Codes, Regulations, & Programs

October 17, 2024

The Mechanisms and Measurement of Air Leakage in Houses

Join Building Science Expert Trevor Trainor as he presents some simple hygrothermal modeling scenarios for standard walls across various Canadian climate zones. A bit of myth-busting along with some cautionary tales about building-to-minimum-code. A dive into why Poly as a VB (vapour barrier) is a poor choice in many regions of Canada—and the importance of vapour diffusion retarder technologies and products.

Read More
October 7, 2024

Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Is Coming to a Building Code Near You

Homebuilders in North America are about to experience significant building code changes tied to the current and future impacts of extreme weather from climate change. Insurance companies and global underwriters have signaled to the Canadian homebuilding and renovation industry that change has to happen or the impact on homeowners' premiums or ability to insure their dwellings will be challenged.

Read More
October 7, 2024

WUFI on the Side: A Quick Intro to Hygrothermal Modeling of Standard Walls and Why Code Walls With 6 Mil Poly VB May Be the Riskiest for Builders

Join Building Science Expert Trevor Trainor as he presents some simple hygrothermal modeling scenarios for standard walls across various Canadian climate zones. A bit of myth-busting along with some cautionary tales about building-to-minimum-code. A dive into why Poly as a VB (vapour barrier) is a poor choice in many regions of Canada—and the importance of vapour diffusion retarder technologies and products.

Read More
April 18, 2024

New Tiered Energy Code NBC 2020: What are the key details for homebuilders and developers?

Andrew discussed the recent approval of the National Tiered Energy Code for houses and small buildings, Provincial stakeholders (including Ontario) will now begin intense stakeholder review with the intent of harmonization. It has been 5 years since the last energy code adjustment in Ontario (SB12 2017).

Read More
April 18, 2024

Critical Canadian Home Building Science Part 9: New 2020 NBC 9.36 Tiered Energy Code: What Does A Tier 3 & 4 Home Look Like?

As the Ontario industry considers harmonizing with the new 2020 9.36 Tiered Energy Code (specifically Tier 3) builders, designers, planners and trades are wondering what kind of solutions will be required. Get an inside look at what specifications are needed to meet Tier 3 and 4 through PRESCRIPTIVE methodology or PERFORMANCE methodology. What is the optimal enclosure? What is the optimal mechanical solution? What are the COST implications of this new tiered energy code? Listen in as energy modeling experts, Angela Bustamante and Toby Smith provide a glimpse into the future.

Read More
April 18, 2024

Canadian Home Builders: Carbon Counting Is Coming and So Are Tiered Energy Codes

Join an expert panel to learn how leading builders and developers are cost-optimizing the most affordable specifications to meet the new NBC 2020 9.36 tiered energy code and developing plans to benchmark carbon emissions for 2025-2030.

Read More
Login