FALL 2013 - Fenestration West Magazine

Transcription

FALL 2013
• Fen-BC Conference 2013
Expert speakers, industry
awards among highlights
• Education in glazing
Creating the University of
the Fraser Valley
• Bi-fold doors
Innovations in a
wide-open market
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VOLUME 1
NUMBER 3
FALL 2013
in this issue...
Features
On the cover
Glass skylights, curtain walls key to creation of
University of the Fraser Valley. See page 14
Fenestration West is published quarterly on behalf of the
Fenestration Association of BC (Fen-BC) by Market Assist
Communications Inc.
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Michael Siddall
604.740.8369 . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank O’Brien
778.996.2411 . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Art Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paddy Tennant
604.507.2162. . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Assistant to the Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peg Neilon
604.989.3452 . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Fen-BC Executive Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zana Gordon
604.855.0245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Editorial Consultants
Terry Adamson . . . . . . . . . . . . Westeck Windows Mfg Inc.
604.792.6700. . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Debra Dotschkat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GC Glass Canada Inc.
250.454.9923 . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Al Jaugelis . . . . . . . . . . . . . RDH Building Engineering Ltd.
604.873.1181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Leonard Pianalto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RJC
604.738.0048 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Katie Wilkinson . . . . . . . Stella Custom Glass Hardware Inc
604.231.5892 . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Contributing Writers
Stéphane Hoffman • Robert Smithson
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RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
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PO Box 595, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z8
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While information contained in this publication has been compiled
from sources deemed to be reliable, neither the publisher nor the
Fenestration Association of BC (Fen-BC) will be held liable for errors
or omissions. The opinions expressed in the editorial and
advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher or Fen-BC.
Fenestration West Conference 2013
Speakers, sessions and Fen-BC awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bi-fold doors
Architects and new hardware open up market niche . . . . . . 8
Recycling window glass
Costs challenge innovative two-year program . . . . . . . . . . 10
Project profile
Cover story: University of the Fraser Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Member profile
Westeck a leader in the fenestration industry . . . . . . . . . . . 20
On the cutting edge
New developments in windows, doors and glass:
stackable sliding doors; backpainted glass walls; one-sided
bullet-proof glass; wood-trimmed hybrid curtain walls;
door lock controlled by smart phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Acoustic performance of windows
e need for proper seals, wider spacers, heavier glass . . . 29
Association News
Messages from the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fen-BC task group addresses NAFS labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Technical bulletin: energy performance requirements . . . 13
Fen-BC educational seminars coming up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Fen-BC hosts pre-hangers meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Industry Items
Vancouver Building Bylaw released . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Outlook: Major projects in North hit record high;
Metro Vancouver spending down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Commercial daylighting: more than opening blinds . . . . . 12
WorkSafeBC: trangressions costly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
National Building Code under review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Win-Door conference coming to Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alberta plans for construction surge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Korea sees ‘invisible’ tower rising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Triple-paned BC 4-plex nets national green award . . . . . . 25
Columns
Legal View
Robert Smithson: Probationary periods:
be certain the employee fits the job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Technical Talk
Tougher codes will drive demand for
higher performance glazing and frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
FENESTRATION WEST / Fall 2013
3
We did it!
Fenestration
Association of BC
has completed its
first year and it
was a busy one.
Come out and
help us celebrate
this milestone at
our AGM on
Debra Dotschkat, Chair,
October 22, 2013.
e following day,
October 23, will see our annual conference
which is always very informative and well
attended. We have a great line-up of
speakers and we will see our panel
discussions again this year.
If you would like to help shape your
industry there is still time to put your name
forward to be on our board of directors.
e past year has seen many new members
as a result of all our work on code
regulations and working with Government.
Most of our training seminars and
information packages can only be received
by members to show the value of
membership! So if you haven’t already, now
is the time to join!
“
This Code
change will have
more impact on the
fenestration industry
than any other
in our history.
www.fen-bc.org
Our website has been
launched and tweaked (not
twerking) over the year and
is the go-to place for all the
association, school and
magazine information.
anks to all the directors on the board
as well as the many volunteers that helped
the association have a great year. We look
forward to working with you all again in
the future!
– Debra Dotschkat,
GC Glass Canada;
Chair, Fenestration Association of BC n
Change for the good
As I write this, I see it is exactly
80 days to December 19. Are
you ready?
December 19 is transition
day for windows and doors and
the 2012 BC Building Code. In
my almost 30 years in this
business I have never heard so
much talk about a new code
implementation. Justifiably so.
is Code change will have
more impact on the
fenestration industry than
any other in our history. And
yet there are so many in the
industry that are sitting on
the sidelines, watching to see
what happens.
I’ve said it before and, yes, I will say it
again: Code improvements and changes are
good for the industry. It is not the Code
that is the problem; it is how poorly it is
enforced.
So, kudos to all you guys working hard
to be ready; I know you’re out there,
compliant products are in the works, with
many ready. As the Code rolls
out think about your time and
investment.
To the guys that are just
waiting, you should also think
about the time and investments
made by those that are
preparing for inevitable change.
”
Terry Adamson
Vice-Chair, Residential
– Terry Adamson,
Westeck Windows & Doors;
Vice-Chair, Residential,
Fenestration Association
of BC n
Much ado about NAFS labeling
Vancouver bylaw comes in March 1, 2014
LANGLEY – Fen-BC has a task group working with Fenestration
Canada to prepare a label reference document for window
manufacturers who are preparing products for the NAFS Canadian
Supplement (NAFS-08), with more details available at the Fen-BC
conference this October.
But, as noted by Al Jaugelis,
technical director of Fen-BC and
a fenestration specialist with RDH
Building Engineering, window
consumers should be alert to the
potential of mislabeling of
window products “deliberately or
not.” Only windows that have
been tested to the NAFS-08
standard are eligible for labels and
allowed to be installed in BC as of December 20 of this year.
Manufacturers print their own labels under the ‘honour system’,
Jaugelis notes, which could open opportunities for abuse.
Here are some things to watch for:
• If the window deflects under finger pressure, the label is suspect.
• If the window has a size or configuration that no one is likely to
have tested, the window is suspect.
• If there are multiple NAFS labels on a product, the labels are
suspect.
Consumers are urged to ask for test or engineering reports if
they doubt the label. n
e new City of Vancouver Building Bylaw will come fully into
effect on March 1, 2014, if city staff recommendations are accepted.
For Part 3 (commercial) buildings, the bylaw will become effective
with the enforcement of the BC Building Code on December 20,
2013.
e City released its 2014 Building Bylaw in September, noting
that the revised Code is a “first of three incremental steps” to bring
one- and two-family homes towards carbon neutral new
construction, with future updates planned in 2017 and 2020.
For Part 3 buildings, the Bylaw references the 2010 version of
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air-conditioning Engineers) 90.1, which is also adopted by the new
BC Building Code. However, the bylaw allows the option of meeting
energy efficiency goals under the standards of the National Energy
Code for Buildings 2011 (NECB 2011), “subject to minor revisions
to ensure consistency between the two standards.”
e bylaw will require windows in residential (Part 9) buildings
to have lower U-values than is currently mandated under the BC
Energy Efficiency Act.
e bylaw requires that all entry doors have a “clear opening” of
at least 865 mm (34 inches) and that all interior doors have an
opening of 800 mm (31.4 inches).
For the complete Vancouver Building Bylaw report, see
http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20130924/documents/
rr1.pdf, or visit the Fenestration Association of BC web site at
www.fen-bc.org. n
4
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Fenestration West Conference 2013
Specifying the Energy Performance
of Glazing Products in BC
Fen-BC is proud to present Fenestration
West 2013. Conference sessions cover
safety, efficiency and sustainability: the new
2012 BC Building Code; the current best
practices for replacing windows and doors;
NAFS-08 and its impact on the fenestration
industry, and much more.
Meet, mix, network, learn and enjoy the
facilities of the fabulous Delta Hotel
Burnaby.
Speakers & Sessions
The Architectural Institute of BC’s
Continuing Education System recognizes
these sessions as Core Learning Units.
Dynamic Electrochromatic
Programmable Glass
n Presenter:
John Carpenter – president,
Clearstream Architectural
Products Ltd
Dynamic
Electrochromatics are
programmable
insulated glazing units
that self adjust or can be overridden on
demand. View Dynamic Glass eliminates
the need for external shading devices and
internal blinds, eliminates glare and solar
heat gain as required but can be
programmed to allow solar heat gain
during cold weather months, and is bird
friendly.
0.75 AIBC Core Learning Units
6
n Panel Leader:
Leonard Pianalto – RJC
Since the introduction
of the British Columbia
Energy Efficiency Act
(“the Act”) in 2009 by
the provincial
government, the
glazing industry, in combination with the
engineering and architectural
communities, is facing shared challenges
with meeting the requirements of the Act.
In particular, the following questions arise
with respect to fenestration:
1. What projects fall under the jurisdiction
of the Energy Efficiency Act, and when is
ASHRAE 90.1 applicable?
2. Who is responsible for ensuring
compliance with the Act?
3. How is enforcement managed?
4. What are the thermal performance
requirements for different projects?
5. How can thermal modeling and testing
of performance be incorporated
pre-tender?
6. What are the labeling and
documentation requirements?
Our panel will summarize the
collaborative efforts of a task force
comprised of representatives from Fen-BC,
the Ministry of Energy and Mines,
APEG-BC and AIBC to implement changes
to the complex window industry supply
process, from specifications all the way
through to construction.
Panelists: Leonard Pianalto, RJC; Alex McGowan,
Levelton; more panelists to be added
Acoustic performance of windows
n Presenter:
Briét (“Brizi”) Coetzer, BSc
(Eng), MMus – BKL
Consultants
Urban planners in most
Metro Vancouver
municipalities have
requirements in place
to ensure that new residential projects
proposed for high noise environments will
be designed to achieve acceptable interior
noise levels. Although exterior walls, roofs,
doors and ventilation will sometimes
require upgrading, it is usually the
windows that are the controlling factor
with respect to interior levels. Even where
there are no specific requirements imposed
by municipalities, designers may need to
pay careful attention to the acoustic
performance of windows where noise
sensitive buildings such as residences,
hotels, churches, schools and hospitals are
involved. In order to effectively select and
specify windows in such cases, it is
important to understand the many
parameters that affect sound attenuation as
well as the standards used to specify
acoustic performance.
is presentation will provide a brief
discussion of basic acoustics, an
explanation of single number ratings such
as STC and OITC, examples of municipal
government requirements, discussion of
the various parameters affecting the sound
transmission through windows and the
inter-relationships between the acoustic
performance of windows and other exterior
building components.
e key to predicting the effects and Building the water-tight side
practical considerations of thermal hinged door – hardware
bridging for building assemblies
performance – lessons learned
(panel)
n Presenter:
Catherine Lemieux –
Morrison Hershfield
e majority of
thermal performance
calculations used in
today’s North
American codes and
standards take into consideration thermal
bridging from framing in the field of the
wall, yet they do not consider heat loss at
thermal bridges such as shelf angles and
exposed slabs. is can result in the use of
inflated thermal performance values in
design calculations, and may lead to
inappropriate mechanical systems design,
potential moisture problems and
compromised occupant comfort. e
presentation will focus on how to
accurately account for thermal bridging in
design of assemblies, evaluate relative
impact on whole building energy
performance and consider design
implications associated with energy
improved / efficient details.
n Panel Leader:
Terry Adamson –
Technical Director, Westeck
Windows and Doors
is panel discussion
will lead the audience
to consider that
although the new door
standards are very challenging, success is
possible. Without giving away all of our
hard work secrets the panelists will provide
some direction to the audience on what has
been successful and where the bigger
challenges and pitfalls are that they fought
through. For example, it has been their
experience that once you have figured out
water, the structural challenges are far
bigger mountains to climb.
Panelists: Terry Adamson, Westeck Windows and
Doors; Brian Hepburn, Slegg Lumber; Darryl
McIntosh, Lynden Door; Kevin Saito, QAI; Jack
Sharpe, Oakmont Industries; Anton Van Dyk, Centra
Windows
2013 Fen-BC
Awards
Fen-BC
recognizes and
honours those
individuals and
companies that
have gone above
and beyond in
advancing the
progress of our
industry, or in service to the association.
Below are the award categories:
• Fen-BC Member of the Year (Company);
• Residential Project Excellence Award
(Company);
• Commercial Project Excellence Award
(Company);
• Outstanding Individual Award
(Individual);
• Community Contribution Award
(Company or Individual);
• Fen-BC Volunteer of the Year
(Individual). n
Art Gallery of Alberta image courtesy of Randall Stout Architects, Inc., Copyright 2010
ADVANCED FENESTRATION SOLUTIONS
FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE
BRITISH COLUMBIA
For more than a century, Kawneer has been the leading manufacturer of
architectural aluminum products and systems for commercial construction.
And, for the past 30 years, we have proudly served western Canada with
quality products from our Lethbridge, Alberta facility. A dynamic product
portfolio including curtain wall, windows, entrances, storefront framing
systems and sun control, delivers enhanced performance and superior
results. From thermal efficiency and water ingress resistance, to sustainability
and blast/impact resistance, Kawneer is committed to providing western
Canada with products and systems that not only meet, but exceed, the
stringent design and performance requirements of this region.
Chris Lambert, 604.552.4202, [email protected]
Dave McCannell, 604.469.6342, [email protected]
ALBERTA
Paul Gulkiewich, 403.485.6505, [email protected]
MANITOBA / SASKATCHEWAN
Mike Washnuk, 204.257.0177, [email protected]
kawneer.com
Architectural Aluminum Systems
Entrances + Framing
Curtain Walls
Windows
© 2013 Kawneer Company, Inc.
7
Eclipse hardware, from the DS Group, is
used by the majority of bi-fold door
manufacturers serving the BC market.
The elite system is capable of supporting
weights up to 220 pounds per panel.
Photo: The DS Group
ARCHITECTS, NEW HARDWARE PUSH OPEN A MARKET NICHE
By Dermot Mack
A stunning million-dollar-plus house in the Cape
development on Bowen Island, designed by West
Vancouver architect Allan Peters, had one feature
that defined its location: a set of massive
NanaWall System bi-fold doors that opened the
entire living room to the deck and its view over
Howe Sound.
For its 67-unit GlassLos condo development
on the New Westminster waterfront, designed by
Ramsay Worden Architects, Aragon Properties is
installing floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide like
an accordion to each side, opening the living and
dining room to spectacular Fraser River views.
And, in cities and towns across BC, big folding
glass doors are opening up restaurant and bar
patios for easy access and extra seating.
“When we started offering Eclipse bi-fold doors
in 2001, people told me they would never sell, yet
now they are hugely popular,” said Chris
Kamensek, president of the DS Group of Burnaby.
Some industry insiders estimate that up to 90
percent of the bi-fold doors sold in BC now sport
Eclipse hardware, and leading window and door
manufacturers, such as Anderson, Loewen and
Marvin, specify them.
e latest evolution is the Eclipse E3, a premier
bi-fold system for larger folding doors. It has been
designed for strength – it can support 220 pound
panels – and medium to large residential and
commercial applications. Stainless steel bearings
in the pivots and carriers allow even the largest
doors to be moved with “fingertip ease” between
the open and closed positions, according to the
company.
