FAQ
FAQ
Yes, what we are doing is complicated. There is a good chance that you are not the first to ask the questions you have in mind, so here is a section with the most frequently asked ones.
FAQ
Everything you need to know
Here are some questions about manufacturing, frequently asked by our customers. We look forward to helping you with your project!
Our Offer
We are located in the industrial district of Boucherville. We have an office with a showroom on site. 90% of our projects are carried out in the central (heritage) neighborhoods of Montreal, but we offer our services in many regions of Québec. Contact us, you might be surprised!
Our company is highly specialized: as a result, we are one of the few companies that handle all types of work on balconies, railings and stairs, whether it is restoration, replacement or installation.
We only use specialized products that meet very precise quality criteria. We are able to offer you these products: simply contact us and explain your needs.
The number of years of warrantly varies depending on the work carried out. Here are the different warranties:
- Two (2) years warranty on maintenance and restoration work of wrought iron (steel). This cover paint chipping and the appearance of premature rust.
- Five (5) years warranty on new and freshly installed structures. It covers anchoring problems that may occur, prematurely broken welds, and any other abnormal damage.
- Product warranty: Warranties vary from one product to another. Please refer to our “Additional Resources” page on our website for more details.
*The Warranties we offer do not cover normal wear and tear of the structures we have installed or restored. Please contact us for further information.
We accept payments by check, Interac transfer, and bank transfer. Financing is available upon request; Please contact our team for more details.
Forgex Experience
We focus on transparency and respect fort our clients. Our goal is to offer you a project of the highest quality while being realistic and respecting your budget. No hiding and no surprise fees, we give you the exact truth.
Yes, we have them. We have our RBQ license, we are APCHQ certified, we are in a prevention mutual to protect our workers, and all our workers have their competency card to work on the construction sites.
Estimation
From the moment the file is handed over to our representatives, we have an approximate timeframe of 5 business days during the low season (that is, from November to February). However, during the high season (March to October), the timeframe may be longer. A visit to the construction site is usually necessary. For this appointment, it is preferable to be on site so that our advisor fully understand your needs. This meeting lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the project. The estimate is completely free, so you have nothing to lose – call us!
The information we need to provide you with a quote is as follows:
- First and Last name
- Phone number
- Email address
- The full address of the worksite
- The location of the work (front balcony, stairs on the left side of the building)
- Some photos and/or the plans of your project
- The desired timing for completing the work
To request an estimate, you can contact us using the information under the contact tab. You can also send your information by email, under the same tab, or through the online quote at the top of the page.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to find the most appropriate solution for you without having seen the work to be done and, above all, without knowing what your needs/priorities are. That is why we advise you to make an appointment with one of our advisors. In this way, you will have a quote in hand that will meet your expectations and allow you to make an informed decision on the matter.
Of course! Since we are very popular in the Montreal metropolitan area, we are aware of the needs and regulations of almost every municipality in your area. We will advise you and take the time to put together a solid file for the approval of your project. Additionally, please note that our quote is very detailed for submission to the city, and we also provide a technical drawing to support everything.
For all your work, we suggest that you check both with the city and with your insurance. In heritage areas, it is possible that insurance companies do not accept the city’s requests.
Projects
For the permit application, it is preferable to have on hand:
- Copy of the location certificate
- Up-to-date photo of the facades of immediate neighbors (overall view)
- Up-to-date photo of the facades affected by our work (overall view)
- Power of attorney (to authorize us to submit the application for you – a form will be provided).
- The estimate provided by the representative
- Initial discussion with the project manager
- Official measurement taker by our technician
- Production of technical drawings
- Approval of the drawings
- Put the project into production
- On-site installation
- Finalization
Every year, our services are in very high demand throughout the region. It is very difficult for us to give you an exact timeline because there are many factors that impact it. In any case, we advise you to plan about 2 months in advance to handle the city permit requests and the approval process properly.
