Hamid Heidarali from HDB is invited by FortisBC and the Greater Vancouver Home Builder Association (GVHBA) to present at the October 19, 2017 Builder Breakfast Series. Hamid will be speaking on the subject of “Identifying problematic building envelope details and exploring practical solutions through collaborative learning”.

One effective method of intuitive learning is to learn from our mistakes; and this is the intent of this presentation. Using an interactive and collaborative approach, this presentation highlights a wide-range of photos pertaining to 25+ typical problematic building envelope detailing and construction practices, observed during numerous site visits by the presenter. Through various group works, the audience will be asked to brainstorm each detail with their colleagues, explore problems associated with each detail, and then collectively come up with practical solutions to avoid similar occurrences. Examples to be covered are:

• Roof to wall saddle
• Window/door rough opening
• Window/door installation
• Thermal bridging
• Rim joist
• Material compatibility
• Below grade damp proofing and drainage
• Planter/window well
• Wall/roof penetrations
• Metal fascia board
• Metal roof
• Deck/roof with spray foam
• And more

The presentation will emphasize that the construction practices and installation methods of the environmental control layers (rain penetration control, air barrier, vapour retarder, and thermal insulation), play a huge role on the successful performance of the building envelope. In addition, when it comes to the selection of the appropriate construction practice and installation method, certain key factors must be taken into consideration. These include but are not limited to, the choice of materials, sequencing of installation, site coordination, compatibility between materials, ease of future repair, maintainability, and long-term performance. Failing to take these factors into consideration can pose the risk of rain penetration, ground water ingress, condensation, heat loss, compromised thermal comfort, and reduced durability.

By the end of this presentation, the audience will gain an insight towards:

• The importance of selecting the appropriate building envelope construction practice and installation method.
• Identification of problematic building envelope details, and how to address them.
• Developing practical solutions via a collaborative approach.

Some of the problematic building envelope practices that will be covered, are presented below: