Tempo:
Attics, Roof Spaces and Roofing
Unconditioned attics must be separated from the conditioned environment by insulation, an air barrier system and a vapour barrier. They should be vented to remove any moisture that has entered from the conditioned interior environment or the exterior environment. The roof shape must effectively shed water and be covered with roofing materials and flashing that will prevent water from entering. See Chapter 12 for more information.
Doors
Windows, Doors and Skylights
Windows, doors and skylights separate the indoor and outdoor environments, provide security and natural light, and must also provide a degree of thermal insulation. See Chapter 15 for more information.
Windows and Skylights
Choose windows and skylights to bring in light and fresh air, and to reduce winter heat loss (thereby minimizing heating costs) and summer solar heat gain (to keep cooling costs down). Manufactured windows are classified according to key performance attributes such as insulating value (thermal conductance or ER value) and their resistance to solar heat gain, water penetration and wind and air leakage. Windows near the ground must provide resistance to forced entry. Consider the location, type and mode of operation, and the size of the rough openings required for framing. Some types of windows are easier to open for children and people with disabilities. Carefully design how windows will be flashed and drained to prevent water from entering the interior space and the adjacent wall assemblies, and how they will be connected to the air barrier system.
Windows are much less thermally efficient than insulated walls. Consider the area, arrangement and placement of windows carefully to balance views, ventilation and appearance with thermal efficiency.
Exterior doors must meet most of the same performance requirements as windows for heat, air and moisture control. Doors should be located under overhang protection (roof eaves, recessed under floors above, or canopies), whenever possible. Choose doors that are insulated to reduce heat loss and that have durable seals and weatherstripping. Manufactured exterior doors, frames, locks, latches and hinges meet a standard for resistance to forced entry. Any site-built exterior doors must also resist forced entry. Consider installing wide or double doors if you have exceptionally large appliances or furniture (such as a piano), or to make a house accessible to wheelchairs. Doors for wheelchair access should have special thresholds of 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) or less in height.
Stairs Stairs provide access for people, furniture and appliances; and must be wide enough and have sufficient headroom to provide safe passage. Falls on stairs are a major source of accidents, and risk is reduced by strict adherence to code requirements for the width, rise and run of stairs. See Chapter 17 for more information.
Open stairs must be surrounded by guards and railings that meet code requirements for height and lateral load resistance. Guards must be high enough to keep adults from falling over them and balusters must be closely spaced to prevent children from falling through them.
Unconditioned attics must be separated from the conditioned environment by insulation, an air barrier system and a vapour barrier. They should be vented to remove any moisture that has entered from the conditioned interior environment or the exterior environment. The roof shape must effectively shed water and be covered with roofing materials and flashing that will prevent water from entering. See Chapter 12 for more information.
Doors
Windows, Doors and Skylights
Windows, doors and skylights separate the indoor and outdoor environments, provide security and natural light, and must also provide a degree of thermal insulation. See Chapter 15 for more information.
Windows and Skylights
Choose windows and skylights to bring in light and fresh air, and to reduce winter heat loss (thereby minimizing heating costs) and summer solar heat gain (to keep cooling costs down). Manufactured windows are classified according to key performance attributes such as insulating value (thermal conductance or ER value) and their resistance to solar heat gain, water penetration and wind and air leakage. Windows near the ground must provide resistance to forced entry. Consider the location, type and mode of operation, and the size of the rough openings required for framing. Some types of windows are easier to open for children and people with disabilities. Carefully design how windows will be flashed and drained to prevent water from entering the interior space and the adjacent wall assemblies, and how they will be connected to the air barrier system.
Windows are much less thermally efficient than insulated walls. Consider the area, arrangement and placement of windows carefully to balance views, ventilation and appearance with thermal efficiency.
Exterior doors must meet most of the same performance requirements as windows for heat, air and moisture control. Doors should be located under overhang protection (roof eaves, recessed under floors above, or canopies), whenever possible. Choose doors that are insulated to reduce heat loss and that have durable seals and weatherstripping. Manufactured exterior doors, frames, locks, latches and hinges meet a standard for resistance to forced entry. Any site-built exterior doors must also resist forced entry. Consider installing wide or double doors if you have exceptionally large appliances or furniture (such as a piano), or to make a house accessible to wheelchairs. Doors for wheelchair access should have special thresholds of 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) or less in height.
Stairs Stairs provide access for people, furniture and appliances; and must be wide enough and have sufficient headroom to provide safe passage. Falls on stairs are a major source of accidents, and risk is reduced by strict adherence to code requirements for the width, rise and run of stairs. See Chapter 17 for more information.
Open stairs must be surrounded by guards and railings that meet code requirements for height and lateral load resistance. Guards must be high enough to keep adults from falling over them and balusters must be closely spaced to prevent children from falling through them.
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