Every project we undertake concludes with a final walkthrough of the work to ensure your complete satisfaction. We are proud of our products and want them to continue to shine over time. We make a team of representatives available to you every day by email and phone. In fact, a member of our team will contact you a few days after the work is completed to confirm your satisfaction with us. Our greatest pride is being able to build a lasting relationship of trust with our clients and their circle.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to give you a price range like that without knowing your project. Each project is different and custom-made. Our advisors need to analyze the work to be done before giving you an idea of the price.
Depending on the work you have to carry out, you may need a renovation or construction permit. However, it is advisable to go to the permit office of your borough as soon as possible and submit your application. The processing times can often be long. Our estimates are clear and detailed enough to submit the application to the city.
The answer is yes! Since we have a showroom at our office, we will be happy to welcome you. However, it is best to contact us before coming. This way, we can schedule an appointment with one of our advisors and ensure that someone will be available to answer your questions.
Yes of course we are coming to the island of Montreal. We carry out a large part of our projects in Montreal.
We carry out the majority of our work on the island of Montreal. However, we have worked in several municipalities in Quebec. Each project must be analyzed before confirming if it is possible to help you.
Measurement taking is included in each project up to 50km from our office. For projects that are outside the 50km, an additional fee may be added to the quote.
Products
This style of railing is only available indoors according to the Quebec Building Code 2015.
The rule of thumb is as follows:
- Risk of falling less than 2 feet: Not necessary
- Risk of falling between 2 and 6 feet: 36″ high railing required
- Risk of falling 6 feet or more: 42″ high railing required
Other parameters must be evaluated to confirm your needs.
It depends on several factors. The quick answer is yes, but often the working time is very close to a full replacement. A consultation with one of our advisors is recommended.
Fabrication
Indeed! All the projects we install are custom-made for you. We take precise measurements to ensure that everything is perfect during installation.
It is possible for us to sell you your project without onstallation. However, it should be noted that for certain products it is necessary to have machinery to lift it. Moreover, we do not keep stock in our warehouse since everything is custom-made.
- Steel (wrought iron) is one of the materials that we most often find in heritage sectors. It is undoubtedly the most rigid. However, It requires regular maintenance.
- As for welded aluminum, it is often confused with steel (wrought iron). However, its cost and lack of maintenance make it a preferred material. Furthermore, it is durable and weather-resistant.
- Mechanical aluminum is an aesthetic and inexpensive material. It is prefabricated, which allows for easier installation.
Depending on the condition of your project, it may be necessary to carry out a replacement. For small repairs such as welding, we invite you to contact a mobile welding unit in your area. Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information or questions.
Installation
Unfortunately, we do not carry out this type of work. We only perform the installation of our materials.
It depends on the type of paving stone used. There is a high risk that it will break during installation. It is important to use the right anchors and the correct method. An inspection is necessary in order to give you an answer.
Yes, We have several types of warranties depending on your project. We invite you to look at the “Resources” section of our website to find all our warranties.
Restoration
Unfortunately, we do not carry out restoration inside your home, as there are fire risks due to sparks from the grinder and welding. However, we can still offer restoration using sandblasting at our workshop.
Yes, indeed. If you wish to restore your railings, it is possible to do so in a workshop. We also perform “sandblasting”, which is restoration with a sand jet. When you have a lot of ornaments on your railings, this method is the most effective.
Obviously the question is not easy to answer, since we must first check its condition. Contact us with photos and we will be able to guide you to the right option.
Interior Staircase
Yes indeed, we are coordinating with your hardwood floor. This allows us to match the same shade of tread as your floor.
Unfortunately, we cannot manufacture a curved central stringer. However, we can manufacture it with an example angle of 45 degrees.
Unfortunately, we do not carry out restoration indoors directly at your pace, as there are fire risks due to sparks from the grinder and welding.
For a 36″ spiral staircase, the required dimension must be wider than 36″. We recommend a minimum of 78″.
