Armstrong Step Code & AeroBarrier Air Sealing

Current Step: 3 | ACH Target: 2.5 ACH50 | Climate Zone: 5 | Permit Office: cityofarmstrong.bc.ca

About Armstrong

Armstrong is a small city in the North Okanagan, situated between Vernon to the south and Enderby to the north along Highway 97A. Known for its agricultural heritage and the annual Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE), Armstrong has been seeing steady residential growth as buyers look for affordable alternatives to larger Okanagan centres.

The Township of Spallumcheen wraps around Armstrong, and builders in the area may deal with either jurisdiction depending on the exact property location. Both follow BC Step Code requirements for new residential construction.

Current Step Code Requirements

Armstrong requires Step 3 for all new Part 9 residential buildings:

• Energy model using Climate Zone 5 weather data for the North Okanagan
• Blower door test confirming 2.5 ACH50 or better
• Design-stage and as-built compliance reports from a registered energy advisor

Armstrong’s position in CZ5 means heating degree days are higher than in Kelowna or Penticton but comparable to Vernon. The energy model reflects this, requiring a well-insulated and air-tight envelope to pass.

Residential Construction in Armstrong

Armstrong’s building activity is characterized by:

• Single-family homes on generous lots, often with attached garages
• Modular and manufactured homes on rural properties in Spallumcheen
• Starter homes and ranchers serving the community’s affordable housing market
• Farm homes on agricultural land with outbuildings and shops

These construction types are generally simpler in geometry than custom mountain homes, which can make air sealing more straightforward. However, even a basic rancher has dozens of penetrations (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, exhaust fans) that all need sealing to meet 2.5 ACH50.

Common weak points in Armstrong builds include:

• Rim joist connections at floor-to-foundation transitions
• Electrical panel penetrations through exterior walls
• Bathroom and kitchen exhaust ductwork passing through the envelope
• Attached garage-to-house separations that need both air and fire sealing
• Attic hatches and recessed lighting in ceiling assemblies

AeroBarrier for Armstrong Builders

AeroBarrier simplifies Step Code compliance for Armstrong builders. Rather than relying on multiple trades to manually seal every penetration, AeroBarrier pressurizes the home and aerosolizes a water-based sealant that automatically finds and fills leaks.

For Armstrong’s typically straightforward residential builds, AeroBarrier offers:

• Fast, predictable results on standard house plans
• Real-time ACH50 verification before drywall goes up
• No reliance on perfect caulking at every junction and penetration
• Reduced risk of a failed blower door test and expensive remediation
• Consistent quality regardless of which trades are on site

Okanagan AeroBarrier Inc. services the entire North Okanagan including Armstrong. We coordinate scheduling to serve Armstrong and nearby communities like Enderby, Vernon, and Lumby on the same trips.

Understanding Air Sealing Methods

Our air sealing methods guide compares the approaches available to Armstrong builders:

• Caulking and acoustical sealant at visible joints and penetrations
• Spray foam at rim joists, headers, and rough openings
• Air barrier membranes and tapes across sheathing and vapour barrier layers
• AeroBarrier as a comprehensive, automated solution that catches what manual methods miss

Many builders use a combination: conventional sealing at the obvious spots, then AeroBarrier to close the remaining gaps and verify the result.

FortisBC Rebates

Armstrong is in FortisBC natural gas territory. New homes meeting Step Code performance targets can qualify for FortisBC rebates. Exceeding the minimum Step 3 target unlocks higher rebate tiers, making it worth considering whether to aim for Step 4 performance.

Our rebate calculator can help estimate what’s available for your project.

ACH Targets Explained

The ACH50 target of 2.5 means the home exchanges its air volume no more than 2.5 times per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure. For Armstrong’s climate, hitting this target meaningfully reduces heating costs and improves occupant comfort by eliminating cold drafts.

Going beyond the minimum, say to 1.5 or 2.0 ACH50, provides additional benefits: better humidity control, quieter interiors, and improved indoor air quality when paired with a properly sized HRV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Armstrong and Spallumcheen have the same Step Code requirements?

Both jurisdictions follow the BC Step Code. The requirements are the same (Step 3, 2.5 ACH50), but the permit office and process may differ depending on whether your property is within the City of Armstrong or the Township of Spallumcheen. Confirm with your building department.

Is AeroBarrier cost-effective for a simple rancher or starter home?

Yes. Simpler homes are typically less expensive to seal with AeroBarrier because they have smaller volumes and fewer complex intersections. The cost is often comparable to or less than extensive manual air sealing when you factor in labour, materials, and the risk of a failed test.

When in the build should I schedule AeroBarrier?

Schedule AeroBarrier after rough-in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are complete but before drywall installation. This is the window where the envelope is accessible and sealable. Contact us early in your build timeline to reserve a date.

What if my home is modular or manufactured?

Modular homes can benefit from AeroBarrier, particularly at the marriage joint where modules connect. This joint is one of the most common air leakage points in modular construction. Contact us to discuss your specific project.

Can I use AeroBarrier on a renovation or addition?

AeroBarrier works best on new construction where the envelope is fully accessible. For renovations, it depends on the scope. If walls are opened up to framing, AeroBarrier can be applied to those sections. Call us to discuss your project specifics.

How do I book an AeroBarrier application?

Call us at 250-864-8727 or get a free consultation. We’ll review your plans, confirm timing, and provide a quote. Okanagan AeroBarrier Inc. — [email protected]

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Ready to hit your ACH target in Armstrong? Call us at 250-864-8727 or get a free consultation. Okanagan AeroBarrier Inc. — [email protected]