The Step Code raised the bar. Most envelopes weren't ready.
BC's Energy Step Code phased in tighter airtightness targets across 2017–2027. Step 3 starts at 2.5 ACH50 — many tape-and-caulk builds limp through. Step 4 (1.5 ACH50) and Step 5 (1.0 ACH50, Net Zero territory) require something traditional sealing methods can't reliably deliver: an envelope that's actually been measured, gap by gap.
AeroBarrier delivers it. We pressurize the building, atomize a GreenGuard Gold acrylic sealant, and the pressure differential drives the sealant to every leak — from half-inch openings down to hairline cracks at sheathing seams. A live blower-door graph shows ACH50 falling in real time. We stop when the target is hit and hand you the documentation.
Step Code targets at a glance
| Step | Airtightness target | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Step 3 | ≤ 2.5 ACH50 | Standard new construction |
| Step 4 | ≤ 1.5 ACH50 | High-performance residential |
| Step 5 | ≤ 1.0 ACH50 | Net Zero / Passive House territory |
What you get from us
- A target ACH50 number agreed upfront
- Single-day install at the optimal stage (post-drywall, pre-primer)
- Live blower-door graph during application
- Final blower-door report — inspection and rebate-ready
- Coordination with your energy advisor and HPO inspector
Rebates and the cost calculus
FortisBC and CleanBC rebate programs reward higher Step Code achievement — typically thousands of dollars per home, depending on the path. AeroBarrier often pays for itself once you factor in: rebates earned, missed-occupancy penalties avoided, blower-door rescue costs avoided, and the time you don't spend chasing hairline leaks at final stage.
Coordinating with your energy advisor
We work directly with energy advisors to time the AeroBarrier application against mid-construction blower-door tests, modelled ACH50 targets, and as-built verification. If your advisor isn't sure how to incorporate AeroBarrier into the Step Code path, we can talk to them. Most are familiar with us by now.