In the wake of recent accumulations of snow and the arrival of more mild temperatures, the Provincial Association of Home Builders of Quebec (APCHQ) informs you of precautions to protect your roof and prevent water seepage. Although the structures of our buildings can withstand the recent accumulations of snow, it is important to take certain precautions when a mild spell such as the one announced and that the snow gets heavier before starting to melt.

Accumulation of snow
The snow accumulation has possibly blocked gutters and fans who find themselves on the roof. If the wind blows away the snow on the roof and the upper part of fans was cleared, there is nothing to fear. On the other hand, fans used to ventilate the attic should not remain blocked for long periods. Indeed, solar radiation can heat up the attic to the point of melting snow and accelerate the formation of ice dams near cornices.

Regarding the flat roofs, importance should also be given to fans so that they are free.

Water infiltrations
When it rains, water seepage are to be expected. For security reasons, it is suggested to clear the lower ledges in order to facilitate the flow of rainwater. To do this, it is not necessary to clean the entire roof, you must create spaces of ± 12 inches wide with a height on the roof of ± 36 inches. These spaces ± 48 inches will allow the water to flow smoothly.

You must also pay special attention to the thresholds doors (patio doors), and the windows of the basement, which should be released from any accumulation of snow that could lead to water infiltration.

On the website of The APCHQ you can find tips for selecting a contractor with confidence. Here's what they advise:

 The entrepreneur who is from your region: We are from Abitibi-Témiscamingue, which shows a great knowledge for the construction of houses which have to face harsh winters.

 The entrepreneur who knows to demonstrate his disagreement: Our representatives know what is best for your comfort and will not hesitate to advise you according to your needs even if it means to disagree.

 The entrepreneur who is aware of the latest construction techniques: Our representatives will certainly respond to your questions and if they do not have the information they will know who to ask to get it!

 The contractor who offers the guarantee of new homes on the APCHQ: Les Maisons Nordique inc. offers the guarantee of new homes on the APCHQ.

 A recommended contractor: By offering the guarantee of new homes on the APCHQ, Les Maisons Nordique inc. are part of the recommended contractors.

 A manufacturer who received Palms: Les Maisons Nordique inc. have the GOLD PALM, which represents 8 to 15 consecutive years of excellence!

 Feel free to visit the APCHQ for more information at :

http://www.gomaison.com/gomaison/

Exterior doors are generally made of isolated steel-cored  and they are already pre-painted or painted in the chosen colors.When you want to repaint, do not apply paint on the magnetized weather-stripping , they don't get along with paint.If your door is exposed to sunlight, begin to paint early in the morning or wait a day without sun.

TIP:

Some doors are equipped with a dual weather-stripping system and are, on occasion, more difficult to open : a simple application of silicone sprays correct this small inconvenience.

If you intend to add a glass door and your steel door is decorated with applied plastic or PVC, it is useful to know that the heat accumulates between the two doors and it may melt those applied.

The roof of your house should protect you for many years.

However, although the contractor has taken all necessary precautions during the construction of the roof, climate conditions that we know in our regions can cause problems. Let's see what it means for roofing in asphalt shingles.

The violent winds may lift asphalt shingles and take them off: these are repairs or minor work that you should not fail to do because any negligence could make the situation worse.

Do not worry about differences in colour of asphalt shingles. These differences are normal and do not affect durability and effectiveness of your roof. In any case, they will eventually disappear after some time.

TIP:

In spring and fall, make a thorough inspection of the condition of your roof. This visit on the roof will save you a lot of trouble and you will be able, at the same time, to clean the gutters and repair, if necessary, cracked sealants.

- Be sure to stay away of the electrical wires.

- Avoid pressing directly on the wide gutters.

The roofs are often damaged by the installation of devices such as TV antennas.

It should be taken with great care and make sure that the restraints (hook cables) are sealed to prevent water infiltration.

Here's what you should do :

Regularly: Add water, as needed, in floor drains. Chimney-sweeping.

Every months: Cleaning the filters for the kitchen hood, the furnace and the air exchanger. Check smoke detectors.

Every 6 months: Cleaning smoke detectors. Check doors and windows windbreaker and see if lubrication is needed. Check the roof shingles and repair if necessary. Clean the gutters.

Every years: Inspection of outside siding . Repair of cracks. Emptying of the hot water tank for cleaning.

In the fall: Check the roof. Remove exterior narrow pipes. Protect trees and shrubs. Check the exterior socket.

Winter: Do not use de-icing salt on the sidewalks and concrete balconies. Avoid forcing window shutters after an ice storm.

During the year following the excavation of a new yard and building a house, there may be a normal washout of the ground along the foundation. You can easily correct this situation by adding soil to the affected areas and therefore avoid accumulation of water.

To avoid problems or inconvenience caused by such subsidence and if your entry is on the edge of a wall foundation, it is recommended to wait at least one year before paving your driveway parking,

Concrete sidewalks and entrances

Concrete takes a lot of time before they harden completely. At the end of the hardening process of concrete, you could see cracks.

What happened?

The is nothing to worry about. Indeed, these cracks do not allow water infiltration. However, you will have to take care of the crudest cracks yourself or by dealing with a specialized contractor.

TIP:

In winter, the use of de-icing salt or any other melting products can cause considerable damage to concrete surfaces particularly in the two years after construction. Use sand or fine gravel instead.

The use of sharp instruments such as an axe or a peak for de-icing your sidewalks are strongly inadvisable.

To keep your driveways in good condition, pay attention to the damage caused by the bicycle racks, petroleum products the could leak from your car or the weight when parking heavy vehicles.