The Manitoba Building Envelope Council (MBEC) typically organizes 6 – 8 seminars a year starting in October thru to April or May of each year. The seminars are typically 2 hours in length and held from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
MBEC strives to offer education and outreach on new technology, better design and showcases a number of case study projects that provide unique challenges and experiences to share within the building envelope community.
MBEC also organizes larger events or partners with groups such as the National Research Council (NRC) or various industry trade associations to offer full-day programs on a variety of building envelope subjects and issues.
If you would like to propose a topic, please do not hesitate to contact any of the executive council. We are always looking for ideas from our members!
Upcoming Seminars
Date: Wednesday May 26, 2010
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm @ The Viscount Gort Hotel - 1670 Portage Avenue
Building Science Truths, Half Truths, Myths,
Misunderstandings, Hype & Lies Round 2
Building Design Professionals are often exposed to product performance claims that seem too good to be true & to new design concepts that work great in other climates or applications. While we want to make sure our designs take advantage of the best available technologies, we don't want to be scammed for adopt inappropriate technologies. A good understanding of building science is needed to get past the hype and find the truth.
MBEC has assembled a Building Science Professionals panel that will help you resolve whether an idea is good or toogood to be true. Panel members are prepared to clarify some issues that they are frequently asked about, including:
radiant barriers provide amazing energy benefits
spray foam needs a vapour barrier
closed cell foam is better than open cell
you don't need to be concerned about radon in a home with a well sealed basement
exterior insulation retrofits over wood frame construction will rot the sheathing
thermal massing of structure is better than super insulation of envelope
the cost of energy is an important influence on the design of a Net Zero Energy House
why passive solar energy is often NOT cost-effective
thermal mass provides significant energy benefits in all climates
air barrier placement in wall assemblies doesn't matter
should you / how do you ventilate a heated crawlspace
the "safest" way to reduce heat loss through a stone foundation where one is not able to insulate on the exterior
ground source heat pumps are always the green choice
radiant panel heating systems always reduce heat energy use
amish made boxes with heat lamps are a cheap way to heat your house
furnace manufacturers, threatened by the potential of the friction furnace, stifled it just like Big energy did the Holmes carburetor (100 mpg from a 1949 Ford V8)
vapour permeable vs. non vapour permeable air barriers
insulation on interior vs. exterior of structure
use of low permeance materials on exterior (extruded polystyrene/OSB) when you have an interior vapour barrier (isn't that creating a double vapour barrier?)
more ventilation in your attic (or cathedral ceiling) is the best way to manage moisture
Myths
at what depth is foam insulation not economically viable
high performance buildings are better (i.e., healthier and more energy efficient) than heritage buildings
cavity walls dry out once they get wet
the MB Hydro Building - is it "green" to save costs or "green" at any cost?
is fiberglass batt insulation an air barrier? Is that black stuff on fiberglass batt insulation mould?
Which is Better
insulation types
geothermal or wind
polyiso cavity wall insulation - tape the joints or don't tape
leed system of a more scientific approach like "BEES" (sp??)
Other Topics of Interest
doors
net zero buildings in Winnipeg's climate
I would like the whole green approach examined Hay bale houses
currently, what is the most "green A/V barrier"?
vacuum insulation materials
There is not enough time in one MBEC seminar period to speak of all the above topics, so we expect this to be an on-going series. Your feedback will influence the order in which issues are addressed.
Panel Board:
Mr. Ryan Dalgleish, Building Professionals Mr. Bert Phillips, UNIES Limited Mr. John Hockman, J.L. Hockman Consulting Inc. Mr. Gary Proskiw, Proskiw Engineering Limited
Fees
The majority of the time, there is no cost for MBEC members to attend seminars. Once and awhile, MBEC organizes ½ day or full day seminars, were a small fee is charged. Be sure to check “this months seminar” to find out if there is a cost.
For non-members, the cost is $10.00 to attend a seminar
For students, the cost is $5 to attend a seminar
Topics
A variety of building envelope topics are presented on a monthly basis by MBEC.
Example of Past Programs organized by MBEC
Full day Air Barrier Workshop with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Sprayed Urethane Foam Insulation and Air Barrier System
The use of Exterior Insulation Finish Systems in Construction
An introduction to the new Manitoba Hydro Office Tower
Ice Damning Research and Recommendations
Window/Wall Interface design and construction
Full day Moisture Management seminar with the National Research Council (NRC)
Continuing Education Credits
Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA) Members MAA members can count MBEC seminars towards their self-directed continuing education requirements.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM) APEGM members can count MBEC seminars towards their self-directed continuing education Requirements
Where
Seminars are typically held at the Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, but are sometime held in different locations. Please check the information under “this months seminar” to find the exact location.
Contact
For information on MBEC or upcoming seminars, please contact Louise Hardman of Building Professionals Inc. at em:
or ph. 956-5888.
The Manitoba Building Envelope Council (MBEC) typically organizes 6 – 8 seminars a year starting in October thru to April or May of each year. The seminars are typically 2 hours in length and held from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. 
