Tempo:
Vapour Diffusion Control The vapour barrier should be relatively continuous but can be interrupted by penetrations such as floor joists. It does not need to be sealed unless it is also part of the air barrier system.
Heat Flow Control
All assemblies that separate the conditioned environment from the unconditioned environment, including attached garages, must be insulated. This includes roofs, walls, foundations, windows and doors. The 2012 Interim Changes to the 2010 NBC regulate the “effective” insulation value for each assembly or component of the building envelope for six different Canadian climate zones. More than one type of insulation may be used to provide the effective insulation value. For example, batt insulation may be used between wall studs in combination with rigid insulation installed on the exterior. The effective insulation value is the combined insulation value of the studs, sheathing, drywall and the insulation itself. Framing members, ducts and pipes reduce the space available for insulation materials and reduce the insulating value of the assemblies; therefore, the effective value is usually lower than the “nominal” value (the value of the insulation itself). Different types of insulation are needed for different parts of the building. For example, only water-resistant insulation can be used on the exterior of the foundation below grade.
the mid-efficiency equipment used previously and are now required by the building code. Plan plumbing and ductwork in conjunction with floor framing to avoid conflicts. Avoid penetrating the air barrier system with plumbing, electrical or other components. When fixtures such as dryer vents, water pipes or electrical conduit must penetrate the air barrier system, take special care to seal around the penetrations. See Chapters 19 and 20 for more information.
Plumbing
Determine the type of domestic hot water heating systems to be used early in the design process, considering system efficiencies, local practice and the availability and cost of fuel and energy. High-efficiency appliances have replaced
For radon control, install an inverted ‘T’ shaped PVC pipe in a convenient location below the basement floor slab, with the vertical leg extending up through the slab and capped. A fan and exhaust duct can be attached at a later date to depressurize the gravel below the slab if radon gas is detected. If a sump pump is required, a sump pit must be incorporated into the basement floor. Locate the pit so that it can be sealed from the conditioned space to prevent soil gas and radon from entering the house. Consider how to finish the basement in the future and install roughed-in drains below the floor slab for a future toilet, shower, bathtub and/or sink. Install roughed-in piping in the wall or ceiling to the nearest vent.
Electrical
Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Ventilation
Plan for all pipes, conduits and drains that must be installed in the basement floor.
Locate the electrical meter where it can be easily serviced by the electric utility provider and not detract from the appearance of the house. Consider burying a conduit from the hydro service to the meter to avoid having overhead wires. The electric service panel should be installed inside the house near the meter.
Heat Flow Control
All assemblies that separate the conditioned environment from the unconditioned environment, including attached garages, must be insulated. This includes roofs, walls, foundations, windows and doors. The 2012 Interim Changes to the 2010 NBC regulate the “effective” insulation value for each assembly or component of the building envelope for six different Canadian climate zones. More than one type of insulation may be used to provide the effective insulation value. For example, batt insulation may be used between wall studs in combination with rigid insulation installed on the exterior. The effective insulation value is the combined insulation value of the studs, sheathing, drywall and the insulation itself. Framing members, ducts and pipes reduce the space available for insulation materials and reduce the insulating value of the assemblies; therefore, the effective value is usually lower than the “nominal” value (the value of the insulation itself). Different types of insulation are needed for different parts of the building. For example, only water-resistant insulation can be used on the exterior of the foundation below grade.
the mid-efficiency equipment used previously and are now required by the building code. Plan plumbing and ductwork in conjunction with floor framing to avoid conflicts. Avoid penetrating the air barrier system with plumbing, electrical or other components. When fixtures such as dryer vents, water pipes or electrical conduit must penetrate the air barrier system, take special care to seal around the penetrations. See Chapters 19 and 20 for more information.
Plumbing
Determine the type of domestic hot water heating systems to be used early in the design process, considering system efficiencies, local practice and the availability and cost of fuel and energy. High-efficiency appliances have replaced
For radon control, install an inverted ‘T’ shaped PVC pipe in a convenient location below the basement floor slab, with the vertical leg extending up through the slab and capped. A fan and exhaust duct can be attached at a later date to depressurize the gravel below the slab if radon gas is detected. If a sump pump is required, a sump pit must be incorporated into the basement floor. Locate the pit so that it can be sealed from the conditioned space to prevent soil gas and radon from entering the house. Consider how to finish the basement in the future and install roughed-in drains below the floor slab for a future toilet, shower, bathtub and/or sink. Install roughed-in piping in the wall or ceiling to the nearest vent.
Electrical
Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Ventilation
Plan for all pipes, conduits and drains that must be installed in the basement floor.
Locate the electrical meter where it can be easily serviced by the electric utility provider and not detract from the appearance of the house. Consider burying a conduit from the hydro service to the meter to avoid having overhead wires. The electric service panel should be installed inside the house near the meter.
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