Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1010276
AUGUST 2018 | 15 If there's a holy grail that can enable developers to create the ideal building envelope, it is Engineered Assemblies' System2 Design Guide, based on the principals of structural framing requirements for RVRS lightweight facade systems and the thermal performance requirements applicable for the pre- scriptive requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007/2010. So confident is Engineered Assemblies of this painstakingly researched, 55-page document (which was adjusted to address envelopes in severe weather conditions) that it is planning to offer those who scru- pulously follow it a 25-year facade warranty. "Developers are already building to our System2 standards, and they're working," says Ker. "We're absolutely confident about standing behind a 25-year warranty, even though the industry standard is 10-plus, it's certain that organizers of government projects would jump all over this." RJC's Rowe, who is familiar with Engineered Assemblies' work, agrees there is a big push for climate resiliency. "But this doesn't mean the solutions have to be overly complicated," he says. "One of the things we focus on is achieving a good air/moisture vapour bar- rier. We want the insulation, and if that's in a rainscreen system, you can do whatever you want on the outside." Rowe goes on to note that, "Adjusting for big tem- perature swings also doesn't necessarily mean hunting for new materials, but using existing ones in a thoughtful way. The question is, can this happen in a fast-track construction environment? I believe it can, as long as you have a dedicated team." Of course, climate isn't the only issue being dis- cussed in the building envelope realm. Andrew Cole, executive director for the Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association Inc. (CUFCA), points out that as building structures become tighter, the chances of radon build up increase – and unfortunately this colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But CUFCA has spent considerable time and effort outlining how to control radon build up, including the installation of depressurization pipes, sealing the joint between foundation walls and floor slabs, and sealing all penetrations in the floor slabs, foundation walls, and load bearing posts. Insulation has proven to be an effective protection against radon gas, and with its tested and Canadian Construction Materials Centre-approved (CCMC) foam systems, CUFCA can now provide assurances of an effective Radon Control Solution (RCS), and air barrier, vapour barrier, as well as the highest R-value thermal insulation. With a Long-Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) value of R-6 per inch, the Association's foam systems applied at 50-millimetre thick provide an R-12 LTTR, which exceeds code requirements. The product is sprayed directly and forms a one-piece control layer Equitone mineral-fibre-reinforced cementitious panels from Engineered Assemblies. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC GERVAIS/COURTESY ENGINEERED ASSEMBLIES Building Envelope