Jee Young Kim

Jee Young Kim, B.E., BIS, EQI, Certified Passive House Consultant

Project Manager
Jee Young Kim

Jee Young’s mission is to employ her knowledge and understanding of the principles of building science and technology to new and existing buildings in order to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant’s experience, ultimately so that we realize a more sustainable future together.

Services
Energy and Carbon Reduction Building and Structural Restoration Specialty Testing
Office Location
Kitchener
Education
B.E., (Architectural Engineering), University of lncheon, lncheon, Korea, 2001
BIS, Building Science and the Building Envelope, University of Waterloo, 2009
Building Accessibility Excellence Assessor Certification Program, 2012
Certified EQI (EIFS) Inspector, 2013
Certified Passive House Consultant, 2019
Certified Infrared Thermographer (Level 2), Infrared Training Center (ITC), 2020
Association
Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC)
Passive House Canada
International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)
Harsh Trivedi

Harsh Trivedi, MBA, P. Eng., LEED AP

Project Principal
Harsh Trivedi

Harsh always strives to do his best to help the most people possible and contribute to a positive work environment and inspire his team members and co-workers to do the same.

Services
Specialty Testing Building and Structural Restoration New Construction
Office Location
Toronto
Education
Bachelor of Engineering – Civil Engineering, Saurashtra University, Gujarat, India, 1991
Master of Business Administration – Project Management, Preston University, London, UK, 2004
LEED™ Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
Association
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
Canadian Standard Association (CSA)- Associate Member for the new CSA Standard A500 “Building Guards"
Peter Vegh

Peter Vegh, Ph.D., P.Eng., LEED AP

Senior Project Principal, Vice President (Engineering)
Peter Vegh

Petr is always looking for and learning how to do things better, finding and applying the gained knowledge in real life and, in general, trying to practice better engineering.

Services
Specialty Testing Building and Structural Restoration New Construction
Office Location
Toronto
Education
Ph.D (Theoretical Mechanics), Czech Technical University and University of Toronto, 1994
Master of Applied Science (Eng), Czech Technical University, 1982
LEED Accredited Professional
Association
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Technical Committee Chair (Developed the new Standard CSA A500: Building Guards)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Voting Member for CSA Standard S478, Standard on Durability in Buildings
International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS), Working Group on Environmentally Compatible Structures and Structural Materials (Past Chair)
Journal of the IASS, Editorial Committee
6 Acorn Street, Hamilton

6 Acorn Street, Hamilton

6 Acorn Street, Hamilton
A cutting-edge new construction project designed in alignment with Passive House standards, with a focus on energy modeling, building enclosure commissioning, and air tightness testing.
Services
Energy and Carbon Reduction Specialty Testing
Subservices
Building Enclosure Commissioning, Passive House and EnerPHit
Sector
Residential
Duration
2020-2021
Client
Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Inc.
Project Value
$15,000,000
Project size
8 story building (60 units)

Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes decided to build a new mid-rise building at 6 Acorn Street in Hamilton.

While the project did not specifically target Passive House Certification, the Owners tasked the design team with delivering a building that could achieve Passive House performance levels.  

Pretium was engaged to create an energy modeling of the proposed design using designPH and PHPP software to confirm the performance was meeting the stringent targets. During both the design and construction phases, Pretium provided third-party Building Enclosure Commissioning services.

Our role involved reviewing documentation and construction to ensure alignment with the Owner’s Project Requirements. 

Pretium also completed air tightness testing on a mock-up unit to confirm that the target of 0.6 ACH @ 50Pa had been achieved. As part of the testing, tracer gas was used to identify deficiencies in the building enclosure. These were then addressed by the Contractor prior to re-testing. 

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Energy Modeling

Energy Modeling

A quantitative tool that assists designers in evaluating the environmental, technical, and financial viability of a proposed building retrofit or design for a new building. The data obtained from the analysis allows designers to communicate recommendations to building owners and managers more effectively. The information is used to identify optimal solutions.
Building Enclosure Commissioning

Building Enclosure Commissioning

An ideal BECx project engages a third-party Building Enclosure Commissioning Agent (BECxA) from Pre-Design through Occupancy and Operations. Through the commissioning process, we work with both the design team and contractor on the project to deliver an exterior enclosure that meets or exceeds the client’s performance targets.
Air Tightness Testing

Air Tightness Testing

Both qualitative and quantitative air leakage testing of building envelope components, compartments, or whole buildings is provided including, but not limited to, in-situ performance testing of windows and doors, and the use of a smoke-generating device in conjunction with blower doors to identify and resolve air infiltration issues.

