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.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn climate-specific design strategies for durable construction.
2. Learn to avoid common mistakes that can lead to mold, rot, mildew, corrosion and decay.
3. Understand how hygrothermal modeling can be used in the design process to ensure durability.
4. Learn how material properties (permeability, heat capacity, density, conductivity and porosity) impact wall assemblies.

John Posenecker, PE

Senior Principal & Regional Facilities Manager, Terracon

Mr. Posenecker is the Senior Principal and Regional Facilities Manager for Terracon Consultants, Inc. He is a registered engineer in the State of Texas. His experience includes the design, construction, testing and forensic investigation of building envelope systems. Previously, he was an Estimating Manager with Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing from 2005 though 2015, Project Manager for Advancing Environmental Concepts from 1997 through 2005, an Engineering Team Leader at Southern Company Services from 1987 through 1997 and a Senior Engineer with Bechtel Power from 1982 to 1987.

Throughout his career, Mr. Posenecker has participated in a wide variety of projects associated with the building envelope that include containment systems for commercial nuclear power plants; noise control systems for commercial and institutional projects; and waterproofing for commercial high-rise office and multi-family buildings, medical and educational institutional projects, and large concrete structural projects. Mr. Posenecker specializes in waterproofing and cladding systems associated with the building envelope. He is an active member in several professional organizations including the Austin Building Enclosure Council (BEC), National Institute of Buildings Sciences (NIBS), and the International Concrete Restoration Institute (ICRI). He is also on the executive committee for the National Building Enclosure Council.