RDH Group | Building Science Consultants | Building Science & Technology

RDH has grown to provide a wide range of related services. At the core of all of our business areas is a comprehensive understanding of building science and how internal and external environments impact the behavior of the enclosure of buildings. This tight focus is fundamental to every new opportunity that we explore.

Study of Window Performance
This two-part study examines the primary leakage paths and causes of water penetration associated with windows and the window-to-wall interface. Recommendations are provided for various industry sectors in addressing water penetration issues.
- Water Penetration Resistance of Windows: Study 1 [PDF] - 1336KB
  The first study deals with all of the design, manufacturing, and construction factors that can influence the water penetration resistance of the installed window assembly.
- Water Penetration Resistance of Windows: Study 2 [PDF] - 788KB
  The second study examines codes, standards, testing, and certification requirements and how they address water penetration resistance of windows.
Building Envelope Rehabilitation
These two guides provide information addressing the full process for the repair and rehabilitation of building envelopes of multi-unit wood frame buildings in the coastal climate of BC.
- ORDER Building Envelope Rehabilitation: Owner-Property Manager Guide
  The Owner-Property Manager Guide focuses on helping owners and property managers understand the rehabilitation process, and the various factors impacting owner decisions with respect to rehabilitation programs.
- ORDER Building Envelope Rehabilitation: Consultant’s Guide
  The Consultant’s Guide provides guidance on a more technical level, providing a protocol for how a consultant should move the project through the various stages.
Best Practice Guide: Wood Frame Envelopes
The Best Practice Guide offers user-friendly, detailed design and construction information based on sound research and practical experience.
- ORDER Best Practice Guide: Wood Frame Envelopes in the Coastal Climate of British Columbia
  Now into its second edition, the best practice guide is the 'bible' for wood frame envelopes in coastal BC. It represents the culmination of several years of investigation regarding 'leaky condominium' problems.
Wood Frame Study
This benchmark study defined the nature and causes of the 'leaky condominium' problem in BC. It represents the starting point for all subsequent studies and guidelines aimed at improving multi-unit residential construction. It was authored by Dave Ricketts, one of the founding partners of RDH.
- Survey of Building Envelope Failures in the Coastal Climate of British Columbia [PDF] - 61KB
  The study involved the examination of 46 low-rise wood frame buildings, and the development of both an assessment protocol and database.
High-Rise Study
The study involved a sample of 35 buildings ranging in height from 5 to 28 storeys, located in the coastal climate region of BC and built in the period since 1980.
- Study of High-Rise Envelope Performance in the Coastal Climate of British Columbia [PDF] - 731KB
  The study has facilitated the identification of key factors for successful design and construction of high-rise building envelope assemblies and details.
BuildSmart Publications
BuildSmart is Metro Vancouver’s program to promote green building strategies and technologies with numerous publications dedicated to educating industry professionals and the public.
- Best Practices Guide: Material Choices for Sustainable Design [PDF] - 3124KB
  The guide provides architects with practical information on selecting appropriate green building materials. Background information on environmental issues specific to each material type and specific selection criteria are provided and prioritized.
- Old to New Design Guide: Salvaged Building Materials in New Construction [PDF] - 6840KB
  This guide provides industry professionals with practical knowledge regarding the use of salvaged materials on new projects, and to dispel the perception that they are of inferior quality to new resources.
BCRPA Report
This report assesses the state of recreation facilities in British Columbia and showcases some of RDH's building asset management work.
- BCRPA Report [PDF] - 2315KB
Homeowner Protection Office Bulletins
This bulletin series provides practical information on new technologies, research results, good building practices, and emerging technical issues in residential construction to Licensed Residential Builders and others in the industry. RDH have been the authors of two of these bulletins.
- Poured-In-Place Concrete Residential Construction: Moisture Management Strategies [PDF] - 394KB
  This technical bulletin highlights various strategies and steps that can be taken to facilitate effective design and construction practices for exposed poured-in-place concrete walls.
- Rainscreen Walls: Field Monitoring and Performance in Coastal British Columbia [PDF] - 367KB
  Highlights the results of an industry-sponsored program that was performed to verify the long-term performance of rainscreen walls in multi-unit residential construction in British Columbia.
Homeowner Protection Office Maintenance Matters Bulletins
The HPO's Maintenance Matters publications are designed to provide practical information on the maintenance of the building envelope of multi-unit residential buildings, covering why maintenance needs to be performed regularly, what needs to be maintained, and provides guidance in hiring professionals. RDH have been on the steering committee for these publications as well as writing a key bulletin regarding the development of an overall maintenance and renewals plan for the building enclosure.
- Building Envelope Maintenance and Renewals Planning [PDF] - 491KB
  This bulletin covers the basics of maintenance and renewals planning including definitions of key terms, and an explanation of the maintenance and renewals in the context of overall building costs. The key steps in preparing a plan are outlined.