This guide is intended to be an industry resource with respect to designing, building, and testing airtight buildings, while not compromising other aspects of building enclosure performance, including moisture management, thermal performance, and durability.
This guide, published by BC Housing, BC Hydro, and the City of Vancouver, provides industry-specific information on achieving airtightness in buildings. It covers design, construction, and testing methods for mid- and high-rise wood-frame and non-combustible residential buildings in British Columbia. The guide emphasizes maintaining moisture management, thermal performance, and durability while achieving airtightness.
The guide includes sections on air barrier approaches, material selection, detailing, mechanical design, and testing procedures. It also addresses compliance with the BC Building Code and Vancouver’s Building By-law, and provides checklists and example test procedures for implementation.
This guide consolidates information on achieving airtightness in buildings, focusing on larger or more complex building types, while maintaining other aspects of building enclosure performance.
The information applies mainly to mid- and high-rise wood-frame and non-combustible residential buildings in British Columbia, with additional applicability to larger low-rise buildings and those with other occupancies.