Commercial roofing in Vimont

What the City says about the western portion

The land use plan describes industrial uses in the western portion developed mainly in the 2000s. It does not date each building, and the City publishes nothing on the type or condition of their roofs.

A manager preparing a roofing in Vimont project starts from their own documents: the year of installation, whether the warranty is still in force, the repairs already paid for.

Article 380 and industrial buildings

Article 380 of the Code de l'urbanisme (Laval's urban planning code) covers main and accessory buildings with a flat roof. Its text does not set industry or commerce apart. It requires a green or white covering, or one with a solar reflectance index of at least 78, as detailed on the area page. Its exceptions cover buildings and equipment authorized on a roof, small residential accessory buildings and farm buildings.

The Code does not specify what applies to an existing roof redone identically. If you want to redo your roof as it is, get the answer from the Service de l'urbanisme (the City's urban planning department) before drafting the specifications.

More than three storeys: article 141

The Code's chapter on sustainable buildings contains another rule. The roof structure must be designed to receive an extensive green roof when three conditions are met:

• the building is more than three storeys high
• the roof area of the building or its extension is more than 250 m²
• the roof is flat

Article 141 has exceptions. It deals with the design of the structure: it does not require installing a green roof, and it does not say what applies to an existing building where only the covering is being redone.

The City does not publish the height of the buildings in the Centre industrial park. Count the storeys of yours: at three storeys or fewer, the first condition is not met.

What the City publishes for commercial buildings

The City's page on renovating and fitting out a commercial space requires a construction and improvement permit before altering or fitting out a unit. It lists fees of $172 for the first $5,000 of work, plus $6.10 per $1,000 bracket or part of a bracket.

This page does not mention roofing, and the City publishes no other page on commercial roofing. Ask the Service de l'urbanisme whether your project requires a permit, and which one, before setting a start date.

Preventive maintenance of a flat roof

What follows is trade practice, not regulation:

• Have us inspect the roof at regular intervals, often in spring and fall.
• Have the drains cleared at each visit. Standing water wears out the membrane.
• Ask for a written report with photos, and file it with the previous ones.

Equipment on the roof

Ventilation and air conditioning units pierce the membrane or rest on it. Each base is a possible leak point.

In a replacement quote, have it specified who disconnects, lifts and reconnects each unit, and how the flashing around the bases is redone.

Frequently asked questions