(Cranbrook) Residential Enclosure Retrofits: A Hands-On Experience

Description

When: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Where: Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort, 209 Van Horne St
Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (MDT)
CPD: 7 points
Spots are limited for hands-on engagement. All tools and materials required for hands-on training will be provided.

Speakers:

James Bourget Principal, Construction Specialist RDH Building Science Inc.

James Higgins Associate, Building Science Technologist RDH Building Science Inc.

Course Description
The existing low-rise residential building stock in BC represents a significant amount of energy consumption compared to newly built residences. This new training course specifically focuses on the limitations and challenges contractors face when undertaking enclosure retrofits on existing homes. Contrary to new builds, retrofits come with many challenges from unknowns, including as-built products and materials, occupied conditions, phasing limitations, and existing structural configurations. These challenges must be met with creativity, adaptation, and a strong knowledge of best-practice retrofit solutions.

While building science fundamentals and best practice design concepts don’t change between new buildings and enclosure retrofits on existing buildings, how retrofit contractors apply these concepts to maintain long-term durability and safety for occupants can be very different.

Throughout this one-day hands-on training course, low-rise residential contractors and other industry professionals interested in exterior building enclosure retrofits will:

• Gain hands-on experience with high-performance air and water barrier membrane installation and detailing known to improve energy efficiency, increase moisture durability, and manage installation costs.
• Gain fundamental knowledge in evaluating the risks and benefits of common retrofit options, including when phasing must occur, adapting to existing assemblies using modern retrofit products and detailing, and implementing best practice high-performance enclosure retrofits without compromising the integrity of the existing building.
• Learn cutting-edge, high-performance detailing approaches that can accommodate common existing residential conditions.
  This new course will be an interactive hands-on training that uses tabletop mock-ups, 3D graphics, and an open, interactive dialogue led by RDH Building Science professionals.