Energy EfficiencyFor Homeowners

Backdrafting In Our Homes

What is backdrafting? Backdrafting is the reverse and unwanted flow of exhaust gases from fuel-fired appliances back into a home. Fuel-fired appliances use the oxygen present in air for the combustion process, and also use air to dilute toxic gases in the exhaust vent pipe or chimney. Combustion and dilution air can be supplied directly to the appliance (direct-vent) or can be pulled from…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 24, 2021
Energy EfficiencyHome Comfort

Air Barrier vs Vapour Barrier

The difference between air barrier and vapour barrier systems is often misunderstood.  These are two distinct components of a building’s assembly, and both have a different purpose. The function of an air barrier is to stop air leakage between a conditioned space and an unconditioned space, while the vapour barrier prevents the diffusion of vapour through an assembly. The National…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 19, 2021
Energy EfficiencyFor Builders

Building Airtightness Targets and Standards

We can’t stress enough the importance of airtightness. Durability, comfort, energy efficiency, and healthy homes all relate back to airtightness. If you haven’t read our blog post about airtightness, see HERE. Airtightness requirements in building codes and energy performance standards are becoming increasingly stringent. Recent codes and standards have now begun to include targets for whole-building airtightness as a way of achieving consistently higher levels of…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 3, 2021
Energy EfficiencyFor Builders

ABS vs PVC piping

What’s the difference and which one should I use? Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the white, black, and grey plastic pipes running through the walls and floors and around the perimeter of your home? Unless you’re a plumber by trade, probably not. But in case you’re curious, here’s a brief rundown of the difference in plastic…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 3, 2021
Energy Efficiency

What’s all the fuss about airtightness?

If you’ve been paying attention to the ever-evolving home building requirements throughout BC, you may have noticed that municipalities are asking more and more from their builders to achieve high levels of airtightness. Most people in the industry view this as a positive development that will expand the knowledge base and improve the quality of work delivered across the industry,…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 3, 2021
In the NewsOur Environment

Indoor Air Quality: What are we breathing in?

According to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, an average adult breathes in around 15,000 litres of air every day. Statistically, people spend 90% of their time indoors.  The majority of that time is spent at home, therefore it is extremely important that our homes provide a healthy living environment. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within buildings…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 3, 2021
BylawEnergy EfficiencyIn the News

Update to Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018 – March 1st, 2018 updates

Today the City of Vancouver has introduced new updates to the Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018  (VBBL). Since 2014, only 1&2 Family residential housing were effected by the VBBL. Now, in the New Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018, all low-rise (less than 4 Storey) MURBs (Multi Residential Buildings) will require air tightness testing, EnerGuide Ratings, and Effective R-22 Walls. This will also…
Elisabeth Baudinaud
February 3, 2021