Revelstoke Step Code & AeroBarrier Air Sealing

Current Step: 3 | ACH Target: 2.5 ACH50 | Climate Zone: 6 | HDD: ~4,500 | Permit Office: revelstoke.ca

Why Revelstoke Is Different

Revelstoke sits in Climate Zone 6, one step above most Okanagan communities. With approximately 4,500 heating degree days, the energy model is significantly more demanding than what builders encounter in Kelowna or Vernon. The same house plan that passes Step 3 comfortably in the Okanagan may struggle in Revelstoke without envelope upgrades.

This mountain town sees heavy snowfall, sustained cold snaps, and significant temperature swings between seasons. Every crack and gap in the building envelope costs more in heating energy here than it would at lower elevations.

Current Step Code Requirements

Revelstoke requires Step 3 compliance for all new Part 9 residential construction. The target is 2.5 ACH50, verified by a blower door test before occupancy.

Because Revelstoke falls in Climate Zone 6, the energy model uses weather data that reflects colder design temperatures and longer heating seasons. Builders familiar with Climate Zone 5 projects should expect:

• Higher effective R-values across walls, ceilings, and foundations
• Better window performance, especially triple-pane on north and west exposures
• Tighter air sealing to offset the increased energy penalty of air leakage
• HRV and heat pump sizing adjusted for colder operating conditions

Air Sealing Challenges in Mountain Construction

Revelstoke’s building stock includes a mix of ski chalets, custom mountain homes, and newer residential subdivisions. Many feature cathedral ceilings, exposed timber framing, and complex rooflines, all of which create difficult-to-seal intersections.

Common air leakage points in Revelstoke builds include:

• Vaulted ceiling-to-wall transitions where framing meets insulation changes
• Cantilevered floors over unheated spaces or ski storage areas
• Large window assemblies with multiple rough openings
• Mechanical penetrations for wood stove flues and range hoods
• Rim joist areas where floor systems meet foundation walls

Traditional air sealing methods like caulking, spray foam, and tapes can address individual leaks, but coordinating dozens of trades across a complex mountain home often leaves gaps. AeroBarrier fills the entire envelope in a single application, sealing leaks as small as a human hair.

How AeroBarrier Works in Revelstoke

AeroBarrier is applied after rough-in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work but before drywall. A blower door pressurizes the home while a water-based acrylic sealant is aerosolized inside. The sealant finds and seals leaks automatically, with real-time ACH50 monitoring on screen.

For Revelstoke projects, AeroBarrier offers specific advantages:

• Reaches hidden leaks in complex framing assemblies common to mountain architecture
• Real-time verification so you know you’ve hit 2.5 ACH50 before drywall goes up
• Single-day application keeps your build schedule on track during short construction seasons
• Consistent results regardless of crew availability or trade coordination

Okanagan AeroBarrier Inc. serves Revelstoke from our Okanagan base. We coordinate scheduling to minimize travel days and can often batch multiple projects in the Revelstoke corridor.

FortisBC Rebates

Revelstoke is in FortisBC territory, which means builders and homeowners can access rebates for high-performance new construction. Homes that exceed Step 3 performance targets may qualify for additional incentives.

Check our FortisBC rebates guide for current program details, and use our rebate calculator to estimate potential savings on your Revelstoke project.

ACH Targets and What They Mean

The 2.5 ACH50 target means the home can exchange its full air volume no more than 2.5 times per hour when pressurized to 50 Pascals. In Revelstoke’s cold climate, hitting this target is even more important because every unit of air leakage carries a larger energy penalty.

Some Revelstoke builders are already targeting Step 4 performance voluntarily, aiming for 1.5 ACH50 or lower. This positions their projects for the upcoming Step 4 requirements and unlocks higher rebate tiers.

Working With Your Energy Advisor

Energy advisors modelling Revelstoke projects use CZ6 weather files, which produce different results than CZ5 files used in the Okanagan. If you’re adapting plans from a Kelowna or Vernon project, have your advisor run the model with Revelstoke data early in design to avoid costly mid-build changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2.5 ACH50 harder to hit in Revelstoke than in Kelowna?

The ACH50 target itself is the same, but the energy model is more demanding overall. You may need better insulation and windows to pass the energy model, even if air tightness alone meets the target. The blower door test measures the same metric regardless of climate zone.

Can AeroBarrier handle Revelstoke’s extreme cold?

AeroBarrier is applied indoors during the construction phase, so exterior temperatures don’t affect the application. The sealant cures at room temperature and performs across the full range of BC mountain temperatures once the home is occupied.

How much does AeroBarrier cost for a typical Revelstoke home?

Pricing depends on home size, complexity, and target ACH50. Call us at 250-864-8727 for a project-specific quote. The cost is typically offset by savings on other air sealing labour and by avoiding failed blower door tests.

Do I need AeroBarrier if I’m already using spray foam insulation?

Spray foam provides insulation and some air sealing, but it doesn’t seal every penetration, joint, or framing intersection. Many homes with spray foam still fail their blower door test. AeroBarrier addresses the full envelope, filling gaps that spray foam misses.

What about homes with wood stove flues and complex penetrations?

AeroBarrier seals around penetrations automatically. The aerosolized sealant finds any gap where air is escaping, including around flue chases, electrical panels, and plumbing stacks. These areas are often the biggest leakage sources in mountain homes.

Are nearby communities covered too?

Yes. We service Revelstoke and surrounding areas. For projects in the Okanagan, see our pages for Vernon, Kelowna, and Lake Country.

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Ready to hit your ACH target in Revelstoke? Call us at 250-864-8727 or get a free consultation. Okanagan AeroBarrier Inc. — hello@okaerobarrier.com