The End of the World? An Update on the Ontario Building Code

1. The End of the World?An Update on the Ontario Building Code • Update on SB12 changes. • The new 2012 Ontario Building Code • What's in, • What's not! • What OHBA is doing for it’s Membership. • And what Ontario Builders need to get ready for. • Presentation to Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association 4/25/13 1

2. SB12 is the Energy Requirements for Part 9 housing. • It came into effect January 1st, 2012. • SB12 refers to the Supplementary Guidelines, not the date of implementation. The date is a coincidence. • SB12 was revised in the spring of 2013. • The revisions came into effect on March 15th, 2013, the same date it was signed by the Director. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 2

3. Supplementary Standard SB-12 to the 2006 Building Code – Energy Efficiency for Housing – has been amended to: • Clarify that the R-value referenced in the SB-12 Tables for insulated concrete forms refers to the entire assembly; • Clarify that, for factory built modular homes manufactured before 2012, the SB-12 requirements do not apply; • Enable the use of drain water heat recovery units in conjunction with the compliance packages available in the prescriptive Tables; • Include other editorial changes, clarifications and new appendix notes. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 3

4. 1.1.1. Energy Efficiency Compliance • 1.1.1.1. Energy Efficiency • Same. • (2) The energy efficiency of existing buildings shall comply with • Part 10 of Division B of the Building Code with respect to change of use, or • Part 11 of Division B of the Building Code for renovation. (This is a clarification for renovators. Except as noted later, SB12 has little impact on Renovations). SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 4

5. 1.1.1.2. Compliance Options (1) Same. (2) Factory built modular homes manufactured before January 1, 2012 in accordance with the Building Code as it read on December 31, 2011 shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1). (This is a clarification for previously constructed modular homes). SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 5

6. Notes to Table 2.1.1.2.A: • Except for notes (3) and (4), the values listed are minimum RSI-Values for the thermal insulation component only. RSI-Values are expressed in (m²·K)/W. • Same. • Same. • Compliance package L applies only to a building with ICF basement walls. Alternatively, any other compliance package except compliance package K, is permitted to be used for a building with ICF basement walls. The thermal resistance value of an ICF wall is the total thermal resistance of the entire wall assembly. (Was “The thermal insulation value of an ICF wall is the sum of the insulation value on both sides of the walls.”) • This is a clarification for ICF insulation values. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 6

7. Notes to Table 2.1.1.2.A: • Same. • Same. • Same. • Only the hot water heating equipment shall meet the minimum AFUE or EF specified in the Table or shall be of the condensing type. (Was “Combined space heating and domestic hot water heating equipment shall have minimum energy efficiency ratings specified or shall be of the condensing type.”) • Clarifies thermal requirements ofwater heater when used as the household heating source. • Applies to Package M. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 7

8. 2.1.1.2. Energy Efficiency for Zone 1 Buildings (Continued): • (5) Where the thermal performance of above grade walls, windows or basement walls is reduced by applying • Sentences (6) through (11), only the thermal performance of one of those building components is permitted to be • reduced. • This is a clarification as there were some designers / builders who were trying to apply multiple reductions. The original intent was to permit one reduction. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 8

9. Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) has been added as a compliance option. • (10) Where a DWHR unit conforming to Article 2.1.1.11. is provided in addition to the requirementsof a compliance package selected from Tables 2.1.1.2.A to 2.1.1.2.C. • the thermal insulation value in exposed above grade walls is permitted to be not less than RSI 3.52 (R20) where it is required to be RSI 3.87 (R22), • the thermal insulation value in exposed above grade walls is permitted to be not less than RSI 3.52 (R20) where it is required to be RSI 4.23 (R24), provided that the drain water heat recovery unit has a minimum efficiency of not less than 46%, SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 9

10. (10) Continued: • the thermal insulation value in basement walls is permitted to be not less than RSI 2.11 where it is required to be RSI 3.52, • the overall coefficient of heat transfer of glazing is permitted to be not greater than 1.8 W/m2AK where it is required to be 1.6 W/m2AK, or not greater than 1.6 W/m2AK where it is required to be 1.4 W/m2AK, • the minimum efficiency of an HRV is permitted to be not less than 55% where it is required to be 75% or less, or • the minimum efficiency of a furnace is permitted to be not less than 90% where it is required to be 94%. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 10

11. (11) Where an HRV is only required for the purpose of meeting the energy efficiency requirements of a compliance package included in Table 2.1.1.2.A, the HRV may be omitted provided that a DWHR unit with a minimum efficiency of not less than 62% is installed in conformance with Article 2.1.1.11. • Editorial Comment. As homes are required to be built with a greater tightness, Mechanical Ventilation will be of ever increasing importance. Indoor air quality and warranty issues may occur if inadequate ventilation is provided. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 11

