ABAA

Top Air Barrier Details for Commercial Construction 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-11 15:45 - 16:45 (America/Detroit)
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 ASI Ad Hoc Group Meeting
2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-16 11:00 - 12:00
Conference Call
All times shown are in Eastern Time Zones

ABAA Board of Directors Meeting
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-16 10:00 - 11:00

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

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

Additional Fees:

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

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

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

Register Today

ABAA Conference Committee Meeting
2025-12-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-13 11:00 - 12:00

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

ABAA Contractors Committee Meeting
2025-12-15 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-12 11:00 - 12:00

Building Envelope Case Study: From Initial Construction Through Occupancy 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:00
Building Envelope Case Study: From Initial Construction Through Occupancy
Join me as I recount my building envelope journey with a large four-story CMU and masonry higher-educational building for a large university in the Midwest. We will start with the initial pre-bid constructability review and go through construction and turnover. We will review the air/vapor barrier, masonry flashing, waterproofing, window installation, and roof transitions. We will learn what was initially missing in the Contraction Documents through mock-ups and first-work-in-place reviews. Once construction starts, we will review the building construction and perform testing throughout.
Learning Objectives:

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

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

ABAA QAP Committee Meeting
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-16 14:00 - 15:00

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

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

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

Peeling Back the Onion 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 12:30 - 13:30
Peeling Back the Onion
This presentation is an in-depth dive into a leak investigation at a high school Industrial Arts and Horticulture Building that snowballed into a remedial architecture project and then escalated further with discoveries that raised structural red flags and created an expansion to the original scope of work. While investigating water damage, additional nonconforming conditions were uncovered and additional areas had to be opened, revealing even more questionable building practices. In the end, the structure of the south façade was replaced, as well as 1/3 of the roof structure, and the entire building was “re-skinned”. Due to the nature of the failures, this project also became a case for litigation.
This presentation is presented as a Case Study that covers the timeline of the project from the initial investigation, the layers of additional discoveries, the remedial design, and the construction process while briefly covering the litigation that followed. Throughout the timeline, each layer of the onion is pulled back for discussion, as well as to inform attendees of how each of those issues was overcome.
Learning Objectives:

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

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

Designing Wall Systems for Specific Climate Zones 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 12:30 - 13:30
Designing Wall Systems for Specific Climate Zones
Copying and pasting a wall or roof assembly that works in one part of our country into a project in another part of the country could be not just problematic, but potentially catastrophic. This presentation will use data and hygrothermal modeling to articulate what happens when tried and true assemblies from one part of the country get moved to a very different climate. More importantly, we’ll cover strategies to mitigate these issues. While many may be familiar with a Class I Vapor Retarder (“vapor barrier”) in the wrong part of an assembly, we’ll also cover the impacts of insulation type, the overreaction to perm ratings, light-colored roofing membranes, and reservoir claddings such as stucco and unit masonry.
Learning Objectives:

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

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

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

ABAA Fellowship Committee Meeting
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00

Air Barrier Installation & Quality Control Fundamentals 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 15:00 - 16:00
Air Barrier Installation & Quality Control Fundamentals
Join us for an informative presentation that emphasizes the importance of proper air barrier application in enhancing building performance. Properly installed air barriers are critical in preventing air leakage, which can lead to energy inefficiencies, moisture issues, and compromised indoor air quality.
We will delve into best practices for air barrier application, highlighting the techniques that ensure continuity and effectiveness. Attendees will learn about common challenges faced during installation and the vital role of quality control in maintaining the integrity of the air barrier system.
Through real-world project photo’s, we’ll illustrate key application requirements for a variety of air barrier materials and exactly what to look for when performing quality control and site-testing.
Learning Objectives:

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

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

Continuous Insulation Compared Within Eight Steel Stud Wall Assemblies 1.0 CEU/HSW
2025-12-18 16:15 - 17:15
Continuous Insulation Compared Within Eight Steel Stud Wall Assemblies
Continuous Insulation, while required by the energy code, presents challenges integrating it with the overall wall-assembly’s design, performance and construction. This program at the intermediate to advanced level, comparatively studies eight steel-stud commercial wall assemblies with considerations including: Overview of the Assembly components, High-performance Net-Zero Energy, WUFI thermal and moisture modeling comparisons, NFPA 285 and fire-rated compliance.
Learning Objectives:

