While improving energy efficiency is the key goal, the other benefits of air barriers, such as helping control the interior environment, providing a durable design, and creating a high-performing building, should all be closely considered in air barrier material selection.
Zero-lot-line-construction typically requires the application of blindside waterproofing to various types of shoring conditions. Some waterproofing consultants and professionals feel redundant waterproofing is the most effective method in these conditions.
While energy-efficient buildings are created by insulating from the bottom up, getting the best possible insulation for the project starts by understanding the material from the inside out. Current tests highlight the moisture absorption traits of rigid foam insulation but not the water expulsion traits, and therefore may be misleading.
With a host of recent industry issues, including the tightening of labour markets, problems associated with moisture intrusion into wall cavities, heightened awareness of mould-related health problems, and a need for increased productivity at the jobsite, lightweight and waterproof foam tile backer boards are serving as a well-suited solution for Canadian projects.
Energy and thermal performance requirements are growing and playing an increasingly significant role in building codes throughout North America. However, understanding and meeting these requirements has also become complex for designers. At the same time, it is clear important decisions regarding basic enclosure assembly design and window area need to be made early in the project to achieve the most cost-effective, energy-efficient, and comfortable building.
Accurate assessment of the watertightness of new and existing roofs can potentially save building owners hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The challenge for roofing specifiers is choosing the most effective exterior-to-interior watertightness evaluation techniques because there is no single, straightforward method to accurately assess water ingress. It is, however, possible to obtain reliable information on the watertightness resistance and condition of an existing roof system by combining water-detection methods.
Even in winter, immediate replacement of roof systems could be an absolute necessity, depending on the severity of leaks and the interior environment the roof is supposed to protect. Contingent on the size of the roof, its complexity, and contractor availability, there may be time to squeeze in the replacement before snow falls. While roofing can be performed during the cold, winter months, there are many challenges that must be addressed by designers, contractors, and owners. These difficulties can be amplified when reroofing over an occupied facility.
Structural thermal breaks (STBs) address thermal weaknesses in the building envelope by ensuring continuous insulation (ci), thereby improving the overall thermal performance. They are also changing the design philosophy to an “envelope-first approach.”
Experiments conducted by RDH Building Science, National Research Council Canada (NRC), and a manufacturer of insulation materials have confirmed the presence of gaps between boards of insulation will cause a reduction in its R-value.
When selecting air barrier products to employ in building designs, architects have a broad range of choices. Spray foam insulation products are often selected because they can provide superior performance and also contribute to greater energy and operating cost savings in buildings.
