When it comes to constructing buildings, ensuring the integrity of the building enclosure—the barrier between the interior and exterior—is crucial. Two essential processes in this area are Materials Testing and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx). While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are vital at different stages of construction.
Materials Testing
Material testing is lab testing that happens well before the design phase of construction. It focuses specifically on the physical components used in the building enclosure. The results of material testing can dictate what materials the designer will implement into the project based on Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). This lab testing is crucial for determining which materials to include in the design and how they might affect the performance of the overall assembly.
The benefits of Materials Testing include:
- Determining suitability for the intended application
- Determining compatibility with dissimilar adjacent materials
- Understanding material installation limitations
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx)
BECx is a comprehensive quality assurance process that ensures a building’s enclosure meets the OPR. This approach is about verifying that the design and installation of the building envelope—including walls, roofs, and air barriers—are executed properly to maximize energy performance and occupant comfort.
The BECx process also ensures proper material selection and compatibility. The BECxA (Building Enclosure Commissioning Agent) will complete a third-party design review during the pre-design and design phases of construction to ensure the assemblies will perform as intended and are both constructible and compatible. Functional performance testing of the completed construction will then verify that the design and installation was completed according to the specifications.
Key aspects of BECx include:
- Early Identification of Issues: BECx helps detect potential design and installation problems early in the construction process, when changes are easier and less costly to implement.
- Documentation and Accountability: It increases the level of documentation and communication among all stakeholders, enhancing accountability and reducing the risk of costly misunderstandings.
- Performance Verification: Through rigorous testing, BECx confirms that the building’s systems will function as intended, thereby minimizing future maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies.
Why Both Matter
Both BECx and Materials Testing are crucial in the construction process. BECx focuses on the overall performance of the building enclosure, while Materials Testing zeros in on the individual components that comprise that enclosure. Together, they create a robust framework for ensuring that buildings are not only well-designed but also built with quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Investing in these processes ultimately leads to fewer change orders, improved energy efficiency, and lower operational costs. As a result, buildings that undergo thorough commissioning and testing tend to offer a better experience for occupants while protecting the investment of owners and developers.
Take Action
To learn more about ensuring the performance of your building’s enclosure, download our comprehensive BECx white paper here. Gain insights that could help you save money and enhance the longevity of your building project!
Sources
- https://buildinginnovationhub.org/resource/regulation-basics/dc-building-codes-updates/building-envelopecommissioning/
- https://iibec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-02-lambert.pdf