ABAA

Continuous Insulation Compared Within Eight Steel Stud Wall Assemblies 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 16:15 - 17:15 (America/Detroit)
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, WUFI thermal and moisture modeling comparisons, NFPA 285 and fire-rated compliance.
Learning Objectives:

OVERVIEW OF EIGHT ASSEMBLES: Understand the rationale of the eight commercial steel stud-framed wall-assemblies and how they compare with their types of continuous and total insulation, sheathing, air, water and vapor control layers.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE, NET-ZERO ENERGY: Compare how each wall may comply or exceed the energy codes and become super-insulated to meet high-performance ASHRAE 189 requirements.
AVOID PROBLEMS: Illustrate how more insulation can present problems with trapped moisture and condensation.
WUFI: Understand how each assembly compares utilizing WUFI Hygrothermic (thermal and moisture) evaluations over four climate seasons chosen for Climate Zone 5 (due to the requirement for an interior vapor retarder).

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David Schoenhard, AIA, Manager & Principal, DSS-Philly
David Schoenhard, AIA has over 45 years’ experience in designing fine architecture, with the last nine as the Principal of DSS-Philly, one of the leading High-Performance Building Enclosure consulting firms in the Philadelphia region. He brings his decades of architectural experience to skillfully advise and design, implement or remediate building enclosures on behalf of other architects, owners and contractors. He is the inventor and developer of the high-performance Back-Lattice Wall Design. He actively researches comparative building enclosure assemblies, speaks nationally, and is an AIA Continuing Education Provider.

Air Barrier Installation & Quality Control Fundamentals 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 15:00 - 16:00
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 for air barrier application, highlighting the techniques that ensure continuity and effectiveness. Attendees will learn about common challenges faced during installation and the vital role of quality control in maintaining the integrity of the air barrier system.
Through real-world project photo’s, we’ll illustrate key application requirements for a variety of air barrier materials and exactly what to look for when performing quality control and site-testing.
Learning Objectives:

Understand and demonstrate the essential techniques for proper air barrier installation, ensuring continuity and effectiveness in various building applications.
Identify common pitfalls and obstacles in air barrier application, and learn strategies to overcome these challenges to maintain optimal performance.
Understand the importance of quality control processes during installation, and learn specific inspection methods and testing protocols to ensure air barrier integrity.
Analyze real-world case studies to distinguish between effective and ineffective air barrier installations, understanding the long-term consequences of proper application and maintenance.

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Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT, Building Enclosure Consulting – Forensics Owner, Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC
Melissa I. Payne focuses on offering building enclosure third-party consulting services. She founded Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC September 2022, where she focuses to help clients mitigate risk and to provide building envelope solutions no matter the structure’s phase – design, construction, or operation. Ms. Payne possesses a strong foundation in industry standards related to building envelope commissioning processes, commissioning authority, building science, construction observation, performance testing, project management, and general construction of building envelope systems including institutional, schools, higher education, government, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial projects. Her owner representative, third-party consulting experience, forensic work, commissioning provider background, and manufacturer internal consultant involvement gives her an all-enveloping perspective of the design and construction industry. Currently she works with owners, architects, engineers, designers, construction managers/general contractors, and enclosure trades to promote the integrity and performance of building enclosures. She is known for bringing collaboration to the design and construction process. She focuses on bridging the gap in design and construction with design review services, development of project specific details, construction observation and documentation, and focuses on mitigating risk as they relate to the design and construction of the building enclosure system.

ABAA Fellowship Committee Meeting
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
Conference Call
All times shown are in Eastern Time Zones

Designing Wall Systems for Specific Climate Zones 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 12:30 - 13:30
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 true assemblies from one part of the country get moved to a very different climate. More importantly, we’ll cover strategies to mitigate these issues. While many may be familiar with a Class I Vapor Retarder (“vapor barrier”) in the wrong part of an assembly, we’ll also cover the impacts of insulation type, the overreaction to perm ratings, light-colored roofing membranes, and reservoir claddings such as stucco and unit masonry.
Learning Objectives:

Learn climate-specific design strategies for durable construction.
Learn to avoid common mistakes that can lead to mold, rot, mildew, corrosion and decay.
Understand how hygrothermal modeling can be used in the design process to ensure durability.
Learn how material properties (permeability, heat capacity, density, conductivity, and porosity) impact wall assemblies.

