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In Quebec, forest fires can occur once in a while during the warmer seasons, generally from early April to late October. The most extreme forest fires are usually during the hottest periods, which means you could be confronted simultaneously with forest fire smoke and extremely high temperatures. In addition to the obvious consequences for the outdoor environment, it’s essential to understand the impact of these fires on the indoor air quality of nearby homes. In this article, we’ll look at the steps you can take to protect your indoor environment, focusing on aeration, air filtration and other important precautions.

Maintain good ventilation

When a forest fire breaks out in your area, it’s a good idea to maintain good ventilation inside your home or workspace. Be sure to seal doors and windows and keep them closed when the temperature is pleasant. In addition, check that your home is equipped with at least one working carbon monoxide detector. Use fans to promote air circulation. Don’t hesitate to consult the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for information on the health risks associated with local air pollution and the measures you can take to protect your health.

Use air purifiers

Air purifiers are effective devices for improving indoor air quality during a forest fire. They are equipped with special filters capable of trapping the fine particles present in smoke. Choose air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles. Place air purifiers in main rooms and let them run continuously to filter the air.

Avoid using smoke-producing appliances

During a forest fire, it’s best to avoid using smoke-producing appliances indoors. This includes fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, scented candles, and incense. These smoke sources add extra particles to the indoor air and can make matters worse during a fire in progress. Choose electric alternatives instead or opt for heat and lighting sources that don’t emit smoke.

Clean your indoor environment regularly

Another suggestion is to regularly clean your indoor environment to remove deposited smoke particles. Vacuum frequently, using a model with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles. You can also wash sheets, curtains, and upholstery to remove odors and residues.

By following the above tips, you can reduce health risks and preserve air quality in your living space. Qualitam is also available to carry out an air quality analysis of your home.

The air we breathe is essential to our survival, but its quality can vary greatly depending on many factors. Poor air quality can have a serious impact on the health of those exposed to it. Poor air quality is associated with many health problems. Fine particles, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are the main air pollutants responsible for health problems and respiratory irritation. These are airborne and can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream. In this article, we will explore the harmful effects of poor air quality on human health.

Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are one of the most common effects of poor air quality. Air pollution can aggravate asthma and cause chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections, coughing and wheezing. People with asthma are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because their respiratory system is more sensitive to irritants.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is also associated with poor air quality. Air pollution can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart failure and coronary heart disease. Long-term exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of stroke.

Allergies

Allergies are also a common effect of poor air quality. Air pollutants can aggravate existing allergies and cause new allergies. Pollutants can cause inflammation in the airways, which can make allergy symptoms worse.

Infections

Infections are also linked to poor air quality. Air pollution can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections. People with chronic respiratory illnesses may also be more vulnerable to infections.

Finally, poor air quality is also associated with cancer. Air pollutants such as fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can enter the body’s cells and damage DNA, which can lead to the development of cancer.

It is important to understand that poor air quality has serious implications for human health. As mentioned earlier, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, infections, and cancer are all potentially harmful effects of air pollution. So, don’t hesitate to ask about the measures you can take to reduce your air pollution. Contact Qualitam for answers to your concerns.

Complete guide to managing the presence of asbestos at home

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in building construction until its ban in 1990. If your home was built before this date, it may contain asbestos in various forms, such as flooring, insulation, roofs, walls, and ceilings. The presence of asbestos in your home can pose a risk to your health and that of your family, as asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause serious respiratory problems.

Understanding the risks of asbestos

Over the years, Quebec has banned certain types of asbestos and certain materials containing asbestos. The use of amosite and crocidolite or any product containing these materials has been prohibited in Quebec since 1990 (Government of Quebec, 2017a). Asbestos sprays have also been banned since 1990 (Government of Quebec, 2017b), while thermal insulation has been banned since 1999 (Government of Quebec, 2017c). Finally, Quebec’s last asbestos mine ceased operations in 2012. Therefore, if your house was built before these years, it is important to understand the risks associated with asbestos to take appropriate measures. Asbestos is composed of fine and resistant mineral fibers, which can be inhaled into the air when materials containing asbestos deteriorates or are handled improperly. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious respiratory problems, as well as other health problems, including lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Learn about local and national asbestos regulations, as well as available resources to help you manage asbestos in your home.

