Heritage Award for Commercial Buildings rewards acorporation for its contribution to the preservation of heritagecommercial buildings. This year, the award was granted to HenryBirks & Sons for the architectural qualities of their building locatedat 1240 Phillips Square. This superb Neo-Roman style edifice withits red sandstone façade was subject to several extensions carriedout, between 1902 and 1931, by firms that made their mark oncommercial architecture: Hutchison & Wood and Nobbs & Hyde.

The discriminating restoration of the inside of the building thattook place in 2001, including the blending in of contemporaryelements, reaffirmed Birks’prestigious image. The work included therestoration of the large entrance hall on the Phillips Square side ofthe building and the reconstruction of a number of decorative andarchitectural elements of this magnificent store. Birks commissionedarchitect Oberto Oberti for this project.

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Montréal Architectural Campaign

Congratulations to the special awards' recipients!

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AWARD FOR HERITAGEENHANCEMENT Iégor and Martinede Saint HippolyteIégor Hôtel des EncansThe Award for Heritage Enhancementrecognizes a corporation for its contri-bution to the protection of Montréal’sarchitectural heritage through anexemplary restoration of an historicalbuilding. This year’s award was granted toIégor and Martine de Saint Hippolyte forthe conversion of the old Saint-Henrichurch located at 870-872 du CouventStreet. This church was built in 1923according to the design of architect J. A. Karch.

Completed in 2005, the renovation workinvolved the conversion of this place ofworship to one with a commercial voca-tion while maintaining its original structure and space organization. All interventions on the inside of the buildingwere made in such a way that they can bereverted. It is worth noting the exceptionalwork performed by Yves Lefèvre andJacques Auray, interior designers, as well asthe work of framing artisans EncadrementsMarcel.

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AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURALINTEGRATION Prével and Groupe Cardinal HardyQuai de la Commune

The Award for Architectural Integrationrecognizes businesses that contribute tothe enhancement of an old neighbour-hood through the insertion of a newquality construction into the existingurban fabric. This year’s award wasgranted to the real estate developmentcompany Prével and to the architecturalfirm Groupe Cardinal Hardy for theQuai de la Commune project located onthe city block delimited by de laCommune West, des Sœurs-Grises andKing streets.

Completed in 2003, this residentialdevelopment is a fine example of archi-tectural integration into surroundingsthat were built-up at the beginning of the20th century. The quality of an insertionproject resides in its harmonious inte-gration into the urban environmentthanks to an architecture that respectsvolumes, aperture proportions, materialcombinations and the overall alignmentof neighbouring buildings.

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This was the case for the company’smost recent restoration project: theformer American Can Company

factory located at 2030 Pie IX, close to theMaisonneuve Market and the OlympicStadium. The plant was built in 1917-18with a reinforced concrete structure, aninnovative technique at the beginning ofthe 20th century. In those days, the can-ning container manufacturer was thelargest employer in what was then the Villede Maisonneuve.

The huge exterior concrete pilasters, whichare still visible, enable an easy reading ofthe building’s structural framework. Thisframework offers the benefit of maximiz-ing openings in the east and west façades,making for exceptional natural lightingthanks to the huge arched pane windowson the upper floor. Another benefit thatcomes with this type of structure: the largeand open interior space with its numerousmushroom-shaped pillars. The mainfaçade is embellished with cast motifs inan Art Nouveau style, a rare architecturalfeature in Montréal.

Over the years, the building was the sub-ject of several major modifications: a five-storey extension on Jeanne-d’Arc Street in

1928; a new extension in 1939; the cons-truction of its round-shaped chimney in1943; and interior refurbishing in 1952.The current renovation project started in2000. Basic work is practically completedand only interior finishing remains to be done.

A rebirth that benefits the neighbourhood“This is likely the most important com-mercial and institutional project in thisrevitalized neighbourhood. Rents areaffordable, there is plenty of parking spaceand the energy saving program that wasimplemented with the help of GazMétropolitain and Hydro-Québec has cutenergy consumption in half, making thisbuilding green for all practical purposes,”says Georges Coulombe. “And this build-ing has great potential for adaptation,”adds Anne Coulombe, Public Relationsand Rentals Director.

