Montreal is home to some of Canada’s most iconic architecture—Victorian row houses, stone-clad triplexes, and century-old buildings that tell the story of the city’s evolution. Preserving these properties means more than maintaining appearances; it means respecting their heritage, materials, and the strict municipal guidelines that govern their restoration.
At JV Deco, we specialize in masonry work for heritage homes in Montreal, combining expert craftsmanship with a deep understanding of historical standards and local bylaws, including compliance with SPAIP zones (Plans d’implantation et d’intégration architecturale).
If you own a historic property in Westmount, NDG, Montreal West, or any of Montreal’s protected districts, here’s what you need to know about keeping its masonry authentic, safe, and regulation-compliant.
Why Heritage Masonry Restoration Requires a Specialized Approach
Heritage homes aren’t like modern buildings. The materials, techniques, and even the rules that apply to them are different.
- Traditional Lime-Based Mortar: Many century-old homes used softer, lime-rich mortar—not modern cement. Using the wrong type of mortar can cause permanent damage.
- Brick Matching: Original bricks are often handmade or vary in size and color. Matching them requires sourcing or custom fabrication.
- Historic Detailing: Arched lintels, decorative cornices, and hand-cut stone require precision masonry to restore.
- SPAIP Regulations: In protected zones, even replacing a few bricks or sills must meet municipal architectural integration guidelines.
These factors are why only a qualified masonry contractor with heritage experience should take on restoration of an ancestral or classified home.
What Is a SPAIP Zone and Why Does It Matter?
In Montreal, many neighbourhoods—like Plateau, Villeray, and Old Montreal—are regulated under a SPAIP (Plan d’implantation et d’intégration architecturale). This means that any exterior modification, including masonry repairs, must be approved by the borough.
At JV Deco, we:
- Review municipal zoning and SPAIP requirements
- Coordinate with architects or inspectors if needed
- Prepare documentation and photos for permit applications
- Execute the work using approved techniques and materials
This protects homeowners from fines, redo costs, and denied resale certificates, while ensuring your project respects the architectural identity of your neighbourhood.
Our Heritage Masonry Process at JV Deco
We follow a structured process that prioritizes historical integrity, building safety, and regulation compliance.
1. Heritage Assessment
We begin with an on-site evaluation of the property’s masonry condition, noting:
- Cracked or spalled bricks
- Failing mortar joints
- Damaged lintels or sills
- Water infiltration points
We then assess the building’s heritage classification and SPAIP status.
2. Planning & Material Matching
We identify:
- Original brick or stone types
- Mortar composition and color
- Architectural details (corbels, arches, bands)
We source or reproduce materials to match the original as closely as possible.
3. Skilled Restoration Work
Our experienced masons carry out:
- Brick replacement with custom-matched units
- Lime mortar repointing using hand tools
- Lintel and sill replacement with natural stone or precast
- Waterproofing and flashing to prevent future damage
4. Documentation & Finishes
We document the work, provide before/after photos, and ensure all details are presented for SPAIP review if required.
What Types of Heritage Homes Do We Work On?
JV Deco has experience restoring a wide range of Montreal’s architectural treasures:
- Victorian and neo-Victorian row houses
- Stone triplexes and duplexes from the early 1900s
- Veterans’ homes and war-era properties
- Houses built with grey limestone, clay brick, or fieldstone
Whether your home is in a heritage protection zone or simply has historical value, we treat every project with the same care and respect.
Case Study: Brick Work on a Victorian Home in Montreal
When Marco reached out to us, his Victorian-style home in Montreal was showing signs of exterior wear common to older brick facades—deteriorating mortar, minor cracking, and visible weathering from years of exposure to the elements.
Our team conducted a full masonry assessment and developed a plan that respected the architectural detail and materials of his home. This included:
- Selective brick replacement using bricks matched in size and texture
- Detail-oriented repointing to restore the joints while preserving the home’s historic look
- Careful cleaning and finishing of the facade without damaging original features
“JV Deco did a fantastic job on the exterior wall of my Victorian home. I couldn’t be happier with the results and would highly recommend them for any brick work needed. They were very professional and took great care of all the little details necessary to complete the job.”
— Marco La Serra
Thanks to our attention to detail and commitment to heritage techniques, the finished wall not only restored the structure’s integrity, but also elevated the home’s appearance, bringing back the elegance it was originally built to reflect.
Why Choose JV Deco for Heritage Masonry in Montreal?
- Years of experience with heritage buildings across Montreal
- SPAIP-compliant techniques and documentation support
- Material authenticity – we don’t cut corners with modern substitutes
- Local knowledge of borough-specific regulations
- Clear communication and professional follow-through
We’re not just masons. We’re caretakers of architectural heritage.
Request a Heritage Masonry Consultation
If you live in a historic district or own an older home in Montreal, don’t risk damaging its legacy with shortcuts or unqualified contractors. JV Deco is here to help you restore, preserve, and protect your home’s character—while staying 100% compliant.
Or request a site visit using our online contact form by clicking here.
JV Deco – Preserving Montreal’s architectural legacy, one brick at a time.