“Most window and door sales are flat this year,”
Kamensek noted, “but demand for bi-folds is
tracking straight up.”
Rated as “special product”
Yet, despite their rapidly growing popularity,
folding exterior doors are not addressed under the
new NAFS-08 standard in the BC Building Code,
Vancouver TV personality Natalie Langston tugs open the NanaWall
System folding glass doors on a high-end Bowen Island house.
Photo: Paul Duchart
8
Folding glass doors open an entire wall to Fraser River views at the GlassLofts condominium
project in New Westminster, by Aragon Properties. Photo: Aragon Properties
which addresses Part 9 (small
residential) buildings. For Code
compliance, folding doors must
be tested and rated as ‘Special
Products’, explained Murray
Frank, president of Constructive
Home Solutions Inc.
“NAFS-8 specifically excludes
a number of products normally
considered commercial glazing
products,” Frank told a seminar
on the new Code, “such as
curtain wall, storefront and
commercial entrance systems.”
Meanwhile, hardware makers
are rolling out new bi-fold
systems that promise to make the
doors even more popular in new
homes and renovations.
An example is U.S.-based
Truth Hardware, which
introduced its new Sentry
Bi-Fold Hardware System into
Canada this year. e multi-lock
system includes a patented hinge
design, according to Truth. e
company also claims that the
preset carrier and guide hinges
allow faster installation.
Long-time bi-fold door
manufacturer Westeck Windows
and Doors of Chilliwack,
however, has opted for a New
Zealand hardware package, the
Centor Systems. “We have sold
thousands of bi-fold doors, some
as high as eight feet,” said
Westeck general manager Neal
Turner. Turner said Westeck has
looked at other bi-fold hardware
but believes Centor is the best in
the business.
Centor’s latest folding door
innovation is the F3
bottom-rolling system that can
be installed in any opening that
formerly held a sliding door. e
F3 transfers the door weight to
the bottom, so there is no need
for a strong overhead structural
beam. is means folding doors
can be installed without
structural adjustments, according
to Centor. n
Truth Hardware has introduced its new Sentry
Bi-Fold Hardware System into Canada this
year. Photo: Truth Hardware
9
New windows for older MURBs
Bin of waste glass: recycler can take all types of windows at lower cost than landfills. Photos: Action Glass
Costs challenge innovative
two-year old program
By Frank O’Brien
e first BC recycling business capable of
turning waste window glass into an
industrial sandblasting material is
threatened by rising costs at its Abbotsford
facility.
Enviro-Corp Recycling [a Division of
United Concrete & Gravel Ltd.], which
recycles huge volumes of glass containers, is
taking in waste windows of all types,
trucking it to its crushing plant in Quesnel
and turning the glass into Enviro-Grit,
which is widely used as an inert
sandblasting material in the pipeline
industry.
Fen-BC member Brad Johnston of
Action Glass Inc. of Burnaby, which
specializes in glass and window
replacement, sees the Enviro-Corp system
as badly needed in the industry – and
Metro Vancouver agrees.
Action Glass generates about 6.5 tonnes
of waste window glass per week, all of
which was previously dumped at Metro
Vancouver landfills at a fee of $107 per
tonne. Enviro-Corp is charging $55 per
10
tonne, according to
Enviro-Corp manager
Wayne Elias, who noted
the site can accept any
type of commercial or
residential window glass, even in PVC or
aluminum frames. Rare in BC,
Enviro-Corp has access to the heavy-duty
crushing and grinding equipment needed
to recycle dense window glass into a
marketable material.
Costs mounting
However, Elias said Enviro-Corp’s
window glass recycling might not be able to
continue unless the cost structure changes.
When Enviro-Corp started the process two
years ago it was less expensive because, at
the time, it was running trucks empty to its
Quesnel crushing plant and hauling
backhaul material south to Abbotsford. e
window glass helped supplement shipping.
Today, however, the backhaul business has
waned and so the cost for hauling the heavy
glass has increased.
Elias said Enviro-Corp would need
commitments of large volumes of window
glass and would likely have to increase
dumping fees to make recycling feasible.
Aside from that, his five-acre Abbotsford
site is already heavily
committed to
recycled bottle glass.
“We would have to
find more space if the
window glass volume increased,” he said.
Enviro-Corp likes to have at least a
five-year supply of recyclable glass on hand.
Volumes increasing
A Metro Vancouver spokesman noted
that there are very limited options for
window or plate glass recycling. “Its high
density makes it uneconomical to ship long
distances so recycling options are reliant on
proximity of specialized recyclers,” said Bill
Morrell. “Enviro Grit sounds like [it] could
fill a need.”
at need is apparently increasing. In the
City of Vancouver, for example, house
demolition permits increased 84.7 percent
from 2009 to 2012. In the Dunbar area
alone, an average of 75 houses are coming
down every year. Add that to the waste
from window manufacturing and
commercial demolition and renovation
projects, and the mountain of landfilled
window and door glass continues to grow.
As Action Glass’s Brad Johnston
summed up, “What a waste.” n
I N D U S T R Y
O U T L O O K
Major BC projects set record as North leads
VANCOUVER – Total capital cost of major projects in BC hit a
record high in the second quarter of 2013 on a surge in proposed
LNG projects in the north, according to the Association of
Consulting Engineering Companies – British Columbia
(ACEC-BC)’s BC MPI Review.
But in the key commercial and residential sector so important to
fenestration, growth was moderate with a 2.4 percent increase from
a year earlier.
e BC MPI Review is a quarterly report that provides analysis
on the Province of British Columbia’s Major Projects Inventory.
Total capital cost of major projects in BC reached $299.4 billion
in the second quarter of 2013, representing an 8.8 percent jump
over the previous quarter and 26.5 percent higher than one year
earlier. Total capital cost represents the combined value of projects
identified as proposed, construction started, completed and on
hold.
Keith Sashaw, ACEC-BC president and CEO, notes that spinoffs
from the resource projects could have a “profound effect” in
northern construction of commercial and residential projects.
e North Coast region reported a large 45.7 percent jump in
proposed projects to $99.3 billion in the second quarter from the
previous quarter and propelled the year-to-year gain to 137.5
percent. e key drivers of this gain were the Pacific Northwest
LNG and the Prince Rupert LNG projects. Combined with the
manufacturing sectors’ proposed Kitimat oil refinery and related
project investments, resource-related projects account for more
than $50 billion.
e North Coast region continued to have the highest proposed
and total capital cost dollar amount of any region in the province.
e overall manufacturing sector saw a 45.4 percent increase to
$28.8 billion in the second quarter almost exclusively on the
proposed Kitimat oil refinery and related project investments.
Total project costs for residential and commercial projects
reached $58.8 billion, a growth of only 2.4 percent over the
previous quarter, with proposed projects down slightly, the report
found. n
Construction pace – and prices – slow
VANCOUVER – Non-residential construction spending in Metro
Vancouver was down from the first quarter in the second quarter of
this year, due in large part to a drop in industrial spending,
according to the Vancouver Regional Construction Association.
Prices for construction materials were also lower.
Metro Vancouver saw a 1.8 percent drop in total non-residential
building construction in the second quarter of 2013 to $890.4
million seasonally adjusted, from $906.7 million in the first quarter
of 2013. Commercial building construction edged down 1 percent
to $591.6 million, institutional-government rose 1.3 percent to
$247.5 million, while industrial building construction investment
fell 20.7 percent to $51.3 million from the first quarter of 2013.
“e current economic slowdown will likely continue through
2013 before growth picks up in 2014 and beyond, which bodes well
for higher private sector investment in 2015,” the Association
cautions.