Checking for the presence of asbestos in your home

The best way to know if your home contains asbestos is to have a qualified professional at Qualitam conduct a diagnostic. Our certified specialists can conduct a complete audit of your home to identify materials that may contain asbestos and take samples for laboratory analysis. Do not take samples yourself, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air and increase health risks.

Assessing the risks and deciding on measures to take

Once you have the results of the diagnosis, you need to assess the risks associated with the presence of asbestos in your home and decide on measures to take. In general, materials containing asbestos that are in good condition and not likely to deteriorate do not pose a health risk. However, if materials containing asbestos are damaged, friable, or if you plan to carry out renovation or demolition work, you will need to take measures to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. The measures to take to manage the presence of asbestos in your home will depend on the severity of the situation and the recommendations of the expert.

Finally, this complete guide shows you the important steps to manage asbestos at home, but keep in mind that each situation is different, and the right steps must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety in the home. Therefore, it is important to take necessary safety measures and seek qualified professionals at Qualitam to take care of it.

Exterior facades are subject to extreme weather conditions throughout the year, but this is especially true in the winter. Freezing temperatures, wind and humidity can all have an effect on building materials, including brick, stone, render and siding. Indeed, when temperatures drop, we tend to pay special attention to protecting our body from the outside elements, but what about our home? Are the exterior facades of our homes also vulnerable to the harshness of winter? Learn in this blog about those effects and discover preventive measures to protect your home from winter damage.

Freezing and Thawing

One of the most common problems associated with cold weather is freezing and thawing. When water seeps into the pores and cracks of building materials and freezes, it expands and can damage structures. Thawing can also cause damage, as thawed water can penetrate deeper into materials, creating more cracks and wear.

Moisture

Moisture is also a major factor in cold weather damage. If water is able to penetrate exterior walls, it can cause mold and mildew, resulting in structural damage and affecting indoor air quality.

Wind

Wind is another factor that can cause damage to exterior facades in winter. In Quebec, there is generally more wind during the winter season. Quebec is located in a region where warm and cold air masses meet, which favors this type of condition. Therefore, in some regions, we find much colder and stronger winds. In addition, the cold and dry winds that blow over the Great Lakes can also cause snowstorms in the surrounding areas. The gusts can blow away building materials, such as tiles and slates, exposing them to water, snow and ice.

Preventive measures

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to protect exterior facades from cold weather damage. One important step is to ensure that building materials are waterproof, using appropriate sealants for joints and cracks. Adding thermal insulation can also help protect walls from temperature changes. Gutters and drains should be kept free of debris to prevent water from pooling on exterior walls.

In short, cold temperatures can damage the exterior of our homes, but it is possible to protect them by taking these preventive measures. By protecting our home from the outside elements, we can help preserve its appearance and long-term value. If you wish to inspect the exterior of your home, our experts at Qualitam will be pleased to help you.

When we buy or rent a house, we expect it to be a safe place to live. However, certain substances such as asbestos, mold, and pyrite may be present in our homes and cause health and safety issues. It is therefore important to know how to identify these substances to eliminate them. In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate the presence of asbestos, mold, and pyrite in our homes. We will also discuss how to deal with these substances to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a material that was commonly used in the construction of homes before the 1990s. It can be found in insulation, ceilings, walls, floors, and roofs. Asbestos-containing materials can be friable and easily crumble, releasing invisible fibers into the air. If you suspect the presence of asbestos, look for materials that easily disintegrate or areas of the house that have been damaged. A test conducted by a professional can confirm the presence of asbestos.

Mold

Mold is another common problem in homes. It grows in humid environments and can be found on walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Signs of mold include black, green, or white stains on surfaces, musty odors, and respiratory or allergy problems. If you find mold in your home, eliminate the source of moisture, and carefully clean the affected surfaces. This may require plumbing repairs or ventilation modifications.

Pyrite

Pyrite is a mineral that is often found in basements. Pyrite is a common mineral composed of iron sulfide that tends to decompose and form sulfuric acid. This is why it is important to monitor its presence in building foundations to prevent the formation of cracks and swelling in concrete slabs, which can lead to significant structural damage and ground subsidence. In addition, particles from decomposition can contaminate air and water. Signs of pyrite include cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows that do not close properly, and sagging floors. If you suspect the presence of pyrite, testing and evaluation by a professional will be required.