Notice to potential tenants: at the time thisarticle was being written, there were150,000 contiguous square feet still availa-ble on two floors (with 15 to 26-foot ceil-ings). The building is also ideal for movieproductions.

Gestion Georges Coulombe, real estatedeveloper, is a family business that took onthe mission of buying, restoring and man-aging buildings in the Montréal area. Thecompany owns or co-owns some thirtyheritage residential and commercial prop-erties totalling more than two millionsquare feet of rental space, making it oneof the most important property managersin Montréal.


ADVERTORIAL

Quality renovation, enhancement of built heritage and architectural integration are not

solely for residential buildings. A number of industrial, commercial and institutional

buildings that are part of our built environment are also, fortunately, the subject of

thoughtful care on the part of developers such as Gestion Georges Coulombe.

Gestion Georges Coulombe

296 Saint-Paul West, Suite 200

Montréal (Québec)

H2Y 2A3

Contact: Anne Coulombe

514 838-8170

www.gestioncoulombe.com

2030 Pie-IX

A successful conversion

Montréal has the highest concentration of historic monuments in Canada, and more

than 40,000 buildings are protected under provincial or municipal legislation. These

buildings represent an exceptional collective heritage that the city’s administration is

dedicated to protecting and promoting in various ways.

Under the Cultural Property Act,there are two levels of protectionfor historically significant objects,

properties and places of interest: provincialand municipal. At the provincial level, thedegree of protection associated with existingstatuses (cultural property, historicaldistricts, etc.) varies according to whether abuilding is “classified”or “recognized”.At themunicipal level, legislation provides twomechanisms to award status: “designationof an historical monument” and “creationof territory that constitutes a heritage site”.

Advantages and obligations

Owners of classified buildings that arerecognized as cultural property or locatedon an historic site, in the Mount RoyalHistoric and Natural district or in the OldMontréal historical district, must obtainauthorization from the ministère de laCulture, des Communications et de laCondition féminine before carrying outalterations.

Owners who wish to modify the exterior ofa designated monument or an immovablethat is part of a heritage site must comply

with the conditions applicable to the preser-vation of the specific elements of thebuilding, as well as with municipal by-laws.They must also first apply for a permit fromthe city.

These heritage buildings may benefit fromfinancial assistance under a joint programof the Ville de Montréal, the ministère de laCulture, des Communications et de laCondition féminine and the Société d’habi-tation du Québec. The by-law concerningsubsidies for the restoration and renovationof heritage buildings and for archaeologicalexcavations (04-026) was adopted for thispurpose.

Ongoing improvement

In 1922, the Québec government adoptedthe Loi relative à la conservation des monu-ments et des objets d’art ayant un intérêt historique ou artistique. It was the first pieceof legislation of its kind to be adopted inCanada. The primary goal of this legislationis to preserve historical objects and sites thathave a significant symbolic value for thecommunity, like the Château Ramezay,which was classified in 1929. In the early1960s, the concept of heritage property wasbroadened to include buildings, roads,urban fixtures, etc. This led to the creation ofthe Old Montréal historical district in 1963.


Multiple statuses for a unique architectural heritage!

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In the 1970s, other changes were made to the Cultural Property Act toprotect or enhance our common heritage, the most recent changes dating back to 1986. These changes allowed municipalities to designatehistorical monuments and heritage sites.

Subsequently, the Ville de Montréal also created two new classifications,“significant building” and “significant sector”, to ensure its ability to preserve the urban landscape and its unique architectural styles.

A collective responsibility

In 2002, each of the Ville de Montréal’s boroughs established an urbanadvisory committee. These committees are called upon to provide opi-nions on the quality of certain construction projects, as well as on themodification or change of usage of a building, taking into accounturban planning, architecture and design concerns.

The wealth of Montréal’s architectural heritage is unequalled in Canadaand is a source of pride for all residents of the city – which is why it isso important to work to preserve it. Even if all possible administrativemeasures are in place to protect it, it is every Montrealer’s responsibi-lity to respect it and to ensure that it will stand the test of time.

