ABAA

Buildings Move, Buildings Leak: Revisiting the Critical Link Between Engineering Mechanics and Enclosure Performance 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit)
“Systems thinking” is a term that is discussed at times in Building Science. But what if systems thinking asks us to consider more factors in the long term viability of enclosure integrity? While the relationship between structural movement and a structure’s usefulness to its intended purpose has been well developed throughout the history of design and construction, that understanding has not always translated well into satisfactory enclosure performance.
Drawing on experiences in post-construction forensic investigations, troubleshooting during construction, and efforts to influence design detailing, this presentation will discuss key factors in applying engineering mechanics for the benefit (or detriment) of enclosure performance. Specific aspects to be shared will include the cross-party dynamics in design and construction that give rise to current challenges, case studies of failures as a result of insufficient consideration, and areas for improvement across the design and construction industry.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will develop a better understanding of the relationship between movement of materials and enclosure integrity
Participants will gain perspective around what should be considered minimum baseline requirements for performance specifications particular to accommodating movement
Participants will learn about case studies where enclosure systems were compromised or even failed as a result of limited awareness around building movement
Participants will see examples that reinforce the connection between effective project collaboration and desired performance of the enclosure

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Jon Porter, P.E. (MN), Associate AIA, Director of Building Science, Kraus-Anderson Construction Company
Jon Porter is the Director of Building Science at Kraus Anderson Construction. In his role at KA, Jon focuses on building performance, particularly the exterior enclosure and interior finishes. He serves as a technical resource to project teams in relation to means and methods, constructability, building materials technology, workflow and sequencing, proper installation techniques, and testing and acceptance protocols. A licensed Professional Engineer in the State on Minnesota, Jon has more than 25 years of design and construction experience, including roles in forensic investigation of design and construction failures and as an owner’s representative.

Managing Moisture Risk in Cold-Climate Roof Assemblies Using WUFI Hygrothermal Analysis 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00
This course examines how modern building codes and airtight construction practices are increasing the importance of moisture-aware roof design in cold-climate environments. Participants will explore building code requirements and the growing risk of moisture entrapment in roofing assemblies. The course introduces hygrothermal modeling as a predictive tool, using WUFI to analyze roof assemblies’ long-term performance. Through comparative analysis using real-world case studies, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how vapor-permeable underlayments enhance drying potential and provide greater moisture management compared to vapor-impermeable membranes, supporting more durable and resilient roof system design decisions.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the relationship between current building codes and the increased risk of moisture entrapment in airtight building envelopes.
Understand the role of hygrothermal analysis (WUFI) in predicting the long-term performance of roof assemblies in cold climates.
Analyze the difference between vapor-permeable and vapor-impermeable membranes regarding drying capacity and “moisture safety margins.”
Assess WUFI case studies to understand how vapor-permeable underlayments improve moisture performance compared to vapor-impermeable underlayments.

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Scott Wood, Senior Building Scientist, VaproShield
Mr. Scott Wood has decades of experience in building science and infrared thermography as an instructor and consultant. As the Senior Building Scientist for VaproShield he operates the FrogLab, testing and evaluating AB/WRB systems and associated accessories. He provides technical support for the company’s representatives, client inquiries, and assists in development – updating product literature and creating VaproShield’s AIA presentations. His expertise has provided numerous papers and presentations in both the building and thermography sciences.
His credentials and memberships span a large array of specialties including B.S. in Microbiology with an emphasis in biochemistry and molecular biology, trained in WUFI, fire/mold-water/asbestos/odor remediation, Level III Thermographer, memberships in ASTM C06 & C16 committees, BEC, IACT, AUPTA, ABAA.

Thermal Innovations for Wall Assemblies 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00
Thermal innovations are necessary as energy codes evolve. In this seminar, we discuss innovative design strategies to address thermal bridges in wall assemblies and the impact they have on air barriers.
Learning Objectives:

Discuss the thermal impact veneer anchors have on the overall R-Value and air leakage of a project.
Discuss traditional shelf angles to offset shelf angles.
Review how high-performance air barriers impact the building envelope.
Introduce how rainscreen attachments can impact thermal efficiency

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Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America
Aric graduated with a degree in Communications and has since built a career spanning more than 20 years in the construction industry. He has specialized in masonry, air barriers, and building envelopes, developing expertise in both fluid-applied and sheet-applied systems. Over the course of his career, he has worked in product development for a leading manufacturer, helping create and refine high-performance air barrier solutions. Aric has also served as an architectural representative, providing technical support and delivering educational presentations to architects, including the integration of AI-driven tools into industry training.

What the Heck are Air Barriers, Vapor Barriers, and Water-Resistive Barriers? A Simplified Look at Air Barriers & Thermal Bridging 1.0 CEU/HSW
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
These terms are often described as simple—so why is there so much confusion? This presentation explains what air barriers, vapor barriers, and water-resistive barriers are, and when a single material may serve more than one function. That overlap is often where misunderstandings arise. The session explores which barriers are critical, which may be less so, and how their role can change depending on where they are installed within the building envelope. The impact of thermal bridging on barrier performance is also examined.
Learning Objectives:

Define air, vapor, and water-resistive barriers
Identify the various ways water can enter a building
Explain why hidden conditions often present the greatest risk
Recognize which barriers are critical to building performance

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Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America
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.
