When Codes are in Conflict: Building Science and Life Safety in Wood Framed Construction Over time, changes in building codes have begun to challenge designers to meet life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency requirements on wood-framed, mid-rise multi-family projects. When NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements are driving the design of the roof assembly, the […]
Masonry Thru-Wall Flashing and Key Interface Details Explore the continuity of water and air control layers in relation to masonry thru-wall flashing at critical interface details, including: base-of-wall, window sill, openings heads, shelf angle, veneer material transitions, and top-of-wall. Learning Objectives: Understand masonry thru-wall flashing function and options Realize how masonry thru-wall flashing coordinates with […]
Design Principles for Rainscreen Wall Systems The topic will discuss thorough understanding of the various components that lead to failure in Building Enclosures and how to prevent it with Rainscreen system solutions. The importance of structural/Hygrothermal design of wall systems and air barriers, vapor and thermal control in the walls will be presented. Owner/user benefits […]
Top Air Barrier Details for Commercial Construction It’s often been said that architecture is the synthesis of art and science, but the art of crafting a thoughtful and successful detail is often something that has to be learned on the job or at the school of hard knocks. This presentation will build on building science […]
Introduction to Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) for the Building Enclosure This course provides a complete overview of spray polyurethane foam (SFP) technology and applications for residential and commercial buildings. It covers a brief history, types of products and installation equipment. A review of chemical safety and environmental impact is provided, along with SPF performance for […]
Blown Away - Unmasking the Secrets of Whole Building Airtightness Testing Whole building airtightness testing has been a code compliance option in the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1 for some time. That compliance option was rarely used and only became mandatory as part of a building owners' requirements, or a specific state or […]
Building Envelope Case Study: From Initial Construction Through Occupancy Join me as I recount my building envelope journey with a large four-story CMU and masonry higher-educational building for a large university in the Midwest. We will start with the initial pre-bid constructability review and go through construction and turnover. We will review the air/vapor barrier, […]
Resolving Complex Geometries for Iconic Towers: Combining Unitized and Stick Built Curtain Walls Systems in High-Rise Designs This session will explore curtain wall detailing, fabrication, testing, and installation oversight strategies for resolving complex geometries involved in iconic high-rise tower design that combine stick-built and unitized systems. It will begin with a general overview of the […]
Peeling Back the Onion This presentation is an in-depth dive into a leak investigation at a high school Industrial Arts and Horticulture Building that snowballed into a remedial architecture project and then escalated further with discoveries that raised structural red flags and created an expansion to the original scope of work. While investigating water damage, […]
Designing Wall Systems for Specific Climate Zones Copying and pasting a wall or roof assembly that works in one part of our country into a project in another part of the country could be not just problematic, but potentially catastrophic. This presentation will use data and hygrothermal modeling to articulate what happens when tried and […]
Air Barrier Installation & Quality Control Fundamentals Join us for an informative presentation that emphasizes the importance of proper air barrier application in enhancing building performance. Properly installed air barriers are critical in preventing air leakage, which can lead to energy inefficiencies, moisture issues, and compromised indoor air quality. We will delve into best practices […]
Continuous Insulation Compared Within Eight Steel Stud Wall Assemblies Continuous Insulation, while required by the energy code, presents challenges integrating it with the overall wall-assembly’s design, performance and construction. This program at the intermediate to advanced level, comparatively studies eight steel-stud commercial wall assemblies with considerations including: Overview of the Assembly components, High-performance Net-Zero Energy, […]
