Literature Review on Building Envelope, Heating and ... - Beeshive.org

2. Building Envelope Technologies
This section reviews literature on building envelope technologies and practices for
extreme climates.
Canadian Technology
This section briefly reviews wall technologies that are considered a reference for thermal
performance, air tightness, and construction quality.
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA, 2001) recommended that the
selection of a wall system needs to be based on local climate and seismic conditions, the
level of thermal performance required, market acceptance of the system, and material and
skilled labour availability. In general, a properly constructed wall that is durable,
structurally sound, and resistant to heat, air, and moisture flows would contain the
following components:
• an external skin or cladding;
• a weather barrier;
• structural components (framing, sheathing, etc.);
• insulation;
• an air barrier;
• a vapour barrier; and
• an interior skin or finish.
Advanced Framing Technology
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA, 2001) encouraged the use of
“advanced framing,” which requires consideration of alternative materials and methods
that provide economical and durable construction techniques. Conventional wood frame
construction wastes considerable material and labour. Drywall problems are often caused
by the differential shrinkage of pieces of lumber nailed together. Features of advanced
wood framing include the following elements.
• Space studs 600 mm (24 in.), which saves lumber and allows for more insulation.
• If cripples and jack studs are needed, they only have to be 38 x 89 mm (2 x 4).
• Reduce the size of the bottom and top plate for material reduction. For 38 x 139 mm
(nominal 2 x 6) construction, a 38 x 89 mm (2 x 4) bottom plate under a 38 x 139 mm
(2 x 6) stud that is cantilevered out 50 mm (2 in.) is acceptable.
• Eliminate wall panel sheathing; instead use a 19 mm by x (nominal 1 by x) material
or a T-shaped metal to brace the wall diagonally.
• Use drywall clips at corners to eliminate three-stud corners.
PERD-079: Task 2 - <strong>Literature</strong> <strong>Review</strong> 12