Tag Archives: National

Curtain walls and energy codes

A curtain wall is a cost-effective building exterior enclosure system, and can be an esthetically pleasing envelope for many building types. From high-rise residential to office buildings, glass curtain wall cladding can provide architecturally eye-catching and highly marketable views for occupants. However, it is not an exterior cladding normally associated with high thermal and solar gain performance for reduced building energy use.

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Wood flooring installation methods

When most people think about installing hardwood floors, they typically envision a hammer, nails, and a lot of backbreaking work. However, the reality is there are several options available for installing wood floors. Choosing the most appropriate method depends on the flooring type, whether the floor will be installed above or below grade, and the type of material employed for the subfloor.

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Taking care when dealing with condominium corporations

Contractors who deal with condominium corporations should be aware of recent reports in the press of a case involving alleged construction fraud and mortgage fraud perpetrated by a property manager. The story of the $20-plus million fraud was first reported by The Toronto Star in September 2011. The number of condominium corporations affected by the alleged fraud now stands at nine and counting, and police are continuing their investigation.

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Waterproofing considerations for green roofs

Green roofs are continuing to gain recognition as a sustainable building design feature throughout North America. These vegetated assemblies contribute to many credits under the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
To ensure performance of these systems, the Single-ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) association has passed two design standards and a test procedure specific for vegetative roofs in the last couple of years.

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Insulating energy-efficient homes

Design/construction professionals working on single-family residential projects are facing diametrically opposing forces––the need for energy efficiency, environmentally sensitive construction, and macroeconomic demand for lower construction costs. As specifiers aspire toward a ‘net-zero-energy’ home, with a price tag currently out of reach for most Canadians, this author discusses what can realistically be achieved at an affordable price for a typical Canadian home.

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Sheathings reach beyond the code

The Canadian government recently suggested energy efficiency is an important tool for addressing climate change, promoting economic activity, and supporting energy security. Further, it says Canada will aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020.

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