Winds and big cold winter coming. It's time to prepare adequately his residence to avoid some problems that could end up costing! We toured the crucial elements that need to think with Alain Paquette, housing consultant CAA Quebec.
The external insulation
Of particular interest to the outer shell of the residence, which will be tested during the winter. An important element is the caulking around windows and doors that must remain flexible to prevent air and moisture from entering.
"To check, we make sure you can easily push them a flat screwdriver or a coin under 10, recommends Alain Paquette. If it has become hard, dried by the sun, it must be changed. Elasticity is important to keep the seal when the materials move with the freezing and thawing. "
We also took the opportunity to check the condition of weatherstripping: often these rubber bands that make the junction between the fixed and movable part of the doors and windows. If they have lost their flexibility, crack, or are detached: we change!
The interior sockets of a house set on a wall facing the outside can also allow air to sneak. "It removes the plastic plate, fill the space with an inexpensive insulating foam in a hardware store, it gives the board and voila!" Advises M. Paquette.
Result: You save several dollars during the coldest months of the year! Heating accounts for over 50% of your annual electricity bill. In addition, the hot air leaks and infiltration of cold air up to 25% of heat loss in a home.
The foundation
Before the arrival of the snow, a walk around the house to inspect the foundation is also essential. If you notice a crack, we must act!
"We quickly used a company specialized in the field so that it attacks the crack should be sealed thoroughly, says Alain Paquette. If water seeps, then freezes, the crack may grow and cause even more damage. For example, if wood is touched, mold may appear."
Result: Act quickly avoids major work whose cost can easily reach several thousand dollars.
The roof
The roof is another extremely important element of the house to which we must cast a glance ... while being careful!
"If it is a flat roof with a membrane, make sure there are no weak point, like a bubble, says Alain Paquette. If this is the shingle, make sure it looks secure. "It is also important to remove branches and debris that could be submitted to it during the summer.
Result: Maintain proper roof reduces the risk of water infiltration through the roof and avoid major damage inside the residence.
The fireplace
The chimney must also be inspected. His caulk should be flexible and intact. If it does not, we change.
"It also ensures that the coating is in good condition, there is no bird's nest on the chimney and is covered with a hat," says Paquette.
In addition, the chimney should be swept annually.
"And even if we use the fireplace only for a few home fires a year, says Paquette.Otherwise, soot hardens and thereafter, it is much harder to clean. "
Result: An annual chimney sweeping avoid soot build up and reduces the risk of fire. The cap of the chimney is important to prevent water and abyss between the lining of the chimney.
The water discharge systems
Before falling from the roof, the sheets are removed in the gutters, it is ensured they are secured in the house and it is verified that the water flows well.
Once back on earth, we look at the curbs to ensure they are not blocked by leaves or soil which interferes with the discharge of water.
It also cleans the floor drain in the garage, often filled with gravel, then take the direction from the basement to test the sump pump.
"I advise the same to test each month by pouring a liter of water that allow the mechanism to start and check that the water is drained."
Result : A functional sump pump can make all the difference to your home and your belongings in case of flooding. You will not be caught off guard if the spring is particularly wet!
Hoses watering and irrigation system
Finally, a sign that winter is coming, the last garden shoots have passed away. It's time to empty the hose to prevent water from freezing inside and splitting.
You have an irrigation system for your garden beds? We must also get all the water using an air compressor.
Result : Failure to drain the irrigation system could cost you dearly in the spring since it will dig up everything to change the cracked hose before again re-landscaping.Expenditure and work we definitely want to avoid is to enjoy the first warm days when spring will be back!
Meanwhile, at work!