12. Requirements for the use of DWHR Unit as a compliance alternative. • 2.1.1.11. Drain Water Heat Recovery • Where a DWHR unit is installed to meet the requirements of this Subsection, the unit and its installation shall conform to Sentences (2) to (5). • DWHR units shall conform to CSA B55.2,“Drain Water Heat Recovery Units”. • The minimum efficiency of a DWHR unit shall be determined in conformance with CSA B55.1, “Test Method for Measuring Efficiency and Pressure Loss of Drain Water Heat Recovery Units”. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 12

13. 2.1.1.11. Drain Water Heat Recovery (Continued) • A DWHR unit shall be installed • to receive drain water from all showers or at least two showers where there are two or more showers in a dwelling unit, (See Appendix A.) • in an upright position that does not diverge more than 5 degrees from the vertical, • in a position such that the cold water inlet connection is at the bottom of the unit, • downstream of a water softener where a water softener is installed, and • in a conditioned space or on the warm side of the dewpoint of the wall assembly. • Except as required in Clauses 2.1.1.2.(10)(b) and 2.1.1.3.(8)(a), (b) and (d), and Sentence 2.1.1.2.(11), the minimum efficiency of the DWHR unit shall be not less than 36% when it is tested in accordance with Sentence (3). SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 13

14. A-2.1.1.11.(4)(a) Drain Water Heat Recovery Units for Showers. • For the purpose of the prescriptive trade off provisions in Subsection 2.1.1., the term “all showers” includes the case where there is only one shower in a dwelling unit. • If there is only one shower it is required to be connected to aDWHR unit. • Where there are two or more showers, drain water from at least two showers are required to be connected to a single DWHR unit or to two individual DWHR units. • This Appendix Note has been added to clarify how many showers shall be connected to DWHR Unit(s). SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 14

15. A-2.1.1.1.(7), (8) and (10) Fenestration to Wall. • When the fenestration to wall ratio is calculated, all fenestration areas and the entire peripheral wall above grade is included. • Peripheral wall areas include floor rim board areas and all above grade wall areas. • It is essentially the sum of the above grade walls that separate conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces, and adjacent units. • For attached garages, the walls that are common with the house and the garage are also included in the wall area calculations. • For attached homes, the above grade portions of the walls that are common to other conditioned units are also included in the wall area. • This clarifies what wall areas are included in the total wall area. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 15

16. A-2.1.1.1.(7), (8) and (10) Fenestration to Wall Ratio(Continued). • The fenestration area is based on the rough structural opening provided for windows, skylights, sliding glass doors, and for glazed portions in doors. • For A–Frame structures with steeply inclined roofs that also act as walls, the roof portion that serves as the interior wall area can be considered as the wall area in calculating the fenestration to wall ratio. • This has been added for clarification of how window area is to be calculated. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 16

17. A-2.1.1.2.(6)(a), (8)(a), (9)(a) RSI Reduction of Above Grade Walls in Conjunction with Upgrading U-Value of Glazing - Zone 1. • Where the above grade wall insulation is permitted to be reduced to RSI 3.52, one of the required compensating measures is to upgrade the window U-Value in accordance with Clauses 2.1.1.1.(8)(a) to (c). • This upgrade is independent of the glazing upgrade that may be required due to a fenestration ratio that is higher than 17%. • In cases where the above grade insulation is reduced to RSI 3.52 and compensated for with a fenestration upgrade, and the building has more than 17% fenestration, the glazing would be required to be upgraded a second time. • This clarification has been added to ensure the overall performance of the home is maintained. (Similar clause added for Zone 2). SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 17

18. A-2.1.1.6.(5) and (6) Slab Insulation. • Except where specifically required in a compliance package, the entire surface of the slab is only required to be insulated when the entire concrete slab is completely within 600 mm (24 in) of the exterior ground level. • A typical example would be a slab on ground construction without a basement. • If a slab is partially at the exterior ground level (i.e. a walkout basement) or partially within 600 mm of the exterior surface, then only those parts are required to be insulated with perimeter insulation. • Where a slab of a house is completely or partially within 600 mm of the exterior ground level, either the entire surface of the slab or the perimeter of the slab is required to be insulated but not at both locations. • This has been added for clarification. SB 12 Update: 4/25/13 18

19. The New 2012 O.B.C. • New 2012 Building Code • Comes into effect January 1st, 2014. • OHBA is working with MMAH and OBOA to develop a joint training program for both OHBA and OBOA members. • BCIN Qualified Persons required to re-qualify on new code items within 18 months of notification. 19

20. The New 2012 O.B.C. • What didn’t happen! • 10 Minute Emergency Response time was not harmonized from the National Code. (Huge savings on land costs). • Soffit protection is not being adjusted for fire protection requirements. • Solar Ready is not being included. • There were no changes made in relation to barrier-free (accessibility) design for Part 9 at this time. 20

