In an exclusive interview, Maxime Duzyk, director of building science and engineering, North America, with Huntsman Building Solutions, spoke to Construction Canada about a new insulation application method that can save building owners both time and money.
While insulation is not the sole contributor to a net-zero building, insulated concrete form (ICF) technology, in combination with other energy-saving practices, can improve a building’s energy efficiency while easing the construction process.
Building codes, product standards, and regulatory requirements are changing the insulation market. Learn about the changes and how they can affect a project, and spray foam solutions that can help make projects more energy efficient and ‘greener.’
An airtight building enclosure is an important part of a modern building. Airtightness is achieved with an effective air barrier system that is carefully designed, detailed, and then built and commissioned in the field. An effective air barrier consists of a continuous system of materials, components, and accessories, not an individual product.
The federal government has stipulated that thermal insulations with hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blowing agents must have a global warming potential (GWP) of 150 or less by the end of this year. It will be important for architects and designers to understand these new requirements and update their master specifications and technical documents accordingly.
Roofs are subject to very extreme physical and environmental conditions. They are, for the most part, the first line of defense against exterior elements, and, in many instances, the most neglected building element. Roof maintenance does not have to be a very complicated and time-consuming endeavour.
Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are above-grade, exterior wall claddings used across the country on residential and commercial buildings. It is a popular cladding choice due to benefits such as high thermal efficiency, cost effectiveness, and design versatility.
Proper insulation is crucial in designing efficient building envelopes, especially in Canada, where long winters increase energy use and the need to minimize heat loss. Addressing insulation challenges is crucial in mitigating long-term operating costs for building owners and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Roofs, and particularly flat ones, face unique issues when dealing with sudden downpours. Builders are discovering sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) can contend with the ‘new normal’ extreme weather that is being witnessed.