Find out if your property has a special heritage status, before under-taking renovation work, by contacting the Direction de l’aménagementurbain et des services aux entreprises in your borough.

Gill

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YOUR DREAMS ARE IMPORTANT TO US!


Discover the secret, almost magical formula, to preserve

your house’s character...

Montréal’s former villages andoldest neighbourhoods aboundwith houses displaying their

magnificent original architectural elements.They give these houses the character and thebeauty that we all love.

Crowns, woodwork, doors and windows arethe focal elements of the traditional archi-tecture in our neighbourhoods. We mustpreserve them in order to perpetuate ourhouses’ appeal. This is what this Heritageand Quality Renovation Guide is all about.

Our recipe first proposes to preserve andmaintain architectural elements. If need be,

repair them rather than replace them. It isthe simplest formula and the most econom-ical. In most cases, it is a guarantee forsuccess.

How to recognize these beautiful architec-tural elements, assess their condition, howto preserve them and highlight them, avoidmistakes and correct previous errors, etc? You will find it all in this guide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Given the limited space, hyperlink were included in each of the articles.You will therefore be able to widen your

knowledge and have access to more detailsand photos. We strongly suggest that youexplore these links.

Maintain, repair, replace

To start with, here is a link to the “heritage’’ section of the

Ville de Montréal’s web site where youwill find some of the informationpublished in this guide.

www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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Protecting your house’s architectural elements is done,

first and foremost, through their maintenance.

You must first inspect your house.There is no need to be a professionalto do a summary inspection of a

house. The problem is that most people donot take such a close look, though just a fewminutes would be sufficient to discover thesmall things to correct before they turn intobig problems. If some doubts arise, therewill always be time to call in firms speciali-zing in building inspection.

The main elements to look at are the roof(membrane and sheet metal work), theenvelope (the walls), the openings (doorsand windows), the projections and thestructure. Our description will be basic andwill point out the more common problemsmet in traditional buildings. Those of youwho wish to obtain more information mayrefer to the web addresses provided furtheralong. Of course, caution is the word andwe suggest that you do not climb up laddersif you have physical limitations.

THE ROOF

In the case of flat roofs, the most commontype, the condition of the membrane andof the sheet metal work must be checked forthe following: missing gravel on tarredmembrane surfaces, tar paper showing, pos-sible swelling or tears around the sheetmetal work, the vent holes or the drain, the

footing of the electrical wires support, theskylight and its surroundings. Also checkthe sheet metal work for rust and joints thatare not caulked properly. Have a look at thecornice to check its sheet metal work,soldered joints, and the different parts of thetin decorations. Assess the condition of thepaintwork. If you notice some deficienciesin these areas through your inspection, itwould be wise to call in a roofer or acompany specialized in tin work (see webaddresses).

THE ENVELOPE

Generally speaking, residential façades aremade of limestone or clay bricks. The role ofthe envelope is to protect from rain andwind. It is often the quality of the mortarjoints that is a source of problems for thebuilding’s envelope.

When performing a visual check of yourfaçades, you should pay attention to bricksor stones that are missing, are split as a result

of freezing or are cracked. You should alsocheck the condition of the mortar joints,which may have lost their mortar in someplaces or are cracked in a “staircase pattern’’.

Are there particular areas (underneaththe windows for instance) where the jointsare more damaged? Is there some swellingin the surface (often in the façade’s upper

B

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Keep an eye on your house

450-652-3466

Our servicesBrick and stone wall restorationCorrection of frost heave problems in brick and stone walls Brick repointingParapet wall and cornice reconstruction Window sills replacement Wall demolition and reconstruction:insulation, anchorage, angle iron,flashing (sheet metal or membrane)New construction with stone or brickBuilding maintenance (budget plan)Preventive and corrective workHigh above ground work Free estimate

www.stmaconnerie.comRBQ : 2532-2660-11

5024, Clark Street, MontréalCornice refection and restoration

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Keep an eye on your house (cont’d)

section)? If it is the case, you should contacta mason specialized in renovation to have acloser look at your façade.