Client Benefits 

The building envelope was projected to be 75% more airtight than a typical code compliant building. 

The Passive House modeling we completed for the proposed design was used to develop insightful recommendations for enhancing the building envelope and mechanical systems before construction commenced. This proactive approach assisted the client in achieving energy performance closer to Passive House standards.

Additionally, Pretium conducted Air Leakage testing during a crucial construction phase, enabling prompt implementation of recommendations to minimize air leakage.

DesignPH model of the building.
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Air tightness testing set up, including blower door installation.
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Building envelope construction in various stages, including air barrier, insulation, and masonry installation.
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Completed building.
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

111 Scotia Court, Whitby

111 Scotia Court, Whitby

111 Scotia Court, Whitby
A deteriorating roof with leaks, poor drainage, and designated substances was converted into a durable, watertight structure, ensuring lasting dryness and functionality.
Services
Building and Structural Restoration Specialty Testing
Subservices
Roofing
Sector
Industrial
Duration
2021-2023
Client
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Partners
Peritus Environmental
Project Value
$4,200,000
Project size
1 building (110,000 sq ft)

The facility at 111 Scotia Court is Factory Mutual (FM) insured and has a total of approx. 110,000ft2 of conventional roofing over a distribution center.

The project included the replacement of the existing BUR roof assembly throughout with a new TPO roof assembly, roof drainage upgrade, and asbestos abatement. 

Pretium was engaged in the spring of 2021 to aid in roof rehabilitation efforts at the facility. Over the subsequent two to three months, Pretium conducted reviews of the various affected systems, providing services such as: 

  • Thermography (IR Scan) 
  • Roof Assembly Review 
  • Roof Structure Review 
  • Roof Drainage Review 
  • A roofing-specific DSS (Designated Substance Survey) carried out by our sister company, Peritus Environmental.

Throughout the summer of 2021, Pretium developed specifications and drawings for a full roof replacement to FM requirements, roof drainage system upgrades, and asbestos abatement, prepared by Peritus. The project was tendered in the autumn of 2021, with Pretium’s assistance in contract preparation. Construction review and contract administration were provided by Pretium until the project’s completion in early 2023. 

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Thermography

Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.
Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study

Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, and remedial options, allows for clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.
Structural Review

Structural Review

Our structural team provides the design of unique and innovative foundations and other building structures in provinces across Canada. Our designs are often substituted for more common engineered solutions that are impractical or too expensive. We develop structural solutions where other solutions fail to meet a client’s needs
Roof Drainage Review

Roof Drainage Review

Our team will conduct a thorough review of your roof’s drainage systems, identifying potential issues and recommending solutions to be incorporated into your roof renewal program. Proper roof drainage is crucial for preventing damage and maintaining the integrity of your roof and building.
Designated Substances Survey

Designated Substances Survey

Working with our sister companies through the C3 Group, our team can offer either project-specific or whole-building designated substance surveys (DSS) to our clients.
Design and Specifications

Design and Specifications

Design documents describe the project scope, materials, and procedures based on information collected during the assessment/feasibility phase with the Owner’s agreement on approach and budget. They communicate to the contractor in a way that promotes refined pricing and increases the potential for success through improved workmanship, fewer changes and disruptions to occupants, a shorter schedule, and cost within budget.
Tendering

Tendering

A fair and competitive tender process is followed for both public and private projects. During the tender process, we respond to queries, prepare addenda, and walk the work area with the bidders. On closing of tenders, we prepare a written summary and analysis of the bids received.
Contract Administration and Construction Review

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits 

The roof replacement not only eliminated designated substances within the original roof assembly but corrected numerous water infiltration issues and improved rooftop drainage.

Pretium worked with the project team to complete the work while the building was fully occupied. This included working with the contractor to schedule and phase the work to minimize impact. 

