Fenestration Water Testing
We are an engineering firm in Ottawa providing fenestration water testing services
Who We Provide Building Envelope Consulting Services To
Capacity Engineering provides Building Envelope Consultant services to:
- Architects and architectural design firms
- Condominium and multi-residential developers
- Commercial building owners
- Builders and construction managers
- Property managers overseeing existing buildings
- Design teams seeking third-party enclosure expertise
We support both new construction and existing buildings, from early design through construction and performance review.
What Is Building Envelope Consulting
Building envelope review and design are essential to a building’s durability, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. The building envelope, comprising exterior walls, roofs, windows, doors, and foundations, acts as the primary barrier between the interior and exterior environments.
Effective enclosure design helps prevent:
- Water infiltration
- Air leakage
- Thermal bridging
- Condensation and moisture accumulation
Our Building Envelope Consultant services include design assistance, drawing reviews, and on-site inspections focused on constructability, material compatibility, and long-term performance. We assess both proposed and existing assemblies to identify risks early and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions that improve enclosure integrity.
A key element of our approach is the development of our proprietary “8 D’s of Detailing” framework, a structured methodology created to guide high-performance building envelope design.
By applying the 8 D’s, we develop enclosure details that balance performance, durability, and real-world constructability, ensuring interfaces, penetrations, and transitions are properly designed to manage air, water, and thermal control layers.
Why Do Clients Choose Us For Building Envelope Consulting?
1. 7+ Years of Building Envelope Consulting Experience
Our team has provided building envelope consulting services for over seven years across residential, commercial, and multi-unit developments.
2. Active Involvement in Building Envelope Research & Standards
Capacity Engineering is a member of the Building Science Association of Ontario (BSAO) (formerly OBEC), and our engineers actively sit on BSAO committees. This involvement ensures we remain current with emerging research, evolving best practices, and performance-based design
strategies.
3. Proprietary 8 D’s of Detailing Framework
Our in-house methodology provides a consistent, repeatable approach to enclosure detailing—reducing risk and improving constructability without unnecessary complexity.
4. Collaborative, Practical Approach
We work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver solutions that perform on paper and on site, helping projects move efficiently from design through construction.
Our Building Envelope Consulting Process
1. Project Review & Scope Definition
We review project requirements, drawings, and performance goals to define a clear building envelope scope.
2. Design & Drawing Review
We assess enclosure assemblies, transitions, and penetrations with a focus on air, water, vapor, and thermal control continuity.
3. Detailing & Design Support
We assist with enclosure detailing using our 8 D’s framework to improve performance, constructability, and durability.
4. Site Inspections & Field Review
We conduct site reviews to verify installation intent, identify deficiencies, and provide corrective recommendations during construction.
Why Building Envelope Consulting Matters
Building envelope failures are among the most common and costly building issues. Proper enclosure design and review help:
- Prevent water and air leakage
- Reduce long-term maintenance costs
- Improve occupant comfort and energy efficiency
- Extend service life of building components
- Reduce warranty and insurance risk
- Ensure code compliance and performance targets are met
Early involvement of a Building Envelope Consultant significantly improves long-term building performance.
Notable Building Envelope Consulting Projects
Capacity Engineering has provided building envelope consulting services on a wide range of residential and commercial developments, including:
- Mattamy Developments
- High-rise and multi-residential projects across Ottawa
- Commercial and mixed-use buildings
- Additional project examples can be viewed on our Projects page.