Find out why some roofs in Montreal wear out twice as fast. The experts at 123Couvreur explain the real causes and how to avoid them.
In Montreal, two identical houses can have roofs installed in the same year, using the same materials, and yet, ten years later, one will still be flawless while the other will already have to be redone.
It's not a matter of luck. It is a question of maintenance, the choice of materials, and above all, the know-how of the roofer.
Chez 123 Roofer, we see this scenario being repeated every season. Here's the truth about what really makes the difference between a roof that lasts for decades and one that runs out before its time.
Winters in Montreal are among the most demanding in North America. Freezes, thaws, storms, and heavy snow put constant pressure on materials.
Each temperature cycle causes the roof to move, creates small cracks, and eventually weakens the structure.
A roof that is not adapted to this climate, or improperly installed, ages twice as fast. The joints open, the shingles rise, and the water slowly creeps in without us noticing it.
The problem often only occurs when it is too late.
To guard against ice dams, the Quebec Construction Code (art. 9.26.5.1.) requires eave protection on most sloped roofs, extending at least 900 mm (about 3 ft) up from the edge of the roof and at least 300 mm past the inner face of the exterior wall. Without it, water held back by the ice seeps under the shingles.
Not all shingles are created equal. Some entry-level products do not cope well with intense cold and deform after a few winters. Others, better designed, offer better grip and increased wind resistance.
The membrane used on flat roofs also makes a huge difference. A quality membrane installed properly can last more than 25 years. Conversely, a neglected installation reduces its lifespan by half.
A good roofer doesn't just choose the material: he selects the material that fits your type of roof, your exposure to the sun and your local conditions.
Even the best materials fail if the installation is botched.
The most common mistakes are simple, but costly:
For ventilation, the Quebec Construction Code (art. 9.19.1.2.) sets the unobstructed vent area at no less than 1/300 of the insulated ceiling area (1/150 below a 1:6 slope, or 2/12), with at least 25% at the top and 25% at the bottom of the roof. An under-ventilated attic traps moisture and heat under the roof deck.
These defects are not seen immediately, but they reduce the life of the roof by several years.
That's why The choice of the roofer is often more important than the choice of material itself.
A roof is not something that you install and forget.
Homeowners who keep their roofs in good condition all have one thing in common: they perform regular maintenance.
A simple cleaning of the gutters twice a year, a quick inspection after winter, and the removal of excessive snow make all the difference.
A roofer can also perform a preventive inspection every two to three years to check the condition of the joints, flashings, and ventilation. These small actions can add ten years of life to your roof.
In the majority of cases, a roof that ages too quickly has suffered from a combination of small problems: a poorly chosen material, a neglected installation, a lack of maintenance, or simply a lack of information.
The stakes are financial: in 2026, an asphalt shingle re-roof in Montreal generally costs $6 to $12 per sq. ft. installed, or roughly $9,000 to $18,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. bungalow. A roof that fails ten years early means paying that bill a decade sooner than planned.
In Montreal, where the climate is unforgiving, every detail counts.
Owners who get information and choose qualified professionals are the ones who benefit the longest from their investment.
Chez 123 Roofer, our mission is to help homeowners avoid these costly mistakes.
We select for you certified, reliable and experienced roofers, holding an RBQ licence, in Greater Montreal, able to offer the best solutions for your type of roof.
In 2026, by completing a single request, you will receive up to three free, non-binding quotes.
It is the surest way to get sustainable work, at the right price, by trusted professionals.
Protecting your home also means choosing the right roof, installed by the right hands.
