Member Spotlight: Gavin Grady
Gavin Grady is a Senior Building Enclosure Consultant with Inspec. He has experience in all project phases including facility condition assessments, forensic investigations, budgeting, design, project management, construction observation, and building enclosure commissioning (BECx) for building enclosure projects including air barriers, exterior walls, waterproofing, windows, and skylight systems.
When did you become a licensed field auditor?
A: May 2018
What inspired you to pursue the Field Auditor program with ABAA?
A: A colleague of mine had gone through the program and recommended it to me to continue to expand my knowledge of air barrier systems and gain hands on experience in the field with a variety of materials and be involved with unique projects.
Name: Gavin Grady
Title: Senior Building Enclosure Consultant
Company: Inspec, Inc.
City: Minneapolis, MN
ABAA member for 6 years
How has ABAA’s Field Auditor certification impacted your career or professional development?
A: It has helped me gain a much better understanding of air barrier systems and the importance of proper detailing that I have been able to utilize and apply in other consulting aspects of my career including design and construction observation.
What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered in your role as a Field Auditor, and how has your certification helped you address them?
A. Primarily dealing with GC’s that are not familiar with the ABAA QAP or the importance of a properly installed air barrier. Their focus is generally on schedule and coordinating other trades and can overlook the air barrier. I have used my training from the certification process to explain different aspects of the QAP and emphasize how a proper air barrier installation can save future time, money and headaches for all parties.
In your opinion, what are the key elements of a successful air barrier audit?
A. 1) Being prepare, be familiar with the specified air barrier materials and project specifications in order to understand any specific installation requirements from the manufacturer or the construction documents; 2) Communication with the installation contractor to be sure you are completing your audits at key points during construction, and they are aware of the audit expectations.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing the Field Auditor
certification?
A. Go for it! Being an ABAA Field Auditor gives you an opportunity to increase your knowledge base and also set yourself apart from other professionals in the building envelope industry.
Any additional insights about your certification experience or working in the air barrier industry?
A. In recent years, the Industry has continued to put an emphasis on building performance and energy efficiency, which in many ways is connected to the air barrier. Professionals with air barrier expertise have become valuable members of project teams that can improve the design and verify the installation which can have major impacts on the longevity of the building.