Categories
Roofing

Improving Curb Appeal With Tile Roofing

Improving Curb Appeal With Tile Roofing pose Tuiles Arcal

Improving Curb Appeal With Tile Roofing – If you’re looking for ways to improve your roof and boost the value of your home, you may want to take a look at tile.

Contractors say adding a tile roof is one of the most cost-effective construction projects available. The stylish roofs can endure some of nature’s toughest elements (such as wind, hail, rain and fire) and roof tiles usually carry a slightly longer warranty than other roofing surfaces. An added benefit: Tile roofs are an environmentally friendly building choice. Here’s a closer look:

Cost Benefits – around 70 years

Tile has a life cycle of 50 to 100 years, depending on the tile, making it an economical choice for many homeowners. Additionally, tile roofs reduce direct heat transfer. As a result, a tile roof can lower air-conditioning costs in hotter climates and produce more constant temperatures in colder regions. In addition to cutting heating costs, the constant temperature reduces the odds of ice accumulation on the roof.

Styles – Colors and shapes

Tile roofing offers a number of architectural style choices and they come in a variety of colors and shapes that can help set your home apart. For instance, concrete and clay tile roofs are as unique as the homes they’re installed on and they’re available in finishes and styles designed to accentuate a home’s look.

Warranties Reputable companies

Tile roof warranties are often transferable and backed by well-known, reputable companies. Columns of light.That’s one reason experts say a tile roof’s higher installation cost, when spread over the full life of the roof, is actually an investment that will increase the value of a home when it is sold or resold.

Weight

A common misconception is that roof tile is too heavy for many structures. Most modern buildings are strong enough to support the weight of a tile roof. Most older structures can handle the weight of standard tile, provided all previous roofing materials are removed first. Moreover, many roof tile manufacturers now offer lightweight tile, which is particularly suitable for reroofing projects.

Durability

Tile , says Reparation toiture Vannes, has been Europe and Asia’s first roofing choice for centuries, with many tile-roofed structures requiring little or no maintenance. Tile’s durability has been clearly demonstrated by how well it has withstood the test of time, weather and natural disasters.

New Types Of Tile

Today, homeowners can find new types of stronger, more energy-efficient tile roofs. Some new tile is even Class A fire-rated and able to withstand high winds, hail and earthquakes better than any other roofing material.

Improving Curb Appeal With Tile Roofing.

Categories
Roofing

What to do if your roof is leaking?

What to do if your roof is leaking toiture nantesWhat to do if your roof is leaking?  Here are the steps to follow:

  • Move Things Out of the Way. When your roof is leaking, that’s bad enough. It’s time to clear the area!
  • Contain the Water. Grab buckets, garbage cans, towels.
  • Relieve Water Pressure. Although it might seem unwise to poke a hole in the area, or do something else, do it.
  • Tarp the Roof. Cover the problem area with a tarp.
  • Take Photos for Insurance Documentation.
  • Call a Professional Roofing Company.
  • Continue Regular Roof Maintenance.

You can’t have too many roofs in your inventory without dealing with leaks. If you rehab, you EXPECT to find ceiling stains, the tell-tale sign of a leaky roof, in almost every project. I find projects without signs of past or present leaks the exception to the norm!

