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In BC, what is 'building envelope' failure, commonly known as the 'leaky condo' crisis?

Correct Answer

D) Failure of the weather-resistant barrier, letting in moisture that causes rot, mould and structural damage, mainly in 1980s-1990s buildings

BC's 'leaky condo' crisis refers to widespread building envelope failures in multi-unit residential buildings constructed primarily between the early 1980s and late 1990s. Design and construction practices (including face-sealed designs without rain screens) combined with BC's wet climate led to moisture penetration, causing rot, mould, and structural damage. Remediation costs have exceeded $4 billion province-wide and led to the Homeowner Protection Act.

Answer Options
A
Structural failure of a building's foundation caused by settling on the soft soils of the Lower Mainland
B
Failure of the building's electrical system due to aluminium wiring installed in condos during the building boom
C
Inadequate sound insulation between strata units, which let noise and odours pass through the thin walls of 1990s wood-frame condos
D
Failure of the weather-resistant barrier, letting in moisture that causes rot, mould and structural damage, mainly in 1980s-1990s buildings

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Key Terms

building envelope failureleaky condomoisture infiltrationface-sealed designHomeowner Protection Act
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