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

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

ABAA ExCom Meeting
2026-01-05 15:00 - 16:00

ABAA Ad Hoc Meeting - Build Out Contractor Panel Presentation: 2026 Conference
2026-01-08 11:00 - 12:00

Saddle Up! Integrating Control Layers at Parapet to Rise Walls Conditions 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
Saddle Up! Integrating Control Layers at Parapet to Rise Walls Conditions
Water and air leakage, deterioration, and biological growth often occur at parapet terminations where adjacent rise walls lack proper integration of air and moisture control layers. These issues typically stem from missing or inadequate detailing, sequencing, trade coordination, and installation—compounded by limited industry standards and general lack of awareness. While most designs rely on two-dimensional details, complex roof-to-wall interfaces require multi-step, three-dimensional detailing. Proper construction sequencing, trade coordination, and mock-ups—including saddle flashing—are essential. This presentation will review design principles for integrating control layers at complex conditions and demonstrate how freehand sketches, paper folding, 3D modeling, collaboration with trades and manufacturers, and mock-ups help develop effective saddle flashing details.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the importance of critical detailing of control layers at complex conditions to avoid air and water-related problems
Learn effective ways to develop and design successful details at complex conditions that are constructable and durable
Recognize the importance of considering construction sequencing and trade coordination when developing complex details
Understand the importance of mock-ups for evaluating detailing, sequencing and performance testing to ensure water-resistant and airtight designs

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Michael Nagle, NCARB, Firmwide Quality Leader | Building Enclosures, Cannon Design
In his role as a firmwide quality leader of building enclosures, Michael Nagle leads CannonDesign’s building enclosure group, leads standard development, performs quality reviews, and develops in-house training for fellow colleagues in the area of building science fundamentals and building enclosure design. Before joining CannonDesign (a global A/E design firm) in January 2022, Michael served the industry as a building enclosure consultant while investigating many projects involving water and air leakage, condensation, and distress conditions in a variety of building enclosure systems at a leading consulting firm for nearly 20 years.

Jacob Morrison, Associate AIA, ANFA, Designer III, Cannon Design
Jake Morrison is committed to integrating technology to find creative solutions for each project’s unique challenges. At CannonDesign, he uses metrics derived from iterative modeling and simulation to inform and refine the design process to meet the different needs each client, project, and site requirement. In the last 5 years, Jake has been involved in many large scale projects serving as a building enclosure technical designer.

IIBEC Chicago Area Chapter Annual Meeting
2026-01-14 08:00 - 19:00
The Chicago Area Chapter of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (CAC) will be conducting our Annual Meeting and Program on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Agenda below.
Attendees will receive 6 IIBEC CEH and 2 AIA LU. **If you attended the “Failure is Not an Option” by Allison McSherry and Brian Mathus of K&H at the BES in October, then you are eligible for only 5 CEH**
The event will be followed by a cocktail reception and presentation of IIBEC-CAC awards.
IIBEC-Chicago Area Chapter Annual Meeting and Winter Program Agenda
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Hyatt at 2715 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Time
Event

7:00-8:00AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast, Table-top Exhibits, and Networking

8:00-8:15AM
Welcome, Announcements, and Table-Top Exhibitor Introductions

8:15-9:15AM
Tech Session #1: “Designing Against Wind Uplift: Best Practices for Paver and Vegetated Assemblies” by John Hamati of Eco Building Solutions

9:15-10:15AM
Tech Session #2: “Expansion Joint Complexities within Elevated Planters and Paver Plazas” by Lurita Blank and David Fortino of Raths, Raths & Johnson, Inc.