  • Sometimes shingles are just going to need to be replaced. There is no getting around it. Curled shingles and numerous leaks are a pretty good indication that it would be cheaper to replace the roof rather than repair it. Just factor that into the repairs and accept it. It’s one thing you won’t have to worry about if you are keeping the property, and it ups the value whether you keep it or sell it on the retail market after the rehab.
  • If the shingles still have some life on them, but there is some leakage to repair, finding the real source of the problem can take multiple tries, says Reparation toiture Nantes . It can get pretty aggravating as you sometimes try and fail to fix a leaky roof. Naturally, you want to try to fix this without calling out an expensive professional roofer. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t. Here are some tips for diagnosing roof leaks.
  • I find that in the course of rehab, it’s always “good” to have an extended period of heavy rains. That way, any and all leaks become evident. If you have a property that is not occupied, or that is not being actively rehabbed after a period of extended rains, go visit and check for signs of leaks. If you can stop by while it’s still raining, that’s the number one, best time to investigate leaks from inside the attic.
  • Get a mini flashlight that goes into a small belt holster and make that part of your normal clothing. You will use it all the time…for more than looking in attics! It’s great for plumbing, under cabinets, etc. Make it part of the “uniform.”
  • The garden hose – a rehabber’s friend. In a recent project of mine, the roof was relatively new yet I had a ceiling stain in the kitchen. We’d thought it was all taken care of in two tries, so we patched the ceiling, applied stain block, and textured over the spot. Then came the rains, and the circular and symmetrical spot was back! I’d had just about enough so I climbed onto the roof, garden hose in hand, and stationed my handyman in the attic. In less than a minute of hosing down the roof, we found the very tiny hole that was the culprit. A dab of tar below and above the shingle and viola! Problem solved. The tiny hole was causing water to drip directly onto the ceiling drywall, hence the circular stain.
  • Watch for stain patterns. The pattern can offer you hints. When you come across a circular ceiling stain, there’s a good chance the leak is dripping directly onto the ceiling drywall from above. Put a nail in the center of the stain and get into the attic and look directly above the nail and you might just find the problem. If you do this in bright daylight, a spec of light might be visible, which would make the repair a little easier. Even if you find a hole, I still recommend the garden hose trick to see if there are other problems to fix.
  • If the stain is small and circular, it usually means the amount of water is small…lucky you. If the stain region is larger, it may still be an easy fix especially if it is a single hole. If there is enough rain making onto the ceiling drywall, it will pool and soak in. This will make it look like a massive leak when it might be a one-shingle repair (plus some new ceiling drywall). The garden hose trick will quickly tell you if the problem is a single hole, or your roof is like Swiss cheese.
  • Stains that appear along a line may indicate that water is draining along a rafter or truss. Inspect that rafter starting from the top looking for signs of water. The source may be a single hole that is sending water down the rafter making multiple stains show up in a line.
  • Isolating the leak. Be aware of the ridgeline. When you are inspecting a property, be aware of the direction the roof ridgeline runs as you inspect the interior. If you come across a ceiling stain toward the middle of the house near where the ridgeline is above you, the source of the water is easier to isolate. Water doesn’t flow up! So, the suspect area extends from roughly the stain area, up to the ridgeline. In many cases, that’s a lot less roof to investigate.
  • On the other hand, when stains are out near the roof edges, they are the trickiest to diagnose. Why? The source of the water could be from higher in the roof than where the stain is. The water could be getting under a shingle near the peak, draining down between the shingles and ply, and finally leaking at the point you are seeing the stain. It’s just hard to tell upon initial inspection. Get into the roof and check out the rafters around that area for signs of water stains? If you’re lucky you’ll see light and a hole. If you’re not that lucky, it’s time to get on the roof and see what you can find. If you don’t find anything obvious, it’s time to call a roofer…that is, unless you decide to replace the whole roof.
  • Valleys are often the culprit when it comes to leaky roofs. I especially find this in property that has been neglected or vacant for long periods of time. Very often the problem is caused because leaves have accumulated in the valley. These leaves hold moisture which rots the shingles and underlying ply over time. Depending on the extent of the rot, the repair can range from replacing ply and shingles to cleaning off the leaves and letting it dry. Be aware of your roof valleys and keep them clear!
  • With roof leaks, there are no shortcuts. It’s easier and cheaper, in the long run, to aggressively diagnose the leak problem and seek hidden leaks that just haven’t soaked through the ceiling drywall yet. Don’t assume that once you find one hole in the roof or a cracked shingle that the problem is fixed. Get that hose out and confirm it! There is something about climbing in an attic and on a roof that isn’t fun to re-do.

What to do if your roof is leaking What to do if your roof is leaking What to do if your roof is leaking

Categories
Roofing

How do I estimate roofing costs?

How do I estimate roofing costs? roofer-vancouver.com
Roofers at work

How do I estimate roofing costs? Estimating Roof Price : Roof price is made up of several factors, that we discuss below, and you should always be careful that you aren’t compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars.

