Specifying Air Barriers to Achieve Air Tightness

by Laverne Dalgleish

Design and construction documents are one of the first steps towards achieving an effective layer of air tightness to manage moisture and air movement. The importance of a proper specification cannot be understated and a well-articulated document will ensure that the owner is provided with materials, performance and quality. This presentation will go over some of the consideration and language that should be reviewed prior to developing a specification and will outline code requirements, performance requirements, what can be done for quality, ensuring material selection meets the intent of design and for crucial coordination with other components of the enclosure.

Learning Objectives:

1. Through a review of IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 code language, we will determine the code compliance options for air barriers and requirements for materials, assemblies and whole building airtightness.
2. Understand the various test methods for air barrier materials and assemblies as it relates to air, water, fire and other key requirements.
3. Identify key language for three-part specification to articulate performance standards, execution and quality requirements.
4. Define requirements for quality assurance and control, and typical downfalls in specification verbiage.

Laverne Dalgleish has been actively involved in the construction industry for over 30 years and has specialized in building envelopes, energy efficiency and building performance for both commercial and residential construction. Over the years, Laverne has become a frequent presenter across North America on a variety of topics as they relate to building envelopes, energy efficiency, green building practices, and standards and quality of construction. He has been a leader and participated in a number of building research projects with groups such as Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Syracuse University, University of Waterloo and the National Research Council of Canada. Laverne has been involved in a number of utility demand side management programs and worked with various government departments across North American such as the U.S Department of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Trust but Verify: Quality Control for Your Air Barrier

by Ryan Dalgleish

Today’s building construction must overcome complex building materials, multi-layer construction/multiple trades, thinner construction, limited on-the-job training, higher expectations, tight schedules and the pressure to keep the cost as low as possible. In the past, building systems were simpler with fewer layers. That is no longer the case.

One way to help ensure a successful project is to incorporate some form of quality assurance and quality control. Quality assurance can be achieved through incorporating a quality management system for the air barrier sub-trade. Quality control can be implemented before the first square-foot of air barrier is installed and then throughout the installation process.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify how to specify and use a variety of performance mock-ups to confirm design intent, sequencing, material compatibility and standards of installation acceptance.
2. Demonstrate various ASTM test methods for assembly air permeance, rain penetration, adhesion, density and thickness testing procedures.
3. Define key visual inspection methods used during the construction process for various air barrier materials utilizing site photos and proper corrective action.
4. List the top five field related installation issues found during site quality control audits using site photos and case studies to evaluate the installation of the air barrier application.

Ryan Dalgleish has been involved in building enclosure design for over 20 years, and has served on the board of local building enclosure chapter for 15 years. Ryan presents all over North America at various conferences and events in the areas of building science, Net Zero, Passive House and building enclosures. He is a Net Zero Building Instructor and Certified Adult Education Specialist from the University of Manitoba. Ryan acts as the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Barrier Association of America.

The Importance of Wall to Roof Connections for the Air Barrier

by Roy Schauffele

As more states, jurisdictions and the design community require air barriers, the issue of connecting the wall air barrier assembly to other building assemblies, such as below-grade, window systems and roofs need to be completely understood in order to design and construct a functioning building enclosure.

One of the most often missed or poorly executed details is the connection between the wall air barrier and roof assembly. With a myriad of roof systems, wall configurations and the growing number of wall air barrier products, it can be difficult to navigate the process in regards to what systems work best with each other and the chemical compatibility of these systems.

This presentation will focus on things to consider from a design standpoint, along with practical approaches to ensuring a robust connection is constructed and executed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe why the roof/wall air barrier intersection is critical to building performance in regards to moisture management and air leakage control and common design and field errors.
2. Discuss compatibility issues related to wall and roof air barrier components for the myriad of air barrier and roofing assemblies that exist on the market today.
3. Identify pre-construction coordination items to review and allocation of responsibilities to sub-trades for proper execution of connection.
4. Review requirements for detailing the roof/wall interface and the sequence of construction for most common roof/wall air barrier connections.

