ce qu'on fait | Construction Rocket, bâtisseur écologique LEED PHIUS

Best practices

Health and safety

How to install scaffolding

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Scaffolding - CNESST flooring
Scaffolding - CNESST Guide

foundation and excavation

Reminders

Always use a BNQ certified drain only, never an agricultural one.

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Based on APCHQ S3-03 and S3-04 recommended practices
See the APCHQ technical data sheets

CHECKLIST AND STEPS

Check with a surveyor that the building and the septic tank are within the legal boundaries of the land.

Have two corners of the building staked out or mark offsets.

Step 1 – Preliminary Visit

Note the preliminary location of the house on a plan, for permit purposes.

Step 2 – Staking

Have the project location marked out.

PRE-EXCAVATION MEETING WITH CLIENTS AND EXCAVATOR

Establish the reference point

Let's review this together:

Electrical connection (within 3 meters of a driveway)
Outdoor water and electricity needs
Septic tank location
Access to the well
Courtyard entrance and workspace

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Based on APCHQ S3-03 and S3-04 recommended practices
See the APCHQ technical data sheets

EXCAVATION AND FOUNDATION PLANNING STEPS

Drain de plancher
- Ne pas connecter au système septique (ex. : adoucisseur d’eau).
- Installer un clapet anti-retour (backwater valve).
Gouttières
- Déterminer leur emplacement et l’évacuation des eaux.
Drain de décompression hydronique
- Évaluer le besoin sous la dalle.
Drain français
- Utiliser un drain certifié BNQ seulement, jamais agricole.
Passages dans la fondation
- Éviter les passages dans la semelle (interférence avec le drain français).
- Seuls les conduits d’eau et d’électricité peuvent passer dans la semelle.
- Tout autre service (eau usée, drain adoucisseur, données) doit passer dans la partie inférieure du mur de fondation.
Conduits à prévoir:
- Eau potable
- Électricité (suffisamment large pour entrée, circuits extérieurs, génératrice)
- Fosse septique
- Drain de l’adoucisseur
- Conduit de données : prévoir 2 pouces de diamètre pour les longues distances.
Semelles intérieures
- Vérifier qu’elles sont incluses au plan.
Structures futures
- Ne pas faire passer de conduits ou tuyaux sous les futurs balcons ou bâtiments.
Documentation
- Prendre des photos du site et des étapes importantes
Avant de remblayer:
- Confirmer avec le sous-traitants pour la fondation (Peter) avant de remblayer pour s'assurer que les murs de fondation sont prêts à le supporter.

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Based on APCHQ S3-03 and S3-04 recommended practices
See the APCHQ technical data sheets

GUIDE - HOW TO FLUSH A NEW WELL FOR WATER ANALYSIS

STEPS

Connect a hose to the pressure tank.
Open the pressure tank valve approximately ¼ to ½ turn and let the water run until it becomes clear. (Direct the hose towards the floor drain.)
Once the water is clean, open the valve that supplies the plumbing to the house.
Pour 2 gallons of bleach into the well.
Use the hose to spray water inside the well in a circular motion. Continue until a bleach smell is present in the water from the hose (if access to the well with a hose is possible).
Allow the system to rest for 12 to 15 hours.
Next, reopen the pressure tank valve (1/4 to 1/2 turn) and let the water run to rinse the entire system. Continue until there is no more chlorine odor.
Once the water has become clear and odorless, close the valve and wait 7 days before testing the water quality.

**Important note: The water can be used for domestic purposes (washing, etc.) during these 7 days, but it must not be consumed.**

WATER ANALYSIS

For testing, we recommend Plomberie Goyer in Cowansville. You can pick up a sampling kit on site, collect your samples, and drop them off at the lab.

Approximate cost : $200
Address : 150 Sherbrooke Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 3Y9
Telephone : (450) 263-2226

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Water treatment - Goyer

framework and envelope

INSTALLATION OF SONOclimat® ECO4 INSULATING PANELS

The panel joints should be placed in the center of the studs, spaced 16" or 24" apart.
Ensure that the vertical and horizontal joints as well as the cutouts are properly supported.

