Course Description

When talking to builders about locating all the thermal insulation outboard of the building structure, there is a consensus that this insulation configuration delivers a holistic outcome. Among all the benefits, “maintaining the structure close to indoor temperature year around” appears to resonate the most with builders due to the elimination of the condensation risk on the structure; not only this translates to significantly less liability for builders, but it also provides end users with a solution that is durable, flexible, and forgiving to the lack of perfection. But then fully exterior insulated building envelope so far only has had a small share in BC construction market. When asked about the reasons, builders across BC shared the following three challenges as the main hurdles towards embracing that approach:

  • Challenge #1: Structural support and building envelope detailing around windows/doors
  • Challenge #2: Cladding attachment and the associated cost
  • Challenge #3: Addressing thermal bridging at transitions


Challenges #1 and #2 were covered in-depth on July 29, 2021, and February 24, 2022 ; practical solutions to address the challenges were provided in those two sessions. This upcoming webinar is intended to cover the third challenge.

Session Overview

Based on several fully exterior insulated wood-framed buildings, this session offers practical solutions for addressing thermal bridging at the following interfaces/transitions:

  • Deck/canopies to wall
  • Deck to parapet
  • Roof to wall
  • Window well to foundation wall
  • Stairs to foundation wall
  • Steel beam/column penetrating building envelope
  • Roof and wall penetrations
  • Window to wall
  • Door to deck
  • Slab on grade perimeter
  • Garage over living space
  • And more


Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, the participants will gain a holistic and practical insight towards:

  • The importance of reducing thermal bridging
  •  A wide range of materials and techniques to reduce thermal bridging at transitions and interfaces
  • The necessary in-advance coordination measures during the design and construction phases for a streamline installation

Approved for 2.0 CPDs in Construction Technology
Note: If you have already taken this course, repeating it online will not qualify for additional CPD points.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing 

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.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1

    • Before You Get Started

    • Agreement to HAVAN Academic Integrity Policy

    • Part 1
  • 2

    Chapter 2

    • Part 2
  • 3

    Chapter 3

    • Part 3
  • 4

    Chapter 4

    • Part 4
  • 5

    Chapter 5

    • Part 5

    • Declaration of Completed Work Assignment

    • Feedback