A Practical Approach to Airtightness
As airtightness requirements have increased under the BC Energy Step Code, achieving target air leakage levels has become a more defined part of every build. Builders need a clear, reliable way to hit those numbers without slowing down the project.
Kootenay Airseal supports builders and contractors by delivering verified air leakage results using a controlled Aeroseal application. We provide a dedicated airtightness solution that fits within the construction schedule and produces documented performance outcomes.
Our role is straightforward: help you meet required targets with measurable results and confidence heading into final verification.
Benefits for Builders
Bringing Kootenay Airseal into your project gives you a defined and measurable airtightness step, reducing uncertainty before final inspection.
When airtightness targets are missed at final testing, projects can require additional labour, schedule adjustments, and re-verification. Addressing airtightness in a controlled and documented way helps reduce that risk and keeps the build moving forward.
Working with us supports:
Meeting required airtightness targets under the BC Energy Step Code
Receiving documented air leakage results prior to final blower door testing
Reducing manual air sealing and minimizing last-minute corrections before inspection
Aligning with higher performance programs such as Energy Star, LEED, and Passive House
How We Fit Into Your Workflow
Once the building envelope is ready, we complete the air sealing process to prepare the project for final blower door verification.
Our team:
Coordinates directly with the builder or site supervisor
Completes the application within the construction schedule
Provides documented before-and-after leakage results
Issues a Certificate of Completion for project records
Understanding Step Code Requirements
If you are reviewing airtightness targets or planning for a specific Step Code level, detailed information is available in our Step Code / Airtightness Guide. This resource outlines how airtightness is measured and how it fits within BC Energy Step Code performance requirements.
Incentives and Performance Programs
In certain Fortis service regions, Step Code incentive programs may apply to new builds that achieve higher performance levels. Improved airtightness can contribute to qualification.
You can review available programs on our Incentives & Rebates page.
Book a Consultation
Planning a project? Reach out to ensure your airtightness requirements are covered.
Book a ConsultationSee what our customers are saying:
At thinkBright Homes, we’re committed to building and retrofitting homes that are healthier, more comfortable, and built to perform for generations. Partnering with Kootenay AirSeal to integrate AeroSeal envelope technology into our custom homes and deep energy retrofits has helped us significantly reduce air leakage and elevate overall building performance. Because we design homes as integrated systems, airtightness is critical. AeroSeal allows us to achieve measurable improvements in envelope performance, resulting in more stable indoor temperatures, improved indoor air quality, and lower energy use. The process supports our building-science approach by reducing guesswork, improving consistency, and helping us meet the high standards we set for comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. Working with Kootenay AirSeal helps us build resilient, low-carbon homes that tread lightly on the planet while providing long-term value and real-world comfort for our clients.
Paul & Meredith – thinBright Homes – Invermere, BC
“Our multi-stage, medium-density housing project included a complex mix of units for both purchase and rental. The funding model required the rental units to meet higher Step Code levels. Kootenay AirSeal played a crucial role in helping us achieve these targets by applying AeroBarrier and eliminating much of the guesswork from the process. On a busy site with dozens of subcontractors, it’s nearly impossible to track every single building envelope penetration. Kootenay AirSeal’s combination of traditional air sealing and their patented technology took care of both large gaps and small leakage. Their process removed stress, uncertainty, and manual oversight from a critical part of the build.”
Trevor, Project Manager – Generation Homes – Invermere, BC
“We build custom homes in the FortisBC gas service area of the Kootenay Boundary Region, and we work closely with our Energy Advisor to apply for Fortis grants tied to achieving Step 4 and 5 of the BC Step Code. Thanks to Kootenay AirSeal’s patented AeroBarrier technology, we’ve successfully reached these Step Code targets—qualifying for grants of $15,000 and $20,000 per home. These rebates more than cover the cost of Kootenay AirSeal’s services and actually put money back in our pocket as builders. That translates to real cost savings per square foot. Even better, we can reinvest those savings into additional high-efficiency upgrades, such as heat pumps and emerging new technologies in water heating systems. Kootenay AirSeal eliminates the guesswork of meeting high performance standards and makes it easier—and more affordable—to build better homes.”
Dan, Builder – Rossland, BC
“The final blower door test landed this home at Step 5. What Kootenay AirSeal offers is a no-brainer for any builder aiming for Step Code 4 or 5. The cost for their service was equivalent to what I would have paid just for air sealing materials—not including the labour hours we would’ve spent. In fact, we COULD have spent more and still not achieved step 5. This is money well spent for results you can count on.”
