In 2020, we completed an update to this benchmark document through BC Housing’s Research Centre. As the original author, RDH provided continuity between the original guidance and the current industry approaches. Building upon the first edition, this updated edition explores lessons learned over the years, references modern construction systems, and addresses today’s building science challenges and current building codes.
We drew upon our extensive experience in the building science industry to provide clear industry guidance, detailed technical illustrations, and document organization and presentation services for this 300+ page document. The updated edition also places greater emphasis on energy-efficient building enclosure assemblies and provides more guidance on taller wood building enclosures.
Organized with best practices in mind, the guide takes readers from an understanding of wood’s behaviour as a material to the fundamentals of heat, air, and moisture control, and energy provisions for the building enclosure. It presents design guidelines for assemblies, details, components, and materials that are successfully used in Canada and elsewhere. The final chapter addresses planning for maintenance and renewal of the building enclosure over its service life.
Although this guide focuses on the types of buildings found in BC and its coastal climate, design and construction professionals in other geographic locations facing similar challenges will also find this information useful.
The guide is available on BC Housing’s webstore.
