Question 1

Why does my Quispamsis house get so much condensation on the inside of windows every winter even with new windows installed?

Accepted Answer

Condensation on new windows is actually a sign they're working properly — your old windows were likely leaking so much air that moisture escaped before it could condense. The real issue is excess humidity inside your home, not the windows themselves.

Understanding the Physics
When warm, humid indoor air hits the cold glass surface, it reaches its dew point and condenses into water droplets. Even high-performance windows with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills will show condensation if your indo

Question 2

My deck stairs heaved about two inches after this winter in Riverview — can i just reset them or do i need new footings?

Accepted Answer

Your deck stairs likely need new footings below the frost line — simply resetting them on the same shallow footings will just lead to the same heaving next winter.

Frost heave is extremely common in New Brunswick with our 4+ foot frost line depth and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. When footings aren't deep enough, moisture freezes underneath and literally pushes the structure upward. In the Riverview area, you're dealing with clay soils that hold moisture and are particularly susceptible to frost

Question 3

My asphalt shingles are curling after only 8 years in Campbellton — is this from improper ventilation or just cheap shingles?

Accepted Answer

Shingle curling after just 8 years is definitely premature and points to either inadequate attic ventilation, poor-quality materials, or installation issues. In Campbellton's climate with heavy snow loads and temperature swings, proper ventilation is absolutely critical for shingle longevity.

Ventilation is the most likely culprit. Your attic needs balanced intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge vents or roof vents) to prevent heat buildup in summer and ice dam formation in winter. When hot a

Question 4

My oil furnace keeps cycling on and off during cold snaps in Miramichi — is the heat exchanger cracked or something simpler?

Accepted Answer

Your furnace is likely short-cycling due to restricted airflow or an oversized unit rather than a cracked heat exchanger — cracked heat exchangers typically cause continuous operation as they struggle to reach temperature, not frequent cycling.

During Miramichi's cold snaps (often hitting -25°C to -30°C), your oil furnace is working harder than usual, which can expose underlying issues that don't show up in milder weather. The most common culprit is a dirty or clogged air filter — when airflow

Question 5

How much does foundation repair actually cost in the Saint John area?

Accepted Answer

Foundation repair costs in the Saint John area typically range from $3,000-$8,000 for minor crack sealing and waterproofing, while major structural repairs can reach $15,000-$40,000+. The wide range depends heavily on whether you're dealing with cosmetic issues or serious structural problems.

Minor Foundation Issues ($3,000-$8,000)
Hairline cracks from settling, minor water seepage, or small sections of crumbling mortar fall into this category. Crack injection with polyurethane or epoxy runs $3

Question 6

How much does it cost to jack up and repair a foundation in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Foundation jacking and repair in New Brunswick typically ranges from $15,000 to $45,000, depending on the extent of settlement, foundation type, and access conditions. This significant investment reflects the complexity of stabilizing a structure while protecting your home's integrity.

Cost breakdown for foundation lifting:
- Minor settling (one corner): $15,000 - $25,000
- Moderate issues (one wall section): $25,000 - $35,000  
- Major structural problems: $35,000 - $45,000+
- Complete foundat

Troubleshooting & Problems