Implications of Envelope Backstops in Recent Energy Codes March 15, 2024 ENERGY CONSUMPTION WITHIN the residential and commercial sector accounts for 40% of energy utilization in the United States.1 Among the various energy uses, space heating and cooling activities are responsible for more than 50% of this energy consumption.2 Canada also faces a similar concern, prompting regulatory authorities to explore alternative approaches. To mitigate energy consumption, […] Read More
Adequate Ventilation of Low-Slope Roof Systems: The Need for Better Understanding and Guidance February 09, 2024 IN MONTREAL, QUEBEC, low-rise residential buildings with low-slope roof systems are an important part of the city’s architectural character. However, the current building code requirements and typical design and construction practices for these structures do not always provide for adequate ventilation of attic spaces. This article explains how the current code requirements were derived and […] Read More
Considerations for Specifying Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Insulations in Various Applications February 09, 2024 RIGID, CELLULAR POLYSTYRENE (RCPS) foam boards are used as thermal insulation in assemblies for exterior walls and roofs, as well as cold-climate infrastructure.1-3 Considering all these applications (Fig. 1–3), it is interesting that the number of generic “types” could be reduced to just 14 according to ASTM C578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Considerations for […] Read More
Fenestration Replacement: Identifying Design Solutions for Existing Buildings February 09, 2024 systems, often without any consideration of engineering issues. However, current building codes have added complexity to fenestration unit replacement. For example, Chapter C503 of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)1 mandates that all new building elements used in renovations must comply with the current code requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose stricter requirements than the […] Read More
Mind the Gap: Waterproofing Considerations in Property Line Construction January 05, 2024 10 • IIBEC Interface January 2024 Mind the Gap: Waterproofing Considerations in Property Line Construction By Xiu Li, PE; Jesse Sipes, PE; Caitlyn Kallus, PE; and John Stuart, PE This paper was presented at the 2023 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium. THE ICONIC “PAINTED Ladies” in the sitcom Full House, brownstones in New York City, and […] Read More
Assessment of Thermal Bridging of Fasteners Through Insulated Roof Assemblies January 05, 2024 16 • IIBEC Interface January 2024 Interface articles may cite trade, brand, or product names to specify or describe adequately materials, experimental procedures, and/or equipment. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). Assessment of Thermal Bridging of Fasteners through Insulated Roof Assemblies By […] Read More
Case Study: Thermal Contraction of a PVC Membrane and EPS Insulated Roof Assembly in Alaska’s North Slope Borough January 05, 2024 28 • IIBEC Interface January 2024 By Grace Wong, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C; and Christian Gorry, RRC, RRO, PE SINGLE-PLY POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) roof membranes have been in use in the US and Canada since the 1970s and remain a popular choice for low-slope roof coverings, making up an estimated 5–10% of the global […] Read More
All Thermoplastic Rolls are Not Equal January 05, 2024 38 • IIBEC Interface January 2024 All Thermoplastic Rolls Are Not Equal By Colin Murphy, RRC, FIIBEC, LEED BD+C, PRA THE MANUFACTURERS OF wide-width single-ply rolls make marketing claims that the wide-width products have application advantages because, compared with systems using narrower rolls, there are fewer seams and installation is quicker. While this claim may […] Read More
There’s a Lot of Hot Air in Consulting – What’s It All About? December 11, 2023 12 • IIBEC Interface August 2023 There’s a Lot of Hot Air in Consulting—What’s It All About? By Jennifer Keegan, AAIA, and Darbi Krumpos, CDT, BECxP, CxA+BE Interface articles may cite trade, brand, or product names to specify or describe adequately materials, experimental procedures, and/or equipment. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or […] Read More
Bridging the Generational Divide: Mentoring in the Hybrid Work Environment December 11, 2023 24 • IIBEC Interface December 2023 Feature Bridging the Generational Divide: Mentoring in the Hybrid Work Environment By Nichole Thomas and Kevin Palma, RWC, LEED AP, BECxP, CxA+BE This paper was originally presented at the 2023 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. ON MARCH 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic after […] Read More