In conclusion, it is crucial to detect the signs of hazardous materials in our homes as early as possible to preserve our health and that of our loved ones. The most common signs include strange odors, stains on walls or ceilings, gas emissions, and persistent health problems. If you suspect any of these signs, contact one of our qualified professionals at Qualitam to conduct tests and determine the presence of hazardous materials. By taking preventative measures, you create a safe and healthy environment for your household.

Qualitam’s team specializes in estimating the cost of reconstruction or replacement of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The objective of this mandate is to establish the building’s insurance coverage so that it is sufficient to rebuild in the event of a disaster, while respecting the requirements imposed by Bill 141. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the insurable value.

The 141 law

Quebec’s law 141, also known as the Act respecting insurance companies, defines insurable value as the maximum value for which property may be insured under an insurance contract. This law has been in effect since April 15, 2021.

Act 141 is associated with insurable value because it is intended to protect consumers by establishing minimum standards for insurance policies and providing mechanisms for resolving disputes between insureds and insurers. The 141 law will not help you directly in the event of a claim, but it does give you several rights and resources in the event of disagreement with your insurer. It allows you to verify that your insurance policy meets the standards established by law, and to assert your rights if your insurer denies coverage or provides insufficient compensation.
In the event of a claim, it is important to follow the claim reporting procedures in your policy and work with your insurer to resolve problems quickly. If you have difficulty obtaining compensation, you may wish to contact the Consumer Protection Bureau or the Quebec Insurance Bureau for assistance.

How is the insurable value determined?

The insurable value is determined based on the market value of the property. This value is determined based on the market value of the insured property at the time the policy is taken out. This amount is determined by a member of the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec and evaluated every five years to consider fluctuations. This may include factors such as size, location, condition of the property and unique features of the property. Here are 3 methods among others that are used to determine this insurable value:
– The comparison method compares the property in question with similar properties recently sold in the same geographic area.
– The salvage method determines the replacement cost of the property in question, taking into account construction and location costs.
– The income approach assesses the market value of a property based on the rental income it can generate.

In summary, the insurable value is used to calculate the amount of insurance required to cover a property reconstruction. As explained earlier, the 141 law allows the insurer to set a maximum amount of compensation for covered losses.

Don’t hesitate to call us and ask your questions to our experts at Qualitam. They are always happy to help you in the procedures.

Infrared thermography technology is very useful when inspecting buildings. Indeed, it can detect problems invisible to the naked eye, such as heat loss problems in the roof and walls. It is a very useful technique to detect anomalies that can threaten the integrity of buildings. The following blog post will attempt to explain what thermography is and some of its benefits.

What is thermography?

Thermography, or commonly referred to as infrared thermography, is the technique of providing a thermal image of a scene, primarily in relation to a residential building, through infrared analysis. The captured image is called “thermogram”. Infrared thermography is useful for detecting many building problems. For example, it can detect problems with the electrical system or heat loss such as leaks in the insulation of a building. Thermographers use infrared cameras to assess thermal anomalies in buildings from both inside and outside the house.

We can find devices that give only the results in images, without temperature measurement or on the contrary only the thermal measurements. Here are some machines used in the domain :
– Infrared thermometers : without contact, temperature measurement device, measuring only the thermal state.
– Thermal camera : measuring device for thermography. The thermal camera provides measurements with images.
– Thermal imager : thermal imaging device, provides images without measurements.
– Radiometer : device for measuring radiation flow (directional and partial flow).

What are the advantages?

This type of technique is useful in a variety of situations that would otherwise be very difficult to identify. Thermographic cameras can quickly determine defects in the pipe so that you can repair exactly where the problem is detected without having to destroy everything around it. The cameras can also detect heat loss, so they can detect insulation and ventilation problems. If the insulation has fallen out at the bottom of the wall and the top is empty, the camera can see the insulation without having to open the entire wall. Rodents, insects, or other pests can also be detected because they do not give off the same heat as the building materials. On the same basis, thermal imaging devices are very useful for detecting mold and rot. If you want to discover more about the advantages of having an inspector who offers this service, discover this section: Thermographic inspection.

Don’t hesitate to consult our experts before buying or selling a house, or if you have problems that are difficult to identify with the naked eye. Qualitam’s experts are always happy to help you achieve peace of mind in a safe home and to explain in detail the benefits of this advanced technology.

