Ensuring Quality Assurance and Quality in the Building Envelope for BC Energy Step Code Compliance (online)

Ensuring Quality Assurance and Quality in the Building Envelope for BC Energy Step Code Compliance
We will discuss how to plan the correct sequencing for typical detail installation relating primarily to air barrier and insulation, without compromising other control functions and durability.

We will discuss how to identify key building enclosure QA/QC items from construction documents and plan for ways to address them including modifying details and using mockups.

We will discuss how to understand the scheduling, preparation, and testing process for airtightness testing at mid-construction and for final compliance, for both detached and attached homes.

We will discuss how to assess the suitability of qualitative and quantitative testing techniques in the construction process for BCESC homes, including challenges with diverse housing types

So ultimately, builders would be able to use basic quality assurance and quality control tools like mockups and airtightness testing to achieve airtight durable enclosures.

We will discuss how to use checklists to manage QA/ QC of key enclosure items related to BCESC compliance steps from design to completion, including avoiding costly errors and the need for repairs through effective quality assurance.

We will discuss how to effectively communicate to trade the key QA/QC items related to BCESC compliance and identify and mitigate potential conflict and bias that might arise between team members especially relating to different cultural backgrounds.

We will discuss how to identify desirable qualifications and responsibilities for an onsite QA/QC supervisor to support all aspects of BCESC compliance, including insulation, airtightness, and mechanical systems.

We will discuss how to enlist appropriate personnel, tools, and techniques for repairing incomplete enclosure items and improving building airtightness.

We will discuss how to integrate key quality assurance and quality control language relating to BCESC compliance into contract agreements with designers and trades, including performance-based contractual obligations

So ultimately, builders would be able to coordinate QA/ QC measures for enclosure detailing and airtightness control, including enlisting the correct parties responsible and tracking items from design through to completion.

Upon completion of this module, builders would have a better understanding of building envelope details that are more commonly associated with performance issues and have a better understanding of the quality assurance and control of the air barrier, and on diagnosis and repair of the air barrier with the assistance of air tightness testing.

This course is not equivalent to the eight training modules that were developed by BC Housing to prepare builders to build to Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. Completion of this courses will not satisfy the step code condition placed on general contractor licenses by BC Housing.