ABAA ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Conference Call
All times shown are in Eastern Time Zones

ABAA Adhesive Backed Commercial Building Wrap Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-10-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-10 15:00 - 16:00

ABAA Contractor Webinar: Air Barrier Submittals - Shop Drawings, Design Intent, and the Risk of Detail Clarifications Becoming Changes
2025-10-29 11:00 - 12:00
This interactive panel discussion will address shop drawing submittals and their role in construction. The speaker panel will have representative from legal, architectural, installer, and general contractor backgrounds who will discuss responsibilities of each party, and what risks each party may be talking on, knowingly or unknowingly. The panel will also discuss best practices for shop drawing creation, submission, and implementation in the field. Audience Q&A and participation is encouraged.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the contractual requirements of shop drawings, and how they integrate with the contract documents.
Recognize potential risks/liabilities of shop drawings that modify design details.
Be able to define the role of the installer (trade contractor) and manufacturer in shop drawing creation.
Know the responsibilities of each party in submitting, approving, and implementing shop drawings.

This webinar is exclusive to the ABAA contractor members. Please reach out to lhardman@airbarrier.org to register.

ABAA Marketing Committee Call
2025-10-29 14:00 - 15:00

Testing the Boundaries: Quality Control Options for Air Barrier Installation 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-10-30 13:00 - 14:00
Testing the Boundaries: Quality Control Options for Air Barrier Installation
Air barriers separate conditioned air from unconditioned air, improving energy efficiency and limiting the risk of unintended moisture migration via airflow that may result in condensation within wall assemblies. But, as with any system, the performance of the air barrier depends on the quality of the design and installation. The industry has started to place a greater emphasis on quality installation of air barriers, including iterative evolution of more stringent requirements in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Developing industry guidelines and standards provide additional performance testing procedures that can be used to further evaluate installed air barrier materials and assemblies beyond code requirements. Examples of such quality control measures include visual inspection, air leakage testing, and adhesion testing. Results may vary depending on the specific procedure selected, and different tests yield different types of results (i.e., qualitative vs quantitative). Test methodology, manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and the component(s) being evaluated all influence the appropriate evaluation criteria. The variety of available options complicates the assessment and selection of quality control measures that are most beneficial to meet project goals. This presentation will discuss air barrier quality control options and test procedures, highlight appropriate applications and limitations of procedures discussed, and describe methods to evaluate test criteria and results to maximize benefits and achieve project-specific goals.
Learning Objectives:

Discuss code requirements and additional industry standards for air barrier quality control procedures and the importance of such measures.
Compare the advantages and limitations of various quality control tests and procedures for air barrier materials and assemblies.
Evaluate appropriate test criteria for a variety of air barrier quality control tests.
Learn to assess and select suitable air barrier quality control methods for a project based on the project-specific goals.

Register Now
Jordan Stirling, Project Consultant, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Jordan Stirling is a Project Consultant for Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) and has experience with new design enclosure consulting, rehabilitation, enclosure commissioning and investigation projects for a variety of owners, architects, and general contractors. She received her bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from The University of Texas and has worked on a wide array of commercial, residential, and institutional projects while at SGH.

Brian Rose, P.E.,Senior Project Manager, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Brian Rose is a Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager for Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) where he provides a variety of building enclosure commissioning, consulting, and investigation services for owners, architects, and contractors. Brian manages a wide array of commercial, residential, government, and institutional projects in the mid-Atlantic region and has worked closely with architects and contractors to specify, perform, and witness air barrier quality control testing. He holds BECxP and CxA+BE certifications and is an active member of the Air Barrier Association of America, Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, and others.