Roy Schauffele is an internationally published author and speaker in the fields of energy conservation and sustainable building envelopes, all with an eye towards improving building science, performance and quality of life. He is the acknowledged inventor of “The Perfect Wall” which is now the nationwide building code standard for wall construction. Roy is President and founder of Division 7 Solutions, Inc., now entering its 32nd year of continuous operations. He was the first Technical Director of SPRI, and a Construction Specifications Institute Board Director. Roy currently serves as a Director and Executive Committee Member of the ABAA. He’s currently a Technical Advisor to Build San Antonio Green. This year, Roy was awarded the ABAA Wagdy Anis Dedication award for excellence in volunteerism, leadership and mentorship. Globally, he is the only person to be a Fellow of both CSI and ABAA and he continues to be a requested national speaker on energy conservation and sustainability.

Game Plan to Getting Air Barriers Right

by Brian Stroik

A billion dollars is spent each year by construction managers, trade partners, manufacturers and insurance companies due to water and moisture issues in the building enclosure. We know this is an issue—it has been for decades—yet every year there is more litigation regarding building enclosure failures. Join us to learn how having an industry-recognized knowledgeable individual in air barriers and an enclosure quality program can mitigate your building enclosure risk and assist you in providing the owner with a durable, sustainable building facade. Industry organizations have training programs, credentialing programs and guidance resources to help you assemble the right team to build air barriers right!

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain why airtightness is essential for durable and sustainable building enclosures.
2. Explain how to be recognized by building professionals as knowledgeable in air barriers.
3. Provide a repeatable quality process using examples from the Air Barrier Association of America’s Quality Assurance Program.
4. Provide examples of how a building using knowledgeable people and an enclosure quality process can help provide energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
5. Review industry expectations and educational resources.

Brian Stroik is a recognized industry leader in the construction of energy-efficient, sustainable and durable buildings. He is the National Strategic Accounts Sales Director at Tremco Sealants & Waterproofing. Brian works with key industry organizations—including the Air Barrier Association of America, the National Building Enclosure Council, the Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council and ASTM E06—on research and education regarding building enclosures, energy efficiency, retrofitting and upgrading existing building enclosures. He has also chaired numerous speaker sessions at national conferences and hosted roundtable discussions.

The Elusive Sub-Contractor Responsible for Transitions

by Andrew Dunlap

An in-depth look at the environmental separators for the roof, wall and below-grade assemblies in regards to water control, air leakage control, thermal performance and vapor control. Critical details that typically cause building performance related issues will be focused on the two largest failures of building enclosures: roof-to-wall connections and wall-to-window connections specific to curtain wall systems. A step-by-step look at each critical detail in regards to sequence of construction and the various connections to ensure airtight/watertight and thermally protected details. Real-life photos and job conditions will bring the realities of the construction process to show typical errors found and how they can be addressed correctly.

Learning Objectives:

1. Articulate how transitions impact building enclosure performance through real-life experiences in regards to energy loss, building performance and the sustainability of the system.
2. Identify and prioritize critical details during the construction document phase to ensure an integrated approach is taken to heat, air, water and vapor control.
3. Assess each detail in regards to impacts of the four control layers and understand the various options for designing details for a variety of roof, wall and window assemblies.
4. Through the use of real-life case studies and photos, plan out the proper sequence of construction and identify quality control methods in construction document review to provide corrective action.

Andrew Dunlap’s, Principal, SmithGroup, Inc., primary work experience is focused on the analysis and development of building enclosure systems including wall cladding assemblies, air/water barrier systems, roofing, skylights, fenestration systems and waterproofing. Specializing in the energy and hygrothermal analysis of wall, fenestration and roof systems; his work extends from evaluating existing buildings, investigating problem buildings, revitalizing historic structures, to the design and consultation of new and specialty facades. Andrew received his Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy. He provides presentations to several industry organizations on a regular basis and is published in numerous industry periodicals and journals.