Panel fixing

Secure the SONOClimat® ECO4 panels using nails with a minimum length of 3 1/4 in and a diameter of 0.120 in or more, following the nailing pattern recommended by MSL, starting from the center of the panel.

Furs

Install 1" x 3" furring strips with nails a minimum of 4" in length.
Follow the recommendations of the exterior cladding manufacturer.
To retain all the benefits of the product, it is recommended to install the coating within a reasonable timeframe.

Nailing pattern recommended by MSL:

Perimeter: to the nearest 6 inches
Field: maximum 12 in cc
*Important note: Nails must be placed at a minimum distance of 3/8 inch from the edge of the panel.

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doors and windows

Window installation: Brick moldings

COMPOSITION D

COMPOSITION SS

Positioning of moldings during window installation:

Observed failure of the Fiden Exo on window frames (site: Francis Farley, Spencer, wooden house).
Corrections to consider:
- Proceed with the caulking , or
- Install the Fiden Exo further back.
The same problem also occurs on Academy (White House)

Window installation without a vapor barrier

Context

Construction site: House 342 Route 139
During the installation of the windows: The exterior seal was done (air/water), but no tape was applied to the interior.
Initial reasoning: There was no vapor barrier to which to attach the inner tape; Detail deemed expensive; It was believed (rightly) that it would not add much to the overall airtightness.
Observation on site: It was noted that the airflow towards the outside of the assembly needs to be slowed down. There was an accumulation of frost in this area.

Lesson learned

Even if interior sealing seems less “profitable” without a vapor barrier available, it remains important to limit air movement in the assembly, otherwise the risk of condensation/frost around the window increases.

Best practice

Outside (priority)
- Install the outer tape on 3 sides: left, right, top
- Install a Hannoband at the bottom (threshold) to: allow drainage; prevent water from being trapped; ensure a good waterproofing transition

Inside

Seal all 4 sides on the inside (even if it's not perfectly attached to the vapor barrier)
Suggested (less expensive) options:
- Use a more economical tape, e.g., Tuck Tape
- Or use polyurethane foam (sprayed/canned urethane) as insulation. This greatly helps slow air circulation within the cavity. *Only if approved by the window manufacturer; some prohibit the use of urethane.*

Interior objective: to stop air movement, even without a continuous vapor barrier.

**What should be done at the base of the wall to prevent air from passing behind the drywall?**

Window and door drip edges

Air barrier: to do Overlap the membrane 2" over the drip edge and seal with caulking sealant behind the drip edge. Fold back the ends by 1/8".

Useful links:

Flashing Installation: Technical Data Sheet GCR FT-9.27.3.8. -01
Method for protecting openings against precipitation : Technical Data Sheet GCR FT-9.7.6.1. -02

mechanics

Heat pump water heaters

Unless the space is heated by a wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) or a geothermal system, heat pump water heaters must be set to electric mode during the heating season (fall-winter) . Otherwise, their efficiency decreases, since the heat extracted from the air then comes from the electric baseboard heaters.
Add a note to the Owner's Guide:
- Clean the filter.
- Put the device in electric mode during the heating months.

Chimney planning

Plan for exits to be made at the roof peak, as much as possible.

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Air exchanger installation: prevent freezing of water pipes near the air intake

Context: 1420 Scenic, December 30th, the customer had no hot water at their kitchen sink or dishwasher. The outside temperature was -25°C.

Problem analysis

The hot water pipe passed directly under the air intake of the air exchanger, and the cold water pipe passed over it.
The air exchanger was set to medium continuously, which increased local cooling
The ceiling was insulated with high-density insulation and should have been insulated with low-density insulation.
The constant flow of cold air created an area at risk of partial cooling/freezing

Intervention performed

Opening of a small access point in the ceiling of the mechanical room
Partial removal of insulation around the affected duct
Adding a piece of rigid insulation (foam) between the water pipe and the air intake duct
The water has started flowing again.

