Have you been a participant to a flawed decision in air barrier design and building enclosure improvements? These “gifts” or lessons grow the collective base of functional air barrier retrofit processes and procedures...providing we share our findings. It is from these moments that we are able to grow and utilize building science principles to avoid […]
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 true assemblies from one part of the […]
Introduction to Air Barriers This presentation provides an overview of the performance requirements of air barrier materials, assemblies, and systems, and includes a discussion on relevant building code requirements. Learning Objectives: Describe the benefits or air barriers and the impacts on energy, moisture, sustainability and comfort Understand Air Barriers in relation to the building enclosure […]
Smokin' NFPA 285: Fire Safety in Exterior Walls When considering the building enclosure, fire safety is an important design factor and needs to be considered hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. The NFPA 285 “Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components” is a common consideration […]
ABAA Contractor Webinar: A Little Light Reading: A Contractor’s Guide to Specifications We are excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar presented by Amy Baker, a seasoned Registered Architect and Specifications Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the commercial construction industry. Construction specifications are assembled by design professionals to communicate product information, […]
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 […]
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