Building construction prices declined for the first time since
early 2010, with the second quarter 2013 index edging down to
98.3 compared to 99.4 in the first quarter in Metro Vancouver,
resulting in a 0.6 percent year-over-year price decline. n
11
Effective daylighting at the
offices of the Centre for
Digital Media, Vancouver.
Photo: Light House
How
commercial
daylighting
is figured
Modern office
buildings and other
commercial spaces
oen rely on
daylighting – that is
natural light through
windows and doors
– to create more
efficient and pleasant
business spaces. But
it is more than just
opening the blinds, according to Light
House, the Vancouver centre for
sustainable construction consulting.
e following, provided by Curtis
Dorosh, manager Green Building Services
at Light House, are the guidelines for
“sidelighting,” also known as windows:
When designing for commercial
daylighting, the model should be “that 75
percent or more of all regularly occupied
spaces achieve daylight illuminance levels
of a minimum of 250 Lux (25 footcandles)
and a maximum of 5,000 Lux (500
footcandles) in a clear sky condition on
March 21 or September 21 at 9:00 am and
3:00 pm; areas with illuminance levels
below or above the range do not comply.
However, designs that incorporate
view-preserving automated shades for glare
control may demonstrate compliance for
only the minimum 250 Lux (25
footcandles) illuminance level.”
Under the prescriptive method for
windows, the calculations are even more
complex: “Achieve a value, calculated as the
product of the visible light transmittance
(VLT) and window-to-floor area ratio
(WFR) of daylight zone between 0.150 and
0.180. e window area included in the
calculation must be at least 0.76 metres (30
inches) above the floor. (0.150 < VLT X
WFR < 0.180).”
e daylight must also provide sunlight
redirection and/or glare control devices to
ensure daylight effectiveness. n
Safety transgressions can be costly
National Building Code under review
WorkSafeBC carries a big stick when it comes to maximum
penalties for employers who flaunt safety regulations.
Under the Workers Compensation Act, all employers, workers
and others connected with work must comply with the Act and the
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
WorkSafeBC can levy an administrative penalty against an
employer for: failing to take sufficient precautions against
workplace accidents, injuries or illness; not complying with the
health and safety requirements of the Act and Regulation, or with
any order; or for having an unsafe workplace or working
conditions. If the employer acted with reasonable care, an
administrative penalty cannot be issued.
WorkSafeBC cannot impose an administrative penalty on
anyone other than an employer.
If an employer is convicted of an offence, the maximum fine for
a first offence is a fine of up to $589,010, plus up to $29,450.52 per
day that the offence continued beyond the first. For subsequent
convictions, he or she can face a fine of up to $1,178,019.98, plus up
to $58,901 per day that the offence continued beyond the first.
Imprisonment can be for up to six months for the first offence, and
one year for any subsequent ones. Furthermore, if the offender
gained financial benefits as a result of the offence, the court can
order that the offender pay an additional fine equal to the amount
of that financial benefit. n
Public review on proposed changes to the 2010 National Model
Construction Codes starts October 15, 2013
12
e Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC)
invites interested parties to take part in the Fall 2013 public review
of proposed changes to the 2010 National Model Construction
Codes.
e National Model Construction Codes, comprising the
National Building, Fire, Plumbing and Energy Codes, are model
codes developed by the CCBFC that the provinces and territories
can adopt as is, or with modifications, as part of their building, fire
and plumbing regulations.
e public review is one of the principal steps in the process for
updating national code documents, providing a nation-wide forum
where anyone can review and comment on the changes proposed.
Following the review, CCBFC Standing Committees will
consider all comments and make final recommendations on each
proposed change.
Subject to approval by the CCBFC, the final changes will be
published by the National Research Council in the 2015 editions of
the National Model Construction Codes.
e public review will run from October 15 until December 13,
2013 on the National Codes web site, www.nationalcodes.nrc.gc.ca.
For further information, contact Anne Gribbon, Secretary to the
CCBFC, at [email protected]. n
A S S O C I A T I O N
N E W S
Bulletin issued on energy and BC Building Code
VICTORIA – e Building and Safety Standards Branch has issued
an information bulletin providing more information about changes
to the 2012 BC Building Code that add energy performance
requirements to both Part 3 and Part 9 buildings. e Part 3
requirements apply for permits taken on or aer December 20,
2013. e Part 9 requirements apply for permits taken on or aer
December 19, 2014.
It is published as Technical Bulletin B13-05 on the website of the
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas – Office of Housing
and Construction Standards (www.housing.gov.bc.ca).
Association members interested in engaging with these issues
may be interested in joining Fen-BC’s Commercial Energy Issues
Task Group and/or the Residential Energy Issues Task Group. For
more information, contact Fen-BC. n
Fen-BC educational seminars coming up
e Fenestration Association of BC is offering a series of full-day
educational sessions and members are urged to register. All
sessions will be presented at the Fen-BC
training facility at Unit #101,
20351 Duncan Way in Langley.
• How to be a Better Foreman
December 10, 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Negotiating Skills
December 17, 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Hazard Recognition and Control
December 19, 8:00am - 4:00pm n
Any entry door must confirm to NAFS-8 standards. Photo: Dano Screen
Meeting called on
side-hinged doors
LANGLEY – On September 10, Fen-BC hosted a successful
meeting of prehangers with 82 industry participants, regarding
preparation for the rollout of the new NAFS Canadian Supplement,
which now covers side-hinged doors.
Under Part 9 of the new BC Building Code, side-hinged doors
are defined as any exterior door on a house, separating conditioned
from unconditioned spaces.
A follow-up meeting is now set for November 7. As noted by
Zana Gordon, executive director of Fen-BC, “this is a prime
opportunity to reach prospective customers before the December
20, 2013 NAFS enforcement deadline.”
e dra agenda for this meeting includes a buffet luncheon
from 11:30 a.m., followed by an update on side-hinged door
developments across the country.
A feature presentation, “How to get your doors NAFS tested
without going out of business” looks at the business case for
NAFS-tested side-hinged doors and shows how to tailor the
investment to the business opportunity. is presentation, by
Jean-François Kogovsek of Maxam Marketing in Quebec, should
help decision-makers decide when to test their own products and
when to buy tested systems from others.
ere will also be a supplier showcase, with each supplier
presenting a brief overview of his or her products.
For complete information, contact Fen-BC. n
SERVICE AND QUALITY BEYOND EXPECTATION
TEMPERED • INSULATED
LAMINATED • FABRICATED
The preferred supplier of
fabricated glass products
PFG Glass Industries
604 607 4500
www.pfgglass.com
MEMBER
13
PROJECT PROFILE
Installation of a 200-foot-long skylight above the central atrium
The original buildings were stripped to the metal studs, and
the old building envelope stripped off and replaced.
Innovative glazing
transforms military
complex into light-filled
university
By Frank O’Brien
Photos: Stantec
A dark and defunct old military
compound in Chilliwack has
been transformed into the
light-filled University of the
Fraser Valley in a massive
renovation that recruits
innovative glazing and a
260-foot-long skylighted atrium
that pulls it all together.
e five-building complex was
built in 1998 by the Department
of National Defence but had
14
been intermittently occupied,
explains architect Ray Wolfe, a
senior associate at
Vancouver-based Stantec, which
acted as architects and engineers
on the $31 million makeover that
went on to capture international
recognition.
ough never used, the
military buildings were “in very
bad shape” and required
extensive upgrading, he added,
with the project aimed at LEED
gold standards.
Each of the structures was a
stand-alone building, connected
by underground tunnels. “ere
were virtually no windows in
most of the walls,” Wolfe said.
idea
“weThehadbest
was to
stitch the
buildings
together with a
giant atrium that
used glass for
daylighting.