Whole Building Airtightness Technician Training Course - Northbrook, IL
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-07 | WJE Northbrook, 330 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook,, IL, 60062, 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:
WJE Northbrook
330 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847.272.2400
Location Details:
Park in the lot off 255 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062, The entrance door will be on the north side of the building, right by the parking.
Signs directing students will be posted

Registration is limited to 12 students. Sign up today and secure your spot!
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025

Register Today

ABAA ExCom Meeting
2025-11-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-24 11:00 - 12:00

Online Field Auditor Training Certification Course
2025-11-04 10:00 - 2025-11-06 16:30
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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 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!
Download Registration Form
COURSE BEGINS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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, OCTOBER 17, 2025

BEC Portland Half-Day Symposium
2025-11-04 14:00 - 20:00
Register Now
11:00AM – 12:00PM Lunch & Network
12:00 – 1:00PM Presentation Brian Stroik, Trust But verify: Quality Control for your air barriers – 1.0 LU/HSW
Modern construction is more complex, with layered systems, tight schedules, and higher expectations. This session outlines how quality assurance programs and trade-specific quality control—starting before installation and continuing through completion—help ensure durable, high-performing air barriers
1:00 – 2:00PM Presentation Andrew Dunlap, Locating That Elusive Point of Condensation: A Review of Hygrothermal Evaluation Fundamentals. 1.0 LU/HSW
This presentation will review the various types of Hygrothermal modeling tools available to assist designers in developing a building’s exterior enclosure. Variables such as the interior and exterior climate (temperature/humidity), material permeance, wall assembly types, and transitions between adjacent construction will be explored. Understanding the impact of the decision to use various modeling techniques such as 1D/2D/3D and transient versus static modeling will be discussed.
2:00 – 2:15PM Break
2:15 – 3:15PM Presentation Brian Stroik, A Sticky Subject – Adhesion Of Air and Water Resistive Barrier Materials – 1.0 LU/HSW
Adhesion is critical for barriers to resist wind, stack effect, and pressurization. This session reviews 15 years of field research on adhesion performance across materials and substrates, comparing real-world results with lab testing. Attendees will learn how this data informs specifications and quality control on job sites.
1:00 – 2:00PM Presentation Andrew Dunlap, Failure Is Not An Option: Air Barrier Continuity Strategies for Storefront and Curtain Wall Systems 1.0 LU/HSW
This presentation will review the various types of Hygrothermal modeling tools available to assist designers in developing a building’s exterior enclosure. Variables such as the interior and exterior climate (temperature/humidity), material permeance, wall assembly types, and transitions between adjacent construction will be explored. Understanding the impact of the decision to use various modeling techniques such as 1D/2D/3D and transient versus static modeling will be discussed.
4:15 – 5:00PM Networking
Register Now

RAiNA 2025 Conference - Rainscreen Proficiency – The Parts, Precision and Performance
2025-11-05 08:30 - 20:00
This one-day event brings together architects, contractors, manufacturers, consultants, and other building enclosure professionals to explore the most current and critical topics in rainscreen performance and design.
What to Expect:

A robust agenda packed with technical presentations and real-world case studies
Expert speakers from across the building enclosure industry
Networking opportunities with professionals driving rainscreen innovation
Insightful discussions focused on the systems, materials, and design approaches that make rainscreen walls work

Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!
RAiNA members have first access to sponsor this year’s conference. Remaining opportunities will open to the public starting on August 4, 2025. Sponsorship is a powerful way to position your brand at the center of the rainscreen conversation.
This conference is open to everyone in the industry—RAiNA membership is not required to attend.
We invite you to be part of this important gathering that’s advancing best practices, strengthening industry collaboration, and celebrating innovation in rainscreen assemblies.
Register Today
We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia this November!

