ONLINE COURSE
Introduction to Air Barriers
NEW! Free on-line course available through ABAA’s own website.
“Introduction to Air Barriers” provides an overview of the performance requirements of air barrier materials, assemblies, and systems, and includes a discussion on relevant building code requirements. This course provides AIA and state credits and qualifies for HSW.

To start the course, click here
(SmarterU Link)
ON-DEMAND WEBINAR
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:
- 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.
- Understand the various test methods for air barrier materials and assemblies as it relates to air, water, fire and other key requirements.
- Identify key language for three-part specification to articulate performance standards, execution and quality requirements.
- Define requirements for quality assurance and control, and typical downfalls in specification verbiage.
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:
- Identify how to specify and use a variety of performance mock-ups to confirm design intent, sequencing, material compatibility and standards of installation acceptance.
- Demonstrate various ASTM test methods for assembly air permeance, rain penetration, adhesion, density and thickness testing procedures.
- Define key visual inspection methods used during the construction process for various air barrier materials utilizing site photos and proper corrective action.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Identify pre-construction coordination items to review and allocation of responsibilities to sub-trades for proper execution of connection.
- Review requirements for detailing the roof/wall interface and the sequence of construction for most common roof/wall air barrier connections.
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:
- Explain why airtightness is essential for durable and sustainable building enclosures.
- Explain how to be recognized by building professionals as knowledgeable in air barriers.
- Provide a repeatable quality process using examples from the Air Barrier Association of America’s Quality Assurance Program.
- Provide examples of how a building using knowledgeable people and an enclosure quality process can help provide energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
- Review industry expectations and educational resources.
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:
- Articulate how transitions impact building enclosure performance through real-life experiences in regards to energy loss, building performance and the sustainability of the system.
- Identify and prioritize critical details during the construction document phase to ensure an integrated approach is taken to heat, air, water and vapor control.
- 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.
- 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.