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John Posenecker, P.E., Senior Principal And Regional Facilities Manager, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
John Posenecker is the Senior Principal and the Building Enclosure Practice Leader for Terracon Consultants, Inc. He is a registered engineer in the State of Texas and Oklahoma. His experience includes the design, construction, testing and forensic investigation of building envelope systems. Previously, he was an Estimating Manager with Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing from 2005 through 2015, Project Manager for Advanced Environmental Concepts from 1997 through 2005, an Engineering Team Leader at Southern Company Services from 1987 through 1997, and a Senior Engineer with Bechtel Power from 1982 to 1987.
Throughout his career, Mr. Posenecker has participated in a wide variety of projects associated with the building envelope that include containment systems for commercial nuclear power plants; noise control systems for commercial and institutional projects; and waterproofing for commercial high-rise office and multi-family buildings, medical and educational institutional projects, and large concrete structural projects. Mr. Posenecker specializes in waterproofing and cladding systems associated with the building envelope. He is an active member in several professional organizations including the National Institute of Buildings Sciences (NIBS), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the International Concrete Restoration Institute (ICRI). He is also on the executive committee for the National Building Enclosure Council.

Kayla Maines, AIA, Senior Architect, Terracon Consultants, Inc,
Kayla Maines joined Austin Terracon-Facilities in May of 2018. She is a Registered Architect in the state of Texas and Oklahoma, Legacy LEED AP, and Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP) and a Commissioning Authority +Building Enclosure (CxA+BE) She has 17 years of experience that includes managing projects from Schematic Design through Construction Administration, multidiscipline coordination, peer reviews, design assistance, building assessments, reviews submittals and shop drawings, performs field observations and building enclosure testing, historic preservation, and building enclosure commissioning. Kayla was the 2020 Chair of the Austin Building Enclosure Council (BEC: Austin) and currently serves as a board member for BEC: Austin. She also serves as the Secretary of the Austin Construction Specification Institute (CSI). Mrs. Maines is a Terracon Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and an Authorized Project Review (APR).

Peeling Back the Onion 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 12:30 - 13:30
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, additional nonconforming conditions were uncovered and additional areas had to be opened, revealing even more questionable building practices. In the end, the structure of the south façade was replaced, as well as 1/3 of the roof structure, and the entire building was “re-skinned”. Due to the nature of the failures, this project also became a case for litigation.
This presentation is presented as a Case Study that covers the timeline of the project from the initial investigation, the layers of additional discoveries, the remedial design, and the construction process while briefly covering the litigation that followed. Throughout the timeline, each layer of the onion is pulled back for discussion, as well as to inform attendees of how each of those issues was overcome.
Learning Objectives:

Through a Case Study of a completed K-12 project, participants will examine the importance of regular on-site QA/QC observations during the construction process
Participants will discuss the importance of continuity between air and water barrier systems and how lapping and transitions between adjacent systems are often incorrectly addressed
Participants will discuss the importance of well-planned and coordinated building maintenance plans in relation to an existing real-world project.
Participants will acquire a better understanding of sequencing and constructability and how what is drawn relates to what is actually constructed.

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Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT, Associate, Building Enclosure Consultant, DTR Consulting Services
Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT, is an accomplished international professional with extensive architectural design and building envelope experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning and is highly involved in CSI. Nathan oversees the Construction Phase Services and Forensic Investigation scope of project work at DTR Consulting Services. He is an advocate for spending time on construction sites and “learning by doing”. He is passionate about drawing as a form of design communication and hosts an annual Architectural-themed drawing event each October. He and his family live in northern California and enjoy spending time outdoors. He stays actively creative by drawing and writing novels in his free time.

