Before the crew arrives
The visit. We measure the roof and look at the roofing, the flashing and the vents. We take a look at the attic when possible. We also note where the truck and the dumpster will go.
The quote. Our quote reaches you in writing after the visit. In a roof replacement, it serves as the basis for the contract. Read it with the same care.
The permit. For a residence, the City of Laval requires no permit when the roofing is replaced with the same material, and requires one when the material changes. It also asks owners to wait until they have received the permit before starting. Settle the question before signing, and have the contract state who files the application.
The contract. It sets the work, the materials, the price and the planned period. The weather is in charge. We often give a range of dates rather than a fixed day, especially in high season.
The first morning
A dumpster is placed as close to the building as possible. The materials follow, sometimes lifted straight onto the roof. We then cover what runs along the walls: flower beds, the deck, basement windows, the air conditioner.
When the roof is open
The tear-off. The old roofing comes off in sections and ends up in the dumpster. The tear-off is the noisiest moment of the job. A careful roofer limits the open area to what they can close before the end of the day.
The deck. The wood appears, and its real condition with it. Rotten, split or overly soft boards or panels are replaced. An extra charge can arise at this stage. Before any replacement, ask to see the damaged wood or to receive photos of it.
Installing the new roofing
On a sloped roof, the work goes up from the eaves toward the peak.
- The drip edge and the eave membrane, at the edge.
- The underlayment, over the rest of the deck.
- The shingles, row after row going up, with the flashing and vents installed along the way.
- The ridge cap, which closes the peak.
On a flat roof, we first install the support board and insulation, if the project includes them. Then come the membrane base sheet, the cap sheet, and the flashing turned up against the parapets. Sealing the drains and vents requires the most attention. A leak often starts at these spots.
Closing the job
The cleanup. Debris is picked up, gutters are emptied, and a magnet is run over the yard to catch nails. The dumpster is taken away. Walk around the house and point out right away anything that remains.
The walkthrough and the papers. Walk the site with the crew lead before making the last payment. You will not go up on the roof: ask them for photos of the finished work. Three documents should be handed to you: a detailed invoice, the warranties, and the list of products installed.
Frequently asked questions
What if rain arrives in the middle of the job?
We follow the weather and control the open area. A surprise shower is handled with a temporary cover over the exposed section. Before the work, ask us how we go about it.
Do I need to stay home during the work?
No, but keep your phone nearby. When the deck is exposed, we may need your approval quickly for extra work.
Does the roof come before or after my other renovations?
The roof usually comes before interior finishing. A new ceiling is then not exposed to damage. A rooftop deck, solar panels or a skylight to come should be mentioned in your request, before we prepare the quote.
Can an owner replace their own roof?
It is better not to try. Working at heights is dangerous, and an installation that departs from the manufacturer's instructions can put its warranty at risk. Welding a flat roof membrane also requires equipment and training.
Official sources, consulted on October 8, 2026: