Building Codes for Canadian Steel Buildings

Building codes help ensure the safety of all structures whether new or old. Every three or so years, the codes are updated to reflect the latest advancements in the building industry. This is all in an effort to ensure your safety, and also the impact on your surroundings, and even public safety.

canadian steel building codes

The codes also allow for the testing and implementation of new materials, best practices and also health and safety approaches to your building. The building code acts to provide guidelines for the construction, the maintenance and the inspection of any building. The building code is comprehensive enough to include as well the electrical, plumbing, roof and more.

If you are uncertain about the codes for your respective jurisdiction, your steel building contractor can easily support you on this.

Building Codes in Canada

To improve the consistency and efficiency of the building code and its development process, the provinces and other industry and public partners all collaborated to establish the National Building Code of Canada through the Canadian Code Center (NBC).

This national code has been subsequently accepted by each province and territory, with or without revisions to reflect specific regional influences. This has become their building code, which builders must follow. A few communities in Canada, notably Vancouver, have historically had the freedom to create their own rules, but the majority are required to follow the current provincial law. Building codes are important in ensuring that new homes are built to the highest standards since steel building construction technology and systems are always developing.

What Do They Cover?

  • Technical requirements for the design and also the construction of a new building
  • Requirements for the alteration and demolition of an existing building.
  • Requirement for the change of use of the building

There is also the governing of technical bits such as, the level of safety, health, accessibility as well as structural and fire protection of the building. Along with this is the more modern energy efficiency as provided for within the code. There have been updated tiers for these energy uses in homes and small buildings.

In Canada, the most recent codes are comprehensive in covering things such as:

  • Occupant Safety
  • Structural Design
  • HVAC – Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
  • Signage
  • Entrances
  • Elevators
  • Insulation
  • Design requirements for things like evaporative equipment – in order to minimize the growth of bacteria

Benefits of Following The Building Code

Are there any benefits? Yes, some may be obvious and others a bit more subtle. However, in using the building codes we highlight at least a few benefits here for your perusal.

Consistency

Think of the building code as a language in itself. Therefore once your contractor has understood the codes and followed them as required, then it means that your building structure is consistent, and can be held to a definitive standard. It’s almost like having a certificate of guarantee.

Durability

Because of the constant improvement in the codes, it means that the available technology and practices are researched and employed to make your building durable. Durable against, windforces up to a specific requirement. If the area is earthquake prone, then you have a guarantee to withstand seismic activity of a certain amount. Therefore you have fire prevention implemented to safe wiring and structural integrity.

Insurance Premium

Naturally if you and your builder have followed the building codes, then your level of risk is reduced. Reduced risk and liability, means then that when you seek to have your property covered by insurance, then your rate of payment can be a bit lower.

Resale Value

If there is the need at some point that you wish to place your building up for sale, there is the benefit of the property maintaining its value. The new owner – knows what they are getting. Similarly, if you are seeking to purchase a property – one of the first things you will need to ascertain is – Were the building codes followed?

Reviewing the appropriate building codes and ensuring you comply with necessary specifications should be an essential part of pricing a steel building. Ideally, your preferred building contractor or building kit manufacturer can easily exceed the minimum code requirements. This naturally places your steel building ahead of the game.

 

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