ABAA

ABAA Research Committee Meeting
2026-07-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit)
Conference Call
All times shown are in Eastern Time Zones

ABAA Conference Committee Meeting
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00

Online Self-Adhered & Fluid Applied Installer Certification Training Course
2026-07-14 10:00 - 2026-07-16 16:30
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026
Register and Pay Online
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!
Register and Pay Online
COURSE BEGINS TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026 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, JUNE 26, 2026

ABAA Marketing Committee Meeting
2026-07-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-19 15:00 - 16:00

Successful Air Barrier Installation: A Case Study 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:00
The air barrier test of a recently completed for the University of Washington project measured at .056 cfm/sf for an envelope area of 85,250 sf. The successful test was a result of several people and processes, including preconstruction review of drawings, creating a standalone mock-up prior to the building, pre-installation meetings, regular inspections by the envelope consultant, and diligent work by the installing subcontractors. This presentation will review the steps in the process and review the detailed solutions to some difficult transitions.
Learning Objectives:

Identify multiple actions required to create a continuous envelope.
Evaluate the impacts of different strategies to complete a successful continuous air barrier.
Build a team dynamic of cooperation to achieve the project goal.
Identify the tools available to analyze design geometries and materials available to solve complicated air barrier intersections.

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Michael Repka, Architect, LEED AP, Quality Manager, Hoffman Construction Company
With nine years of architectural experience, and twenty years in construction, Mike Repka brings a unique perspective to design and construction quality management, emphasizing thorough planning to ensure materials are installed correctly the first time. He prioritizes early project involvement, leading preconstruction drawing and specifications reviews to ensure documents are complete, coordinated, and constructible, before construction begins. His preconstruction reviews focus on building envelope, statistically the largest source of remedial work and claims on buildings. As the project transitions to the construction phase, he works closely with project teams to identify all potential risks, and develops quality plans to mitigate these challenges, ensuring quality execution in the field.
Mike has worked on diverse, complex building types including high-rise towers, college campus laboratories, and underground transit stations, applying lessons learned from the past to every future project. He has presented at ABAA events, Building Enclosure Council Meetings, and Design Quality Conferences, on topics such as successful air barrier design and installation, best practices communicating among design teams and contractors, and the risks and responsibilities of subcontractors when submitting shop drawings.

ABAA ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2026-07-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-28 11:00 - 12:00

CANCELLED - ABAA Contractors Committee Meeting
2026-07-17 13:00 - 14:00

Parapet Perplexities Solved: Detailing the Critical Roof-to-Wall Interface 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-07-23 13:00 - 14:00
The roof to wall intersection is the junction where building aesthetics meets structural performance, air and moisture management, energy efficiency, construction trade sequencing, and operational maintenance. At such a critical interface, proper parapet detailing, installation coordination, and execution are paramount.
How do you achieve performance at the roof to wall interface without compromising the aesthetics over the edge of the roof? How can the design anticipate the construction phase coordination efforts and sequencing between masons, carpenters, and roof and wall subcontractors, and provide a constructible and integrated building solution? This session will provide guidelines to successfully navigate these often competing interests and provide strategies for achievable performance through design and specification without compromising the aesthetics with distracting details over the edge of the roof.
Learning Objectives:

Understand requirements to manage condensation risk through air barrier continuity.
Understand code requirements and how to achieve compliance.
Outline design and specification requirements to set achievable performance.
Develop critical details where the roof and wall intersect.

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Andrea Wagner Watts, Building Science Education Manager, GAF
Andrea Wagner Watts is the Building Science Education manager for GAF, engaging with industry professionals to provide guidance, technical support and education for roof and wall assemblies. Andrea has more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry, successfully developing multiple sealants and air/water barrier system solutions and doing building science research. She is always working to improve the overall performance of the building enclosures through application innovation, research and industry knowledge sharing. Andrea has published on building science, assembly interfaces, durability and resilience and is the holder of multiple patents. In addition to involvement with the ABAA, she chairs the ASTM E06 and D08 Task Groups on air barriers assemblies.

