ABAA in partnership with BEC Charleston Air Barrier Symposium

Earn up to 7.0 LU/HSW

Register Today

Program Agenda

8:00 AM – Sign In & Welcome | Breakfast

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Locating that Elusive Point of Condensation: A Review of Hygrothermal Evaluation Fundamentals (1.5 LU/HSW)

Andrew Dunlap, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Vice President | Building Technology Studio Leader, SmithGroup

Understanding heat, air, and moisture movement is essential to designing durable, high-performing building enclosures. This presentation explores hygrothermal modeling tools and demonstrates how climate conditions, material properties, wall assemblies, and construction details influence enclosure performance, while comparing one-, two-, and three-dimensional modeling and static versus transient analysis to support informed design decisions.

10:05 AM – 11:35 AM | Air Barrier Field Testing of Various Air Barrier Materials During the Construction Process (1.5 LU/HSW)

Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America

Learn how field testing verifies that air barrier systems meet project specifications throughout construction. Using project photos, videos, and demonstrations, this session covers quantitative testing, qualitative assessments, and visual inspections used to evaluate air leakage, adhesion, material thickness, density, and overall installation quality.

11:35 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Pitfalls & Challenges in NFPA 285 Engineering Judgments (1.5 LU/HSW)

Keith Nelson, NCARB, AIA, CDT, BCxP, Commercial Application Leader, DuPont

When direct testing isn’t feasible, engineering analyses help demonstrate the fire performance of exterior wall assemblies. This presentation explains how qualified engineering judgments extend successful NFPA 285 test results to similar assemblies while examining the process, limitations, and code acceptance of these analyses.

2:05 PM – 3:35 PM | Air & Vapor Considerations in Prefab Construction (1.5 LU/HSW)

Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB, ALA (IL, IN, WI), QA/QC Vice President, AECOM – Hunt Construction

Explore the critical design, fabrication, transportation, and installation considerations for air and vapor barrier systems in prefabricated cold-formed metal framing (CFMF) panel construction. Through real-world case studies, attendees will examine design coordination, construction tolerances, sequencing, transportation and storage practices, and detailing strategies that contribute to successful enclosure performance.

3:35 PM – 4:00 PM | Snack Break

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Through-Wall Flashings & Transition Membranes: Selection & Installation (1.0 LU/HSW)

Meagan Elfert, CDT, MBA, CBS, Vice President, York Flashings

Properly designed and installed through-wall flashings and transition membranes are essential to maintaining the continuity and long-term performance of the building enclosure. This presentation reviews common challenges, material characteristics, compatibility considerations, and installation best practices that help create durable, resilient flashing systems while reducing maintenance and life-cycle costs.

Registration Fees: $150

Sponsorships Contact:
Tamara Foncerrada / tamara@airbarrier.org

Venue
Founders Hall
1500 Old Towne Rd.
Charleston, SC 29407