PASSIVE HOUSE SIGA Cover: High-performance tapes and membranes improve envelope efficiency Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature SIGA Cover manufactures high performance tapes and membranes to improve envelope efficiency. The products are used in many homes and commercial buildings, includ- ing those created by the BC Passive House Plant. Patrick McMahon, regional manager for the Swiss, fam- ily-owned company, says SIGA has been in business for more than 45 years and Durfeld Constructors, owners of the BC Passive House Plant, is among the longest users of SIGA products in North America. “There has been a high level of awareness in many Eu- ropean countries for decades, due to higher energy costs and tighter code requirements, that the building envelope is key to performance. Durfeld is ahead of the curve in North America for that understanding.” McMahon says SIGA produces products for both sides of the building envelope and are used to construct many of the custom homes Durfeld creates. “We offer exterior tape and membranes that are, in 18 – July-August 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report many cases, a higher performing alternative to many prod- ucts people know. We also provide a variety of interior products which are well suited to cold climates.” He says the variety of products SIGA carries allows for true customization and a unique solution for every building project based on goals and budget. “We carry products for air sealing, for moisture and vapour control. We have tapes and interior membranes.” McMahon says though some of the company’s prod- ucts have been designed for masonry, wood frame con- struction is a key focus, making products ideal for residential and light commercial projects, and the kind of ground-breaking construction the Passive House Plant is achieving. Sold and available throughout Canada and the U.S., McMahon says SIGA products provide options for “main- stream construction where the focus is on building a better building.” For more information on SIGA and its product line, visit http://www.sigacover.com.