2020 IIBEC Virtual Canadian Building Enclosure Symposium: Two presentations

We are presenting two presentations at the Virtual Symposium on Building Enclosure. This cutting-edge educational program will offer information regarding design, construction, maintenance, and repair of modern and/or older building enclosures. The event’s open, inclusive environment encourages attendees to ask questions and stimulates dialogue. Speakers offer relevant solutions by referencing real-world examples and specific case histories. Join us on September 22 -24, 2020.
More info and registration here.

Session One: Thermal, Structural, and Cost Optimization of the Building Enclosure for Net-Zero Construction

When the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging (BETB) Guide was launched in 2014, the impact of thermal bridges were largely overlooked in North America. Comprehensive thermal calculations factoring in thermal bridging are now a requirement in many new energy codes and standards due to an increased understanding of their impact and drive to net-zero construction. The next progression is to recognize that structural requirements need to be factored into thermal calculations. This evolution requires reliable data that is readily available, so that cost effective solutions can be efficiently examined.

This presentation illustrates this progression with a case study where various claddings and back-up walls are examined from a structural, thermal, and cost perspective. Design assist tools with extensive data sets are showcased to illustrate how optimization can happen early-on in design and how these tools can support specifications that encourage cost effective solutions.

This presentation draws from a research project that is significantly expanding the BETB database and developing web-based applications that reduce the effort to optimize the building enclosure. This paper is supported by experience on new construction projects where these approaches have been successfully applied.

This session will be presented by Brett Patrick and Katie Hay. It takes place on Tuesday September 22, 2020 – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PDT.

Session Two: Renewal Strategies for Highly Insulated Low-Slope Ventilated Wood-Framed Roofs in Cool Marine Climates

Roof ventilation requirements are firmly established for residential wood-framed buildings, with ventilation commonly considered beneficial for providing drying, reducing cooling loads, minimizing ice dams, and extending the service life of roof materials by reducing surface temperatures. However, growing evidence of mold growth, moisture accumulation, and deterioration of the low-sloped wood-frame roofs in the pacific-northwest has initiated an ongoing debate regarding mandatory venting requirements. Of particular interest is how to improve durability of roof assemblies as part of renewals work, but current guidance for the design, construction, and renewal of roof assemblies is primarily anecdotal.

This presentation will highlight the findings of a significant research study and subsequent design guideline development conducted in British Columbia, Canada. This study and guide development includes a survey of roof conditions during renewals, monitoring and testing, hygrothermal and energy simulations, and an industry guide. The presentation will identify key factors impacting the observed performance of these roof assemblies, and the development of design solutions. The potential benefits of adding insulation above the roof deck, sealing of roof vents, and increasing airtightness will be presented.

This session will be presented by Patrick Roppel, P.Eng. and Lorne Ricketts, P.Eng, RDH Building Sciences, Inc. It takes place on Thursday September 24, 2020 – 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM PDT.