Shingle roofing in Vimont

The eastern portion of Vimont

For the eastern portion of the station area, the City's land use plan speaks of low-density residential uses where single-family housing dominates. A municipal planning guide writes that in 1988 Vimont was in full expansion, like Sainte-Rose and Auteuil.

These documents describe houses, not their roofs. For roofing in Vimont, the date that matters is that of the last installation, and it is in your papers.

How long shingles last

Asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years, an order of magnitude that varies with the manufacturer and the quality of installation.

Whatever the age of the house, first find out whether the roof has already been redone, and in what year. An invoice, a contract or the manufacturer's warranty certificate answers the question.

Attic ventilation also affects how long shingles last. If the hatch can be reached without climbing, look in with a flashlight, without going in. Look for frost, dark stains or a damp smell, and mention them in your request. Do not touch insulation made of small shiny grains that looks like vermiculite: it can contain asbestos.

The permit depends on the material

The full rule is on the area page. For a residence, the City requires a permit only if the covering is replaced with a new material.

The City does not define what same material means. Switching from asphalt shingles to sheet metal looks like a change, but confirmation is up to the Service de l'urbanisme (the City's urban planning department). Have the quote state which material is installed and who handles the application, if there is one.

What the Code says about shingles

The Code de l'urbanisme (Laval's urban planning code) keeps a closed list of allowed roof coverings. This list names asphalt, aluminum, enamelled or textured steel, wood and fibreglass shingles.

The same chapter lists asbestos shingles among prohibited materials.

What you can observe from the ground

Do not climb on the roof or up a ladder. Walk around the house and look from below, with binoculars if you have them. Four signs can be spotted this way:

• shingle corners lifting, or rows that ripple
• smooth dark patches, where the shingles have lost their granules
• granules piled up at the foot of downspouts
• a ridge line that is no longer straight

In its Plan de foresterie urbaine (the City's urban forestry plan), the City notes that the proportion of trees at the end of their life is higher in Vimont and Chomedey. The forestry plan says nothing about roofs. If branches hang over yours, tell us in your request.

Inside, look at the upstairs ceilings after heavy rain. Note what you see, with the date, and take photos. We will start from there.

Frequently asked questions