If It's Not Raining Why Is My Roof Leaking? 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 11:15 - 12:15
If It’s Not Raining, Why Is My Roof Leaking?
Roof leaks and moisture within wall assemblies are never good for building performance. The typical response is to search for a rain-related leak—until it becomes clear that it isn’t raining at all. Without rainfall, bulk water entry should not be occurring, yet moisture continues to appear in the building enclosure. Too often, the real causes are overlooked because not all mechanisms of moisture transport are considered. This leads many to incorrectly assume the issue lies with the perm rating of the water-resistive barrier. This presentation examines all primary modes of moisture movement within buildings, explains why relying on the perm rating of a single material is misleading, and reveals how moisture—often in significant volumes—can accumulate within the building envelope.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the primary mechanisms of moisture transport in building envelopes
Describe the two most common causes of moisture accumulation in buildings
Explain why water vapor transmission rate alone is an unreliable indicator of moisture risk
Discuss how and why moisture-related building problems tend to worsen over time

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Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, ABAA
Mr. Laverne Dalgleish is the Executive Director of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). As such, he works to champion energy conservation in buildings while educating the building owners and designers about the benefits of energy conservation such as durability, comfort, reduced maintenance, reduced HVAC equipment costs and the positive impact on the environment.
Mr. Dalgleish travels North America on a weekly basis to educate building owners and designers on the benefits of effective and working air barrier systems in buildings. This education mission includes working with standards development organizations, training and education groups, government policy departments, and quality assurance program developers for the construction industry. Mr. Dalgleish is the Secretariat of two ISO Committees, ISO TC61 SC10 Cellular Plastics and ISO TC163 SC3 Thermal Insulation Products. He is also Chair of the ULC Thermal Performance in the Building Environment Standards Committee.
Mr. Dalgleish was the key developer of the ABAA Quality Assurance Program for the installation of air barrier systems in buildings. This program is based on ISO9000 and ISO 12576-2 but brings the ISO requirements together with practical applications for the air barrier industry.

ABAA QAP Committee Meeting
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00

Building Envelope Case Study: From Initial Construction Through Occupancy 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:00
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, masonry flashing, waterproofing, window installation, and roof transitions. We will learn what was initially missing in the Contraction Documents through mock-ups and first-work-in-place reviews. Once construction starts, we will review the building construction and perform testing throughout.
Learning Objectives:

Review constructability concerns in the mid-stage of design
Engage with a building envelope review and what modifications took place with subcontractor input
Understand the building complexities with mock-ups, first-work-in-place reviews, and testing.
Develop a better understanding of the installation of materials and the process of installation with construction observation reviews , reporting, and verification

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Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB, ALA (IL, IN, WI) RBEC, RRC, REWC, RWC, RRO, CABS, CDT CQM, CxA+BE, BECxP, LEED AP BD+C Level II Thermographer, QA/QC Vice President, AECOM Hunt Construction
As a forensic architect registered in several states, Corey Zussman has practiced in the construction industry for more than 30 years. He specializes in the building envelope, restoration, preservation, life safety, and interior finishes. While working on an average of 50-75 projects a year, Corey conducts constructability reviews, pre-installation meetings, comprehensive envelope meetings, and construction observations. He has also become known for providing educational opportunities throughout the industry and has produced more than 150 “lessons learned” papers. Topics include building envelope and life safety concerns and enable Corey to proactively address issues during design review, pre-construction, and construction. In addition, he has over 10 industry articles about building envelope and life safety topics and is also a frequent presenter at local and national conferences and Associations.

ABAA Contractors Committee Meeting
2025-12-15 15:00 - 16:00

ABAA Technical Committee Meeting
2025-12-15 13:00 - 14:00

ABAA Conference Committee Meeting
2025-12-15 11:00 - 12:00

Whole Building Airtightness Technician Training Course - Seattle, WA
2025-12-15 - 2025-12-19 | Georgetown Campus, 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98108, United States
Program Description
The purpose of the ABAA Blower Door Technician Training Program is to educate both entry-level and more experienced blower door technicians on the planning, preparation, and execution of airtightness testing for commercial and large buildings in conformance with industry standard test methods. The training aims to equip blower door technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to appropriately evaluate, prepare, test, analyze, and report on a building’s airtightness performance.
The ABAA Blower Door Technician Training Program is a 40-hour training program delivered over 5 days by subject matter experts retained by ABAA who are guided by detailed lesson plans. In addition to receiving instruction from experienced experts, the trainees will also have the opportunity to plan and carry out simulated building airtightness tests on physical mock-ups during the training program.
The program is intended to help prepare the trainees to become a Certified Blower Door Technician through ABAA’s certification program, but completion of the training program is not required for ABAA certification. The trainees will learn about the certification program and requirements during the training program.
For the purposes of demonstrations, activities, and simulations, this training program uses equipment from two widely used blower door fan manufacturing companies.
More Information
Training Course Fees:

