Understanding Recent Building Code Changes

A significant Building Code change is coming into force that impacts how windows are used in a big way, and Centra has taken advantage of it on an exciting project in Edmonton. Our announcement spurred some interesting discussion, so your favourite Window Geeks have put together a primer on this change and what it means for the construction and renovation industries.

Major Material Changes

So, what is this major change? The updated, 2020 National Building Code, has lifted outdated restrictions on the type of windows that can be used in certain ‘non-combustible’ openings. This change has been a long time coming – these restrictions, which greatly limited the types of frames that could be used in taller buildings especially, hadn't been changed since 1965.

Glass Canada summarizes the change nicely:

“The 2020 National Building Code, published in March 2022, amends Sentence 3.1.5.4.(5), removing the restrictions on the spacing and overall area of combustible window frames that had remained unchanged since 1965. These restrictions were historical artifacts that had long ago ceased to be relevant.”

Canadian manufacturers and suppliers took the reins to make this change happen, investing considerable time and effort into ensuring the code reflected the realities of modern building techniques and safety measures. The National Research Council wanted to fund some research to see if those old restrictions still made sense. Turns out, they didn't. Tests showed that frame materials like wood, aluminum, and vinyl didn't really add fuel to the fire.

After some serious discussions and presentations, momentum gathered. By 2016, stakeholders got together and agreed to pursue a research program with the NRC. Both ‘combustible’ and ‘non-combustible’ window setups were tested to see how they performed. The proposed changes were approved in 2019 with just a minor tweak. They made it into 2020 National Building Code, allowing for use of vinyl and fibreglass frames in larger buildings providing they’re not vertically touching between floors.

Long Overdue Improvements

The old restrictions were long overdue for retirement. Despite this being the 2020 version of the Building Code, it may take a little while for all provinces and territories to get on board with the new code. In Alberta, for example, the changes don't come into force until May 2024. Despite this, Centra took the initiative and worked with the city of Edmonton to get approval for a project which incorporates these changes sooner, and that project is already underway. Not only is this major renovation improving energy efficiency for residents, it's also saving them millions over aluminum replacement. Centra had already taken advantage of our experts' knowledge of BC Building Code to do the same with a tower in Vancouver.

If you have an upcoming project and need help with finding the right product at the best value, reach out to Centra today.

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We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.