Best practices

Do not use high-density cellulose for soundproofing. Loose-blown only .
Avoid running water pipes :
- directly in contact with a cold air intake
- too close to an uninsulated air intake duct
Adjusting the air exchanger during periods of extreme cold (for the Owner's Guide):
- Avoid using “medium continuously” when it is very cold.
- Prefer AUTO mode or 20 minutes/hour
Insulate and physically separate water pipes from cold air ducts : Add a thermal barrier or separation (e.g., rigid foam)
Pay particular attention to mechanical room ceilings: These are often areas where ducts are tightly packed, difficult to access, and more vulnerable.
If there is a localized loss of hot water (kitchen/dishwasher) in very cold weather:
- Quickly suspect a partial freeze or a cold spot where the pipes pass through.

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PLANNING FOR RAW PLUMBING

Ensure that the drain pipes (drains) do not cross . Plan for the septic drain and water softener to be installed in a linear arrangement .

Ensure that the outlet of the septic system is at the correct height to meet the required slope (2%).

PROTECTION AGAINST UNDERGROUND GASES - RADON

There are new Code requirements for protection against underground gas infiltration and the means necessary for implementing a passive radon depressurization system – see technical specifications at the bottom of the page.

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Protection against underground gases - radon: Technical data sheet GCR FT-9.13.4. - 02 2025-11-06

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partitions and staircases

Maibec custom color orders

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It is strongly discouraged to complete an order with generic parts (e.g., Maibec White 111) purchased from stock at a retailer such as Canac or BMR, and then repaint them in place. This practice voids the Maibec warranty, produces uneven finishes over time, and generates significant costs not included in the initial estimate. Maibec paint is applied and cured at the factory, giving it adhesion and durability far superior to any paint applied on a job site.
The one-off purchase of a generic coloured part from a local supplier may be tolerated in exceptional cases where the schedule does not allow for additional delays, but should not become a reflex.
Best practice : calculate quantities in advance and order a full factory-painted batch, and/or anticipate needs and order along the way, to ensure a uniform, predictable and durable result.

ROOF CLADDING INSTALLATION: CHECKLIST AND NOTES

Review the installation guide before starting; always confirm with the manufacturer.
Low roof pitch - If the roof pitch is less than 3/12:
- Use a low slope sheet metal – the one we often use is the Côte rigole.
- Always install a butyl membrane for shallow slopes
- Do not install the Mento 1000 on a roof pitch less than 3/12 (the minimum required pitch is 3/12). For any pitch, use the Mento 3000 or the Adhero.
Chimney
- It is preferable to place the chimney at the top of the ridge.
- If the chimney is at the bottom of the slope, plan for a humpback.
Sheet metal covering:
- 1/4 inch overlap from the edge of the drip.
- 1/8 inch overhang at the sprocket with double fold or factory edge.
Closures
- They must be screwed under the first row of screws.
Nailing base:
- Always take photos of the nailing base for snow guard installation: directly below the wall.
Snow removal stop:
- Maximum slope for installing butterflies (snowbreakers) = 8/12.

**Important: always take photos at the end of each step, before closing the roof.

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exterior cladding

Gypsum installation

Ensure that the gypsum panels overlap the floor joists - no joint at this axis.
Screw :
- Do not push in too deeply.
- Number of screws per furring strip:
  - Walls: 4x
  - Ceiling: 5x
Joints:
- No joints on the axis of the floor structure.
- No seal on the axis of the openings (windows, doors).
Permitted joints : factory-to-factory or butt joints only.
- DO NOT do this: factory at full capacity.
Butt joint : leave a 1/8" gap.
Ensure that the furring strips, studs, and nailing points are properly nailed to prevent long-term wood movement and twisting.

Best practices

Table of Contents

Health and safety

How to install scaffolding

Useful links:

Scaffolding - CNESST flooring

foundation and excavation

Reminders

Useful links:

framework and envelope

INSTALLATION OF SONOclimat® ECO4 INSULATING PANELS

Useful links:

doors and windows

Window installation: Brick moldings

Positioning of moldings during window installation:

Window installation without a vapor barrier

Window and door drip edges

Useful links:

mechanics

Heat pump water heaters

Chimney planning

Useful links:

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Useful links:

partitions and staircases

Maibec custom color orders

Useful links:

exterior cladding

Gypsum installation

Useful links:

interior finishes

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interior finishes

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terraces and access

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accessory buildings

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