As with any major job that needs doing to the house one of the most important factors that are likely to play on your mind is the cost. Roof price is made up of several factors, that we discuss below, and you should always be careful that you aren’t compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars. Many roofing contractors will provide similarly price quotes but you should always ensure that you are comparing them on a like-for-like basis and don’t forget that the cheapest offer isn’t necessarily the best value for money and the most expensive offer isn’t necessarily the worst value for money.

Materials

Materials will be one of the biggest factors involved in calculating your roof price and while it is possible to reduce the cost by using different types of material you have to remember that this can often lead to a false economy. If using a different material means a saving of 10% on your roof price, but the material will last 30% less time then your best option is to choose the more expensive material. Obviously, it is important that you select materials that are hard-wearing and good-looking where required but are also cost-effective. You should have selected a roofing contractor that you have some faith in and discussing the particular materials with him or she will usually give you the answers you are looking for.

Labor

Labor cost may vary slightly from one contractor to another but not by very much and it is certainly unlikely to be an area that can be negotiated. Within your roof price will be charged for all laborers including the people who strip your roof and load the skip. Any preliminary work you can do yourself is always advisable and if you are able to do any of the menial work yourself then you should consider this also. You need to check the terms of liability insurance with the roofing contractor first though and agree on the tasks you will complete yourself before negotiating a contract. This really can make a difference to your roof price.

Profit

This is the area that may have little room for negotiation but every company needs to make a profit. Get quotes from small companies and from large companies and compare the roof price associated with these quotes, explains Roofing Company Vancouver. While small companies may not require the same level of profit as the larger companies, they will usually have to pay more for materials and other factors making the bottom line roof price very similar.

Contingencies and other costs

Things can go wrong, even to professionals. Roof work is by no means any different and roofing contractors may include a contingency fund in their quote. This means that if they do come across a problem then they won’t need to persuade you to part with more money before they can continue. You should, of course, find out what happens to this contingency fund if it isn’t required. You may think you are better off having the contingency fund taken out of the roof price but prepare yourself for having to stump up extra money if you do try this.

How do I estimate roofing costs?

Categories
Roofing

How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?

How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof? westminster-roofer.com

How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?  For optimal conditions and an average size home, we can estimate that a new roof usually takes 1-3 days. For simple houses and standard materials.

How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?

Having a new roof fitted will mean a fairly major upheaval in your life. It may be necessary for you to move out while it is being done so it is important to know exactly how long installing a new roof will take. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that straightforward.

The roof is by far one of the most important parts of your house when it comes to protecting the rest of the building and its occupants from extreme weather conditions and many roofs are in a state of disrepair. Yet, despite this, they are left to worsen before people are willing to act and either pay for decent repairs or bite the bullet and have a new roof fitted. Paying for patched repairs or doing them yourself, when you don’t really know what you are doing, may prove cheaper in the short term but it won’t be long before you have to patch up the holes on a very regular basis. One of the most effective ways to lengthen the lifespan of any roof is with regular maintenance and checks conducted by a professional.

The life of your roof.

Knowing how long to install a new roof really is a question of knowing how well looked after your current roof is. Many new roofs come with a life of up to 20 years and some more durable and hard-wearing roofs will have a life as long as 40 or 50 years but if you don’t care for your roof and regularly have it checked and maintained you face a very real risk of substantially decreasing this lifespan. When you have a new roof fitted you should, as far as possible, pay as much as you can afford to ensure that you get as long a life as possible with your new roof.

Taking the plunge.

Having a new roof fitted will mean a fairly major upheaval in your life. It may be necessary for you to move out while it is being done so it is important to know exactly how long installing a new roof will take. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that straightforward. Everything depends on the size of the roof, the shape of the roof, and exactly what you are having fitted. Applying a single layer of shingles on an existing roof is unlikely to take longer than a few days but having your existing roof completely removed and an entirely new one built can take a number of weeks. To get an accurate idea you should get a quote from a professional roofing contractor and ensure that this information will be included. Do be aware that things can go wrong and even when there is nothing wrong with the roof a sudden change in the weather can set the construction of your new roof back dramatically.