Jennifer Keegan, AAIA, Director of Building and Roofing Science, GAF
Jennifer Keegan is the Director of Building & Roofing Science for GAF, focusing on overall roof system design and performance. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience as a building enclosure consultant specializing in building forensics, assessment, design and remediation of building enclosure systems. Jennifer provides technical leadership within the industry as the Chair of the ASTM D08.22 Roofing and Waterproofing Subcommittee, and the education chair for IIBEC; and as an advocate for women within the industry as an executive board member of National Women in Roofing and a board member of Women in Construction.

CANCELLED - ABAA ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2026-07-24 11:00 - 12:00

ABAA Transitions, Terminations, and Flashings Ad Hoc Group Meeting (Roof to Wall Discussion)
2026-07-27 15:30 - 16:30

Locating That Elusive Point of Condensation: A Review of Hygrothermal Evaluation Fundamentals 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-07-30 13:00 - 14:00
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 static modeling –to better understand moisture behavior and support informed enclosure design decisions.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the primary variables that influence hygrothermal performance in building enclosure design.
Compare the capabilities and limitations of various hygrothermal modeling methods.
Evaluate how climate conditions and material properties affect condensation risk.
Apply modeling concepts to improve enclosure durability and moisture management.

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Andrew Dunlap, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Vice President | Building Technology Studio Leader, SmithGroup
Andrew Dunlap’s primary work experience is in the analysis and development of exterior building enclosures with specific specialization in air barriers, rainscreen/cavity walls, curtain walls, roof systems, skylights, and waterproofing. His work includes evaluating existing buildings, investigating problem buildings, revitalizing historic structures, thermal analysis of enclosure systems, and conducting field observation and system testing. Project responsibilities include the collection of detailed building information, the evaluation of airtightness, hygrothermal performance, and energy efficiency, preparation of construction documents for remediation of existing buildings, new construction, and specialty facades. His work often includes performing diagnostic field water tests as part of the forensic investigations or used to validate installed conditions.

Online Field Auditor Training Certification Course
2026-08-04 10:00 - 2026-08-06 16:30
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026
Register and Pay Online
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 emphasizes understanding the need for and function of an air barrier assembly, the ability to inspect installation and review materials for compliance with specifications, ABAA requirements, and manufacturer requirements, the ability to confirm proper installation through on-site testing, and the documentation required throughout the air barrier installation process.
More Information

Not an Auditor?
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 performing ABAA project audits?
Please contact the ABAA office for details at abaa@airbarrier.org

Questions?
Please email us at training@airbarrier.org
See you there!
Register and Pay Online
COURSE BEGINS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026 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, JULY 17, 2026

Polyiso: The Next Generation Air and Water Resistive Barrier 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-06 13:00 - 14:00
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 sustainability and longevity.
Learning Objectives:

Understand Building Sustainability and Longevity
Learn About the Science Behind Thermal, Air and Moisture Control for Steel Stud Construction
Interpret the Code Requirements for Building Envelope Design and Performance
Discover How POLYISO Meets Requirements and Outperforms Traditional Methods for Optimum Control

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Matthew Stevens, Associate AIA, CSI, CCPR, CDT, REWO, Building Envelope & Architectural Consultant, Sika Corporation

Matthew received his Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has over 25 years in the building industry. His experience includes architectural design, construction, consulting, as well as training and development roles. As a Building Envelope & Architectural Consultant at Rmax he works directly with Architects, Contractors, Consultants and Specifiers to select the optimal insulation for their projects while meeting applicable building codes. He is an active member that serves on the boards of several CSI and BEC chapters in Texas. Matthew is also a committee member on several RAiNA committees.

ABAA QAP Committee Meeting
2026-08-07 10:00 - 11:00

Three Failures and a Save 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-13 13:00 - 14:00
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 in their respective climate zones and which do not.
Learning Objectives:

Learn the importance proper moisture management strategies.
Learn about some pitfalls to avoid in proper moisture management.
Learn how important coordination is in the success of a project.
Learn how important supervision is in the success of a project.

