Windows and Doors in the West Island: A Homeowner Guide

Replacing windows and doors in the West Island comes with its own set of questions. Homes in Pointe-Claire, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Kirkland and Beaconsfield range from older houses near the lakeshore to split-levels, bungalows and two-storey family homes from the suburban decades, and many still have their original windows or a first replacement that is showing its age. This guide looks at the typical West Island house, what to check before you replace, and why the rules can differ from one city to the next.

The Typical West Island Home and Its Windows

Much of the West Island grew in the second half of the twentieth century, and it shows in the housing. Split-levels, side-splits, bungalows and two-storey detached homes line many streets, often with a large picture window in the living room, a sliding patio door to the backyard and partly buried basement windows. Closer to the lake, you also find older homes and some that started out as cottages before being enlarged.

The windows in these houses tell a story of their own. Some homes still have original aluminum sliders or wood casements, others had a first round of vinyl replacements decades ago. Both can now show the same signs: drafts, condensation between the panes, hardware that no longer locks properly and frames that feel cold to the touch in January.

Because many of these homes were built with similar plans, the same window positions and sizes come up often. That makes it easier to plan, but each house has been modified over time, so every opening should still be measured and inspected individually. Small differences, such as a sill that has shifted or a frame that has been patched, change the details of each installation.

Pointe-Claire, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Kirkland and Beaconsfield

These four communities are often grouped together, but each one is a separate city with its own town hall, its own bylaws and its own permit process. They are not boroughs of Montreal, so the rules that apply in a Montreal borough do not automatically apply here, and the rules of one West Island city are not automatically those of its neighbour. Checking with the right city is therefore the first step for any project that changes the look of a house.

The character of each city also varies from one neighbourhood to the next. The list below gives a broad picture, with a link to each city's page for more local information. Within each city, you will find streets of very different ages and styles.

• Pointe-Claire: a historic village and lakeshore homes in the south, suburban neighbourhoods further north.
• Dollard-des-Ormeaux: largely residential, with many split-levels, bungalows and two-storey family homes.
• Kirkland: mostly more recent neighbourhoods, often with larger two-storey houses.
• Beaconsfield: mature trees, lakeshore properties and a mix of older and mid-century homes.

Wind, Lake Exposure and Mature Trees

Homes along Lake Saint-Louis face conditions that inland streets do not. Wind coming across open water drives rain and snow against the façade, and winter gusts test every seal. On these exposed walls, compression-sealed windows such as casements and awnings, careful exterior caulking and well-installed flashing above each opening can make a noticeable difference.

Mature trees, one of the charms of the West Island, also affect window choices. Dense evergreens on the south side can reduce the free heat a home gets from the winter sun, while an open west wall may overheat in summer. The glass coating can be chosen with that orientation in mind. Leaves, seeds and needles also find their way into sliding tracks and drainage holes, so a quick cleaning each fall is worth adding to the routine.

Tree roots and settling soil can, over many years, slightly shift a house. If doors begin to stick or windows no longer close evenly, mention it during an estimate so the openings can be checked for square before new units are measured. Square, level openings are the basis of a window that seals and operates properly.

Choosing Windows for Split-Levels and Bungalows

Split-levels and bungalows put windows at very different heights within the same house, from basement units half below grade to upper bedrooms. Choosing types level by level, rather than one style everywhere, often works better, as long as the look stays consistent from the street. The list below is a common starting point, to adapt to each house.

Colour and style deserve a thought too. Many West Island homes combine brick with siding, and newer frame colours, including darker exteriors, can refresh a façade considerably. If you change the colour, consider the doors and garage door at the same time so the whole house reads as one design.

• Living room: a large fixed window flanked by casements keeps the view and adds ventilation.
• Kitchen: an awning or casement over the sink is easier to reach than a slider.
• Bedrooms: opening units large enough for the room's needs, including emergency exit where required.
• Basement: sliders or awnings that suit window wells and limited height.
• Stairwells and landings: fixed or opening units sized for safe reach.

Patio Doors and Entry Doors for Suburban Homes

Backyards are central to West Island family life, and the patio door is often the most used door in the house. A patio sliding door is the usual choice for decks and pool areas because it opens without taking floor space, but hinged garden doors suit some layouts better. Look at the glass, the quality of the rollers and track, the locking system and the threshold, which takes a lot of wear from daily traffic.

Where there is a pool, think about how the door locks and who can open it, since Quebec's residential pool safety rules can apply to a door that opens directly onto the pool enclosure; ask your city what applies to your yard. At the front, an entry door with sidelights is common on split-levels. Replacing it at the same time as the windows keeps colours and finishes consistent and lets the installer treat the façade as a whole.

Permits and Planning in West Island Cities

Because each West Island city sets its own rules, the first step is to contact your city's urban planning or permits department. Describe whether you are replacing windows in the same openings or changing their size, style, colour or material, and ask whether a permit or another approval is needed. Some streets or sectors may have architectural criteria; your city can tell you.

If you live in a townhouse or condo, the syndicate or association may also have its own rules about windows and doors. Ask for them in writing before you sign a contract. A few practical points then help any project run smoothly.

• Check with your city before ordering, especially if openings change.
• Confirm any condo or association rules in writing.
• Take photos of each façade and list the windows by room.
• Note which windows have drafts, fog or hardware problems.
• Clear access around windows and doors on the day of installation.
• Discuss the timing of the work with your installer, including weather.

Getting Started on Your West Island Project

A walk around the house with a notebook is the best first step: list each window and door, note what bothers you about it and which rooms matter most. That list makes the conversation with any installer far more productive and helps you set priorities if you plan the work in stages. It also gives you a clear record of the condition of each opening. It is time to call a professional when you see fog between the panes, soft or stained sills, or doors and windows that no longer close evenly, since those can point to problems in the opening itself.

Unisson Groupe manufactures windows and doors in Saint-Laurent and installs them across Greater Montreal, including the West Island. To see what would suit your home and what the project would involve, request a free in-home estimate. The cost depends on the number of openings and the products you choose, so a visit is the clearest way to know.

Frequently Asked Questions