Start as you mean to go on.

Once you have your new roof fitted you shouldn’t just assume that because it comes with a ten-year warranty you won’t need to do anything about maintenance for the first ten years. You should, wherever possible, have an annual check-up just to make sure that everything is ok because if a small problem is found it can be fixed before the small problem grows into a much larger and more costly problem, explains Westminster Roofing Company

Categories
Roofing

Copper Roof Vent

Copper Roof Vent roofing Lexington KY

Copper Roof Vent : roof vents are becoming very popular today as more and more people find that these kind of vents help cool the house in an effective and nice way. The use of roof vents uses a lot of logic because heat rises up so catching this heat as it goes up and gets into the vent to travel out of the house.

When thinking of a good material to use as a cooling unit like this, one that has to get rid of the heat and must also suffer the effects of heat passing through it, you must think of some material that is strong and reliable and this is in most cases copper. The copper is a very good decision because of its unique features, it is used in many cases when it needs to suffer heat and still function and not melt, it is also relatively easy to maintain and clean and not so expensive to repair and replace.

The people looking and using vents usually means that they have such a heat build up in their home they desperately need some relief, and some assurance that they are getting the finest product that will keep their house cool for a significant time. The copper roof vet will do just that, just like some consider the copper to be the best cookware material due to its resistance to heat the roof vent is another great use for copper materials which demonstrate once again that copper is the way to go when looking for some guaranteed results.

The copper roof vent can come in a few different sizes and shapes,

one of them is the roof vents sleeve, like a cylinder providing a way for the heat to exit the house and not allowing animals into the house this is one of the preferred vents or the vent cap which is like a hat, preventing water from entering the vent and allowing the heat out.

If you are on the market for a vent or a roof vent you should research this market because there are many specialists and special shops that might have advanced models or even unique designs to go with your house look, as with all markets there is a difference of prices and quality so you better make sure that you are getting something for your needs. In general, you should fit your needs and be as effective as possible, as well as try and have some design to it as it will be visible, the one feature you must look for is durability, this is something that will be exposed to the outside and will have to prevent water and animals from entering the house, make sure that you are covered by a warranty, support and help in cases something goes wrong with the vent.

Today’s vents are advanced and better than ever before, explains Roofer Lexington KY , make sure you got the right roof vent. If used correctly and maintained you can have a simple and powerful way of getting a cooler house and significantly reduce the heat.

Categories
Roofing

What is the most effective roof insulation?

What is the most effective roof insulation? roofingcompany-tucson.com

What is the most effective roof insulation? Get the Most Value from Your Roof Insulation: from fibreglass to foam, there are a variety of popular roof insulation materials. However, not all are created equal and some are more effective than others.

The basic gauge of the effectiveness of any insulation is its R-value. Insulation is designed to stop the flow of heat. The more heat the insulation stops, the higher the R-value of that insulation.

What is the most effective roof insulation? Spray foam insulation is not affected by moisture.

In fact, it can stop minor leaks because, when it is applied, spray foam insulation spreads to fill every gap and seal your roof. Pollutants and other airborne irritants that might get through the gaps left by batts and fill are kept out by spray foam insulation.

Perhaps best of all, insulating your roof with spray foam insulation costs about the same as other insulations.

When compared to fibreglass batt insulation,

spray foam insulation has a higher R-value at a given thickness. In other words, 2 inches of spray foam will insulate your roof better than 2 inches of fibreglass batts.

Cellulose fill, either blown-in or applied by hand, also has a higher R-value than fibreglass batts at the same thickness. But, again, the R-value of spray foam insulation is almost twice as high as cellulose fill insulation of the same thickness.

As important as R-value is in how well insulation works,

it is not the only thing to consider when choosing the best roof insulation. Moisture will cause both fibreglass batts and cellulose fill to lose R-value. Even slight moisture, that you can’t see or feel, can reduce the R-value of fibreglass batts.