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Len Anastasi, CSI, CDT, FABAA, WUFI® & WUFI® Advanced Certified, President, EXO-TEC Companies
Len Anastasi has worked in the construction industry for over 40 years in masonry, waterproofing and restoration work. He currently owns EXO-TEC Manufacturing, Inc. which manufactures specialty construction products, EXO-TEC Solutions, Inc. which performs marketing work for various quality and innovative manufacturers of construction products and EXO-TEC Consulting, Inc. which performs consulting services on building enclosure issues for building owners, managers, design professionals and lawyers. In his construction and consulting work, he has performed inspections and / or repairs on over 300 buildings as well as giving expert testimony in trials and reviews on dozens of legal cases. He is a member of ASTM’s E 06 Committee on Building Performance where he has authored both proposed standards as well as proposed changes to existing standards. He is a member of the Boston Society of Architects’ Building Enclosure Council where he has presented on several topics. He has also presented at the Build Boston Exposition, the Architecture Boston Exposition, the AIA National Convention, CSI National Convention, ABAA Annual Conference & Trade Show and at the National Institute for Building Sciences conferences. He has authored several articles and papers on building enclosure performance. He is a founding member, Fellow, past President and past Director of the Air Barrier Association of America ( ABAA ). He is the Chairman of the ABAA Conference Committee, a member of the Marketing Committee, the Technical Committee, Research Committee and chairs the Ad Hoc Committee for Technical Notes where he is currently authoring Technical Notes for the ABAA. He is also a member of the Construction Specifications Institute ( CSI ), current Northeast Region President of the CSI and Director for the Boston Chapter of the CSI. He is also a guest lecturer at the Boston Architectural Center.

ABAA x RAiNA Conference Committee Meeting
2026-08-13 14:00 - 15:00

Online Self-Adhered & Fluid Applied Installer Certification Training Course
2026-08-18 10:00 - 2026-08-20 16:30
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026
Register and Pay Online
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!
Register and Pay Online
COURSE BEGINS TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 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, JULY 31, 2026

Looking Beyond Code Language: Practical Limitations of Airtightness Testing 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-20 13:00 - 14:00
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. Accepted standards include ASTM E779, ASTM E1827, and ASTM E3158, each with different procedures, building preparation requirements, weather limitations, and applications. Additional options allow testing of entire buildings, representative portions, or samples of dwelling units, creating uncertainty for owners, designers, contractors, and testing agencies. This presentation examines the code-referenced testing standards, explains the practical differences between them, and discusses when each method is most appropriate. Participants will gain an understanding of the limitations, costs, and challenges associated with various testing approaches and learn how building type, occupancy, and project conditions can influence testing strategy and results.
Learning Objectives:

Discuss different test methods for air barriers
Review recent code updates around air barrier testing
Show the benefits of multipoint testing
Convey the importance of proper training and certification for large building airtightness testing

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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.

CSI Indianapolis & BEC Indiana Air Barrier Presentation
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:30
Earn up to 1.0 LU/HSW
Register Today
Program Agenda

Location: Blind Owl Brewery (5014 E 62nd St Indianapolis, IN 46220)
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Event Co-Hosts: CSI Indianapolis & BEC Indiana

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Construction specifications are assembled by design professionals to communicate product information, qualitative standards, and procedural requirements to the construction team. The resulting project manual, a contract document which can be several hundred pages long, takes time to break down and understand. This presentation is designed to help contractors effectively navigate construction specifications and understand where to find specific information on processes, materials, and quality expectations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand basic specifications terminology and where to look for different kinds of information.
Understand how and where specifications communicate ABAA QAP requirements, whole building air tightness testing, and other air barrier installations requirements.
Understand how to request clarification when drawings and/or specifications are in conflict or missing pertinent information.
Identify specification language calling for coordination across trades and what that means for GC’s and subcontractors.