21. The New 2012 O.B.C. • General Code Items: • One smoke alarm per bedroom plus one per floor. Must be hard wired and have an alternate power source that can power the smoke alarm for 7 days, followed by 4 min. of alarm. • Change to the sentence (9.8.8.6.) describing Guards Designed Not to Facilitate Climbing • Roof sheathing with supports > than 406 mm will require edge fasteners at every 150 mm 9.23.3.5. (5). • Change in concrete wall height (basements) 21

22. The New 2012 O.B.C. • Energy What’s in for 2014! • Programmable Thermostats. • Correct Sizing of HVAC Equipment. • Continuous Air Barrier Requirements • (This came into effect January 1st, 2012). • Fully sealed ducting sealing on the Supply Side. 22

23. The New 2012 O.B.C. • Water What’s in for 2014! • Hot Water Pipe Insulation. • Shorter Runs for Hot Water Lines. (MMAH indicated this appears in an appendix note as a best practice). • Toilets flow will reduce down to 4.8L or 3L/6L Dual Flush. • Shower heads will reduce to 7.6L/min. • Changes to Septic Systems. Stay Tuned. 23

24. The New 2012 O.B.C. Beyond 2014! • January 1, 2015: • Furnace Equipped with Direct Current (DC or ECM) motor. • Natural Gas (or propane) ready kitchen and laundry rooms are permitted instead of electrical. • January 1, 2017: • Part 9 Energy Benchmark goes up by 15% from the January 1st, 2012 SB12 levels. • Part 3 Large Buildings goes up by 13% from the current SB10 levels. 24

25. 2012 Ontario Building Code The Following Presentation is excerpted from the MMAH presentation of the 2012 Ontario Building Code at the Builder Forum in February, 2013. 25

26. Outline: • 2012 Building Code – Policy Content • 2012 Building Code Implementation / Qualification / Training • Glass in Balcony Guards • Accessibility • 2012 Energy Changes • Minister’s Rulings • Private Members’ Bills • Revocation of Provincial Maintenance Standards • Building Code Research 26

27. Next Edition of the Building Code:(Status) • On November 2, 2012, the 2012 Building Code was filed as O.Reg. 332/12 • It can be found at: • www.elaws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2012/elaws_src_regs_r12332_e.htm • Requirements begin to take effect on January 1, 2014 • This timeline allows for a transition period providing time for the industry to learn about the new changes and prepare prior to implementation 27

28. Next Edition of the Building Code: • The 2012 Building Code changes provide a balanced package that: • Builds on health and safety and environmental protection requirements • Has general support from stakeholders • Maintains Ontario’s leadership in energy and water conservation • Has a moderate impact on costs of construction • Has some potential for operating cost savings over time (energy and water) • Is consistent with regulatory modernization principles 28

29. Next Edition of the Building Code: (Continued) • The 2012 Building Code changes provide a balanced package that: • Helps the competitiveness of Ontario’s building sector through: • New and updated standards • Clarifying Building Code requirements • Allowing for the use of new products • Recognition of best practices • More flexible requirements • Maintaining Ontario’s harmonization with model National Building Code requirements in areas such as structural design 29

30. Concrete Walls • Concrete walls will now be permitted to be poured up to 3.0 m (9’-10”) of maximum height (Table 9.15.4.2.A).This change in height is an increase from 2.5 m (8’-2”); • Old Code (From Ministry website) • 9.15.4.2.  Foundation Wall Thickness and Required Lateral Support • (1)  Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure shall conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 2.5 m in unsupported height. • 2012 Code (From Ministry website) • 9.15.4.2.  Foundation Wall Thickness and Required Lateral Support • (1)  Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure shall conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 3.0 m in unsupported height. 30

31. Property Protection and Health • Remove window screens as an acceptable fall protection device as they are not deemed adequate as a mechanism to prevent falling of vulnerable occupants, especially children • Window guards or controlled sashes would still be required under the Code • Clarify that sewage back-water valves are required in residential buildings connected to a public sewage system, if deemed necessary at a local level • Protecting public water supplies from contamination from “medium hazard” uses (e.g. multi-unit residential buildings, commercial buildings, hotels, manufacturing plants) by requiring backflow preventers 31

32. Property Protection and Health(Continued) • Changes to the sentence (9.8.8.6.) describing ‘Guards Designed Not to Facilitate Climbing’ shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the floor or walking surface protected by the guard will facilitate climbing. There was previously no dimensions. • Revise the average annual concentration of radon in the Building Code to reflect the new national threshold (from 250 Bq/m3 to 200 Bq/m3) • i.e., less radon is needed to trigger radon protection requirements • Change affects only three areas currently identified in the Code 32