”
83-metre (260-foot) skylight covers the “atrium spine” that pulls the renovation project together.
The atrium is covered by a skylight and sheathed in glass and slim wood sections for sunshading.
The atrium is also lit by an 11-metre (36-foot) curtain wall, with steel supports in the mullions.
One building had to be
demolished and all of the
buildings were gutted to the
metal studs and then re-clad in
metal panels and connected
together with the giant
glass-and-wood sheathed
atrium.
Glastech Glazing
A number of glazing
options – supplied by
member Glastech Glazing Ltd.
of Port Coquitlam – were
installed during the 20-month
rebuild. And, says Wolfe, the
project’s aesthetic and
functionality hinged on the
daylighting.
Windows are Kawneer1600
double-pane glazing with
low-e coating and argon gas
with thermally-broken
aluminum frames. e
windows are set into
custom-extruded caps, corners
and frames mounted by
Stantec into the metal-clad
walls supplied by Lam Metal
Contracting Ltd. of Burnaby.
“e best idea we had was
to stitch the buildings together
15
The completed University of the Fraser
Valley was recognized by 2013
international World Architectural News
for Best in Class University Buildings
for Vancouver-based Stantec.
with a giant atrium that used glass for
daylighting. It is that atrium spine that
creates the views and the space for
students and staff to collaborate and
connect. e atrium is what really
transformed the old buildings into a
first-class university,” Wolfe explains.
Innovation
When complete, the former
100,000-square-feet complex had been
expanded to a 165,000-square-foot
university, highlighted with the 260-foot
by 20-foot atrium that has breakout
areas for study space. e two-storey
atrium is capped with a skylight that
runs its entire length. e skylight is
designed to minimize roof snowloads. It
also has operable windows on the sides
to allow for fresh air ventilation. e
atrium is finished with a 36-foot tall
curtainwall that is supported by steel
inside its mullions. e atrium glazing
is covered by fixed-in-place, slim wood
sections for sunshading.
One of the other glazing innovations
was the installation of fire-rated safety
glass separation from offices and an
adjoining classroom. Wolfe credited
consultant Bill May from Protection
Engineering Ltd. for coming up with
the idea and the material.
e solution was SCG
16
Project: University of the Fraser Valley
Cost: $31 million
Architect/Engineering: Stantec
Structural Engineering: Equilibrium Engineering, Stantec
General Contractor: Stuart Olson Dominion Construction
Roofing Contractor: Flynn Canada, Surrey
Metal Wall Cladding: Lam Metal Contracting Ltd.
Glazing: Glastech Glazing Ltd.
17
fire-rated safety glass] has
“the[Theequivalent
fire rating of a
five-inch concrete wall.
”
Stantec designed custom-made
aluminum fins and caps to mount
the aluminum-framed Kawneer
1600 glazing. Installation of all
windows was by Glastech
Glazing Ltd. of Port Coquitlam.
Contraflam 60 glazing from France-based Saint-Gobain
International AG. “It has the equivalent fire rating of a five-inch
concrete wall,” said Stantec architect Ivan Velikov. is five-layer
glazing cost $400 per square foot.
18
Also, lead equivalent glass was installed in a dental classroom
lab. e ¼-inch thick glazing provided x-ray protection equal to a
lead-lined wall.
As well, structural glass panels were used as guardrails on three
suspended bridges that link the classroom buildings together.
e entire project took 20 months to complete and came on in
budget at $207 per square foot, which included a geothermal field
and a “chilled beam” HVAC system. It is forecast to be 60 percent
more efficient than the former University of the Fraser Valley
campus it replaced.
e new school was ready for the first students in September
2012. It went on to gain international recognition as the WAN
2013 Best in Class University Buildings from World Architecture
News.
“It’s a tremendous honour for our Stantec team to be recognized
on the international stage,” commented Mark Travis, Stantec’s lead
design architect for the UFV project. “is was a unique
undertaking with intricate challenges, and to be recognized along
with well-known architects from around the world really speaks to
the quality of design that our team achieved, in addition to the
strong relationship we were able to establish with UFV.”
Based in London, the annual WAN Education Awards are a
major international competition judged by a panel of renowned
architects and designers from around the globe. n
Win-Door will be held November 12-14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Photo: Win-Door
Win-Door conference set for Toronto
TORONTO – Win-Door 2013 is regarded as one of the best
fenestration shows in the industry and it will boast more than
100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 150 exhibitors and 3,500
delegates when it opens this November 12 in Toronto for a
three-day run.
e annual show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
features machinery, doors, hardware, the latest computer soware,
testing services and much more for the window and door
industries. For exhibitors and attendees, it’s the yearly face-to-face
place to do business.
ere is also an extensive series of seminars, demonstrations and
expert speakers, according to organizers.
e event also includes Fenestration Canada’s annual general
meeting, with information on code updates, technical committees
and Energy Star updates.
For information and registration for Win-Door 2013, visit
http://windoorshow.com or phone 416-445-5225. n
Big window contract looms in Alberta
EDMONTON – e Alberta government will call for bids this year
for the construction of 19 new schools in nine different
high-growth communities. e Request for Proposals has been
issued and will be awarded in the summer of 2014.
It should be of interest to BC window suppliers and contractors,
because, according to the government, all of the schools will feature
“large windows that provide natural lighting.”
It is all part of a $503 million Alberta plans to spend on school
construction over the next three years. n
19
MEMBER PROFILE
Westeck
Windows and Doors
Westeck manufacturers a variety of bi-fold doors. Shown is a version as 1L3R, meaning 1 left 3 right. Photo: Westeck
Homegrown innovation keeps
Chilliwack firm a leader in the
fenestration industry
By Frank O’Brien
Westeck Windows and Doors of Chilliwack
is well known for its industry
breakthroughs in product, design and
colours but it is from-the-floor
manufacturing innovations that perhaps
best explain how Westeck has remained a
BC industry leader for 14 years.
Westeck, formed in 1999 by Casey
Kerkhoff, began as a “vinyl window maker
just like everyone else,” said general
manager Neal Turner.
Two key inventions, however, soon put
Westeck onto a different and faster track.
“We developed a PVC casement window
with a solid fir interior. It is called our
Combo window and it took the market by
storm,” said Terry Adamson, Westeck’s
technical director.
Westeck then became the first BC vinyl
window manufacturer to paint vinyl frames
20
in any colour the
Eighty percent of Westeck windows
client requested.
are sold into the new home market.
“ose two things
propelled us into the
custom window
market.”
Westeck soon
became the go-to
manufacturer for
custom home
builders, quality
home renovations
and high-end
multiple-unit
residential
developers seeking
the right
combination of
window
performance and
colours such as black, bronze and silver,
aesthetics. Eighty percent of Westeck
remains one of Westeck’s top sellers. As
windows are sold into the new home
Turner explains, the design allows
market.
customization in that feature rooms can
e combo window, now known as the
sport all fir interiors while the entire project
PVC 4000 Combo Casement in designer
will have identical profiles on the exterior.
Specials Department Supervisor Josh McGinnis displays oval vinyl window frame.
General Manager Neal Turner and Terry Adamson, Technical Director
...there is more interest in the
“
window and door industry now in BC
than at any time in history.
”
Natural-gas fueled PVC profile prep machine, designed
by Westeck founder Casey Kerkhoff, can prepare 18
lineal feet of vinyl for paint in under 15 seconds.
Innovation
Westeck encourages its 120 frontline
manufacturing staff to be innovative, and
the encouragement has paid off with at
least two breakthroughs that reduced cost
and created better products.