SPEAKER & BIO
Amy Baker AIA, CSI, CDT, SCIP – Architect & Specification Consultant

Amy is a Registered Architect and Specifications Consultant with over 20 years of experience in commercial construction. She specializes in the technical development of projects with a passion for enclosure detailing, building science, codes, and specifications. Amy is pleased to serve as Vice Chair of the Building Enclosure Council Greater Detroit Chapter (BEC-GD), Secretary of the Detroit Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and Treasurer of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). She is also on RIB SpecLink’s Product Innovation Advisory Board, where she contributes ideas for improving the functionality of one of the leading spec writing platforms in North America. Amy holds two degrees from Lawrence Technological University, where she has been recognized as the university’s 26th Distinguished Architecture Award Recipient.

IFAD - Through Wall Flashing & Transition Membranes: Selection & Installation 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:00
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 characteristics of various membrane materials, how they interact with other cavity wall components, and the role they play in creating resilient, long-lasting wall assemblies. The session will also explore strategies for minimizing life-cycle costs through proper design and specification.
Learning Objectives:

Understand how to design durable and resilient flashing systems that help minimize long-term maintenance and life-cycle costs.
Explain the key performance criteria used when specifying through-wall flashings and transition membranes.
Identify the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of various flashing and membrane materials.
Understand the importance of compatibility between cavity wall components and flashing systems to ensure long-term enclosure performance.

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Meagan Elfert, CDT, MBA, CBS, Vice President, York Flashings
With over a decade of dedicated service at York Flashings, Meagan Elfert, CDT, MBA, CBS currently serves as Vice President, bringing strategic leadership and a results-driven approach to York. She manages York’s sales team across all regions of the USA, ensuring that York remains a leader in the building products industry and reinforcing York’s reputation for quality and innovation. Meagan gives presentations on flashing and transition compatibility, sustainability, and performance to the AEC community across the country. She also provides educational sessions for contractors and performs job site visits to bring installers the latest technology and best flashing practices.

IFAD - The Interface: Roof-to-Wall Edition 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-26 11:15 - 12:15
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 requires a well-designed and properly constructed building enclosure.
While material and assembly performance is often based on published product data, that performance can be significantly reduced—or lost entirely—without effective transitions, terminations, and flashing details at critical interfaces. This presentation examines the evolution of building enclosure design and materials, with a focus on roof-to-wall transitions. Attendees will review ABAA Roof-to-Wall Conceptual Details alongside real-world case studies and performance testing, comparing historic and current detailing practices. The session will also explore how modern lightweight construction impacts the integration of roofing and wall assemblies, construction sequencing, scheduling, and overall building performance.
Learning Objectives:

Building Enclosure History and Design Principles: Participants of the session will review building construction practices of the past and present, specifically wall construction and roof construction. Building Science principles will be overlaid to better understand the importance of proper interfacing.
ABAA Roof to Wall Conceptual Details: Review details and discuss key aspects for interfacing strategies
Constructability and Construction Sequencing: Participants will review how performance-based interfacing details impact constructability and construction sequencing.
Case Studies: Project examples will be reviewed.

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Adam Ugliuzza, PE, CPHC, Partner, Building Enclosures Group, Sustainable Building Partners
Adam Ugliuzza brings 18 years of engineering experience focusing on building science and the building enclosure construction industry. Discipline expertise includes building enclosure consulting and commissioning services for new and existing construction, in addition to forensic investigations to determine root cause of building performance issues. He also brings industry leading expertise in large building whole building airtightness testing, which is at the forefront of high-performance building construction. Adam continues to work on projects across the United States and abroad providing professional building enclosure consultation in both the residential and commercial space for all types of construction, ranging from multi-family wood/timber framed buildings to high performance institutional/healthcare facilities to high-rise construction. Through this experience, Adam brings a unique approach to building enclosure consulting and testing, concentrating on enclosure interface coordination in design and construction phases of the project that overlays a holistic approach, critical to achieving high performance building construction; the goal to help ensure all the materials, systems, and assemblies are properly connected to provide continuous environmental control. His extensive testing knowledge allows him to be deliberate and methodical in his approach to interweaving functional testing to verify performance.
Adam is also active in many industry associations including Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), Construction Owners Association of America (COAA), United States Green Building Council (USGBC), etc. and has co-authored numerous technical papers, guidelines and standards; fundamental to an industry leading professional.

