RCI Conference

Sorry for the repeat to those that follow both my Blog and Journal, but this info was too good to miss.

Please visit http://www.theenclosure.ca/project-journal for the lunacy surrounding slab edge thermal bridging, double stud construction, and wrapping buildings in foam.

Thanks For Visiting!

Rotting OSB - Why I refuse to perform rough-in construction during the winter!

I regularly go by a construction site where a friend of my neighbor is the G.C.   This house in out by the ferry terminal in West Vancouver and when done will be a very high cost home.

My latest visit reminded me of why I really do not want to expose my build to the winter rains.  In fact, I will try to keep all rain of the structure until closed in by installing a 60ft x 100ft tarp over a metal cable strung between two large trees.

But back to the visit, I have been visiting this property since before the old house got taken down, and in fact this is where I salvaged very nice cabinetry to use in the walk in closet, master bath, and family entrance as well as a new wall oven and a like new drawer dishwasher.  I also was able to salvage a lot of plant material from the property but so much more got left behind with the thinking it was out of the way, when in reality - they have just been trashed, such a shame.

Cabinet salvaged to be used in Master Bath

Gorgeous drawers and storage for Master Walk-In-Closet

Base cabinets to be used for family entrance

Wall cabinets to be used for family entrance

 But again I digress.  The new house has been under construction since the middle of May 2013.  The roof was installed sometime in December, but as of yesterday the majority of windows still have not been placed, and as the main floor living areas is 100% windows, the structure is very much NOT waterproof and has been subjected to many storm events leading to total saturation.  And the structure is starting to show its distress accordingly.  I noticed these symptoms a couple of weeks ago when there but was only able to return with a camera yesterday.

This dwelling is still at the rough in stage and is showing rather significant surface mould and rot fungi.  These OSB webs are now compromised **A conversation with someone much smarter than me indicated the webs should still be OK as long as this is dried out and cleaned off **.  Not only do I want to prevent this wetting with a tarped site, this is a perfect example of how poorly OSB stands up in wet environments.

 In the end, this will probably get cleaned up as the G.C. is quite conscientious, but normally, this would just get closed in and the occupants would wonder why their floors bounce a little more than they should.

FPInnovations - Guide for Designing Energy-Efficient Building Enclosures

Whether you are designing single or multi-family dwellings, this Wood-Frame Multi-Unit Residential design guide  from FPInnovations is packed with valuable design information and the relevant science behind each design.

Sponsored in part by the Homeowner Protection Office and prepared by RDH Building Engineering, the 244 Page guide contains information on building energy efficient assemblies in various configurations including split insulation, double stud, mass timber, and wood frame infill.


While I chose to not build to any of these specific assemblies in my dwelling, my design still relies on the fundamental principles expressed and recommended in this guide.  I have also had the privilege of attending many of the lead author's (Graham Finch - RDH) building science courses and seminars over the last 3 years.  His knowledge and ability to disseminate the information in an understandable manner has helped me immensely in my ability to absorb and understand the key building science principles discussed throughout this guide, including the importance of assemblies that can perspire, as well as the importance and impact of reducing thermal bridging.

Whether building a code minimum house or going to the other extreme and building a Passive House, this guide has got something for you and should be part of your reference library.

I give it two thumps up!