Neither fibreglass batts nor cellulose fill insulation can seal every gap in your roof. Heat can pass through the open gaps and this reduces the R-value of the insulation, although the R-values listed for fibreglass or cellulose do not take this into consideration. In other words, the actual R-value of installed fibreglass batt or cellulose fill roof insulation is lower than the listed R-value.

The spray foam roof insulation specialists at Foam Comfort, explains Roofer Tucson ,  have the experience you need to get the most from your insulation.

Categories
Roofing

How do you inspect a roof for damage?

How do you inspect a roof for damage? santarosa-roofer.com

How do you inspect a roof for damage? When examining an asphalt-shingled roof, look for loose, broken, or cracked shingles. Look for any bubbling or blistering in a shingle, as that indicates moisture has made its way to the interior of the shingle. A shingle with any damage should be replaced immediately to avoid leaks or further structural damage.

How do you inspect a roof for damage?

Before you go to the expense of calling in a roofing contractor, see if you can analyze and repair your roof problem yourself. The best possible time to repair your roof problem – is as soon as you realize that you have one and if the weather is calm enough to climb up onto the roof. In fact, this could be further qualified by saying that the best and most economical way to a trouble-free roof, is to inspect the roof regularly so that you see the problem developing.

A leak from one dislodged tile is a small and inexpensive matter, but if you do not inspect your roof regularly, this will go unnoticed. By the time that you DO notice it, it may be because water is dripping into your spare room! This means that this whole area of the roof structure is soaked, the ceiling will need to be replaced and hopefully, the flooring will recover.

Always check your roof after a wind storm,

as most roofing is not designed to withstand fierce winds. Scrutinize the tiles for cracks, splits, and torn-off corners; also check for lifting. Lifting is a common cause of roof leaks and can be easily rectified. Be aware of multiple tiles lifting, as this could be a sign that the roofing material is too old and is warping from all the weathering.

Climb into your attic/loft and ensure that any insulation that you have in your roof is not right up against the roof itself. There has to be a gap for air to circulate; also when a roof heats up and there is insulation directly behind it, this heat is thrown back into the roofing and excessive heating like this can damage and warp the roof.

Another weakness in all roofs is the flashing. Flashing is designed to provide a watertight junction between roof materials and structure, especially if the roof projects out or changes design (as with extension roofs). If you are installing a new roof, it is worthwhile to get the flashing ‘inspected’ as it is a common failure area.

Often the simple fact that the gutters, leading into downpipes from the roof, are blocked with leaves and twigs can cause a problem. Roofs must have an adequate runoff, especially in areas that may have snow. Water trapped in the gutter will mean that it will back up the roof for a few inches and have time to seep into the edges of the roofing tiles. Not all homes have adequate perimeter protection on their roofs, although this is one good feature to ask for on a new roof.

Quite often homes incur roof leaks all at the same time

(often after strong gales winds and torrential rain etc). This can mean that all contractors are busy and you have to ‘stop up the leak’ until you can get help.

If you do get a leak, and you have placed buckets under the dripping water, be aware that the leak may be in a completely different place than it would seem. Locating the source is difficult, as water can run along with horizontal timbers and appear to be leaking from a place that is sound. Getting up into the attic and actually looking for a wet spot on the roof decking will be an accurate way to tell.

If you can find the spot an emergency patch can be made by applying roofing felt and using plastic cement to hold it until you can call in a contractor. You can also attempt to repair it yourself if it is just a shingle that is damaged. You can carefully prize up the roof shingle by removing the three or four nails that are holding it in place; next, apply a generous coating of tar beneath the tear in question, and also coat the underside of the shingle with a coat of tar before putting it back in place. Add a spot of tar to each nailhead. Most roofing companies advise against ‘liquid’ asphalt repair products.

Roofs can also be temporarily repaired using roof membrane and sealants, explains Santa Rosa Roofing Contractor , for this post Don’t Let Your Roof Repairs Go Sky High. Care must be taken to clean the roof surface first to ensure that the sealant will stick and keep the leak protected from rain etc. In fact, as long as the roof is clean and dry, the wonder of the 20th. Century – duct tape – can also be stuck onto the roof!