THE OPENINGS

We are dealing here with the more fragileelements of your façade (or envelope). Oftenmade of wood, doors and windows needrigorous and diligent maintenance. Giventhat they protect your home from rain and

wind, their weather-tightness needs to bechecked. Water infiltration can causeserious damage to your structure and tointerior finishes, and drafts mean increasedheating costs. Doors and windows shouldopen completely and easily without

jamming and there should be no air infil-tration around their frame. Is the doorframe warped? Are the wood pieces in goodcondition, solid and properly assembled? Isit time to repaint?

Always keep in mind that it is less costly torepair a few doors and windows than toreplace all the openings. You can alwaysmake an improvement by adding weatherstripping. Inspect doors and windows andtry to assess a percentage of the parts thatneed your intervention.

PROJECTIONS

We are talking here about balconies andstaircases, as well as of the architecturallandscape created by the wooden posts andthe metal work of the railings andbalustrades. These elements are exposed tothe weather and they should get an appro-priate maintenance (paint). CheckC

You may visit the following web sites for a list of things toinspect or groups to contact:

www.cmhc-schl.gc.cawww.dsp-psd.communication.gc.cawww.banquelaurentienne.cawww.cyberpresse.cairc.nrc-cnrc.gc.cawww.amcq.qc.cawww.guidesperrier.com

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wooden elements for decay, balcony boards, stairs, thebalcony facing and underside, which may have to bereplaced immediately in order to stop the decayingprocess. Check all metal parts, balusters, handrails andstaircase support posts to uncover traces of rust. Woodand metal degradation must be found quickly andremedied without delay. This is the purpose ofthorough periodical inspections (spring and fall). Youcan refer to the text on paint: it is the secret to keepingprojections in good condition.

STRUCTURE

Besides a quick visual check of the façade that canuncover (if there are cracks) some structural weaknes-ses in the building, the structure’s condition must alsobe checked through an inspection of the basement orthe crawl space. There is a difference between the struc-ture of the exterior walls and foundation (subsidence)and the interior structure composed of bearing wallsand joists. If there are sizeable cracks in the masonry orthe foundation walls, you must contact a specialist andshould do so as well if you notice poor supports underthe bearing wall or if the beams sitting on the founda-tion walls show signs of decay or are cracked.

Then, what’s left for you to do is to make a list ofthings to be done and establish the priorities.

C

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One could describe a façade’s com-position with the four followingelements: crowns, masonry walls,

doors and windows. All these beautifuldecorative works are made of wood andmetal. These are the elements that make afaçade appealing. They must be preservedand maintained.

We will provide more details on the mainte-nance of these elements in the variousarticles in this guide.

Your façade in detail

When we look at a façade, like the one in thepicture, we can easily see the elementspreviously mentioned. In keeping with itsname, the crown tops and completes afaçade. More or less imposing, it is made ofwood in the case of older buildings, of sheetmetal in the case of turn-of-the-centurybuildings and takes the shape of a parapet inthe case of more recent brick constructions.

A slate tile mansard that tops a façade is alsoa type of crown.

There are two main types of materials forwalls, clay brick and limestone. The latter isalso called Montréal Stone because it origi-nates from former quarries that were locatedin Montréal. Laurier, Marquette and Villerayparks are all former quarries that have beenfilled. Older buildings, built for the middle-class and the working-class, often have redclay brick walls. This material was originallyused for working-class dwellings mainlybecause it was inexpensive; but it also foundits way to the affluent neighbourhoods ofthe Golden Square Mile where the flexibilityafforded by its format enabled architecturalfeats.

Doors and windows in older buildings oftenhave stained glass or intricately carved woodmouldings, which make them the mosteloquent elements of the façade. Their

harmonious proportions make a façadeappealing. Traditional types of windows areguillotine windows, English style, mostlyinstalled on the street side façade and casement windows, French style, mostlyinstalled at the back of the building. It isimportant to keep the original window type,given that it will always be in harmony with the size and the proportions of the openings.

Everybody agrees on the distinctive charac-ter and charm of Montreal’s staircases.Along with the balconies, they represent theimaginative finishing touch on the façade.Finally, the mix of the woodwork andmetalwork clinches the façade’s appearance.These elements require a lot of maintenancebut, all things considered, they are worththeir weight in gold.