SeaBEC Air Barrier Symposium
2025-11-05 15:15 - 20:00
Register Now
12:15PM – 12:45PM Sign-In & Welcome
12:45 – 1:45PM Box Lunch & Presentation Brian Stroik, Building Enclosure Pre-Construction Meeting – 1.0 LU/HSW
Pre-construction meetings are critical to quality assurance and should be specified in the project manual. They align owners, designers, contractors, and manufacturers on expectations, installation practices, and warranties before field work begins. This session explains how to structure effective meetings to resolve issues early, foster collaboration, and reduce delays, risks, and construction problems.
1:45 – 2:00PM Break
2:00PM – 3:00PM Presentation Andrew Dunlap, Locating That Elusive Point of Condensation: A Review of Hygrothermal Evaluation Fundamentals. 1.0 LU/HSW
This presentation will review the various types of Hygrothermal modeling tools available to assist designers in developing a building’s exterior enclosure. Variables such as the interior and exterior climate (temperature/humidity), material permeance, wall assembly types, and transitions between adjacent construction will be explored. Understanding the impact of the decision to use various modeling techniques such as 1D/2D/3D and transient versus static modeling will be discussed.
3:00 – 3:15PM Break
3:15 – 4:15PM Presentation Brian Stroik, Trust But Verify: Quality Control For Your Air Barriers – 1.0 LU/HSW
Adhesion is critical for barriers to resist wind, stack effect, and pressurization. This session reviews 15 years of field research on adhesion performance across materials Modern construction is more complex, with layered systems, tight schedules, and higher expectations. This session outlines how quality assurance programs and trade-specific quality control—starting before installation and continuing through completion—help ensure durable, high-performing air barriers
4:15 – 5:00PM Networking
Register Now

What the Heck Happened, A Case Study in a New Building's Stucco Gone Wrong 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00
What the Heck Happened, A Case Study in a New Building’s Stucco Gone Wrong
A recently constructed charter elementary school had a huge problem. Their new stucco of about 8 years was extensively cracked and the window perimeters were leaking into the classrooms. This case study will address the steps of investigation which included forensic discovery of the extent of the problems and the resultant decomposition damage and insect infestation which occurred due to the problem water infiltration. This will then address the assessment that the originally designed traditional three-coat stucco, was mis-applied. Instead of applying the required second or brown coat, the problem assembly jumped ahead and installed an extra-thick finish coat. This then caused excessive shrinkage, extensive spider cracking, and complete delamination of the finish coat from the stucco backup scratch coat. The cracks and the delamination allowed the free-flow of wind-driven rain to travel past the mis-flashed windows and into the children’s classrooms. To remove and reinstall traditional three-coat stucco with a color finish would not have fit into the summer construction schedule, so instead, a drainage back, direct-apply, DEFS to cement board stucco system, along with new flashings and fluid-applied air and weather barrier was selected. This allowed the entire remediation project to occur within the summer construction season prior to the start of school. The result is a water-tight project, that looks exactly like the original stucco intent, but now is even better with reliable back-drainage, flashings, and of-course without the plaguing problems.
Learning Objectives:

Review the guidelines for traditional three-coat stucco.
Describe why too much of the stucco finish coat may cause a problem.
Clarify why flashings are needed at windows instead of relying on the integrity of the finish materials.
Contrast the differences between three-coat stucco, EIFS, and DEFS hard-coat to cement board systems.

Register Now
George David Schoenhard, AIA, ABAA, REWC, BECxA, RRO, CSI, LEED AP, OSHA, Manager & Principal, Design Support Services of Philadelphia, LLC (DSS-Philly)
George 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, presents ABAA Webinar’s, and is an AIA Continuing Education Provider.

BEC Iowa Full-Day Symposium
2025-11-13 09:00 - 17:00
Register Now
FULL-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON AIR BARRIER AND BUILDING ENCLOSURE EDUCATION – Grimes, IA
Presented by the Air Barrier Association of America in Collaboration with BEC IOWA
Join us for a day of expert-led education featuring leading voices in building enclosures and air barriers. ABAA is proud to partner with BEC Iowa for this high-level event covering topics such as:

Building Envelope Guidelines for Mass Timber
Achieving a High-Performance Air Barrier System
Are You (and Your Building) Covered?
The Evolving Landscape of Commercial Energy Efficiency: Understanding & Applying New Codes
The Big Disconnect: Roof to Wall Connections for Your Air Barrier
Addressing Condensation in Low-Slope Roof Assemblies

Presenters:
Pamela Jergenson, FCSI, Technical Director of Building Science Solutions, Intertek
Denali Jones, PE, Technical Director, Air Barrier Association of America
Keith Simon, FAIA, VP, Design Phase Services, Salas O’Brien
Scott Wood, Principal, SWA Consulting
Register Now