How do you inspect a roof for damage?

Categories
News

Un quart eurodeputes scandales affaires

Un quart eurodeputes scandales affairesUn quart eurodeputes scandales affaires. A quelques mois des élections européennes, un décompte inédit révèle l’ampleur des infractions à la loi et des manquements reprochés aux eurodéputés sortants, de la corruption au harcèlement, en passant par le détournement de fonds.

Quand l’affaire du « Qatargate » éclate, le 9 décembre 2022, c’est tout l’édifice européen qui vacille. Eva Kaili, la vice-présidente grecque du Parlement européen, est arrêtée, avec quatre actuels et anciens parlementaires, soupçonnés d’avoir perçu des pots-de-vin du Qatar et du Maroc, en échange de leur soutien politique dans l’hémicycle. Plus de 800 000 euros en cash sont découverts au domicile de Mme Kaili. Dignes d’une série Netflix, les images des liasses entassées dans un coffre-fort, une sacoche Gucci et d’improbables sacs plastique font le tour du monde.

Si l’enquête ouverte à Bruxelles pour corruption et blanchiment reste en cours – les accusés niant toute malversation –, le mal est fait. La probité des élus européens est questionnée, de même que le contrôle de leurs activités. Le Parlement européen n’est pas l’imprenable forteresse que les citoyens européens sont en droit d’attendre, mais une institution exposée à la corruption et à l’influence étrangère. Mais au-delà du « Qatargate », qu’en est-il du rapport aux règles et aux lois des autres eurodéputés ?

Une enquête pilotée par la plate-forme d’investigation Follow the Money et conduite par un consortium de 24 médias européens, dont Le Monde, révèle que près d’un quart des 704 eurodéputés actuellement en fonction ont été impliqués dans une affaire d’infraction à la loi ou de violation d’un règlement.

Corruption, fraude et harcèlement

Les 253 affaires qui ont pu être identifiées et vérifiées impliquent 163 députés européens, pour des faits qui, dans leur grande majorité, se sont déroulés sous l’actuelle législature (2019-2024), qu’ils aient été commis dans leur pays d’origine ou dans le cadre de leur mandat d’eurodéputé. Elles revêtent des degrés de gravité divers, en couvrant un large spectre allant du vol d’un téléphone portable à la complicité de meurtre, en passant par le détournement de fonds publics européens. Mais ce bilan, inédit à l’échelle européenne, est dominé par trois sujets d’intérêt public majeur : quarante-cinq affaires sont liées à la corruption, et notamment à l’attribution de pots-de-vin (dix-huit cas recensés) ; quarante-quatre, à la fraude et au détournement d’argent ; et quarante-six, au harcèlement moral ou sexuel, un problème dont l’importance serait sous-évaluée, selon une enquête récente de Politico.

Le résultat de cette enquête est un décompte minimal, car toutes les affaires ne sont pas publiques et les crimes et délits ne sont pas poursuivis ou sanctionnés de la même façon en France ou en Hongrie, où l’Etat de droit fait défaut et l’indépendance de la justice n’est pas respectée.

Mais à cinq mois des élections européennes, prévues du 6 au 9 juin, ce recensement inédit apporte un début de réponse sur la probité en Europe. De fait, l’éthique des responsables publics européens est un sujet d’intérêt public majeur, qui nécessite de la transparence dans une Union européenne (UE) à vingt-sept, dont les Etats membres n’ont pas tous adopté les mêmes standards ni la même énergie pour lutter contre la corruption.

Cette enquête confirme, par ailleurs, que le respect des règles et des lois n’est pas une valeur uniformément partagée par toutes les formations politiques. S’il est impossible de dresser un bilan de la probité pays par pays – les situations disparates en matière de lutte anticorruption fausseraient la comparaison –, l’enquête livre néanmoins plusieurs enseignements sur le plan politique.