The “face value” of your houseA large portion of the houses that make up

Montreal’s heritage have kept their main architectural

characteristics.

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tural style, you can learn from HéritageMontréal’s popular Home RenovationCourses.

They are an ideal way to learn about homemaintenance, renovation and restorationfrom housing professionals such as archi-tects and engineers. Armed with theknowledge you need, you will leave feelingmore confident about investing in yourhome renovations.

Since 1981, Héritage Montréal has beengiving these much-appreciated courses,thereby providing thousands of home-owners with valuable information on rou-tine problems and their causes, andsolutions while respecting the architec-tural features of their homes. You can contribute to the charm of your neigh-bourhood by preserving the beauty of thebuilt environment!

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In collaboration with Québec's ministèrede la Culture, des Communications et de laCondition féminine Héritage Montréalpublishes technical guides of interest toowners, managers of income properties,architects, contractors as well as special-ized manufacturers: Traditional Windows,Traditional Coverings and TraditionalMasonry.

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Your house’s foundation is essential to its soundness. There is

no point in undertaking renovations if there is a problem with

your substructure. A building’s foundation supports the walls

and their facings and provides cohesion and sturdiness to its

overall assembly. If you want to sleep tight at night, do an annual

inspection of your foundation and have any apparent problems

looked into immediately.

The problems

Foundations in old houses are usually madeof fieldstones with lime-based mortar actingas a binder. In more recent constructions,foundations are built with concrete.

The problems that are frequently encoun-tered with foundations are partialsubsidence and cracks, as well as water infiltration resulting from these.

The most common problem has to do withthe differential settlement of the bearing soil.This settlement is often linked to the soil’scomposition. For instance, soil containingclay will lose a lot of its water to the sur-rounding trees during a drought. Unfor-tunately, this water is lost for good and aslight subsidence in the soil will take place. Ifdrought episodes are recurrent, then moreand more soil subsidence will take place andcracks will start to show up in the founda-tion, which has to bear a greater portion ofthe building’s load. But don’t conclude fromthis that you should cut down the trees onyour property! Just water them regularly andall will be fine.

The consequences

These cracks will lead to water infiltrationand a settlement in the foundation, of whicha sure sign is dislocations in the building’smasonry facing — those famous staircase-shaped cracks that are sometimes seen inbrick walls.

Water infiltration can make the wood ele-ments in the house structure rot or cancause mould in the basement or in the crawl

space. The effects of a partial subsidence ofthe foundation wall are more dramatic,especially if this trend persists. In such a case,the integrity of the masonry facing is threat-ened. If your foundation wall shows a cracktopped by the telltale “staircase” in the mor-tar joints, the situation calls for immediateattention and most likely the interventionof a specialist.

The solutions

The remedy for cracks leading to water infil-tration is generally to clog them withspecialized cements, waterproof the wall’ssurface and make sure that the ground isgraded to allow water to run away from thebuilding.

For ongoing differential settlements, correc-tive work is more complex. The mostcurrent method is to install metal piles tosupport the foundation wall and its load. Afooting is attached to each pile and thisassembly is placed underneath the base ofthe wall or the stones that need to besupported. It is sealed with concrete and,from then on, it becomes the support for thebuilding’s foundation. It is not a matter ofraising the house up but rather of stoppingits sinking.

This work becomes mandatory when cracksappear on interior walls, in room corners,and when cracks in the masonry facingworsen with time. These are the “red flags”to watch for.

The foundation: a priority!

Structural problems that Montreal’sproperty owners have to deal withhold no secrets for the experts at

Héneault et Gosselin.“Whether in the eastor the west end of Montreal,” explainsManon Gosselin, Operations Director,“themain source of concern is clay soil subsi-dence, which involves stabilization workwith piles. Among the buildings con-structed during the 1920s, more specifical-ly in Rosemont, Notre-Dame-de-Grâceand Verdun, foundations have a tendencyto crumble due to the fact that lime wasadded to the concrete mix. In such cases,foundations need to be rebuilt.

