This session is designed for architects and other design and construction professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of the application and use of air barriers in the building envelopes of commercial and multi-family residential buildings. Researchers, architects and code writers have shown that attention to specific details in both new and retrofitted envelopes result in better performing buildings with better comfort and long durability as well as lower energy consumption.
Air leakage through the building envelope is silent, invisible and cunning. It causes numerous building envelope problems including wetting of cavity materials, spalling of masonry, premature corrosion of metals, blistering of paint, icicles, staining of contraction. Continuity is important but strength is even more important.

In buildings, the air barrier system must be designed, and specified on plans. It has specific performance criteria and specific material requirements.

Learning Objectives:

1. How better building envelope can reduce energy demand on heating and cooling and reduce energy in existing buildings.
2. The significance of each part of the building envelope (the top, bottom, vertical shafts and the walls) relative to the efficient operation.
3. What problems can occur in existing buildings with the lack of compartmentalization and/or decoupling between floors in buildings over 3 stories.
4. Discover the materials and methodology used in air sealing commercial and low to high rise multi-family buildings.

Luc Seguin

Luc Seguin is Canam’s Business Development Manager and Building Envelope Assessor for Western North America. He has been employed with Canam since 2002. Luc graduated with bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences – Environmental Health from Ryerson University in 1995. Luc has been assessing commercial building envelope for over 20 years with major projects including DFO (Department of Fisheries & Oceans), Washington Dept of Transportation as well as Children & Woman’s Health Centre and the Vancouver Cancer Centre. His many years of experience gained him the knowledge to solve many building envelope problems such as condensation, mold issues, pest infiltration, ice damming, comfort issues, as well as other indoor air quality issues related to uncontrolled air leakage and thermal issues.