Are you thinking of buying a new home or building and wondering if a home inspection is necessary? It is indeed a necessary step to ensure that you know what you are buying and to plan for any work in your offer to purchase. But who can perform this inspection? Is there an accreditation? The following article will give you information on the subject so that you can make an informed choice.

Who can do an inspection?

In Quebec, the profession of building inspector is not regulated by law. In other words, in theory, anyone can become a home inspector. It is therefore even more important to be cautious when hiring a professional. You need to make sure that they are qualified to do the job. To do this, you can check if the inspector is a member of a professional order that oversees his or her practice and if he or she has liability insurance. Furthermore, if an inspector is also a member of the engineering order, this allows him to perform larger inspections (commercial and industrial buildings) with reports approved by financial institutions. These are a few indicators that can help you make your decision and verify the competence and seriousness of a building expert.

Training

In terms of training, there is no single path to the title of building inspector. There are many ways to become a good home inspector. First, you must take specialized training in building inspection. As previously mentioned, there are several. The latter must lead to an AEC, an attestation of collegial studies in building inspection. This allows the student, once he has obtained his diploma, to take his first steps in the world of inspection. This training will allow him to master the concepts and resources necessary for the visual inspection of a building. The concepts of envelope, structure, building mechanics, pre-purchase inspection, writing inspection reports, real estate rights, etc. are addressed to allow the candidate to develop his knowledge.

Becoming a member of an association

Once the training is completed and to compensate for the lack of legislation surrounding the profession, several associations and organizations help to ensure the protection of the public thanks to numerous rigorous criteria. If the inspector you choose is a member of one of these associations, it means that he or she meets these criteria. The Quebec Association of Building Inspectors (QABI) is the association with the most members in Quebec. You can therefore rely on it.

The title of certified inspector

To obtain the title of certified building inspector, you must have performed 250 inspections. You must also have been practicing as an inspector for a minimum of 6 months and undergo an additional audit by the AIBQ, to reaffirm that your work meets the organization’s standards.

Do not hesitate to ask questions to the person you wish to hire to ensure that you are well accompanied in your purchasing process. Buying a house, building or any other building is an important step, so it is best to minimize the risks.

When buying a home, one of the recurring haunts of new buyers is certainly having to deal with a defect. No one is immune to this type of disappointment. How do you assert your rights as a consumer? Where do you start? The following article will give you information on the subject so that you can deal with the situation.

Reporting the defect to the seller

First of all, the buyer who notices that the property has a defect must notify the seller in writing. This must be done within a reasonable period of time from the time of discovery. The seller will then have the right to determine the nature of the defect and to do the necessary work. If you decide to do the renovations yourself, you run the risk of assuming the costs alone. However, you can make repairs if the defect is dangerous or could seriously damage the property. The Notice of Defect can be in the form of a letter. It is important to include the date it was written and to mention that it is a notice of the defect and that the defect may be hidden. Include your name, the address of the subject property, the date of the sale and the name of the notary who drafted the deed. You can then describe the nature of the defect identified and the date on which you noticed the defect. If you are already dealing with a building expert to identify the nature and severity of the defect, mention this in the letter.

Consult a building expert and legal counsel

The next step is to consult a building expert, who can conduct an examination of the defect. He will be able to determine if it is a real hidden defect, in particular by verifying if the problem was present at the time of the sale or if there were already indications of its existence. The building expert will then proceed with an estimate of the work and costs involved. Once the expert’s report is in hand, you can consult a lawyer. He will be able to determine your chances of success should recourse be necessary.

Negotiating with the seller

After the seller has come to see the defect, you can ask him to repair it. If he does not want to carry out the work at his own expense within a reasonable period of time, it is recommended that you send him a letter of formal notice. In this letter, you will inform the seller of the cost of repairing the defect and the damages and you will offer him the possibility to proceed with the repair of the defect at his own expense or to pay the amount indicated in the letter of formal notice. The seller can then decide to carry out the work and you can accept, refuse or negotiate the work that he thinks he should do. Negotiation is not mandatory, but it can allow you to avoid serious costs and delays related to the processing of your case in court. If you or the seller wants to plead your case, it is the amount of work that determines who you should contact. Claims under $15,000 go to small claims. If the amount is more than 15 000$, you will have to turn to the Court of Quebec and over 85 000$ it will be the Superior Court.

If you think you are dealing with a hidden defect, consult legal services and a building expert as soon as possible. They will be your allies in preventing the situation from turning into a nightmare.