As Ontario builders prepare for the opportunity to create wood-frame six-storey mid-rises, building envelopes should be carefully considered and protected.Starting next year, the province will join B.C. by allowing taller wood structures in its building code. Wood has proven to be a safe and reliable material in these applications, but protecting that wood framing will prove vital […]
For many North American construction companies, rainscreens still represent a bit of a mystery. Finding experts in the field can be a challenge, but they do exist. In places like coastal Oregon and British Columbia, thousands of sealed building envelopes have been created with a breathable, capillary gap beneath the siding to allow water to drain […]
Expected changes to Ontario’s building code could spike wood frame construction. Builders will be allowed to create mid-rise six-storey structures from wood. Currently, they are limited to four storeys. It’s a change that was implemented in British Columbia five years ago, and could soon deliver some major construction advantages in Canada’s most populated province. The big benefit […]
Coastal areas of British Columbia and Oregon remain among the few places in North America where building codes require the installation of rainscreens. Their designs are often left up to the engineers or construction professionals installing them. Still, it’s important to keep in mind the lessons learned in jurisdictions like B.C. over the past 15 to […]
Did you know radon is a threat all homebuilders should be aware of? It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, and is present at dangerous levels in thousands of homes across North America. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as part of the decay process of minerals found in the ground. […]
Rainscreens are a great way to protect homes from the elements, but even the best engineered systems can be compromised when you start cutting holes in walls. Things like windows and vent caps create spots where water can seep behind the membrane inside a rainscreened wall. Careful installation is vital to keeping moisture on the […]
On British Columbia’s west coast, rainscreened buildings have become the norm over the past 20 years. Builders have installed thousands of them, after they became mandatory in the building code in the late 1990s. In other parts of North America, this type of sealed building envelope may still seem new and unproven, but if you […]
The 1980’s and 90’s were a dark era for B.C. homebuilders. Business was strong as condos were popping up all over the south coast. It should have been nothing but good news for the construction industry. Unfortunately, changes in the province’s building code allowed condos to be built using designs better suited to the desert […]
Just like building technologies, maintenance practices are constantly changing and should be carefully monitored. One of the home upkeep services currently growing in popularity is duct cleaning. Increasing awareness of allergies, air quality, and perceived risks associated with clogged vents is driving concern and action on the part of homeowners. Mechanical contractors, builders and industry suppliers […]
Today’s modern homes are wonderfully well sealed. Building technologies have improved significantly to block outside air from coming in, and inside air from leaving. It’s all in the name of energy efficiency, but stale air trapped inside a home can now gather pollutants and make it uncomfortable to live in. It can even lead to allergies […]
When it comes to choosing HVAC intake/exhaust vents for your next construction project, you will likely be comparing the options in metal and plastic. So, which material is the better choice? In recent years, new plastic technologies have created some significant advantages. Here are six of them: Weather resistance and durability Outdoor vent covers […]
Three cooling tips for homebuilders It’s July, and after a long, cold winter across most of North America, scorching summer temperatures have returned. While there is plenty for people to enjoy outside right now, many of us will undoubtedly be focusing on the indoor discomforts that come with the heat. “It’s too hot to sleep.” […]
Installation of an exhaust fan above a stove is a critical step in creating safe and enjoyable kitchens. Ideally, those fans will exhaust smells, smoke, water vapour and other gases to the outside. The idea is simple, but choosing the right materials to include in your design is not always easy. Most jurisdictions have strict standards […]
Routing HVAC ductwork can be a complicated challenge, but your troubles aren’t over when you reach the end of a duct in a wall or ceiling. You still need to cap it off with a vent or grille cover such as the PrimexVents Whisper Grille. Working in tight spaces can make achieving a clean finish […]
Moisture is a constant enemy in a home. Too much will create mold and other problems. Too little will aggravate allergies and create static electric shocks. Active venting is one important way you can help manage the water in the air. The bathroom can often be a home’s greatest source of moisture issues. Every day […]
At its most basic level, a home provides shelter. It helps keep a family dry in the rain, warm in the winter and shaded from the summer sun. A home’s ability to offer a healthy and controlled living space is in many ways its most important task. So just what is it that protects a […]
PrimexVents Manufacturing Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of the Terminator HVAC diffuser collar, the solution to sloppy, inaccurate termination of HVAC, and HRV ducting. Terminator—a rigid, molded housing with built-in flanges and measurements for all standard applications—eliminates guesswork and simplifies installation. The strong, industrial-grade plastic is durable, lightweight, non-rusting and has no sharp […]
Visit PrimexVents at booth 7965 (co-exhibiting with Builder’s Best) at the AHR Expo in New York, Jan 21-23, 2014. Learn about the latest products from PrimexVents and discover solutions that are right for your applications.
PrimexVents is pleased to announce the unveiling of the new HVAC Venting website. Now, you can easily navigate the entire range of PrimexVents HVAC Venting products including features and specifications. Visit the ‘Solutions’ section to find out the best products for your applications and then stop by the ‘Contact’ page to enquire about pricing and […]