This presentation explores the various hygrothermal modeling tools available to assist designers in developing high-performing building enclosures. Topics include interior and exterior climate conditions, material permeance, wall assembly configurations, and transitions between adjacent construction. Participants will examine the impact of selecting different modeling approaches --including one-, two-, and three-dimensional analyses, as well as transient versus […]

In this course, we'll learn about the science behind thermal, air, and moisture control for steel stud construction. We'll interpret the code requirements for building envelope design and performance and discover how polyiso meets requirements and outperforms traditional methods for optimum control. We'll examine how professionals are looking to a better future and understand building […]

The presentation will review building enclosure assemblies that have experienced failures as well as building enclosure assembly designs that would have resulted in failures and the changes to the design that avoided the failures. Basic building science and physics will be reviewed. Live hygrothermal analyses will be run to show which building enclosure assemblies work […]

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 […]

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 […]