IFAD - Project Experiences With (or Without) Flashings 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-26 12:30 - 13:30
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. When improperly designed, detailed, or installed, the results can include water intrusion, material deterioration, costly repairs, and project delays. This presentation examines real-world project experiences from across North America, highlighting the consequences of missing, misplaced, or improperly installed flashings. Attendees will review common flashing materials, understand how flashing interfaces affect adjacent enclosure components, and explore case studies demonstrating the impact of flashing failures on building performance, owners, and contractors.
Learning Objectives:

Review common masonry through-wall flashing materials used in today’s construction market.
Understand how improperly installed flashings can negatively impact the performance of adjacent enclosure materials and systems.
Identify where continuous flashings are required within masonry, metal panel, and other wall assemblies.
Analyze project case studies demonstrating how flashing deficiencies can lead to water intrusion, rework, increased costs, and owner dissatisfaction.

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Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT, Building Enclosure Consulting – Forensics, Owner, Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC
Melissa I. Payne is the founder of Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC, established in September 2022, where she provides independent, third-party building enclosure consulting services. She works with clients across all phases of a project –design, construction, and operation – to mitigate risk and deliver effective, high-performing building envelope solutions.
Ms. Payne has a strong foundation in building envelope commissioning, commissioning authority services, building science, construction observation, performance testing, and project management. Her experience spans institutional, K-12, higher education, government, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial facilities.
With a background that includes owner representation, forensic investigation, commissioning provider services, and manufacturer-side consulting, Melissa brings a comprehensive, well-rounded perspective to the design and construction industry. She collaborates closely with owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, and enclosure trades to promote durable, high-performance building enclosures. Known for fostering collaboration, she focuses on bridging the gap between design and construction through design reviews, development of project-specific details, construction observation and documentation, and proactive risk mitigation strategies related to building enclosure systems.

IFAD - The Humble Drip Edge: Details that Quietly Complete High-Performance Envelopes 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-26 13:45 - 14:45
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 air tightness, and how external elements like flashing can improve the function of internal components.
Learning Objectives:

Identify locations in commercial building envelopes where drip edges aid in air tightness and overall building performance
Describe how design decisions such as material selection impact the way the water control layer is detailed
Explore details that successfully and unsuccessfully manage air, water and thermal control layers
Investigate the relationship between drip edges and the four primary control layers

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Chris Bubser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Technical Architect, LHB Corp
Chris Bubser has spent half his career in architecture and half in construction, but has always gravitated towards the technical side of the industry. Chris has had the good fortune to work on a wide variety of commercial and residential building types around the midwest. While a Quality Manager at Mortenson Construction, he was responsible for setting up and managing all aspects of the QA/QC process on project sites, but specialized in coordinating building enclosure systems. Chris is currently a Senior Technical Architect at LHB, where he oversees document quality and detailing for their K-12 Education studio. He is Past-Chair of the Building Enclosure Council of Minnesota.

Lessons Learned on the Path to Airtight Buildings 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-08-27 13:00 - 14:00
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 with the enclosure. This presentation will detail our progression regarding we have learned about air barrier strategies, quality control and how to integrate mechanical systems into the enclosure for overall whole building air tightness. We will look at a number of case studies, including air barrier strategies, test results and lessons learned along the way.
Learning Objectives:

Understand possible approaches to whole building air tightness
Understand the relative performance of different air barrier approaches
Understand the constructability of air barrier strategies
Understand the influence of mechanical systems on overall whole building air tightness

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Martin Houston, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Learning and Development, Walsh Construction Company
Marty Houston is the Director of Learning and Development at Walsh Construction Company, working to create a company wide training program that includes position-specific, soft skills and technical training for all employees within the organization. An architect licensed in three states, he previously served as the Quality Director at WCC, working with a team dedicated to creating durable and energy efficient projects for our clients.
