ABAA QAP Committee Meeting
2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Conference Call
All times shown are in Eastern Time Zones

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.

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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, 2025-12-03 16:00 - 17:00

ABAA ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:00

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

ABAA Codes Task Group Meeting
2025-12-01 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

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

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.

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!
Register Now

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

ABAA & CSI Houston - Air Barrier and Enclosure Education
2025-12-09 10:00 - 17:30
Register
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
Register

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
Register
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 Dallas - Air Barrier Rodeo
2025-12-10 10:00 - 17:30
Register
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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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