Course Description

A fully exterior insulated building envelope is well-known for its premium performance in cold climates: By placing all the thermal insulation outboard of the building structure, this building envelope configuration results in superior condensation resistance, uniform temperature of the structure, reduced thermal bridging, several lines of defence against rain penetration, and a service cavity inboard of the environmental control layers for housing utilities. These benefits alone are enough to justify the use of exterior insulated building envelope. That said, unfortunately to date, it has had a much smaller market share compared to other building envelope systems.

Based on the feedback received from some builders, the perceived hurdles include a lack of sufficient trained installers, higher cost, and potential constructability/coordination challenges in detailing windows, penetrations, decks, etc.

This interactive presentation covers the design and construction of a fully exterior insulated house in Sechelt, British Columbia, to be completed in early 2019. Using a range of targeted photos taken during the construction phase, engaging 3D details, and physical assembly/material samples, this presentation will cover:

  • Step-by-step installation sequencing of exterior insulated foundation walls and slab, exterior insulated above grade walls, exterior insulated sloped roof, and exterior insulated flat roofs.
  • Challenges faced during construction, along with practical building envelope solutions.
    Optimum detailing of windows and skylights with respect to thermal performance and moisture management.
  • Practical considerations in detailing penetrations through the wall and roof.
    Effective detailing of hidden gutter in exterior insulated sloped roof.
  • Methods of addressing thermal bridges caused by steel beams/columns, canopies, etc.
  • Various cost saving measures.


Approved for 2.0 CPD Credits in Construction Technology

Note: If you have already taken this course in person, repeating it online will not qualify for additional CPD points.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1

    • Before You Get Started

    • Agreement to HAVAN Academic Integrity Policy

    • Presenter PowerPoint Download

    • Part 1
  • 2

    Chapter 2

    • Part 2
  • 3

    Chapter 3

    • Part 3
  • 4

    Chapter 4

    • Part 4
  • 5

    Chapter 5

    • Part 5

    • Feedback

    • Declaration of Completed Work Assignment

Hamid Heidarali, P.Eng, Hamid Design Build

Hamid Heidarali is a Building Science specialist at HDB with a strong passion for high performance buildings that minimize their impact on the environment, while providing superior experience for occupants. He has been providing Building Science engineering on a wide range of projects in Canada over the past two decades. Hamid taught building envelope courses to Masters students at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) from 2015 till 2020, and offers holistic building envelope workshops for the construction professionals on a regular basis.