One example is a PVC paint preparation
machine, designed by Casey Kerkoff and
built in Westeck’s Chilliwack plant. e
natural gas-fueled machine can prepare an
18-foot length of vinyl for painting in less
than 15 seconds.
Another is a hot air bending tube
machine that replaced the use of expensive
and messy glycerin oil commonly used to
produce rounded vinyl products, such as
oval windows. e bender machine, now
used daily, was developed by a long-time
Westeck employee.
Complete manufacturer
Westeck is a complete manufacturer, not
just a fabricator. e company produces its
own sealed units, and specialty glazing.
“We cut and assemble our own sealed units
using Edgetech’s warm edge foam
SuperSpacer. Having that additional control
gives a great deal of flexibility to meet rush
unit orders or quickly create a replacement
if something goes wrong on the loading
dock or in the field,” Turner explained.
Because of Westeck’s ability to provide a
variety of products (vinyl, aluminum, wood
and Combo windows, as well as an
extensive line of standard and custom
wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass and metal
clad doors, including bi-folding exterior
doors), Westeck has become a “one stop”
manufacturer for builders and
homeowners.
While primarily a supplier to the BC
market, Westeck’s windows are also shipped
across Canada and to the United States
where they are popular in heritage
renovations and higher-end single family
homes, condominium and townhouse
developments.
Westeck also offers a robust vinyl
window, based on European tilt-and-turn
technology, as a challenger to
aluminum-framed windows in the
commercial market. “We believe it will see
wider acceptance as the new Energy Codes
become enforced,” Turner said.
Meeting the Code
Like all window and door
manufacturers, Westeck is prepared for the
enforcement this December of the new
North American Fenestration Standard
known as NAFS-08 and the Canadian
Supplement, as part of the 2012 BC
Building Code.
21
In-house designed and built PVC
profile heating oven reduces the
cost and mess of bending vinyl
frames into virtually any shape
Westeck custom windows are often requested for contemporary high-end custom homes. Photo: Westeck Windows and Doors
22
“[NAFS-08] is an industry challenge, but
it is necessary,” Turner said. “I think that it
will flush out the very poor products that are
sold in the market.” He sees the new
building codes simply as another hurdle that
premier manufacturers must meet. “e
simple fact is if we didn’t have building
codes we would all have single-pane
windows in our homes and doors with
leaking sills.”
Turner praised the Fenestration
Association of BC for its work in
co-operating with code officials, inspectors
and the industry on getting the word out on
the need for higher performing products.
Due to the large variety of window and
door products that it offers, Westeck had a
Westeck manufactures a line up of bi-fold doors, popular in high-end homes.
“
1
61
0 -6
-5 3
04
6
om
g.c
Tested products include two
new Westeck products rolling
out this year; a PVC li-and-slide
door and a solid fir frame
window with aluminum clad
exterior.
Westeck has studied the
concept of triple-pane windows
that many believe will become
necessary in Vancouver to meet
new energy standards coming in
Engineeringforcommercialand
residen-alglazing
LicensedinbothCanadaandUSA
NFRCcer-fiedthermalmodeling
Innova-vesolu-onsfor
glazingapplica-ons
l-n
New products
2014. Adamson, noting that the
extra weight and cost of
triple-pane glazing may prove
restrictive, suggests that adding a
fourth surface coating to the
typical dual pane, single low-e
unit may allow manufacturers to
meet the new City of Vancouver
window standard without
necessarily going with a
triple-pane configuration.
Turner welcomes such debate.
For him it proves that “there is
more interest in the window and
door industry now in BC than at
any time in history. is is an
exciting time to be in the
industry and it is definitely
growing,” he said.
If history and innovation is
any guide, Westeck Windows
and Doors will continue to grow
with it. n
FENESTRATIONINNOVATIONEXPERTS
nsu
huge challenge in testing
everything to meet NAFS-08.
“We have done a lot of work and
we still have a lot of work to do,”
Adamson said.
”
tonc
o
1999 company founded in
Chilliwack, BC
5 offices: Chilliwack, Kelowna,
Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo
60,000 square feet of
manufacturing space, Chilliwack
120 employees
www.lay
Westeck by numbers
... if we didn’t have
building codes we would all
have single-pane windows
in our homes and doors
with leaking sills.
GLAZING,CLADDING
ANDSPECIALTY
STRUCTURALENGINEERING
23
SIDE ELEVATION
showing camera
capture zone
FRONT ELEVATION
LED facade system
not activated
FRONT ELEVATION
LED facade system:
30% power
FRONT ELEVATION
LED facade system:
100% power
Panel shows how an elaborate system of cameras and projection screens will make tower appear to “vanish”. Photos: GDS Architects
First
‘invisible
tower’
rising
in Seoul
GDS Architects have designed
the world’s first “invisible”
building, a 450-metre
(1,476-foot) tower now under
construction in South Korea, next
to Seoul’s Incheon International
Airport. With a touch of a button,
the glass-sheathed Tower Infinity
will appear to vanish, according to
GDS director Michael Collins, from
the architect’s California office.
e building achieves its “invisible”
effect through an elaborate system of
cameras and projection screens
designed to camouflage the skyscraper.
Strategically placed cameras outside of
the tower will be used to capture
real-time images of the building’s
surroundings – the sky, mostly – and
those images are projected off of the
tower’s glass LED facade.
Kim Hee-jae, who is in charge of the
tower’s architectural planning at Korea
Land and Housing Corporation (the
state-owned backer of the project), told
reporters that the invisible illusion will only
be used during certain hours of the day and
from certain angles to prevent risks to air
traffic. Even when the effect is turned on, Mr.
Kim said, the building’s red aircra warning
lights will have to remain on to keep pilots
safely away. n
Glass-sheathed Tower Infinity will soar
1,476 feet above Seoul, South Korea.
24
Other BC winners:
UniverCity Childcare Centre
The consultant on the Belmont was RDH Building
Engineering Ltd. It features low-e coating and
argon-filled fibreglass-framed triple-glazed
windows by Cascadia Windows and Doors Ltd.
VANCOUVER – A Vancouver four-plex
that includes triple-paned windows has
captured one of three BC awards in the
2013 Canadian Green Building Awards.
e Georgia Green Eco 4-Plex, by Shape
Architecture, replaced a single-family
house with four compact residential units.
e airtight building envelope includes
triple-glazed windows and skylights,
rainwater capture in underground cisterns,
extensive daylighting and cross ventilation.
It was designed and built to achieve
LEED Platinum certification.
Above: award-winning Vancouver four-plex by Shape Architecture captured a national Green Building Award. Photo: Eric Scott
Triple-paned 4-plex captures Green Award
“is project was notable for the quality
of its planning and for the impressive
energy performance numbers. e refined
aesthetics, the clever circulation system and
the beautifully laid out and light-filled
interiors make this a welcome addition to a
rather bland and banal residential
neighbourhood,” said the jury.
“e superior building envelope,
including high-performance windows, is
indicative of the considered approach to
passive design, focusing more on the
reduction of energy loads than on
state-of-the-art energy technology.”
Other BC winners in the national award
were the Belmont Building, a 13-storey
West Vancouver condo tower; and the
UniverCity Childcare Centre at Simon
Fraser University in Burnaby.
e 2013 Canadian Green Building
Awards, which named eight winners across
Canada this year, is an annual national
program presented by Sustainable
Architecture & Building (SAB) Magazine
and the Canada Green Building Council
(www.cagbc.org). n
25
A look at what’s new – and
sometimes wacky – in the
window and door industry
Stackable sliding
patio doors fold
neatly into the frame
Tacoma, Washington-based Milgard Windows & Doors has introduced
its Moving Glass Wall System that uses stackable sliders to open up
entire walls of a house. Milgard claims it is affordable for the average
homeowner. ere are several standard sizes available with three- or
four-panel configurations that include a fully weather-stripped
structural interlock system and two low-e glass options. n
You can fire at intruders safely through new two-way bullet-proof glass
Return fire through
bullet-proof glass
Backpaint glass allows office staff to write right on the walls. Photo: Sniqi
Backpainted glass office walls
Vancouver’s Brooks & Corning, a 100-year old furniture company, says
backpainted glass walls are becoming a big hit in contemporary offices.