Overview of the existing roof exhibiting evidence of deterioration and a build up of sediment/vegetation due to inadequate drainage.
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A close up view of the level of deterioration and build up of sediment/vegetation on the existing roof.
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Thermography and moisture probes were performed to determine the extent of moisture infiltration in the existing roof assembly.
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Overview of the roof replacement in progress.
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Overview of the completed new reflective roof addressing the water infiltration and drainage issues, and meeting the clients strict insurance requirements (Factory Mutual (FM) Global).
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

1401 Boulevard Talbot, Chicoutimi

1401 Boulevard Talbot, Chicoutimi

1401 Boulevard Talbot, Chicoutimi
A roof condition assessment and consulting work were completed for the largest shopping centre in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, resulting in a strategic roof replacement plan including budget estimates for capital and operations.
Services
Building and Structural Restoration Specialty Testing
Subservices
Roofing
Sector
Commercial / Institutional
Duration
2022-2024
Client
Primaris REIT Corporation
Partners
Partners
Project Value
<$1,000,000
Project size
1 building (740,000 sq ft)

The commercial retail building had 91 roof sections, totaling approximately 741,000 ft2,  and was constructed in three major phases from 1973 to 1986 with smaller additions made from 1993 to 2019.

The project began with a roof condition assessment in 2022. Thermography identified several anomalies, and subsequent test cuts confirmed moisture trapped in several assemblies. Test cuts also revealed that most of the roof sections were renewed by installing a new assembly over the original assembly, and in some cases a third assembly was installed, raising concerns about structural loading. Pretium calculated the approximate dry/wet weight of each roof section for the client and their structural engineer’s review. 

Working within the client’s budget to replace as much roofing as possible, Pretium prioritized four roof sections (32,300 ft2) that were replaced in 2023. Pretium’s involvement included providing design, technical specifications and drawings, tendering, project management, and construction review for this phase of the project. 

Further assessment was then carried out in 2023 with repeated thermography and additional test cuts, further confirming moisture in some assemblies and multiple assemblies having been installed on most of the sections. A strategic roof replacement plan was finalized including budget estimates for capital replacement and operations (maintenance and emergency repairs). The plan was divided into phases spanning 15 years. Annual assessments were planned to prioritize annual work based on current conditions. 

Pretium then provided design, specifications and drawings for tender of the replacement of 12 roof sections totaling over 100,000 ft2 beginning in 2024.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Thermography

Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.
Condition Assessment

Condition Assessment

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, and remedial options, allows for clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.
Roof Openings / Test Cuts

Roof Openings / Test Cuts

Our team creates small openings to determine roof compositions including the type of membrane, type and thickness of thermal and tapered insulation, and overall roof assembly height, type of vapour barrier, and the condition of the roof deck. Openings also allow us to confirm the presence of moisture in the roof.
Design and Specifications

Design and Specifications

Design documents describe the project scope, materials, and procedures based on information collected during the assessment/feasibility phase with the Owner’s agreement on approach and budget. They communicate to the contractor in a way that promotes refined pricing and increases the potential for success through improved workmanship, fewer changes and disruptions to occupants, a shorter schedule, and cost within budget.
Tendering

Tendering

A fair and competitive tender process is followed for both public and private projects. During the tender process, we respond to queries, prepare addenda, and walk the work area with the bidders. On closing of tenders, we prepare a written summary and analysis of the bids received.
Contract Administration and Construction Review

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits 

Pretium helped identify potential structural overloading at many roof sections which prompted the client to initiate a revised structural analysis of all roof sections.  

We also helped to educate the client regarding best roofing practice regarding the installation of new materials over existing. Pretium identified the replacement value of the roofing based on local market conditions, which helped the client to secure a significant budget plan for the next 15 years. The greatest challenge was prioritizing roof replacement based on so many factors, all of which that are not typically experienced on a single property including: 

  • budget
  • age and condition of multiple assemblies on the majority of roof sections 
  • moisture content 
  • structural concerns on a significant number of roof sections 

This challenge involved many meetings and conversations with the client and internally. Working with the client to secure an immediate, significant budget for critical replacement was a challenge, considering the extent of required roof replacement in the short term. 
 

Being a property situated in Quebec, all technical documents are required to be produced in French for distribution to contractors. Significant time and effort were required to overcome this challenge. 
 

Due to the physical size of this property and the fact that many of the roof sections required attention in the short term, physically assessing the roofs, performing two thermographic scans and test cuts on over 80% of the roof sections, and organizing the information into a single report was also a challenge that was overcome by significant team effort. 
 

Ultimately, the client has been very satisfied with the result and has praised Pretium for our diligence and expertise.