33. Proposed Rough In For Radon Venting did not move forward. (No national mapping program for Radon). Proper Radon testing: Should be up to 3 months for more accurate reading. 48 hour test is not accurate enough. If excessive Radon is found, Simple, affordable repair detail is available. (Install a pipe under the basement slab & mechanically ventilate out of the home’s conditioned space). Radon is not the only soil gas that is a concern. Continuous Air Barrier is now a requirement including basements to manage soil gases. Radon / Soil Gas Control 4/25/13 33

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37. AIR SEALED SUMP PIT Or, You could do this! 4/25/13 37

38. 4/25/13 38

39. Municipal liability is the driver here. Many municipalities now requiring backwater valves to limit their liability in case of a storm event, even if there is limited evidence that this is an issue.  Municipality decision to determine the need for backwater valves in any area or the entire municipality.   Most municipalities that are requiring backwater valves are requiring them throughout. For example; St. Thomas is updating their bi-laws to require backwater valves for new construction. The most recent incident occurred as a result of municipal sub-contractor cleaning the sewer line. Sewage Back Water Valves 4/25/13 39

40. Sewage Back Water Valves This is the unit from Mainline, which is recognized by the CHBA 4/25/13 40

41. Fire Safety: • The 2012 Building Code contains specific requirements in order to enhance fire protection of large and small buildings, including: • Requiring hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-up in each sleeping room for houses and large buildings (Part 3 and Part 9) • Requiring integrated sprinkler and fire alarm systems in multi-unit residential buildings 41

42. Smoke detectors vs. sprinkler systems • Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems save relatively same number of occupants. • Smoke detectors are far more cost effective. • Best recommended practice is for a dedicated CO/smoke detector in every bedroom. • This was a recommendation by OHBA for the new code. • University of Fraser Valley (Len Garis) Fire Study...... Fire Safety 4/25/13 42

43. Source: Adjunct Professor Len Garis University of the Fraser Valley / Fire Chief City of Surrey , BC 43 L

44. Smoke Detectors: • Ionization detectors are the most common type, but do not quickly detect smouldering fires • Photo electric detectors appear to be much more responsive to detecting smouldering fires. • Best is having both types or a dual detector. • Children are susceptible to sleeping through a fire alarm (they sleep differently than adults) // Children appear to respond better to alarm with recorded parent voice but these are not mainstream. • Excellent episode on Dateline. (Rossen: Some smoke detectors may not go off in time) Fire Safety 4/25/13 44

45. Fire Safety: • The 2012 Building Code does not include: • Reference to the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1710 (Limiting Distance), related to calculation of fire department response times • New provisions for fire protection of soffits to protect buildings built close to the property line 45

46. OHBA actively met with the Ministry including with Minister Wynne about our concerns with Part 9.10. Two main areas of Concern: Overhangs to be protected within the 4 ft side yard. 10 minute fire emergency response time. Proposed changes could have added from $10K to $100K in additional lot costs due to the need for wider side yards. Alternative would be more fire stations. Municipalities were also against this proposal as the cost of staffing new fire stations would fall upon taxpayers. Minister Wynne “Ontario will not harmonize with the National Code unless it makes sense for Ontario”. Neither proposal was included in the OBC. Fire Safety Changes in NBC! Proposed Changes affecting Building Design and Cost 4/25/13 46

47. Fire Code Alert From CHBA, May 19, 2011: The CHBA alert recommended that provincial HBA’s contact their respective provincial governments to try to defer implementation of the new fire code requirements pending a national review. The National Code Working Group is now meeting to correct what was added with 9.10 to the 2010 National Building Code as the implementation in Alberta is causing chaos. NOTE: OHBA has been active on this file since Fall of 2010. Fire Safety Changes in NBC! 4/25/13 47

48. Code Objectives • The 2012 Building Code expands the list of Building Code sub-objectives and related functional statements to reference: • Limiting the extent to which construction strains infrastructure capacity (e.g. electrical grid capacity) • Protecting atmospheric quality • Limiting green house gas emissions • Limiting the release of pollutants • Protecting water and soil quality 48

49. Energy Conservation Requirements • Houses • The 2012 Building Code promotes energy conservation through building design and construction by: • Requiring that houses for which building permits are applied on or after January 1, 2017 meet an energy efficiency level that is 15% higher than that required in 2012; • Providing compliance alternatives on how to achieve that goal and; • Over the 5 year Code cycle, require a number of other energy conserving incremental changes (e.g. January 1, 2015 - ECM motors, programmable thermostats) • As with the approach taken with large buildings, MMAH intends to work with the building sector to achieve these future requirements 49

50. OHBA advocated for furnaces to have DC (ECM) Motors. Tighter homes combined with furnace oversizing will result in short cycling (warm main floor and cold extremities). This will become an increasing area of warranty complaints. A DC motor will allow the furnace fan to run on a more continuous basis, reducing the effect of short cycling. Improvements to HVAC Systems 4/25/13 50