“Conventional whiteboards wear out over time, but glass doesn’t and it
cleans up easily,” said company general manager Bob Ross. Brooks &
Corning purchases its custom glass through Garibaldi Glass of Burnaby. n
26
Armour Group. Inc. of Florida offers the perfect solution to
troublesome home invaders: a window glass that “provides
ballistic protection from one side and the ability to
counterattack from the other. e Oneway Return Fire Glass
maintains structural integrity and protection levels while
allowing defenders to return fire” right through the glazing. n
Woodtrimmed
Hybrid
Curtain Wall
Unison Windows &
Doors Inc. of North
Vancouver believes it
is the first BC
company to offer a
Hybrid Curtain Wall
System featuring a
wood interior and a
wood or aluminum
exterior. Unison is
importing the
aluminum and
rubber components
for the system from
Germany-based
Raico and
manufacturing the
units using local
wood and glass. “It is
extremely high
performing in both
thermal [certified to
Passive House in
Europe, down to .8
U-Value] and air,
water and
structural,” said Kris
Smith of Unison.
Smith said Unison
is aiming the
product at the
commercial
glazing
sector. “We
can pre-cut,
pre-process, and
pre-assemble the
gaskets, wood, and
aluminum
components. We
can also offer
pre-finishing, as we
have an in-house
spray booth,” he
explained. n
App controls
door lock
Ontario-based Weiser
has developed the first
intelligent deadbolt – a
door lock that
communicates with a
smart phone. e
Bluetooth-enabled lock
and a Kevo mobile app
allows someone to
control door locks without
even taking their smart
phone out of their pocket or
purse, from anywhere. e Weiser
Kevo retails for $249 and rolled out this October. n
Lock and unlock
with a smart phone
Have a new “cutting edge” fenestration product?
Send the information in to Fenestration West magazine
at [email protected]
27
using the words found in the BC
process than he actually was.
Employment Standards Act, being the first
Sable’s hiring letter for Geller stated,
“three consecutive months of employment”. “Your first three months of employment is
It is critical to ensure that the contractual
considered probationary. Permanent
terms, including the probation period, are
employment will be determined based on
Employers must be certain
compliant with the applicable employment
mutual satisfaction and job performance.”
employer fits the job
standards legislation.
A situation soon arose in which Sable
by Robert Smithson
Fourth, documentation
needed Geller to work in unsupervised
I sometimes refer to the
should be kept, during the
circumstances. is would have been
probation period as the Rodney
probation period, of the
contrary to industry requirements that an
Dangerfield of employment law
employee’s progress in relation
apprentice receive training and practical
(for those of you not old
to the agreed-upon criteria. A
experience under the direction of a
enough to know, that means it
good rule of thumb is that there qualified, certified tradesperson.
gets no respect). But few legal
should be at least one interim
Geller informed Sable that he was
mechanisms can be more
review of the employee’s
willing to continue to work in a situation in
effective in getting employers
performance
which there was a
out of employment
Robert Smithson
and conduct
qualified heavy-duty
relationships that seemingly have no future. before the final decision on
...there should be at mechanic available to give
A probation period can be viewed as one suitability is made.
him the “agreed apprentice
least one interim
long audition for a job, revealing an
Finally, the employer
training and practical
review of the employee’s experience.” Sable
individual’s true skills, attitude, and ability
should conduct a final
performance and conduct terminated Geller’s
to fit in.
review, making a
before the final decision probationary employment
But an employer must take certain steps
reasonable decision about
on suitability...
to ensure it has gained the full benefit of a
suitability, prior to the
and, in turn, Geller sued
probation period. e employer and
expiry of the probation
for wrongful dismissal.
employee should agree, in writing, prior to
period. Court decisions indicate employers
e BC Supreme Court stated that “a
the commencement of the employment, on
should, to whatever degree is possible,
probationary employee must be given an
the terms of a binding probationary period. apply objective criteria in performing a
opportunity to demonstrate his ability to
ere are numerous preferred components
good faith assessment of the probationary
meet the standard the employer set out” at
of an enforceable probation clause.
employee.
the time of hiring. It found that Sable and
Three steps
Court ruling
Geller did not have a common
First, the parties should define
A recent BC Supreme
understanding of their respective “roles
the standard of review – oen
Court decision
relative to the apprenticeship or the degree
the standard adopted will be
demonstrates that a
of supervision available or required.”
“suitability” for ongoing
probation period
e Court went on to state that it was
employment. at’s a bit of a
doesn’t give the
incumbent upon Sable to “make its
fancied-up way of saying the
employer a
expectations clearer to [Geller]
employee must be a good fit
carte
than it did”. Geller, it found, did not
for the job.
“have a reasonable opportunity to
Second,
demonstrate his suitability for
because
the job”. His claim of wrongful
suitability is a
dismissal was upheld and
somewhat hazy standard, the
damages were awarded.
parties should then go a step
e point the
further and set out the primary
Geller and
criteria by which the employee
Sable
will be measured. ese might
Resources
include, for instance, attitude,
blanche entitlement to
Ltd. case
compatibility with co-workers and clients,
ditch the employee at the
drives
ability to follow directions, demonstrated
first opportunity.
home is that the employer can’t make
progress in acquiring the necessary skills of
Geller was hired on
an arbitrary decision to terminate a
the job, good attendance, overall efficiency
probationary status by Sable
probationary employment relationship.
and output, adherence to company policies, Resources Ltd. in 2010 aer
It must apply rational thought to the
etc.
completing a
decision and make a reasonable
ird, the length of the probation period pre-apprenticeship program
decision, in all the circumstances, about
should be clearly stated. e period is
in heavy mechanics. While
the employee’s future. n
sometimes defined in terms of time worked Sable was aware that Geller
Robert Smithson is a labour and employment lawyer,
rather than just the passage of calendar
did not yet have his
and operates Smithson Employment Law in Kelowna.
time (because time on the job is what’s
heavy-duty mechanic’s
For more information visit
www.smithsonlaw.ca. is subject matter is
required to assess the individual’s suitability journeyman ticket, it
provided for general informational
for continued employment).
seemed to think he was
purposes only and is not intended as legal
I prefer to define the probation period
farther along in that
advice.
L E G A L
V I E W
Probationary periods
“
”
28
Acoustic
performance
of windows
Proper seals, wider
spacers and heavier glass
help keep it quiet
By Dermot Mack
of a ‘standard household noise’
Myth busters
spectrum to be subjectively
quiet.”
• ere is scant evidence that triple-pane glazing offers higher
e higher the STC rating,
acoustic performance than a double-pane window with the
the better the acoustic
same total glass weight and the same overall section depth,
performance.
studies have shown.