Test cut to confirm the roof configuration including membrane and insulation types and thicknesses. The test cuts are also used to confirm the presence of moisture within the assembly at locations identified during the infrared scans.
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Infrared thermograph of the roof area identifying a potential leak location.
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A view of an area of the roof with a number of rooftop mechanical units, including walkways installed in the high traffic areas around the equipment.
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Cleaning of the roof membrane using a wire brush.
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Exposed metal roof deck following removal of the roof membrane and insulation.
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Installation of the new roof in progress.
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

250 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton

250 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton

250 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton
A thorough review, testing, and modeling provided essential insights for the client, ensuring alignment with IO Sustainability Guidelines and offering cost-effective repair options for low-slope roofing systems.
Services
Building and Structural Restoration Specialty Testing
Subservices
Roofing
Sector
Government
Duration
2019
Client
Colliers Project Leaders
Project Value
$ 11,000
Project size
1 building (12,800 sq ft)

A thorough review, testing, and modeling provided essential insights for the client, ensuring alignment with IO Sustainability Guidelines and offering cost-effective repair options for low-slope roofing systems.  

The facility is one storey, has a footprint of approximately 1190m2 (12,800ft2), and houses a public health lab requiring OPS security clearance. The purpose of the roof study was to provide a detailed condition assessment of the existing roof assembly including drains, flashings, etc. Physical review, thermography, destructive testing, and preliminary energy modeling using RETScreen were performed by Pretium.

The report included findings of the physical review, thermographic scan, and destructive testing, as well as multiple repair/replacement options considering IO Sustainability Best Practice Guidelines, and opinions of probable cost. The report also included annual maintenance recommendations, an analysis and comparison of several low slope roofing systems, as well as preliminary energy modeling and considerations. 

Client Benefits 

Pretium determined the overall condition and estimated the remaining service life of the existing roof, made recommendations regarding repair vs. replacement, and provided opinions of probable cost. Pretium developed a roof maintenance manual for the owner.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study 

Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study 

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, rnand remedial options, allows for our clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.
Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.
Roof Openings / Test Cuts

Roof Openings / Test Cuts

Our team creates small openings to determine roof compositions including the type of membrane, type and thickness of thermal and tapered insulation and overall roof assembly height, type of vapour barrier, and the condition of the roof deck. Openings also allow for checking suspect areas that may be actively leaking and testing using a Delmhorst Moisture Meter.
Energy Modeling

Energy Modeling

A quantitative tool that assists designers in evaluating the environmental, technical, and financial viability of a proposed building retrofit or design for a new building. The data obtained from the analysis allows designers to communicate recommendations to building owners and managers more effectively. The information is used to identify optimal solutions.
Test opening in the roof membrane where a moisture meter is being used to confirm the findings of the infrared thermography.
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General image of the condition of the existing roof membrane, with granule loss on the top surface.
2 / 4
Mechanical equipment and various roof penetrations located within the mechanical equipment enclosure on the roof.
3 / 4
Sample image from the infrared thermography that was completed on the roof showing a potential thermal anomaly.
4 / 4

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Mark Sim

Mark Sim, P. Eng.

Project Manager
Mark Sim

Mark is a Project Manager in the building science field with over 10 years of experience in performance audit, reserve fund study, building condition assessment and structural/guardrail review and testing related work. He has extensive experience and thorough understanding of TARION process related to performance audit and conciliation process. In addition, he also has extension experience in structural/guardrail review and testing.

Services
Specialty Testing New Construction
Office Location
Toronto
Education
University of Toronto, B.A.Sc. (Civil Engineering)
Ontario Building Code (Parts 3, 8 and 9)
Association
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
Rami Elzein

Rami Elzein, B.S.C.M.

Building Science Consultant
Rami Elzein

Driven by a passion for quality, Rami strives to provide his clients with thorough reviews to ensure conformance with architectural details/specifications, manufacturer guidelines, and best practices.

Services
New Construction Specialty Testing
Office Location
Toronto
Education
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Louisiana State University, 2010
Association
Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC)
Renny Cheung

Renny Cheung, P.Eng., LEED AP

Building Science Consultant
Renny Cheung

Renny is dedicated in finding solutions to building science issues. He works to solve these issues with high standards, while investing in professional relationships with colleagues and clients to exemplify the company’s core values.

Services
Building and Structural Restoration New Construction Specialty Testing
Office Location
Toronto
Education
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), McMaster University, 2008
LEED® AP Certification
Association
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)