Several fact sheets prepared by CHBA were tabled at TRC in April on the implications of using certain products that do not bear the certification marks required by the National Building Code. Once finalized, the fact sheets will be posted on the TRC website and the CHBA Manufacturers’ Council will be consulted on priorities for additional ones where problems are known to exist.

Building Science Insight Seminars

Each year NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction holds seminars across Canada on the results of recent research. This year the series will focus on improving the performance of houses and small multi-unit residential buildings through a systems approach. It will include sessions on high performance basements, sound isolation, ventilation and glazing. Further information is available at http://bsi.gc.ca.

Energy Code

In response to a request from CHBA, the Canadian Code Commission has called for the refurbishment of the Model National Energy Code for Houses (MNECH) as a progeny document. This would require additional resources and provincial support. The CHBA would like to see this work expedited to provide a clear picture of current practice and to head off uncoordinated regulatory initiatives by provincial governments.

Radon

TRC learned that testing of new houses for radon is underway in several provinces where radon is known to be a problem. This is to assess the effectiveness of current approaches to avoiding this problem. The results will be used by a National Building Code task group to develop recommendations for changes to the 2010 edition of the Code. TRC also received a report from CMHC on a case study that dramatically reduced radon levels in an existing house near Ottawa using an active sub-slab depressurization system.

Treated Wood

Treated wood that is labeled as required by the 2005 National Building Code for certain locations will not be available until 2009. The TRC also learned that new treatments that are less corrosive may soon enter the Canadian market. The Canadian Wood Council reported that research done recently at the University of Toronto has found a correlation between premature corrosion and the use of particular types of ACQ.

Depressurization

CHBA is represented on a new CSA technical committee that will recommend a common approach to testing for depressurization in new and existing houses for the gas, oil and wood heating standards. The TC will also examine the feasibility of creating software to assist in determining make-up air requirements.

National Building Code (NBC) Update

TRC received a briefing from the Canadian Code Centre on the many changes that have been proposed for the next edition of the NBC in 2010. There will be a public consultation later in 2008 on a long list of important changes including proposed new requirements for resistance to earthquake and high wind loads, new window standards and increased fire safety between closely spaced houses.

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