Members – $2,500.00
Non-Members – $2,850.00

Additional Fees:

Level 1 Registration & Exam – Members $495.00 Non-Members $695.00
Level 2 Registration & Exam – Members $595.00 Non-Members $895.00

Training Location:
Georgetown Campus
Puget Sound Industrial Excellence Center
Apprenticeship & Education Center
Building A
6737 Corson Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206.934.5350
Location Details:
Park in the lot off Marginal Way.
Signs directing students will be posted once in Building A.

Registration is limited to 12 students. Sign up today and secure your spot!
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

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ABAA Board of Directors Meeting
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:00

ABAA ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 11:00

Blown Away - Unmasking the Secrets of Whole Building Airtightness Testing 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 18:15 - 19:15
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 jurisdictional requirement that was limited to one or two states.
As we moved towards Net Zero, building codes “tightened” up and it is expected this will become a test that is mandatory on a more country wide basis. It seems that time has arrived, with many states now requiring mandatory whole building airtightness testing. As we move towards those requirements, it is important to understand the latest in test methods, current and projected code requirements, how to specify the test properly, coordination needed with the construction team and what type of pre-qualifications exists that you can rely upon.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the current building code requirements on both the national and local levels, plus the must-know details of eco-friendly building programs that are trending right now.
Articulate what the airtightness test provides and how those results can be used to improve the building enclosure
Define the differences among the various test methods available as code or specification options
Review guide specification sample language and typical pitfalls in current specifications
Identify credentialing programs that can help you find pre-qualifications of testing personnel for large buildings

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Denali Jones, P.E., Technical Director, Air Barrier Association of America
Denali is an engineer focused on building enclosures for his entire career. After working for a manufacturer he transitioned into consulting, working for one of the leading building science firms in North America for over a decade. Denali’s work focused on finding practical and performance driven solutions to complex enclosure problems, ranging from high-rise office towers to hospitals, multifamily, manufacturing facilities, and everything in between. He has extensive experience in all aspects of enclosure design, including roofing, glazing systems, horizontal waterproofing, below grade waterproofing, air barriers, and rainscreen wall assemblies with just about any type of cladding. Denali also is an industry leading expert in whole-building air leakage testing, having helped develop several test standards and code language around testing requirements. He was instrumental in developing ABAA’s whole-building air leakage testing training program and is the lead instructor for this program. Denali now serves as the technical director for ABAA, focusing on driving the adoption and advancement of air barriers both at a committee level as well as providing support for ABAA members in answering technical questions or delivering presentations and training.

Introduction to Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) for the Building Enclosure 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 17:00 - 18:00
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 heat, air and moisture control. Examples of residential and commercial applications are provided, with references to compliance with US building codes.
Learning Objectives:

Review of SPF development history and product types and applications for residential and commercial construction.
Discuss health and safety aspects of SPF, including chemical safety, fire safety and environmental impacts.
Define performance of SPF materials in regard to heat, air and moisture control in the building enclosure
Review ICC building code requirements for SPF insulation and roofing systems

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Richard Duncan, PhD Engineering, Professional Engineer (PA), Technical Consultant, Envelogic
Rick has more than 30 years experience in mechanical, architectural and materials engineering, developing a wide range of building materials and products for the building enclosure. From 2008 to 2024, he serviced as Technical and Executive Director for the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA). Prior to joining SPFA, Rick served as Global New Product Director for CertainTeed/Saint Gobain Insulation. He has a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering ( U of Maryland) and master of science in Mechanical Engineering (Bucknell), and a PhD in Engineering Science and Mechanics (Penn State). He is a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania.

