Common pitfalls of air barrier design, and common issues seen in the field.

Air Barriers are a newer technology in our building industry. Prior to 2001, there were no codes, or US standards referring to air barriers. However, Building Science and physics have proven air barriers to be one of the most important aspects of the building enclosure for durability, longevity, and moisture management.

This presentation, led by Mr. Stroik, the former Chair for the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), a Certified Air Barrier Specialist (CABS), and a voting member of ASTM E06-Building Performance, will touch on design/specification things to consider and avoid, along with a discussion on the actual field installations of air barriers, looking at the good and perhaps some installations that might need a little help.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding air barriers are important for our buildings to properly function
2. Understanding proper detailing of air barriers to ensure they properly function
3. Reviewing important pre-installation steps to ensure the right air barrier is going to be applied to your project.
4. Using actual Field examples to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly of
   air barrier installations

Speaker:

Brian Stroik
Mr. Stroik is a seasoned construction quality thought leader focusing on the “Why.” He graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Psychology and earned journeyman carpenter status through the Wisconsin Carpenter Apprenticeship Program. He spent over a decade in the field, working his way to a Superintendent. Mr. Stroik then spent over 13 years as a Quality Assurance Manager for a national top 100 Construction Manager.

During this time, he focused on Quality processes and LEAN Construction, along with developing and implementing various standard operating procedures based upon the scientific method of Plan, Do, Check, Adjust. He currently works for American Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG), where he assists in developing and deploying quality processes and performance excellence to US privately owned Construction Managers.

Mr. Stroik is the past chair and a Fellow of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), the past chair of the National Building Enclosure Council (NBEC), a Certified Air Barrier Specialist (CABS), a past chair of the Wisconsin Building Enclosure Council, is on the Board of Directors for the Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council (BETEC), a Senior Member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ), and a voting member of ASTM E06 – Building Performance.