BECx Fundamentals: What It Is and Why It Matters 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:00
BECx Fundamentals: What It Is and Why It Matters
This session provides a summary of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx), focusing on its role in delivering the building owner’s vision by achieving a high-performing, durable building envelope. It explores the structured BECx process, outlining how BECx providers, contractors, architects, and owners collaborate to meet performance goals throughout each project phase.
Emphasizing the critical role of air barriers, the session highlights their functions and illustrates how BECx supports air barriers in performing as intended. Essential documentation –such as design reviews, field testing, deficiency tracking, and final acceptance reports –will be outlined to establish efficient communication and issue resolution. Key industry standards, including ASTM and ASHRAE Guideline 0, will be introduced as benchmarks for BECx performance.
Standard testing methods, including air leakage and water penetration, will be examined with a focus on early identification of air barrier deficiencies to safeguard envelope integrity. Additionally, a brief comparison between BECx and mechanical commissioning will clarify their distinct scopes, showcasing BECx’s value in achieving building durability, sustainability, and quality aligned with the owner’s vision.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the Roles and Responsibilities in a BECx Project: Participants will be able to identify the roles of key stakeholders, allowing them to collaborate effectively and align on project goals and responsibilities throughout the commissioning process.
Outline Key Documentation and Verification Methods in BECx: Participants will be able to interpret essential documentation, using real-world examples to outline verification methods like BECx forms and field testing to confirm compliance with specifications.
Discuss Relevant Standards and Guidelines for BECx: Participants will be able to identify relevant standards applicable to the BECx process, enabling them to interpret and adhere to building envelope commissioning guidelines.
Identify BECx’s role in addressing deficiencies in the building enclosure: Participants will be able to recognize how BECx contributes to identifying and mitigating envelope deficiencies and perform as intended.

Register Now
Alessandra Valerio, B. Arch, PMP, BECxP, CxA+BE, Building Science Consultant, Project Manager, Stantec
Alessandra Valerio is a Building Science Consultant at Stantec, specializing in Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and building envelope systems. With over eight years of experience in the construction industry, she is dedicated to empowering stakeholders to succeed in better construction practices and helping building owners achieve their requirements.
She began her career coordinating high-rise commercial building projects, managing project compatibility and ensuring alignment with project requirements, quality standards, and client expectations through technical solutions, inter-disciplinary coordination, and activity monitoring –all while focusing on advancing construction technology and production management.
Transitioning into consulting as a technical consultant representing building materials manufacturers, Alessandra gained in-depth knowledge of building materials while providing guidance to architects across diverse building types during the design and construction phases, ensuring compliance with project objectives.
As a Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP) specialist, Alessandra supports the performance of building envelope systems. She collaborates with project teams to verify design intent and checks that materials and construction methods meet performance standards and owners’ requirements. This thorough approach improves the quality and durability of the building envelope.
Alessandra holds a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the University of São Paulo and a postgraduate qualification in Building Construction Management from the Politecnica of São Paulo. She has also completed coursework in Building Science Specialist (BSS), Project Management Professional (PMP) at the University of Toronto and Commissioning Building Enclosure Assemblies and Systems (BECx) at Wisconsin University-Madison. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC).

ABAA Technical Committee Meeting
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00

ABAA QAP Committee Meeting
2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00

BEC / AIA Nebraska Full Day Symposium
2025-11-14 10:00 - 17:00
Register
FULL-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON AIR BARRIER AND BUILDING ENCLOSURE EDUCATION – Omaha, NE
Presented by the Air Barrier Association of America in collaboration with BEC/AIA Nebraska
Join us for a day of expert-led air barrier education featuring some of the industry’s leading voices in building enclosures, air barriers, and airtightness. As the recognized authority and voice of the air barrier industry, ABAA is proud to partner with BEC Nebraska to deliver this high-level educational event. Gain valuable insights and take part in discussions on topics such as:

