Course Overview
This three-day course provides the knowledge and practical hands-on skills that students need to properly construct the envelope of a wood-frame building to achieve the performance requirements of the upper steps of the BC Energy Step Code. Hands-on work focuses on the building enclosure with particular attention to detailing the interfaces at foundation, walls, roof and around windows and doors. The course provides a foundation in building science applied to high performance buildings and introduces students to various materials and techniques to install the five critical layers of a wall assembly. The following equipment is required: CSA approved Safety foot-wear (green triangle) and clothing suitable for working in a construction environment.
Prerequisite(s)
- Students should have prior knowledge/experience in the construction industry.
Credits
1.5
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand basic principles of building science, including:
- The five critical layers of a building enclosure.
- The four strategies to manage water with the building enclosure.
- The six strategies to boost energy-efficiency performance in buildings: highly insulating envelope, thermal bridge free construction, airtightness, windows and solar gains, ventilation with heat recovery, and high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems.
- The three performance metrics used in the BC Energy Step Code.
- Apply airtightness principles in construction hands-on work:
- Execute correct application of airtight and moisture resistant membranes and tapes in wood-frame wall assemblies.
- Participate in blower door airtightness testing and air leakage assessment.
- Apply principles of continuous insulation, reducing thermal bridges resulting in high effective R-value assemblies principles through construction hands-on work:
- Execute correct application of insulation materials.
- Install different types of insulation materials and associated installation techniques.
- Apply principles of high performance windows and doors through construction hands-on work:
- Demonstrate correct installation and integration of windows into the wall assembly.
- Apply principles of water management on building enclosures through construction hands-on work:
- Execute corrected application of claddings, flashings and trims.
Effective as of Fall 2019
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.