Top Air Barrier Details for Commercial Construction 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 15:45 - 16:45
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 basics with in-depth study of detailing in multiple areas of the building envelope. Good and bad examples of real-life details will be reviewed from drawing to photos of built conditions to demonstrate how design intent gets translated into built form.
Learning Objectives:

Identify locations in commercial building envelopes that merit close attention during the detailing process
Describe how design decisions such as material selection impact air tightness and the complexity of the resulting details
Explore details that successfully and unsuccessfully manage air, water and thermal control layers
Investigate the relationship between the four primary control layers and how to determine which take priority

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Chris Bubser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Technical Architect, LHB Corp
Chris Bubser’s passion has always been detailing, a specialty he cultivated as a Builder, Architect, Virtual Design and Construction Coordinator, and Quality Manager on a variety of commercial and residential buildings around the Midwest. Chris has worked as a Senior Technical Architect at LHB since 2019, where he leverages his diverse background in all phases of design, construction contract administration, facility condition assessments, forensic analysis, and mentoring emerging professionals in the dark arts of detailing. He served on the Board of the Building Enclosure Council of Minnesota from 2014 to 2022, including two years as Chair.

Design Principles for Rainscreen Wall Systems 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 14:30 - 15:30
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 in using material manufacturer’s in design phase and how that leads to a FULL Building Envelope Hygrothermal Warranty from the manufacturer will be discussed. Finally, we will discuss innovative ways to simplify the design, construction, commissioning and handover of the facility while maintaining the performance requirement(s) of the building design.
Learning Objectives:

Think of an enclosure as a system/assembly not individual component. Each has to be designed to work together for the overall Enclosure
Detailing and inspection of AWB is most critical and should be the responsibility of the AWB manufacturer. The Assembly Manufacturer/supplier should provide overall assembly.
Discuss Non Proprietary Specifications, Detailing, and bid documents and working in tandem with GC.
Learn innovative ways to simplify the design, construction, commissioning and handover of the facility while maintaining the performance requirement(s) of the building design.

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Jonnie Hasan, PE BECxP, CxA+BE, Director of Engineering and Sales Support, Innovative Metals Company
Jonnie has more than 22 years of experience in commercial construction, design-build, and cladding industry. In his position, Jonnie has various roles: including building envelope designer, WUFI analyst, manufacturing engineer, sustainable smart building engineer, and operations manager. Jonnie is also certified as a Building Envelope Commissioning Provider & Commissioning Authority designation by University of Wisconsin. Jonnie strives to guide clients to the most cost effective and efficient product application. Jonnie is a registered Professional Engineer with numerous patents related to building cladding system and design.

Masonry Thru-Wall Flashing and Key Interface Details 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 13:15 - 14:15
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 water and air control layers
Gain insights into common installation practices with jobsite photography
Develop an appreciation for thorough architectural details at key interface details in exterior wall assemblies

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Pat Conway, AIA, CSI, Director, Industry Development & Technical Services, International Masonry Insitute
Mr. Conway is a registered architect in Wisconsin and has been a masonry consultant for the past 28-years. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Director of IMI’s internal Masonry Technical Team, distinguished masonry speaker and author.

When Codes are in Conflict: Building Science and Life Safety in Wood Framed Construction 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00
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 risk of condensation often increases: While vented roof assemblies are effective in steep slope applications, the thermodynamics of a vented low-slope roof assembly make condensation more likely. To combat this many designers opt to provide a non-vented assembly with rigid insulation above the roof deck. This approach will generally trigger NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements which many developers and general contractors attempt to side-step by filling the roof cavity with a non-combustible insulation. The additional insulation within the framing requires careful consideration of vapor control strategies. It is critical for enclosure consultants to understand the code requirements that pertain to Type V construction and be able to identify the risks associated with the various compliance paths. In this presentation we will examine the various paths to code compliance while still applying building science principles to limit condensation risk. Detailed roof system examples will be provided, demonstrating how these measures can enable durable AND code compliant roofing assemblies.
Learning Objectives:

Knowledge of code changes and how they impact durability in roofing assemblies.
How to choose a vapor control strategy that meets the code requirements for life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
The impact of value engineering decisions related to sprinklers on roof performance.
How hygrothermal modeling can inform the amount, type, and placement of insulation in a roof assembly.