Don’t Go There: Navigating the Real, Imperfect Air Barrier Details
ABAA QAP: Ensuring Quality in Air Barrier Installations
Building Envelope Guidelines for Mass Timber
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx): Ensuring Durability, Health, and Performance
Addressing Condensation in Low-Slope Roof Assemblies

Presenters:
Pamela Jergenson, FCSI, Technical Director of Building Science Solutions, Intertek
Denali Jones, PE, Technical Director, Air Barrier Association of America
Keith Simon, FAIA, VP, Design Phase Services, Salas O’Brien
Scott Wood, Principal, SWA Consulting
Register

ABAA Contractors Committee Meeting
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00

ABAA Contractor Webinar: Open Forum - Curtainwall Details Solutions to Your Real-world Applications
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:00
We are excited to host a free virtual educational webinar in November, but need your help. Our speaker, Adam Ugliuzza, will be hosting an open forum, focusing on curtainwall details in real-world applications. Send project-specific issues with an example picture or detail by October 31 to lhardman@airbarrier.org (redact sensitive information).
The webinar will be interactive, and solutions will be provided on the call.
Discussion will:

Summarize Unitized Curtain Wall Design: Provide a general overview of unitized curtain wall design and compare it to other curtain wall types.
Explore Unitized Curtain Wall Installation: Review unitized curtain wall details to understand typical installation procedures.
Explore Unitized Curtain Wall Interface Conditions: Review unitized curtain wall details that have been provided and present solutions for interfacing with the air and water barrier.

This webinar is exclusive to the ABAA contractor members. Please reach out to lhardman@airbarrier.org to register.

ABAA Conference Committee Meeting
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-24 13:00 - 14:30

ABAA Research Committee Meeting
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00

Pitfalls and Challenges to Avoid in NFPA 285 Engineering Judgements 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00
Pitfalls and Challenges to Avoid in NFPA 285 Engineering Judgements
Engineering Analysis is a necessary tool to provide the fire protection and safety of our buildings. The exponential number of wall assembly combinations and detailing of enclosure assemblies in the built environment prevents the opportunity to confirm fire performance through direct testing. This is especially true with the required investment of time, effort, and cost of for larger scale tests such as NFPA 285. Qualified Fire Engineering teams in partnership with third-party labs and the product manufacturers offer the opportunity to extend successful test results beyond the tested specimen through a Letter of Engineering Analysis. This presentation will discuss the opportunity, challenges and limitations present when considering acceptance of test data extended to support substitution or modification to an assembly.
Learning Objectives:

Identify appropriate content within engineering analysis reports pertaining to exterior walls.
Understand the different types of engineering analysis reports.
Gain an understanding of the engineering analysis process and considerations when reviewing fire test data for extension.
Identify the relevant code path that allows for engineering analyses.

Register Now
Keith Nelson, NCARB, AIA, CDT, BCxP, Commercial Application Leader and Fire Performance SME, Dupont
Keith P. Nelson joined DuPont in January 2023 with over 20 years of industry experience leading building enclosure consulting for design and construction projects across the US and internationally. He is a licensed Architect in multiple states and joined DuPont with strong experiences in building science, building enclosure forensics, enclosure commissioning, field performance testing, and is an industry leader in NFPA 285 compliance education. Keith leads and participates in multiple standard development organizations, including ICC 1125, ASHRAE 90.1, ASTM E06, and ASTM E05 and was elected to the ABAA Board of Directors in June 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Dan Martin, PE, CFEI, CVFI, Lead Fire Protection Engineer, Jensen Hughes
Dan Martin is a Fire Protection Engineering working in the RDT&E group conducting live fire research for a variety of clients ranging from government institutions to the private sector, and in the fire forensics group as a fire investigator. Additionally, he analyzes and inspects building construction deficiencies that relate to the IBC fire rating of various assemblies and constructions. He’s also part of a team of engineers that provide guidance, design recommendations, and write engineering judgment letters for exterior cladding systems compliance in accordance with NFPA 285. He is actively engaged in the ICC code development process representing clients and the FPE industry in the development of the International Building Code.

ABAA Marketing Committee Meeting
2025-11-20 14:00 - 15:00
