Restoration of dormer and cornice woodwork
- Plateau
- Montréal 2026
This Plateau duplex has a typical neighbourhood facade: a slate mock mansard, two gabled dormers and a wooden cornice decorated with brackets. Over the years, the woodwork had deteriorated. Paint was peeling, several wood pieces were worn or damaged and a few slates needed replacing.
We used an aerial lift to work safely across the full height of the facade. On the dormers, we rebuilt the woodwork: the ogee mouldings inside the gables, the trim around the ornaments and one window sash. The tops of both dormers were covered with sheet metal to better protect the wood from water.
Along the cornice, damaged wood was replaced with new lumber that follows the existing profiles, so the facade keeps its original character. About ten slates were also replaced on the mansard, and the green paint finish on the cornice woodwork was part of the job.
The result: sound dormers and cornice, protected from the weather, that keep the building's heritage look.
Nature of the problem
The dormer and cornice woodwork was worn: peeling paint, damaged wood in several spots and a few slates to replace on the mock mansard.
Project overview
- Work carried out from a boom lift
- Dormer woodwork rebuilt, including the ogee gable mouldings
- Sheet metal installed on top of both dormers
- Damaged cornice wood replaced
- About ten slates replaced
- Cornice woodwork painted green
Learn more about this project
On a dormer, the top of the gable is the first to take rain and snow. A sheet metal cap sheds water away from the wood and joints, which protects the wood and paint on the mouldings and ornaments below from deteriorating.
Smart tip
Inspect your cornice and dormer windows for signs of deterioration, such as peeling paint, loose wood components, or slate tiles coming off.
If you notice any of these signs, contact us for a professional assessment and recommendations. In many cases, a complete replacement isn't necessary. We can replicate damaged components, restore the exterior cladding, and apply protective coatings without rebuilding the entire structure.
**Taking preventive action early will cost you significantly less than replacing your entire mansard roof.**
