Air barrier requirements have been included in IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 for nearly two decades, but whole building airtightness testing has only recently become a code requirement in many jurisdictions. While both codes now require testing for certain building types, they provide multiple compliance paths and limited guidance on selecting the most appropriate testing method. […]
Properly designed and installed through-wall flashings and transition membranes are critical components of a durable and effective building enclosure. This presentation provides a detailed overview of the challenges and solutions associated with flashing and transition membrane systems, including material selection, performance requirements, compatibility considerations, and installation best practices. Attendees will gain an understanding of the […]
Today's buildings are more complex than ever, incorporating multiple layers of materials, numerous trades, tighter schedules, higher performance expectations, and greater cost sensitivity. Unlike the simpler building systems of the past, modern buildings must provide precise temperature and humidity control, superior indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and protection against condensation and mold. Achieving these goals […]
Today’s construction projects incorporate hundreds—if not thousands—of materials and products within the building enclosure. Among the most critical, yet often overlooked, components is flashing. Commonly referred to as “that little L” at the base of a wall or above an opening, flashings play a vital role in collecting and directing water back to the exterior. […]
Drip edges have been in use for centuries, but we often take their quiet contribution to building performance for granted. While some designers resist using them due to their aesthetic impact, some critical components of the building enclosure will not function properly without them. This presentation will focus on the connection between drip edges and […]
Over the course of 14 years, Walsh Construction Company has been on a journey of learning and discovery regarding effective strategies to create airtight building enclosures. We have learned from our mistakes, learned from our partners and learned that air tightness is not just about the enclosure, but is heavily tied into mechanical system interface […]
Use of combustible building materials in wall assemblies increases the risk of fire in the built environment. The relationship between the weather barrier and NFPA285 compliance is often misunderstood. This course will cover the basics of the NFPA 285 test standard and the building code sections relevant to weather resistive barriers. It will also address […]
Blower door testing finally has an established market to analyze bulk data. Lets study this data collected over the past decade from over 1,000 commercial blower door tests and over 6,500 residential unit tests. Data will include pass and fail frequency, common leakage sources, infrared diagnostics, and more! Learning Objectives: Analyze pass and fail frequency […]
The 4 C’s—Clear, Correct, Concise, and Complete—form the foundation of effective technical and specification writing. Building Enclosure Consultants (BECs), however, may not be fluent in the language of specifications, often viewing it as a misunderstood second language. As a result, the work of specification writing becomes doubly challenging when collaborating with BECs. This session explores […]
Did you know that the ABAA has developed a set of educational construction details for the challenging roof-to-wall air barrier connection? These conceptual details have been developed by the Transitions, Terminations, and Flashings committee to act as a technical resource for the industry and we are excited to talk about them! A tremendous amount of […]
This presentation will identify the many difficult critical transitions on complex building types and will give the tools to better understand the reasoning and sequencing needed to complete the installation in order to prevent constructability issues and potential rework in the field through drawing detailing and correlating construction photos of actual installations and explanations of […]
As artificial intelligence reshapes workflows across architecture, engineering, and construction, the demand for more sophisticated and adaptable building enclosures continues to grow. Yet, the built environment remains fundamentally human—designed for people, shaped by context, and realized through collaboration. This presentation offers a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing from the experiences of architects, contractors, and owners to examine […]
