Applications of Building Science is an course where fundamentals of psychrometrics, heat, air, and moisture transfer applied to building enclosures in cold climates is reviewed and applied. Participants will enhance their understanding of building science theory and provides the foundation of technical knowledge to approach Ontario Building Code performance. Each section will end with a quiz and each class with an interactive exercise demonstrating the application to building design and construction.

Thermal Control

• Fundamental of Heat Transfer and Thermal Control
• Thermal Insulation Materials
• Effective Thermal Performance of Assemblies
• Common Insulation Installation Issues
• Infrared Investigation Methods

Air Control

• Fundamentals of Air Movement
• Air Barrier Materials
• Common Air Barrier Installation Issues
• Component and Whole Building Air Tightness Testing Methods

Class Exercise - Building Envelope Issues

• Problem Set Work to promote thermal and air control strategies, installation issues, thermal bridging issues based on infrared photos and visual photos. Upon completion the quiz will be reviewed together for discussion and identification of the actual strategies, materials and issues.

Vapour Control

• Fundamentals of Water Vapour Control
• Psychrometrics
• Vapour Barrier Materials
• Common Vapour Barrier Installation Issues

Water Control

• Water Control Strategies
• Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) Materials
• Common WRB Installation Issues
• Field Testing Methods

Class Exercise – Functional Analysis

• Interactive functional analysis identifying material water, thermal, air, and vapour control layers and strategies in example assemblies of enclosure assemblies from example Canadian project drawings identifying the functions of the layers leading to design strategy discussions
• Show photos of partial constructions and engage class in exercise to identify functions of layers (and deficiencies given the show installations)