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Erin Andes, PE (CA, WY), LEED AP, Director of Design Outreach, GAF
As the Director of Design Outreach for the GAF Building and Roofing Science Team, Erin works with designers to review project designs to mitigate risk and achieve affordable, durable, watertight, and energy-efficient roof assemblies. In addition to helping design teams with roof assemblies and details, she regularly presents and publishes technical content related to building and roofing science at conferences and training events. Her background includes building enclosure consulting on new construction and enclosure rehabilitation of a range of project types such as multi-family, commercial, institutional, religious, cultural, and healthcare buildings. In addition, Erin has provided investigation and litigation support services on building enclosure and product failures giving her great perspective on what to avoid in new construction and repairs.

ABAA & CSI Dallas - Air Barrier Rodeo
2025-12-10 10:00 - 17:30
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Air Barrier Rodeo: Bridging Knowledge with Practice – Dallas, TX
Presented by the Air Barrier Association of America in Collaboration with CSI Dallas
Join us for a day of expert-led education with leading voices in building enclosures, air barriers, and airtightness. ABAA is proud to partner with CSI Dallas for this high-level event featuring best practices for achieving durable, continuous air barrier systems – reinforced through live, hands-on mock-up demonstrations.

Through Wall & Transition Membranes – Selection & Installation, 1.0 LU/HSW
Understanding Difficult Critical Transitions of Air, Vapor and Moisture Barriers, 1.5 LU//HSW
Don’t Go There: Navigating the Real, Imperfect Air Barrier Details, 1.0 LU/HSW
Air Barrier Mock-Up Demonstration, 2.0 LU/HSW

Presenters:

Meagan Elfert, CDT, MBA, CBS, Vice President, York Flashings
Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB, ALA (IL, IN, WI), QA/QC Vice President, AECOM – Hunt Construction
Pamela Jergenson, FCSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CABS, Technical Director of Building Science Solutions, Intertek

Sponsorship Opportunities

Mock-Up Sponsor – $750
Lunch Sponsor – $500
Tabletop Sponsor – $250

Click here to Sponsor

BE Live - Key Factors for Enclosure Resilience: Heat, UV, Water and Air Performance
2025-12-09 13:00 - 14:00
Key Factors for Enclosure Resilience: Heat, UV, Water and Air Performance
Designing Beyond Code for Building Resiliency and Durability
Sponsored by Air Barrier Association of America | Presented by Benjamin Meyer and Andrea Wagner Watts
Live Webinar Airing on December 9 at 01:00 PM ET
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In an era of increasingly severe storms, building resilience is paramount. This presentation explores how robust whole-building air barrier assemblies create a resilient shield against extreme environmental stresses. We will delve into designing high-performance building envelopes, integrating resilience through evolving code standards, and comparing past practices to future advancements.
The session will also examine various roof and wall assemblies, supported by lab tests and real-world data. Finally, we’ll cover essential quality assurance protocols, including building enclosure commissioning and whole building airtightness testing, to ensure your designs perform as intended.

Benjamin Meyer is the Building Enclosure Business Director with Siplast. Previous experience includes: enclosure consultant principal, technical management for enclosure products, architecture, real-estate development and construction management. He serves as a past Member of the LEED Technical Committee, Chair of the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope Committee, and a Director of ABAA.

Andrea Wagner Watts is the Building Science Education Manager for GAF | Siplast Building & Roofing Science, engaging with industry professionals to provide guidance, technical support and education for roof and wall assemblies. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Andrea strives to improve the overall performance of the building enclosures through application innovation, product development and building science research. Andrea has published on building science, assembly interfaces, durability and resilience and holds multiple patents. She serves as an executive board member of ABAA, is the co-chair of their Technical Committee and chairs the ASTM E06 and D08 Task Groups on air barriers assemblies

ABAA & CSI Houston - Air Barrier and Enclosure Education
2025-12-09 10:00 - 17:30
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A DAY OF AIR BARRIER & ENCLOSURE EDUCATION – HOUSTON, TX
Presented by the Air Barrier Association of America in Collaboration with CSI Houston
Join us for a day of expert-led education with leading voices in building enclosures, air barriers, and airtightness. ABAA is proud to partner with CSI Houston for this high-level event featuring best practices for achieving durable, continuous air barrier systems – reinforced through live, hands-on mock-up demonstrations.

