Member Spotlight: Tom Harris
Tom Harris, president at Tom Harris PUR Consulting, is well known on three continents for his consultative approach to using PUR in high performance construction. He formed Tom Harris PUR Consulting to help construction professionals reduce risk, improve specification accuracy and build superior projects.
Tom is a recognized subject matter expert in the field of polyurethane foams, as well as a successful product integrator and marketer to the built environment; He can help craft and execute strategic plans focused on delivering a high-performance envelope assembly.
When did you become a licensed field auditor?
A:2021
How has ABAA’s Field Auditor certification impacted your career or professional development?
A: As one of the founders of the ABAA, I’ve witnessed the positive impact the ABAA has had on creating awareness, delivering education and improving the quality of installed air barrier systems. As a certified ABAA auditor, I see first hand, the level of dedication to quality and professionalism ABAA certified installers bring to the jobsite. Field auditing ABAA projects has provided a valuable link for me between manufacturers, installers and the design community to help these 3 key components of a successful construction project, understand the impact their decisions have on the execution of a project.
Name: Tom Harris
Title: President
Company: Tom Harris PUR Consulting, LLC
City: Minneapolis, MN
ABAA member for 20+ years
How has your training resulted in improved building performance for the owner?
A. The ABAA auditor is the “eyes of the owner”. The ability to verify the design promise of the air barrier system has been delivered is paramount to the resiliency and energy performance of the envelope. By, auditing the AB installer for compliance to the ABAA process and design specification, the owner is assured the design intent is upheld and the materials installed in a safe manner.
ABAA Auditor training provides the foundational understanding of purpose and method essential for all auditors to be of value to the owner, contractor and AB installer.
In your opinion, what are they key elements of a successful air barrier audit?
A. Auditing is not only an opportunity to verify the installation is being conducted in a safe and effective manner, in compliance with the manufacturers installation specifications and the ABAA Quality Assurance Program, but also provide an opportunity for further education and understanding while on site. Classroom lectures and small hands-on demonstrations of understanding and capability are great, but the impact of project scope and environment are not truly appreciated until you are “on the job”. I feel the ABAA Audit process provides an opportunity for installers and contractors to get answers to real-world situations they encounter and develop a better understanding of “why” we do things a certain way, and the value of having an independent party involved.
Describe how understanding continuity and component compatibility has improved your work quality, and the work quality of the installers.
A. Continuity and component compatibility can present challenges in the scope of construction. Who is responsible for tie-ins and post air-barrier installation disruptions? It’s like a hand-off in football. If the ball is fumbled, which players process do we need to improve? All air barrier materials, components and assemblies must be tested and their compatibility with each other confirmed before we get to the jobsite. The responsible parties, must be aware of their responsibility and acknowledge their acceptance. The ABAA Certified installer is fully aware of the requirements for component compatibility and the importance of continuity. The auditor is there to verify the correct materials are being installed, with all testing and approvals in place, in accordance with the manufacturers installation specification, project SOW and safety requirements.
Do you foresee an increased demand for improved performance and quality assurance in the air barrier/construction industry?
A. Yes. We discovered the importance of an air barrier system 25 or so years ago. As our building envelopes age, we discovered air barrier related failures and realized the value of installing it (the air barrier system) right the first time. Quality products are important, a trained and capable installer is important and an independent audit to confirm the QAP process is being upheld is just as important to a successful AB install. We can repair a lot of things in the built environment, but it’s very difficult, and expensive, to repair the building envelope. It’s critical we get it right the first time.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing the Field Auditor certification?
A. I believe, everyone in the construction field should take the ABAA Auditor training course. There’s a lot of background and detailed information provided about the “why” we do things the way we do at the ABAA, and its valueable. There are nuggets of information that can be taken back to any company and implimented to improve the bottom line.
If you’re considering including ABAA auditing in your companies product portfolio, and the company is well versed in construction materials and process, I highly recommend becoming a certified audit provider. By delivering your perspective, through ABAA audits, to air barrier installers and contractors, you will help provide a more resilient building envelope for owners and occupants.