Unforeseen Impacts of Building Modifications to Envelope Assemblies This presentation involves case studies involving renovations, additions, and changes of use to buildings which resulted in building envelope failures. Project examples will demonstrate how interior renovations and changes of use and occupancy can negatively affect envelope assemblies, and how risk can be minimized with proper design […]
Addressing Condensation in Low-Slope Roof Assemblies In basic roofing design, vapor retarders and air barriers play a crucial role in reducing air leakage and enhancing the performance of the roof system. However, their benefits extend beyond simple air sealing. This course explores the impact of new innovative technologies, including permeable vapor retarders and air barriers, […]
Sustainable Building Envelope Performance with Self-Sealing Fasteners & Anchors 1.0 IIBEC credit and 1.0 GBCI credit Sustainable building envelopes demand high performance from and proper installation of continuous insulation and air, water, and vapor control layers. What happens when thousands of holes are made in these materials as they are installed with blind fasteners, one […]
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 […]
Air Barrier Flashing Details The realities of construction, including construction and substrate material tolerances, an unlimited amount of project-specific detailing, and different product types and manufacturers, will directly affect the installation of air barrier detailing and flashings. How the Designer and Contractor detail and install the flashing must consider the realities of construction and product […]
Flashings 101 This presentation will cover a detailed explanation of various types of flashings used in buildings, including the challenges and solutions facing through wall flashings. It will include a thorough description of the characteristics of several types of membranes, emphasize the importance of compatibility, and review proper installation techniques. Register Now Meagan Elfert, CDT, […]
The Big Disconnect: Roof to Wall Connections for your Air Barrier As more states, jurisdictions and the design community require air barriers, the issue of connecting the wall air barrier assembly to other building assemblies, such as below grade, window systems and roofs need to be completely understood in order to design and construct a […]
