Introduction:

• Why are we here- connections to Building Code, Step Code, green building programs, market niches, etc.

What is Building Science:

• House as a System: heat/air/moisture and interrelations
• The envelope, environmental separation and protecting it from damage (mainly moisture)
• Unintended consequences and avoiding issues (increasing thermal resistance, vapour barrier materials, moisture-sensitive materials, in attention to air tightness
• 4 barrier systems (criteria and examples):
  • Air
  • Vapour
  • Weather/moisture
  • Thermal
• Climate – Specific Design:
  • Building for the environment
  • Section 9.36 requirements based on climate
  • Keeping moisture out
  • Dew Point
• Barrier Systems Applications – Materials and Techniques:
  • Polyethylene Sheeting air barrier
  • Exterior foam insulation
  • Airtight Drywall Approach
  • Housewrap air barrier 4
  • Spray foam
  • ICF
  • Mixing and matching different systems
• Foundation Systems:
  • Moisture Barriers
  • Insulation Options
  • Location of air barrier and vapour barrier
  • Drying
• Air Leakage Air Tightness:
  • How tight is too tight?
  • Need for air: ventilation, make up, combustion
  • Ventilation Standards: Section 9.32 and F326
• Mechanical Systems:
  • Space heating: options and right sizing/best practices
  • Domestic hot water heating: options and heat recovery
  • Ventilations: options
  • Sizing, installation, commissioning and homeowner education
• Leveraging Synergies/Benefits
  • Best System to meet R value?
  • Capturing multiple benefits: right sizing equipment
• Case Studies:
  • 2 case studies: renovation and new house