Path to Net Zero: Beyond Handing Over the Keys Net Zero is not a pass/fail scenario. We are designing our buildings to be able to make a net positive outcome, but if the true operational impacts are not baked into the design are these buildings being set up for failure? Do we have the opportunity […]

NIST Clearing House for Infiltration Modeling Purposes (CHIMP) Infiltration is the unintended and uncontrolled air leaking into a building through intentional and unintentional openings. While infiltration has been used to fulfill outdoor air requirements in buildings, it is not generally accepted as a “best practice” anymore. But how much infiltration can you expect in a […]

 Case Study on ICF Panel Waterproofing Failures This is a case study on Construction Defects in a $1.3 million new home built with insulated concrete forms (aka ICF panels). ICF is becoming increasingly popular for custom homes and DIYers, but many details are hard to find, and many trades are unfamiliar with their unique requirements. […]

Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) As the construction industry evolves, Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) is emerging as a crucial practice that building owners increasingly recognize for its value across new construction, retrofits, and existing buildings. With rising expectations for weathertightness and energy efficiency, the role of the building envelope in overall performance, operational costs, and occupant […]

Development of Non-Destructive /Non-Invasive Techniques for Assessing Building Envelope Performance: Air Leakage & High Moisture Assessing the performance of building envelopes is becoming more important, especially when retrofitting existing buildings. Using non-destructive methods for these assessments is ideal because they are usually quicker and cheaper than destructive means. In this presentation we will discuss available […]

Sealing Joints in the Building Envelope Joint failure is one of the most common—and costly—causes of moisture intrusion in buildings. This seminar addresses the often-overlooked disconnect between architects selecting joint sealants and engineers calculating joint movement. When the selected sealant’s movement capability isn’t aligned with actual joint movement, failure is inevitable. In Sealing the Building […]

Self-Adhered Membrane Applications: What Does It Really Mean to Stick Self-adhered membranes have become increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their convenience and effectiveness in creating a reliable air and moisture barrier. These membranes rely on adhesives to adhere securely to various substrates, ensuring long-term performance and durability. Traditionally, the evaluation of adhesive […]

Beyond the Sill Seal: A Modern Approach to Air Barriers for Long-Lasting Building Enclosures The effectiveness of air barriers in building enclosures is critical for energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Traditional gasketing materials, such as sill seals, have long been utilized to manage air infiltration. However, these materials often fall short in meeting […]

New Air Barrier Requirements for Re-Roofing As energy codes evolve, so do the requirements for roof system performance — especially during reroofing projects. This course explores the latest updates to building codes and standards that introduce air barrier requirements when replacing existing roofs. Attendees will learn why air control matters, how it interacts with moisture […]

Predicting Rooftop Surface Temperature Extremes and Impact on Air Barrier Tie-Ins Roofing system surfaces can get hot, sometimes extremely hot due to climatic and indoor design conditions, direct and reflected solar radiation exposure, and radiative heat transfer with surrounding objects. Roof surface color, the position and color of adjacent objects, as well as the thermal […]

Akira Window Connection: Pathways to Thinner Exterior Walls Akira Window Connection – a market ready punched window installation method that nearly eliminates window transition thermal bridging. This innovation helps reduce wall thickness, embodied carbon emissions, construction cost, and meet performance-based energy targets. In partnership with Northern Facades and Cascadia Windows, we will discuss maximum window […]

Taking the Air (Barrier) Out of ASHRAE 90.1 – With a Taste of MN Hotdish The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, which includes mandatory requirements for air barriers. This session will explore key topics such as Whole-Building Air Leakage and Continuous Air Barrier Design and Installation—both essential components of the […]