For instance, an older single
• While gas-filled glazing units perform acoustically better at
glazed window with a sealed
some frequencies and worse at others when compared to
frame may have an STC 27
air-filled units, on average there is no improvement for traffic
rating, while a double-pane
noise isolation with gas-filled window units.
sealed unit with a 13 mm air
• Tempered glass does not provide the acoustic performance of
space could rate at STC 30 or
laminated glass.
better. A typical 6” solid
concrete wall would be rated
As the EuroLine experience
thicker than 6 mm while still
around STC 55.
shows, reducing noise levels
providing an airspace of at least
e push to improve window through windows is not really
12 mm.
acoustic performance is
about the number of panes of
Adding lamination can also
predominantly driven by
glass: it has more to do with the increase the STC rating, but at a
municipal zoning
thickness of the
cost.
and development
glazing,
the
air
ere are also aesthetic
If the window
bylaws, notes Briét
space and how well trade-offs. Studies consistently
isn’t sealed airtight, the insulated unit
Coetzer, an
show that using smaller
all of the efforts
acoustic specialist
is sealed.
windows reduces sound
with BKL
on the frame and
As the City of
transmission, but consumer
Consultants Ltd. of
glazing can be
Vancouver noise
demand today is for larger
North Vancouver.
control manual
windows.
wasted.
“Most of these
notes, “provided
As for window frames,
by-laws in the Lower Mainland
the units are well sealed,
Coetzer said a heavier frame
subscribe to the CMHC
double-glazed windows are not
would generally provide better
published criteria for maximum significantly better at blocking
acoustic isolation. “Test data
acceptable indoor levels of road traffic noise than a single-glazed shows that aluminum frames
and rail traffic noise. Houses
window with the same total
are slightly inferior
with façade noise levels above
thickness of glass.” However,
[acoustically] to vinyl, wood
55 dBA would generally require since double pane windows are
and vinyl-clad wooden frames
a window and/or wall upgrade
roughly twice as thick as a
especially in the upper
to reduce indoor noise levels to
single pane of glass, they tend to frequencies,” she noted.
meet the CMHC criteria,”
provide about 3 dBA more
But aside from the glazing
explained Coetzer, who presents sound reduction than a single
and framing materials, acoustic
a seminar on the acoustic
pane.
performance may ultimately be
performance of windows at the
Thicker glass
decided on how well the
Fenestration Association of BC’s
According to Coetzer, the
window is made and how well it
annual conference. e CMHC
single step that a window
is installed.
residential indoor noise criteria manufacturer could take to
“If the window isn’t sealed
is a level of 35 dBA in
improve acoustic performance
airtight, all of the efforts on the
bedrooms, and from 40-45 dBA is to go with a larger frame size
frame and glazing can be
in other rooms, but municipal
that would accommodate glass
wasted,” Coetzer said. n
criteria may differ.
“
”
Briét Coetzer, BKL Consultants Ltd. of North
Vancouver. Photo: BKL Consultants Ltd.
I
nside the glass cabinet at
EuroLine Windows’ Delta
showroom a rock-and-roll
radio station is blaring at 90
decibels (dBA) – loud enough
to damage hearing within eight
hours – but when the cabinet
door is closed, the room goes
quiet.
e sealed cabinet, explains
EuroLine’s Roque Datuin, is
made of double panes of glass,
each 16 mm thick and with a
15.8 mm air space between the
panes. “It has a Sound
Transmission Class (STC)
rating of 34”, Datuin explains
aer a vivid demonstration of
how important windows are to
acoustic control.
Acoustics, in fact, are a hot
fenestration topic these days as
urban municipalities attempt to
deaden ever-increasing sound
levels. Years ago, the National
Research Council (NRC) and
Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC)
developed the STC ratings,
which are “based on the amount
of attenuation required to
reduce each octave‐band level
OITC ratings
Coetzer said that the STC
single number ratings have
largely been replaced by OITC
(Outdoor-Indoor Transmission
Class) ratings in applications
involving traffic noise
mitigation. OITC is considered
more robust than STC, in that
OTIC has the additional
capability to preserve rank
orderings for certain lower
frequency sounds constituent in
rail, aircra and road traffic
noise.
29
T E C H N I C A L
TA L K
Tougher codes
codes are adopted,” Hoffman cautioned.
Although the 2010 version of ASHRAE 90.1
“will drive a demand for higher
elected to retain the prescriptive 40 percent glazing
performance glazing and frames”
ratio, the 2012 version of the IECC has decreased
the maximum fenestration area to 30 percent of the
Fenestration Association of BC members who work
gross wall area, he explained.
with commercial clients in the United States know
As states adopt the 2012 IECC, getting beyond
that some states have adopted
30 percent will be even more challenging than
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy
getting past 40 percent with the current code,
Standard for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential
according to Hoffman. “It will be even harder to
Buildings (ASHRAE 90.1-2007). ASHRAE 90.1
meet code if one wants to also exceed maximum
requires U-Value and SHGC to be determined
fenestration areas using
according to NFRC 100/200 (which is
commonly available systems that
also recognized by the BC Energy Act).
are on the market today.
However, most states – including
ese stricter requirements in
Washington and Oregon – have
the energy code will also have a
adopted the International Energy
significant impact on glass
Conservation Code (2009 IECC in
buildings pursuing LEED
Oregon and 2012 IECC in
accreditation. Currently,
Washington). A few states, like
Leadership in Energy and
California, have their own
Environmental Design (LEED)
“home-grown” energy codes. Every
uses ASHRAE 90.1 2007 as the
three years energy codes are revised to
baseline.
continuously improve the energy
“With a maximum
efficiency of new and renovated
fenestration area of 40
buildings.
percent in the baseline
“Consequently, stricter energy
Stéphane Hoffman, Morrison Hershfield
design, the total energy
conservation measures are adopted
budget that the [LEED] design team has to
with each code cycle,” said Stéphane Hoffman, a
work with becomes even less. Whether it is
senior building science specialist and vice-president
to meet code or to earn additional points
of the Façade Engineering Group at Morrison
under Energy and Atmosphere, exceeding
Hershfield, one of the largest building envelope
40 percent fenestration area will require
engineering companies in North America. Hoffman,
even higher performing envelope systems
with engineer Medgar Marceau, recently presented a
or greater energy savings in other areas to
paper at a U.S. building envelope symposium
trade-off ”, Hoffman states. “While LEED
discussing how new energy codes will affect the
Silver may still be within reach without the
North American fenestration industry.
additional Energy and Atmosphere, LEED
“With most states having implemented the 2009
Gold or Platinum will be increasingly rare.”
IECC during the 2007-2012 global financial crisis,
“e focus on continuously improving
relatively few buildings were permitted under this
the energy efficiency of new building
new code, and hence few designers have had to deal
through energy codes will drive a demand
with the challenges of complying with the new
for higher performance glazing and better
thermal performance requirements of the building
thermal performing frames,” Hoffman said,
envelope. One of these new requirements is the 40
percent limit on fenestration area. For those buildings adding it could provide an incentive for
emerging technologies such as vacuum
that have been permitted under the new code, this
insulated glazing, vacuum insulated panels,
new limit has had a significant impact on the design
electro-chromic glass, and other innovations
of so-called ‘glass’ buildings,” Hoffman said.
that can help improve the thermal
Commercial office and multi-residential
performance of glazing systems.
developments are two segments most impacted by
As Hoffman explains, the 2012 IECC will
these changes.
have an exception to the glazing ratio for
Under the prescriptive building envelope
buildings where 50 percent or more of the floor
requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, Section 5.5.4.2
plate benefits from day lighting. is, he notes,
Fenestration Area states, “the total vertical
will drive a need to address the benefits and
fenestration areas shall be less than 40 percent of the
impacts of increased glazing early in the
gross wall area” and “the total skylight area shall be
conceptual design phase of the projects.
less than 5 percent of the gross roof area”. Similar
“Early collaboration between the design
requirements exist in the 2009 IECC.
architects, mechanical engineers, and building
Even tougher rules coming
envelope consultants will be even more crucial on
“As challenging as the maximum fenestration area
is, it will be even more challenging once the new 2012 these projects.” n
30

FALL 2013 - Fenestration West Magazine

Transcription

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