Building for the Future: High Performance Home Fundamentals (Webinar)
Each course session must be purchased separately.
Cost: $299
CPD Points: 4 for each session
Delivery Method: Webinar Only
Minimum Estimated Hours of Work: 4hrs for each session
Description
This 3-part online live workshop help participants understand the key principles of high performance homes. As building codes continue to move toward Net Zero Ready, these timely courses provide concentrated learning on four core components of a home; the foundation, the above grade walls, the roof, and windows and doors. Beginning with the foundations course, an overview of the House as a System and Building Science principles (air, heat and moisture flow) will serve as a refresher for attendees. The course will then dig into the science of basements and how builders can help to keep them dry, comfortable and healthy.
The workshop will be of most interest to the following groups:
- New home builders and remodelers and their site supervision staff
- Designers and architects
- Estimators and contract managers of builders
- Site Supervisors and trades
- Energy Raters
SEMINAR INFORMATION
Session #1
Building for the Future: High Performance Home Fundamentals Part 1 – Foundations
Given homeowners’ expectations for more livable basements it is important for builders to turn those cold, dark, damp storage spaces into warm, dry living spaces. The principals, material options and construction details required to accomplish this will be demonstrated in this course.
This course will begin with a refresher on building sciences principles and provide an overview of the House as a System concept. The interaction between building components has a significant impact on other components of the home as well as home performance and durability, occupant comfort, and health. Learn why these principles are both an opportunity and a risk to builders. A review of the basic physics of Air, Heat, and Moisture Flow to understand the complexity of changes in buildings will be covered including a look at air barrier and vapour barrier systems, their materials and important details builders need to be aware of.
This session will also take a deeper dive into the complex building science of basements. A look at the different types of foundations that are commonly used (full basement, crawl space, slab on grade, etc) will begin this segment followed by the science behind moisture and water management, vapour drive, and heat loss control. The principles of managing rain and capillary flow will be discussed for the various foundation options. Appropriate water management strategies and insulation alternatives will be demonstrated.
Session #2
Building for the Future: High Performance Home Fundamentals Part 2 – Above Grade Walls
The 2nd session will move up to the above grade walls, and provide a review of the envelope of the home. The importance of air tightness, water management and thermal envelope principles on the home’s durability, and occupant comfort and health will be reviewed. A discussion of air tightness metrics and test reporting will also be covered.
In this session, the building science principles are applied to wall systems. Effective air sealing and insulation strategies are demonstrated. These segments will help participants choose appropriate wall details for cost effective enclosures that avoid interstitial condensation and help reduce both heating and cooling loads. A look at wall design, heat loss and moisture control will be discussed, along with air barrier details and strategies that work. Common air leakage locations and holes that are frequently missed will be identified. A discussion on interior and exterior air barriers will be covered along with a look at cavity insulation and exterior continuous insulation. In this session, cost effective wall assemblies for Net Zero Energy compliant homes will be identified for different climate zones. Alternative and innovative wall assemblies will also be demonstrated and discussed, including a look at advanced framing / simplified framing = OVE, structurally insulated panels, and insulated concrete forms.
Session #3:
Building for the Future: High Performance Home Fundamentals Part 3 – Roofs, Windows and Doors
The 3rd and final session will discuss the roof, windows and doors of the home. This segment will help participants choose appropriate attic details for cost effective enclosures that avoid interstitial condensation and help reduce both heating and cooling loads. This session will also cover windows and doors, and will help builders choose appropriate windows that avoid condensation and help manage both heating and cooling loads. The 3-part series will finish off with a high level overview of the eight elements of a “High Performance Home.”
In this session, the building science principles are applied to roof and attic assemblies, and effective air sealing and insulation strategies are demonstrated. This segment will help participants choose appropriate attic details for cost effective enclosures that avoid interstitial condensation and help reduce both heating and cooling loads.
A discussion of air leakage into attics, critical location details, heat loss management, truss uplift and ice damming, as well as ventilation needs and avoiding wind washing will be covered.
Windows constitute one of the highest dollar components of a home and have become a primary design feature. It is important for builders to understand how to accommodate windows without compromising comfort and energy efficiency. This segment will help builders choose appropriate windows that avoid condensation and help manage both heating and cooling loads (heat loss/heat gain). A look at the key elements of high performance windows; low-e coatings, insulated spaces, argon filled, frame technologies, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, U-Factors and Energy Ratings (ER) will be reviewed. Optimizing window selections to balance comfort, HVAC and Net Zero Energy compliance in different climate zones.
This session will finish off with a high level overview of the eight elements of a “High Performance Home”:
- Tight Construction
- Improved Insulation Systems
- High Performance Windows
- Intentional Ventilation
- Efficient Heating & Cooling Options
- Efficient Water Heating
- Effective Lighting & Energy Efficient Appliances
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Gord Cooke, President of Building Knowledge Canada Inc.
There are few professionals in Ontario that can match Gord Cooke’s broad knowledge of the inner workings of a house. Highly regarded in the Ontario homebuilding industry, Gord is a professional engineer, trainer, author, and industry consultant. For over 25 years, Gord has helped builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies and build better homes. He is an effective and passionate educator and advocate for better building practices, improved indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Most recently, Gord was awarded one of just five “hall of fame” 2022 Clean50 Lifetime Achievement Awards.