Principles of heat, air, and moisture movement within building envelopes and assemblies.
About this course
This course introduces the fundamental principles that govern heat, air, and moisture movement within building envelopes and assemblies. You will learn how these forces interact to affect building performance, durability, and energy efficiency. The focus is on understanding the physics behind building science and applying that knowledge to real-world construction scenarios.
We cover topics such as thermal resistance, vapour diffusion, condensation control, and air leakage. You will also explore how different materials and assembly designs impact the overall health of a building. By the end of the term, you should be able to critically assess simple building envelopes for potential issues related to heat loss, moisture damage, and energy waste.
Who takes this course
This course is a required component of the Bachelor of Applied Technology — Building Science program.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
None
Learning outcomes
- Explain the basic principles of heat transfer through building assemblies.
- Analyze the role of air barriers in controlling moisture migration.
- Identify common building envelope failures and their causes.
- Evaluate insulation materials and their performance in different climates.
- Apply building science concepts to simple wall and roof assemblies.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Mid-term exam | 30 |
| Assembly analysis project | 25 |
| Weekly quizzes | 20 |
| Final exam | 25 |