La droite radicale surreprésentée

Dans l’affaire du « Qatargate », la plupart des mis en cause, dont Eva Kaïli, sont liés au groupe social-démocrate. Mais dans le recensement global effectué sous l’égide de Follow the Money, l’extrême droite européenne, la droite radicale populiste et la droite « illibérale » sont surreprésentées, en particulier dans les affaires portant sur les faits plus graves selon le code pénal, ayant fait l’objet d’enquêtes judiciaires. Ils représentent 55 des eurodéputés mis en cause, contre 42 pour la droite conservatrice ou 26 pour la gauche et les écologistes.

Ainsi, quatre eurodéputés sortants du Rassemblement national (RN) sont mis en cause dans la vaste affaire des assistants parlementaires, dont le président du parti lui-même, Jordan Bardella. Sont également mis en cause quatre ex-eurodéputés RN, dont Marine Le Pen, devenue députée en France, et Nicolas Bay, passé sous la bannière du parti Reconquête ! d’Eric Zemmour.

Tous sont suspectés d’avoir rémunéré, avec l’argent public, des assistants d’eurodéputés qui travaillaient en réalité pour leur parti au niveau national – ce qu’ils nient en bloc. Le préjudice financier est estimé à 6,8 millions d’euros sur huit ans, entre 2004 et 2016. Le RN et vingt-sept personnes liées au parti comparaîtront à l’automne 2024 devant le tribunal correctionnel. Si le RN n’est pas le seul parti français suspecté dans cette affaire, les eurodéputés mis en cause au MoDem et à La France insoumise (LFI) n’ont pas été réélus en 2019, et ne sont pas comptabilisés dans l’enquête.

Le RN est impliqué dans une autre affaire datant de 2021, restée cantonnée à la sphère du Parlement européen : l’institution européenne reproche à cinq de ses eurodéputés (dont Jean-Lin Lacapelle et Thierry Mariani) de s’être vu offrir des voyages de luxe en échange de rapports complaisants sur la tenue d’élections dans des régimes autoritaires, en Crimée (annexée par la Russie) et au Kazakhstan.

Les tentatives d’influence étrangère deviennent un sujet particulièrement sensible, dans un monde en pleine recomposition géopolitique où se multiplient les conflits. Ces eurodéputés ont été sanctionnés par le Parlement, qui les a placés sur sa « liste noire » pour avoir participé à de « faux voyages d’observation électorale » tous frais payés – ce qui leur interdit désormais de participer aux missions officielles d’observation électorale au nom du Parlement.

Un député qui siège depuis sa prison

L’ex-parti néonazi grec Aube dorée, dissous en 2020 après avoir été reconnu comme organisation criminelle, est, lui, touché par de graves affaires. Son ancien président, Ioannis Lagos, qui siège toujours en tant qu’indépendant, vote des textes et participe à des commissions parlementaires de sa prison en Grèce, où il purge une peine de plus de treize ans pour avoir dirigé une organisation criminelle impliquée dans le meurtre d’un rappeur et militant antifasciste à Athènes en 2013. Parce qu’il est élu dans son pays, un député européen ne peut être démis de ses fonctions que par une décision spécifique des autorités nationales compétentes, notifiée au Parlement européen – ce que la Grèce n’a pas fait, confirme au Monde l’assemblée de Strasbourg.

Les autres familles politiques ne sont pas exemptes d’infractions à la loi ou aux règles. A droite, l’eurodéputée italienne Lara Comi (Forza Italia) a été reconnue coupable par la justice italienne de corruption au moyen de fausses factures lui ayant permis d’empocher 500 000 euros d’argent public. Elle continue d’exercer son mandat de parlementaire malgré sa condamnation en octobre 2023 à quatre ans et deux mois de prison.

A gauche, l’eurodéputé grec Alexis Georgoulis fait l’objet d’accusations de viol et de coups et blessures volontaires par la justice belge, qui a obtenu la levée de son immunité parlementaire en juin 2023. Il a été exclu de son parti, Syriza, et du groupe parlementaire de la gauche radicale, The Left.

La députée européenne Anne-Sophie Pelletier, élue sous l’étiquette LFI, est quant à elle accusée par treize assistants parlementaires de harcèlement et maltraitance. Si elle a été blanchie par le comité anti-harcèlement du Parlement européen en 2021, la délégation LFI l’a exclue en décembre 2023 pour « comportement harcelant, déplacé et agressif ». Une exclusion que conteste la parlementaire, qui a porté plainte en diffamation.

