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Superior Waterproof Coatings (SWC) started using its basement envelope system on all new home construction and basement repair projects. After the first year, SWC received client feedback stating all prior humidity and water problems had been eliminated.
Clients also stated they were experiencing other dramatic changes within the home. A considerable reduction in energy cost was evident when compared with that of previous years. The concrete floor slab was considerably warmer. Further research indicated changes in home performance were not isolated. All clients using this basement envelope system were experiencing similar results.
A review of industry studies, conducted by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and/or Private Companies concluded, the changes experienced in home performance should not be achieved. Additional research revealed, all previous studies were targeting various isolated components, and no previous study had been conducted using an entire basement envelope system.
In an effort to fully understand why such changes had taken place further research was required. Superior Waterproof Coatings immediately saw the need for a Research and Development Project (R&D). Mr. Steven Noseworthy with IRAP/NRC was contacted for further discussion, and the probability of a local study. Research by IRAP also revealed there had been no prior study or testing that outlined the effects an entire basement envelope system would have on home performance.
Mr. Noseworthy arranged for SWC to meet with NRC’s research team, headed by Mr. Mike Swinton. This meeting was set to review the feedback information provided to SWC by their clients. Upon review Mr. Swinton felt this would be a very interesting and worth while project. Mr. Swinton was asked for his teams’ assistance with the acquisition system design and lay out, that would best suit our needs in the event that this R & D project would proceed.
This study was designed to find answers to the following questions:
a) Will geo-thermal heating occur?
b) Will concrete walls dry out?
c) Would humidity levels drop and reduce or eliminate mould/ bacteria growth?
d) Would there be a significant energy savings and if so to what level?
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