A warranty you can depend onAt Héneault et Gosselin, there are no halfmeasures, only complete and permanentsolutions! After underpinning a building'sfoundations, Héneault et Gosselin guaran-tees that building's permanent stability.

Telephone: 514-522-0909Fax: [email protected]

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The value of a building depends on the soundness of its foundations! A fact that holds

true again and again, according to Héneault et Gosselin’s experts. And they are an

authority on this topic, given that the company has been involved for more than forty

years in the underpinning of foundations – i.e. the reconstruction of the lower part of

all types of buildings.

To safeguard the soundness of your house,Héneault et Gosselin will underpin its foundations

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To assist you in your project, theRénoclimat* program from theAgence de l’efficacité énergétique du

Québec offers a specialized service that helpsyou prioritize the renovations in order toachieve the greatest energy savings for yourhouse. Experts will conduct a detailed analy-sis of the energy performance of your house.Impartial advisers will then make recom-mendations that will help you decide on thebest renovations to achieve energy efficiency.The adviser will also provide you with theEnerguide rating for your house.

The energy savings generated can representup to 25% of the home heating costs. Inaddition, participants can be eligible forgrants from energy distributors or throughthe federal ecoENERGY Retrofit program.The suggested cost for a Rénoclimat energyevaluation is $149.95 (plus taxes) for a single-family home.

Équiterre is certified by the Agence de l’effi-cacité énergétique and by the Office ofEnergy Effiency to offer the Rénoclimat pro-gram and the ecoENERGY retrofit program.

To schedule an evaluation, contact us at 514-522-2000, extension 246.(www.equiterre.org)

*Rénoclimat is a program of the Agence del’efficacité énergétique du Québec that promotes the energy-efficient renovation ofexisting houses, for all energy sources.For more information, dial 1 866 266-0008or visit www.aee.gouc.qc.ca

Put energy efficiency at the heartof your renovation project!

You’re thinking about renovating? Before picking up your tools,

it is worthwhile to plan ahead in order to achieve maximum

potential with respect to the energy efficiency of your house.

Energy efficiency gains pay off on all scores: reduced energy bills,

improved comfort, and environmental protection!


First and foremost, Montréal offersan incredible choice of housing,from the simplest to the most luxu-

rious, single-family homes, “plexes”, loftsor condos that are part of either a new residential development well integrated inthe built environment or a converted heritage building. Regardless of yourfinancial means or personal tastes, you willno doubt find in Montréal’s neighbour-hoods a housing formula that suits yourlifestyle. Couples with children, singles andseniors — all can find a housing solutionthat meets their needs and lifestyle.

Then, living in Montréal means enjoyingauthentic surroundings, filled with historyand culture, and a living environment witha unique character stemming from a num-ber of traditions and influences. This iseven truer with the sustainable develop-ment being encouraged in Montréal,resulting in more and more dream hous-ing projects in impressive old buildingsthat were converted with care or in newresidential developments that are cleverlyintegrated in their urban surroundings.

Choosing Montréal is also a practical way toreduce your commuting time and free your-self from the stress associated with trafficjams on the bridges leading to the island.This may even enable a household to dowithout a second car, consequently saving alot of money.

From one neighbourhood to another, ani-mated streets offer a remarkable choice ofproducts and services. Day in and day out,the city’s neighbourhoods take on the lookof urban villages with a lively social andcommunity life. It’s up to you: take advan-tage of it!

Living in Montréal means having access to an exceptional range of services while enjoy-

ing a quality of life that is envied by residents of many other big cities! Each of Montréal’s

neighbourhoods offers a wide range of products and services in the authentic ambiance

of a living environment with a unique character.

Quality, charm, authenticity: That’s what living in Montréal is all about!

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Because your house is unique -----Wood collection-----

CAN YOU IDENTIFY EACH OF THE

NUMBERED ARCHITECTURAL

ELEMENTS ON THIS PAGE?

QUIZ TIME FORHERITAGE LOVERS

(Answers at the bottom)

1

2

3 4

56

False-mansard

Balustrade

Transom

Corbel or bracket

Cut stone

Crown

1. Corbel or bracket 2. Transom 3. Balustrade 4. Cut stone 5. Crown 6. False-mansard

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