This article examines the current issues associated with windows with respect to water penetration control. It also presents recommendations for the critical issues that need to be addressed in order to improve water penetration control performance.

This article reports on the early stages of a comprehensive monitoring program to verify the performance of five buildings that utilize rainscreen wall assemblies. The data also provides valuable insight into other more subtle aspects of rainscreen performance as well as the impact of overhangs on the wetting of walls.

This paper reports on a full-scale experimental investigation of the mould growth on different types of wood products used for sheathing and framing wall assemblies. Objectives included examination of the difference in mould growth in full-scale wall systems under different temperature and humidity conditions for treated and untreated wood products.

This paper explores the impacts of building enclosure rehabilitation on energy consumption on mid and high-rise buildings in coastal BC.

Laboratory test results that indicate osmotic flow may be a primary factor in blistering of asphalt-modified urethane membranes are examined.

Results of air leakage testing for 6 multi-unit residential buildings are examined.

Computer simulations of building energy efficiency are an important tool in the design of low-energy buildings. This paper discusses a new spreadsheet-based, single zone program that is easy to use for both engineers and architects. The tool, known as BELA (Building Energy and Loads Analysis), is available in our Building Science Toolbox under Energy Simulation Software.

A series of laboratory and field investigations have demonstrated osmotic flow to be a primary factor in the blistering failure of asphalt-modified polyurethane waterproofing membranes in inverted roofing, plaza deck, planter and water feature assemblies.

Assessment of the impacts of building enclosure rehabilitation on the energy consumption of medium to higher rise residential buildings in the greater Vancouver and Victoria area.

A review of the causes for a sampling of building performance problems in multi-unit residential buildings is provided, including water ingress, ventilation, and energy consumption problems, as well as a discussion of the implications of these problems on other building systems. This review provides a basis for developing new approaches in building design and construction.

This article examines the evolution of the 'leaky condominium' disaster in coastal BC. Several technical issues and trends in design and construction practices are shown to contribute to a systemic failure.

Guidance is provided relative to the difficult decisions associated with aging windows.