If your house was built to the minimum standards set out by the Building Codes, how could any professional not be trained in their use and application. Some home inspectors mask their lack of skills and training by refraining from ever mentioning the Ontario Building Code and this lack of knowledge can lead to missed deficiencies that a trained inspector would pick up. Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code is essential when performing Home Inspections. Most older buildings would fall under Part 10 or 11 of the Ontario Building Code and not require extensive upgrading, especially if the building was over 5 years old. This is known as “Grandfathering” and will apply to most buildings unless they have under gone a “Major Renovation, Change of Use or Occupancy or a Building Permit has been issued that would involve bringing building up to current requirements. Although the Ontario Building Code is not designed to be used as a requirement to bring existing buildings up to this standard, not having a knowledge of the code would not allow a person to know what deficiencies existed in a building.Įxisting buildings only have to be built to the standard of the existing building code that was in effect at the time of construction. The Ontario Building Codes are a minimum set of standards that all building must meet when constructed. Call 41 or visit our website today for a pressure-free initial consultation.Home Inspections and Ontario Building Codes.
We provide state-of-the-art, industry-leading expertise in remedying environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos and much more. If you smell a stale, moldy odour in your home or you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a recurring basis, do yourself a favour and call the experts at Environmental Services Group for a mold inspection quote.Įnvironmental Services Group is a cutting edge environmental consulting firm based in Toronto and servicing both the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. Mold may be growing in the walls and between the floors of your home without your knowing it.Ĭommon symptoms of exposure to toxic mold may include eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms like breathing difficulties, allergy or flu-like symptoms like such as runny nose and clogged sinus, and even more troubling issues like a depressed immune system and vertigo. An uninsulated crawl space in particular is an ideal location for mold growth. If your home was built before that time, it may not have included any insulation at all in the basement, making it a prime location for condensation, moisture and therefore mold. Previous versions of the Code were less stringent, and the Ontario Building Code itself was initiated only in 1975. The new Building Code promises to reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality along with reducing the risk of mold growth – but it only just came into effect. In addition to the current guidelines, many experts recommend that you insulate your basement floor as well for the same reason. More insulation = more protection against condensation and moisture, and therefore potential mold growth. This prevents condensation from forming on the top half of the foundation, where it’s exposed to the air above ground level.
ONTARIO BUILDING CODE INSULATION FULL
Previously, the Code specified that a basement was to be insulated only two feet down from the sill plate (where the lumber of the wall rests on the foundation), where now it’s required for the full height of the basement. The new Code also specifies improved levels of insulation, especially in basements. Air leaks can cause condensation issues and may also result in wind driven rain coming inside. Made of a variety of materials, the house wrap is literally wrapped around the exterior of a home while it’s being constructed, and it serves to restrict air leakage as well as control moisture. Air barriers include elements you’ll find inside the home, like drywall, as well as what is called a “house wrap”. The changes, among other things, include requiring an air barrier to cover the entire building envelope – where in the past, it was only required around thermally insulated portions. It’s being hailed by green energy advocates and public health officials alike for the emphasis the changes put onto energy efficiency and moisture control – a vital component in the prevention of mold growth.
Changes to the Ontario Building Code which came into effect Janumake this province’s code the most progressive in the country.