Très peu de condamnations

Pour Nick Aiossa, directeur du département Europe de Transparency International, les chiffres alarmants compilés dans le cadre de cette enquête sont encore en deçà de la réalité. « Beaucoup d’informations liées aux députés n’étant pas accessibles au public, il y a un grand nombre d’affaires non révélées, explique-t-il. Nous savons notamment que la manipulation des indemnités parlementaires et des dépenses déclarées est une pratique courante au Parlement. Pour certains députés, la tentation est grande de puiser dans ces fonds pour financer les partis qui leur ont permis d’être élus. »

Faut-il y voir un indice d’impunité ? Toutes ces affaires n’ont pas été portées devant les tribunaux et, quand la justice a été saisie, les infractions commises ont donné lieu, à ce jour, à la condamnation définitive de vingt-trois eurodéputés, soit 3 % d’entre eux. Au sein de l’UE, certains pays restent critiqués pour leur arsenal législatif faible en matière de répression des atteintes à la probité, et parfois même suspectés d’étouffer des affaires par trop politiques.

Par ailleurs, les scandales ne bloquent pas toujours la carrière politique des élus concernés. Ainsi l’eurodéputé d’extrême droite du Parti de la liberté autrichien (FPÖ) Harald Vilimsky, qui siège au Parlement depuis près de dix ans, a vu sa probité mise en cause dans plusieurs affaires, dont celle du « Champagnegate », en 2018 – dans laquelle son groupe politique avait été accusé par le Parlement européen d’avoir financé des produits de luxe, dont des bouteilles de champagne, sur ses frais de mandat parlementaire. En 2021, le Parlement a, par ailleurs, levé son immunité dans le cadre d’une enquête judiciaire autrichienne sur de possibles irrégularités dans les dépenses de son parti. M. Vilimsky sera pourtant la tête de liste du FPÖ aux élections européennes de juin.

Coup d’accélérateur à la lutte antifraude

Sollicité sur les résultats de notre enquête, le Parlement européen rappelle avoir réagi sans délai au « Qatargate », et explique avoir entrepris un certain nombre de réformes pour renforcer « l’intégrité, l’indépendance et la responsabilité » au sein de son institution. Le code de conduite et le règlement intérieur s’appliquant aux eurodéputés ont été renforcés. Le Parlement entend ainsi désormais être en mesure de « contrôler de manière proactive la conformité aux règles et évaluer les infractions qui lui sont signalées » et assure viser « une politique de tolérance zéro vis-à-vis de toute forme de corruption », assure un porte-parole.

Pour de nombreux observateurs, la création du Parquet européen, qui a commencé ses activités en juin 2021, pourrait permettre de donner un coup d’accélérateur à la lutte contre la fraude et la corruption. Chargée de lutter contre les atteintes aux intérêts financiers de l’UE, cette nouvelle juridiction européenne viendra, en effet, renforcer l’action de l’Office européen de lutte antifraude créé en 1999 et cantonné à la conduite d’enquêtes administratives.

Il reste que dans bon nombre d’affaires d’atteintes à la probité, de corruption ou d’influence étrangère, la responsabilité en matière de contrôle incombe aux Etats membres de l’UE.

Mais dans le recensement global effectué sous l’égide de Follow the Money, l’extrême droite européenne, la droite radicale populiste et la droite « illibérale » sont surreprésentées, en particulier dans les affaires portant sur les faits plus graves selon le code pénal, ayant fait l’objet d’enquêtes judiciaires. Ils représentent 55 des eurodéputés mis en cause, contre 42 pour la droite conservatrice ou 26 pour la gauche et les écologistes.

source https://www.ftm.eu/articles/european-parliamentarians-involved-in-hundreds-of-scandals  lemonde  https://transparency.eu/projects/ Un quart eurodeputes scandales affaires Un quart eurodeputes scandales affaires Un quart eurodeputes scandales affaires Un quart eurodeputes scandales affaires