Outdoor Staircase
Depending on the wear of your wrought iron (welded steel), we recommend performing maintenance approximately every 5 years. However, if you want it to stay in good condition, do not wait until there is too much rust to have it maintained.
We do not offer wrought iron repair services. However, we can provide you with a quote for the replacement of this staircase.
It is difficult to answer this question. It is better to check with your district to be sure.
It may not be as robust, but it is still solid, durable, and meets the same construction standards.
Welded aluminum is less expensive than wrought iron (steel). In addition, it requires no maintenance in the short or long term.
The answer is no! So if you are looking for a material that requires no maintenance, you will be satisfied with welded aluminum.
For a 36” spiral staircase, the required dimension must be wider than 36”. We recommend a minimum of 78”.
Interior Railing
Unfortunately, we do not do indoor cooking. Since we use a grinder during cooking, there is too high a risk of fire indoors.
For our railings, we use tempered glass of different thicknesses (according to building code standards). However, following a significant impact, it may break.
Exterior Railing
Depending on the wear of your wrought iron (steel), we recommend performing maintenance approximately every 5 years. However, if you want it to stay in good condition, do not wait until there is too much rust to have it maintained.
Unfortunately, we do not offer this type of material for outdoor projects. However, we do offer stainless steel for indoor railings.
It is difficult to answer this question. It is better to check with your district to be sure.
It may not be as robust, but it is still solid, durable, and meets the same construction standards.
Welded aluminum is less expensive than wrought iron (steel). In addition, it requires no maintenance in the short or long term.
The answer is no! So, if you are looking for a material that requires no maintenance, you will be satisfied with welded aluminum.
Mechanical aluminum is not the most durable option. However, it requires no maintenance.
Usually, heritage sectors are stricter regarding the choice of materials. Often they will require wrought iron railings to preserve the original state of the premises. We suggest, however, that you check with your borough to get the exact answer.
For our railings, we use tempered glass of different thicknesses (according to building code standards). However, following a significant impact, it may break.
Balcony
Fiberglass is mainly made of plywood. Sheets of fiber are applied followed by an epoxy resin. Finally, a gel coat is applied to the surface.
If you need a fireproof floor, fiberglass is not a good option. Since a large part of this floor is made of wood (plywood), this option will not be approved.
Fiberglass is an economical and durable option. It is therefore often found on income properties. Your balconies will remain in good condition for years.
When wooden parts need to be replaced, we are able to help you. If you only want sanding and the application of stain/paint, unfortunately, this is not a service offered on its own.
Yes, it is normal for wooden floors to produce a creaking sound. This is due to a natural phenomenon of the movement of wood.
It surprisingly doesn’t get too hot under the sun. It’s one of the best products if you want to be more comfortable on your terrace that is in full sun.
Yes! The aluminum flooring is one of the most weather-resistant choices and requires no maintenance. Certainly, it is more expensive than some, but you will not have to replace it for decades.
This product is interesting because of its waterproofing. You will therefore not have any water infiltration into structure of your balcony.
Composite is a durable & eco-friendly option. It is made of 95% recycled material such as plastic bottles, wood fibers, or even rice husks. It requires no maintenance & is resistant to extreme temperatures and their variations.
Composite is one of the flooring styles that absorbs the most sunlight.
It allows you to have an interesting aesthetic appearance while being environmentally friendly. In addition, it is easy to install and does not require any specialized equipment for installation. For several years, people have been looking for more environmentally friendly materials for our environment. We can confirm that some of the products we offer have LEED certification.
**LEED: stands for leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an eco-certification that values green architecture.
Some type of composite are fireproof. Other options are available, including aluminum. Our advisor can guide you.
There is a distinction between installing a balcony on a roof and using a balcony to make à roof. IN NO CASE should you use a balcony to make a roof. Our products are not designed to ensure flawless roof waterproofing/insulation. Before installing a balcony, you must make sure you have a certified roof membrane installed by a professional. But yes, we can install a terrace on a roof!