Through Wall & Transition Membranes – Selection & Installation, 1.0 LU/HSW
Understanding Difficult Critical Transitions of Air, Vapor and Moisture Barriers, 1.5 LU//HSW
Don’t Go There: Navigating the Real, Imperfect Air Barrier Details, 1.0 LU/HSW
Air Barrier Mock-Up Demonstration, 2.0 LU/HSW

Presenters:
Meagan Elfert, CDT, MBA, CBS, Vice President, York Flashings
Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB, ALA (IL, IN, WI), QA/QC Vice President, AECOM – Hunt Construction
Pamela Jergenson, FCSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CABS, Technical Director of Building Science Solutions, Intertek
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Buildings XVI Conference Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings
2025-12-07 08:30 - 2025-12-11 19:30
Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings
December 8-11, 2025
Learn More & Register
The Buildings XVI Conference brings together product manufacturers, research organizations, academia, builders, designers, architects and consultants to discuss their work achievements, interest and awareness of buildings issues, and to provide solutions and insight into some of our major building envelope problems.
“This conference draws heavily on the advanced technical knowledge of our global experts and takes place every three years, allowing time to develop new research and technology applications and to document findings,” said André Desjarlais, conference chairperson. “It’s a great opportunity for product manufacturers, research groups, technical advisors, builders, designers, and consultants to discuss their work achievements, interest, and awareness of buildings issues, and provide solutions to some of our major building problems.”
The conference is organized by ASHRAE along with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
ABAA Pre-Conference Workshops Sunday, December 7 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Workshop 1 – Building Enclosures

Session 1: Update on the Current Codes What one Affect the Air Barrier Industry presented by Theresea Weston
Session 2: High Temp and Compatibility of Membranes presented by Benjamin Meyer
Session 3: ABAA Research – Yesterday. Today and the Future presented by Sarah Flock and Andrew Dunlap
Session 4: Warmer, Wetter, and Windier Future Proofing Your Building Enclosure for a Changing Climate presented by Jilian Burgess
Session 5: Whole Building Air Leakage Testing Updates presented by Denali Jones
Session 6: Low Carbon Buildings presented by John Straube

Workshop 2 – Demonstrations and Simulations

Session 1: Air Sealing Existing Buildings presented by Larry Harmon
Session 2: Air Leakage Modeling presented by Lisa Chen Ng
Session 3: What is CFM50 not telling you? From “One Number” to a Whole Building Peformance Approach presented by Jessica Meylor
Session 4: Real-Time Building Air Leakage Visualization: Demo and Research Progress presented by Philip Boudreaux and Gurneesh Jatana
Session 5: Buildings Move, Buildings Leak: Revisiting the Critical Link Between Engineering Mechanics and Enclosure Performance presented by Jon Porter
Session 6: Self-Adhered Membrane Applications: What Does It Really Mean to Stick presented by Cody Shelner

