Envelope (Enclosure) Code Presentation
The 2019 California Energy Code, aka Building Energy Efficiency Standards—Title 24, became effective on January 1, 2020. Last month (June), the California Energy Commission released this comprehensive presentation on the nonresidential building envelope mandatory and prescriptive measures now in place.
BECx Checklist for Air Leakage
The CEC mandatory requirements include limiting air leakage in newly constructed nonresidential buildings, as well as additions and alterations to existing buildings. Design and construction documents are to clearly identify the air barrier components for each assembly, including detailing joints, interconnections and sealing of penetrations. Here is the list and an illustration of mandatory building locations.
Nonresidential Air Sealing Locations
- Air barrier and thermal barrier alignment
- Rim joists, sill plates, foundations, floor
- Soffits
- Risers and shafts for piping or ducts
- Exterior wall penetrations
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing, gas lines
- Lighting fixtures
- Ducts and registers
- Ventilation fans
- Elevator shafts
- Stairwells
- Attached parking garages
- Skylights
- Fire sprinklers
Not Shown
- Common walls between attached dwelling units
- Cantilevered floors
- Flue and chimney shafts
- Fireplace walls
- Electrical conduits