The way homes are built in Quebec could change. The Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ), in collaboration with researchers from Laval University, has been studying the concept of the perfect wall, adapted to houses in Quebec, for two years. The goal ? Reconsider how to insulate and seal wood-frame dwellings, to open up to a different way of designing the building… by protecting it from the outside.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
The concept is far from new. It was developed in the 1980s in Canada by engineer Joseph Lstiburek, who has since become an international authority on humidity control in buildings and indoor air quality. The concept has long been applied in the institutional and commercial sectors, and even in the construction of high-rise condominiums. But it’s relatively new to building wood frame homes.
“We are there, says Marco Lasalle, director of Technical Services at the Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ), instigator of the project. The houses we currently have are good. But we are able to do better for the same price or less. This is what we want to demonstrate. »
It is based on the research of D.r Lstiburek to define the concept of a perfect wall, adapted to the climate of Quebec. The control of the elements (precipitation, temperature, drafts and condensation) is then done from the outside of the walls, to establish a real barrier between the interior and the exterior. The structure of the building is thus better protected, while increasing the comfort of the occupants.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Here is a perfect wall prototype according to the APCHQ. The order in which the wall components are placed is reversed. The rigid materials, which serve to insulate and protect the wall from the weather, are on the outside of the wall, directly under the aluminum cladding.
The quest for the perfect wall does not happen by chance. It is based on research conducted by Alexis Caron-Rousseau, as part of his master’s degree at the Industrial Research Chair in Eco-responsible Wood Construction (CIRCERB) at Laval University. The project is now entering a new phase, thanks to the construction of two neighboring houses in Bécancour, identical except for their insulation and their sealing. One will be built in the traditional way (with insulation, vapor barriers, rain barriers and air barriers inside the wall cavities), while the second will be protected from the outside using rigid materials fulfilling the same roles. Note: the use of 2 x 4 lumber will be favored (rather than 2 x 6), which will result in significant savings.
The APCHQ’s desire is to improve the way things are done. We want buildings to cost as little as possible, to facilitate access to property. This does not mean making houses of poor quality.
Marco Lasalle, Director of Technical Services at the APCHQ
“Computer models show us that these will be higher quality and durable houses, with high energy efficiency, which will require the use of fewer materials,” continues Mr. Lasalle. There will be less assembly, thereby reducing the risk of errors. »
ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY ROXAN TURCOTTE
This is what the two neighboring houses will look like, which will be built in Bécancour by Construction R. Turcotte. They will be identical except for their envelope.
He insists: it is a question of a concept. He does not favor any material in particular. Many manufacturers are also following the progress of research with interest, in order to develop and offer their own solution.
a thousand and one ways
Roxan Turcotte, president and owner of Construction R. Turcotte, in Trois-Rivières, was selected to build the two houses that will be used for data collection for approximately two years, thanks to the support of the Société d’ housing in Quebec.
“There are a thousand and one ways to build a wall,” emphasizes the 39-year-old entrepreneur, who constantly seeks to improve his ways of doing things, by following a large number of training courses offered by the APCHQ.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS PILON, PROVIDED BY ROXAN TURCOTTE
Roxan Turcotte
I am inspired by a bit of everything because the construction requires a result, but does not say how to do it. It is part of my convictions to make intelligently built houses.
Roxan Turcotte, president and owner of Construction R. Turcotte
In the field for 21 years, he feels supported while having room for manoeuvre. “It’s stimulating to see that the APCHQ is working alongside us,” he says. They asked us how we wanted to build the house with the perfect walls, what materials we wanted to use, taking into account the information they gave us. We looked at four or five wall compositions, we chose one based on the availability of materials and the way we want to assemble it. They built a tutorial and they made a wall in the studio, to make sure it was feasible before putting it on site. You have to do more little things to put the structure together, but the day you go home, it will be much faster. Hence the importance of having a model house and a house with perfect walls. We will be able to analyze the workload and the time. »
Other data, such as energy efficiency, airtightness and soundproofing, will also be compiled. To be continued !