12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)

When Codes are in Conflict: Building Enclosure 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.

Presenter: Erin Andes, PE – Director, Design Outreach, GAF

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1:15 PM – 2:15 PM (EST)

Masonry Thru-Wall Flashing and Key Interface Details

Explore the continuity of water and air control layers in relation to masonry through-wall flashing at critical interface details, including: base-of-wall, windowsill, openings heads, shelf angle, veneer material transitions, and top-of-wall.

Presenter: Pat Conway, AIA – Director, Industry Development & Technical Services, International Masonry Institute

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2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (EST)

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 manufacturers 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.

Presenter: Jonnie Hasan, PE, BECxP, CxA+BE – Vice President (Business & Product Development), IMETCO

Webinar Link

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM (EST)

Top Air Barrier Details for Commercial Construction

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.

Presenter: Chris Bubser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Senior Technical Architect, LHB Corp.

Webinar Link

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EST)

Introduction to Spray Polyurethane Foam

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.

Presenter: Richard Duncan, PhD, PE – Technical Consultant, Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA)

Webinar Link

6:15 PM – 7:15 PM (EST)

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.

Presenter: Denali Jones, PE – Technical Director, Air Barrier Association of America

Webinar Link

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (EST)

Building Enclosure Case Study: From Initial Occupancy through Construction

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.

Presenter: Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB – QA/QC Vice President, AECOM Hunt Construction

Webinar Link

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM (EST)

Resolving Complex Geometries for Iconic Towers: Combining Unitized and Stick Built Curtain Wall Systems in High-Rise Designs

This session will explore curtain wall detailing, fabrication, testing, and installation oversight strategies for resolving complex geometries involved in iconic high-rise tower design that combine stick-built and unitized systems. It will begin with a general overview of the key differences between stick-built and unitized curtain wall systems, covering the pros and cons of both in terms of water and air barrier performance, schedule and cost efficiency, quality control, installation time, construction equipment and labor demands, and inspection requirements. It will also explore why, though unitized curtain wall systems are typically preferred for high-rise design, combining unitized and stick-built systems can yield better performance and aesthetic results, and how by rationalizing the facade design the systems can be combined effectively. It will also provide valuable insights into economical procurement options for curtain walls, as well as the structural performance of curtain walls and how various anchorage systems affect it. The presentation will also explore common pitfalls in curtain wall installation that threaten to compromise building performance and strategies to overcome these issues, which include installation errors, gasket and seal degradation, and sealant issues. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of a case study, Halo Tower in Newark, NJ, a high-design three-tower development that includes Newark’s tallest building. The tower gracefully combines unitized and stick-built curtain wall systems to achieve its complex geometries, which include distinctive facade slices, stepped terraces, inclined glass panels, and curved glass elements.

Presenter: Manan Raval, PE – Partner – Building Envelope/Facade Engineering, Hatfield Group Engineering

Webinar Link

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (EST)

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.

Presenter: Nathan Taylor, CDT – Facilities Senior Associate, DTR | ECS Pacific Inc.

Webinar Link

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM (EST)

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.

Presenter: John Posenecker, PE – Senior Principal, Senior Engineering Consultant, Building Enclosure Practice Lead, Terracon

Webinar Link

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (EST)

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.

Presenter: Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT – Owner, Midwest Enclosure Consulting LLC

Webinar Link

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM (EST)

Continuous Insulation Compared within 8 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.

Presenter: George David Schoenhard, AIA – Manager & Principal, DSS-Philly

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