2025 BEC Austin Symposium - When the Envelope Breaks
2025-12-05 09:30 - 18:00
2025 BEC: Austin Symposium – When the Envelope Breaks
A conference on the current and future state of building, reuse, and deconstruction. This event isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about safeguarding our resources and honoring the deep, often untold stories of the structures and materials that shape our society.
Keynote Speaker: Christine Williamson, Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech School of Architecture; @buildingsciencefightclub
Speakers:
Andrea Hellerman, AIA, Associate Director of Facade Engineering at WJE
Kelly Doran, CEO Ha/f Climate Design, Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto, and Senior Fellow at Architecture 2030
Stephanie Phillips, Senior Program Manager, Deconstruction & Circular Economy at City of San Antonio
Plus the return of the Mock-up Rodeo!
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Moisture Defects in Buildings - A Sick Building Pandemic 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
Moisture Defects in Buildings – A Sick Building Pandemic
Poor air quality caused by water damage and mold is contributing to increasing health burdens on occupants of buildings of every type, construction and age…including new construction. Understanding and applying building science fundamentals along with considerations uniquely related to region, site, structure type, materials and construction coordination is the key to successful building solutions that will be durable and supportive of occupant wellness over time. Bulk water, condensation, pressure differentials, capillary action, construction processes and even occupant activities contribute moisture to buildings which must be managed properly in today’s increasingly complex structures. Despite building code requirements, common building defects continue to be overlooked by all involved in the quest for sustainability and at the expense of durability and wellness. Incorporating decades of research and professional education related to building science along with a personal health journey related to environmental toxin exposure, this program raises awareness of the key role our buildings play in health and wellness. Professionals and non-professionals alike will gain knowledge and insights to discover, correct and avoid building defects, errors and omissions that often lead to water damage, high indoor humidity, mold and poor indoor air quality to confidently build facilities which are durable as well as being wellness supporting environments.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize causes and sources of water accumulation in building materials with potential health impacts.
Evaluate the impacts of moisture on all building materials.
Consider the mechanics of moisture movement for building design.
Recognize moisture related building defects and design solutions to avoid them.

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Cheryl Ciecko, President/Architect, Dwell Well Institute
Cheryl Ciecko is a licensed architect, building science and healthy building consultant providing education and resources to professionals and individuals world-wide. Cheryl uses her professional education and experience, and extensive building science-focused research related to air quality, moisture management and building science, to identify and resolve building defects that can affect health and wellness of building occupants. As a thought leader with an online consulting practice supporting individuals and professionals, Cheryl specializes in building defect avoidance, water damage and mold, reaching thousands of followers each month. Homeowners and building professionals find her various online education programs extremely beneficial as her following continues to grow. Cheryl has architectural degrees from University of Minnesota and the University of Illinois and is licensed in Illinois and Wyoming. She serves as the architect representative to the U.S. American Lumber Standards Committee and was a board member for the Association of Licensed Architects for over 13 years. A past member of the AIA, Cheryl is also a LEED AP with unique insights to share. It’s Cheryl’s mission to raise awareness of the role the built environment plays in health and wellness, while fostering discussion, sharing solutions and peer education to address the complex problems of our times.

ABAA Marketing Committee Meeting
2025-12-03 16:00 - 17:00

ABAA Adhesive Backed Commercial Building Wrap Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00

Online Self-Adhered & Fluid Applied Installer Certification Training Course
2025-12-02 10:00 - 2025-12-04 16:30
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Download Registration Form
Online ABAA Training course
Physical installer manuals will be sent out. Those who register early will have a better chance of receiving their manual prior to the start of training. Having the manual for the online training modules is not required, but highly recommended to have before writing the exam.

DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to teach experienced installers how to create an Air Barrier using Self-Adhered and Fluid Applied materials. This course includes instruction on everything from selecting proper materials, substrate preparation, application technology and troubleshooting.
More Information

Not an Installer?
ABAA courses are open to everyone and are a great training opportunity for all, including General Contractors, Suppliers, Manufacturers sales rep, Architectural Reps, and anyone in the construction industry. There is NO experience needed to attend one of our great training courses.

Interested in Certification?
Self-Adhered and Fluid Applied installer training is designed to teach experienced installers how to create an Air Barrier using Self Adhered and Fluid Applied materials. This course includes instruction on everything from selecting proper materials, substrate preparation, application technology, troubleshooting and hands-on training.
For certification purposes, a minimum of 3000 hours of work experience either directly with air barriers or in applicable related trade experience is required.
For companies seeking to become ABAA Accredited Contractor, it is ABAA policy that each company has at least 1 person trained in an ABAA Installer Training Course and certified as an ABAA Level 3 Installer, and at least 1 person trained in the Quality Assurance Program Administrator Course.

Questions?
Please email us at training@airbarrier.org
See you there!
Download Registration Form
COURSE BEGINS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025 AT 10:00AM ET. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAYS OF REGISTERING, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025
