Modern high-performance building enclosures utilize control layers to manage heat, air, water, and vapor transport through walls, roofs, waterproofing, and fenestration. This presentation will provide an introduction to the building science of these key four phenomena of building physics, the mechanism for how they work, and strategies for controlling their transport in assemblies. The goal of this presentation is that each participant will be able to identify how common building materials (e.g. WRBs, insulation, curtain wall, concrete, etc.) are able to control air, heat, water, and vapor and describe which metrics are used to quantify those movements. These metrics will be shown in the context of the requirements of common buildings codes and industry standards. Recent building science research will be shared along with developments and upcoming changes to these metrics.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the mechanisms of heat, air, bulk water, and vapor and how they transport through building assemblies.
2. Learn the importance of air barriers and common challenges with their installation.
3. Learn the benefits of continuous insulation and common challenges to achieving it in the field.
4. Understand key strategies for achieving durable, energy-efficient, and thermally comfortable wall, roof, and below-grade assemblies.

Keith Simon, FAIA, Legacy LEED AP, BECxP, CxA+BE, CEI, CPHC

Principal, Terracon

An expert in building enclosure technology, Keith Simon addresses the critical and often unmet need for ensuring and improving building performance, resilience, and durability by guiding design teams, educating future architects, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchange. Keith joined Building Exterior Solutions, Inc. (a division of Terracon) in 2014. He is a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), Legacy LEED AP, Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP), and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with over 20 years’ experience in architectural design and building enclosure consultation. His experience includes peer review, design assistance, durability analysis, construction administration, testing, and forensics of building envelope issues. Keith was the founder of the AIA Austin Building Enclosure Council (BEC: Austin) and currently serves as a board member for BEC: Austin and the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Alliance Austin Chapter. He also serves as the Secretary for the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) executive committee and is the South Region Representative for the PHIUS Alliance Executive Council. Keith is a Terracon Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Hygrothermal Modeling and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and has been adjunct faculty at the University of Texas School of Architecture since 2011 teaching Environmental Controls, Building Science, and Design Studio.