Air Barriers (BC Energy Step Code Module 5)
BC Housing: 2.5 CPD Points
Description
This training opportunity is being offered in partnership with Blue House Energy and it meets the BC Energy Step Code Module 5: Air Barriers mandatory training for builders as required by BC Housing (as of Oct 2022).
This module covers a range of air barrier approaches for roof, wall, floor, and party wall assemblies, including design and installation practices.
The training goals for this course are:
- Select an appropriate air barrier approach for a given roof, wall, floor, and party-wall assembly based on performance, cost- effectiveness, and constructability, bearing in mind current and future BCESC requirements.
- Apply knowledge of the correct design and installation practices for a given air barrier approach to properly manage the planning, installation, and testing of the building’s complete air barrier.
NOTE: ICBA Members qualify for a discounted rate on this training. The discount is automatically applied during the checkout process, so don't panic when you see the full rate listed at first.
Learning Objectives
Section 1
- Appreciate the importance of the building air barrier as a way of significantly improving energy efficiency with minimal construction cost implications.
- Understand how airtightness impacts energy performance from code minimum to current practices to best practices.
- Describe the four attributes of a correctly installed building air barrier: air impermeability, durability, continuity, and stiffness.
- Compare the design and construction sequence considerations of typical interior and exterior air barrier systems, including key details for implementing them successfully.
Section 2
- List the key factors that contribute to the successful installation of a complete air barrier system.
- Manage the key wood-frame construction practices that can interfere with achieving a successful air barrier, including coordination and education for all trades interacting with the enclosure.
- Coordinate qualitative and quantitative testing at the appropriate times, and use results to track quality control of the air barrier.
Important Information
- This course takes 9-12 hours to complete (including reviews, quizzes, etc.)
- The course is made up of an introduction and 2 sections. A downloadable study guide can be found under the ‘Resource’ Tab in your training plan
- There is a review and quiz at the end of each section. You can review any section as many times as you like.
- Once you have completed all of the sections, you can take the final test (you may only take it once).
- A grade of at least 70% earns you a Certificate of Achievement
- Like all BHE courses, you have access for 12 months
- The course is best viewed on a laptop or desktop. It works on tablets, but it’s really hard to see all the details on a phone!
- Sales within Canada are subject to GST/HST
- Download course outline
