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Air Barrier Continuity & Constructability Challenges
October 6, 2022 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Significant advances have been realized over the past decade in the development of high-performance air & water barrier products, as well as increased knowledge and awareness of the importance of these systems among the design industry. Despite these positive developments, general contractors are still encountering instances of discontinuity on most commercial projects. Many of the issues are centered about a few common areas including interface points between the AWB and adjacent control layer systems; continuity with fenestration framing; changes of plane in the walls; understanding how integrated assemblies function, and other aspects of constructability.
This presentation provides a quality control overview from the general contractor’s perspective on the importance of creating architectural details that focus on the often overlooked aspects of air barrier installation. Case studies will be related to help designers understand some of the more common locations where traditional details can be modified to more effectively anticipate these challenges.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will develop the ability to identify common locations of AWB failure points in the exterior wall assembly.
- Discuss how traditional 2D architectural details can often overlook or under-document these conditions.
- Participants will learn how to visualize interface details in 3 dimensions and develop details that reflect this awareness.
- Participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of AWB detailing for Constructibility and Performance.
Paul Whitenack AIA is a licensed architect with 30 years of experience in architectural design & detailing; building enclosure consulting; BECx commissioning and exterior condition assessments. Areas of specialization include quality management, forensic evaluation, failure investigation and technical details for historic renovations of masonry structures. Paul currently serves as the Senior Quality Manager for JE Dunn Construction.
Jon Porter is a licensed Professional Engineer with 25 years’ experience in the design and construction industries. Jon’s roles have been from a variety of perspectives, including design consultant, owner’s representative, forensic investigator, and general contractor. As the Director of Building Science at Kraus-Anderson, Jon focuses on building performance, particularly the exterior enclosure and interior finishes. He serves as a resource to project teams in the areas of constructability, building materials technology, means and methods, work flow and sequencing, and condition assessment.