10:15-10:40AM
Mid-morning Break and Table-top Exhibits

10:40-11:40AM
Tech Session #3: “What the Heck are Air Barriers, Vapor Barriers, and Water-Resistive Barriers?” by Laverne Dalgleish of ABAA

11:40-11:50AM
CRCA Update and Trade Show by Troy Wormley of CRCA

11:50-12:00PM
IIBEC Region III Update by Charles Sietmann, Region III Director

12:00-1:00PM
Luncheon

1:00-2:00PM
Tech Session #4: “Commercial Low-slope Roof Design and Installation – 10 (Roof System) Things to Think About in 2026” by Jason Wilen of Klein & Hoffman [AIA 1.0 LU]

2:00-3:00PM
Tech Session #5: “ Rooftop & Building Envelope Ice and Snow Management” by David Dellal of Floe

3:00-3:30PM
Mid-afternoon Break and Table-top Exhibits

3:30-4:30PM
Tech Session #6: “Failure is Not an Option” by Allison McSherry and Brian Mathus of Klein & Hoffman**

4:30-4:45PM
Chapter Business

4:45-6:00PM
IIBEC-Chicago Area Chapter Awards and Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Table-Top Exhibitors

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2026 CRCA Trade Show & Seminars
2026-01-14 10:00 - 2026-01-16 17:00
2026 CRCA TRADE SHOW & SEMINARS SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14:

​5 pm – Roofing Week in Chicago: Kick-off Cocktail Party at the Hilton Suites (Requires Advance Registration)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15:

11 am – 5 pm Trade Show Exhibitor Hours
9 – 11 am – CRCA’s Roofing Week in Chicago Keynote Breakfast: State of the Industry: Key Legal and Policy Issues Affecting Contractors (Trent Cotney, Adams & Reese LLP) ($60 per member, $90 per non-member – $30 to Roof Consultants, Code Officials, and Specifiers/Architects – Requires Advance Registration)
12 – 1 pm – What the Heck are Air Barriers, Vapor Barriers, and Water Resistive Barriers?(Laverne Dalgleish, Air Barrier Association of America)
1:30 – 2:30 pm – I Wouldn’t Do That If I Were You (Matt Dupuis, SRI Consultants)
3 – 4 pm – Growing a Sales Team (Ben Christiansen, GAF Materials Corporation)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16:

9 am – 1 pm Trade Show Exhibitor Hours
7 – 9 am – Safety Leadership & Soft Skills for a Resilient Workplace (Frank Marino, Safety Check)
9:30 – 10:30 am – Case Law Update: Lessons and Legal Insights for Contractors (Trent Cotney, Adams & Reese LLP)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Low Slope Technical Update (Mark Graham, NRCA)

Learn more/Attend

Navigating the Complexities of Expansion Joint System Installation for Stadium Construction 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00
Navigating the Complexities of Expansion Joint System Installation for Stadium Construction
The installation of expansion joint systems in stadium construction presents unique challenges due to the structural demands and operational requirements of these large-scale venues. This presentation will explore the technical intricacies associated with planning, coordinating, and executing expansion joint system installations with particular emphasis on the critical role of effective interfacing with various substrates and the extensive logistical coordination required for a seamless, water-tight installation. Key discussion points will include the process of ensuring proper preparation and alignment with various substrates, which are often subject to irregularities and environmental conditions that could impact the performance and longevity of the joint systems. This presentation will reference a confidential new NFL stadium on the East Coast and analyze the importance of pre-installation assessment, surface preparation, and substrate compatibility in addressing and/or minimizing issues that could lead to system failure or compromised system integrity.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the Role and Importance of Expansion Joint Systems in Large-Scale Stadium Projects
Examine Best Practices for Interfacing Expansion Joints with Concrete Substrates
Analyze Logistical and Sequencing Challenges in Expansion Joint Installation
Identify Common Types of Expansion Joint Materials and Installation Challenges

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Jack Belanger, Vice President, MTN Inc.
Jack Belanger is a Vice President for MTN Inc., a national Division-7 waterproofing and specialty contractor. Jack brings over 20 years of experience in commercial construction ranging from maintaining and extending useful lives of new commercial buildings and structures to performing restoration aspects of commercial structures while utilizing leading technologies to ensure building envelope continuity. Jack is proficient in various technologies including below-grade waterproofing systems, expansion joint systems, above-grade air/vapor barriers, joint sealants, commercial roofing systems, traffic coatings, epoxy coatings, and hot- and cold- applied waterproofing.
