Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA)
Preserving an Icon while Re-envisioning the Enclosure of the United States Air Force Academy Chapel
How does one address systemic water infiltration in an iconic building while preserving its historic character? Completed in 1963, the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is a celebrated example of modernist architecture and a National Historic Landmark. Yet its innovative ...
Building Enclosure Commissioning vs. Enclosure Testing
As building performance expectations rise, confusion often remains between Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and Building Enclosure Testing (BET). While distinct, the two intersect throughout design and construction. This session explains how testing requirements should flow from the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) through design, construction, and final performance verification. Attendees will ...
Vapor Driving me Crazy!
This presentation will review the challenges presented when detailing an exterior wall with a reservoir cladding. Because reservoir claddings hold onto moisture by their nature, they create conditions that present different risks than typical drained cladding systems or rainscreen walls. The detailing of your air barrier, flashing, and insulation can ...
Raise Your Expectations of Continuous Insulation & Air Barrier Systems
October 8 | 1 - 2 p.m. ET Current construction practices have spurred innovation in continuous insulation and air barrier technologies. Specifiers need a solid grasp of continuous insulation and air barrier fundamentals in order to ensure wall systems function as intended. This course will provide an overview of continuous insulation and ...
Connecting the Dots: Air Barrier Connections
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and this principle is equally applicable to air barriers. For an air barrier to function effectively, it must be continuous. This is why the design process is often described by the adage, "the pencil must not leave the paper." This ...
Elevating Enclosure Performance: Optimizing Continuous Insulation for Thermal Efficiency, Durability and Safety
This webinar explores how strategic continuous insulation (CI) choices can alleviate pressures on building enclosures and elevate building envelope performance, sustainability, durability and life safety. Attendees will gain insights into NFPA 285 compliance, the role of CI in rainscreen systems and key considerations behind insulation material selection. The course highlights ...
ABAA Contractor Webinar: Air Barrier Installation and Quality Control Fundamentals
Join ABAA for an informative presentation that emphasizes the importance of proper air barrier application in enhancing building performance. Properly installed air barriers are critical in preventing air leakage, which can lead to energy inefficiencies, moisture issues and compromised indoor air quality. We will delve into best practices for air barrier ...
Deciphering the Complexity of Adhered Veneer Wall Systems
Adhered veneer cladding systems have gained popularity in the past decade with increased use in all climates across the county. Today this type of construction is not only seen on high-end residential, but a common facade element on educational institutions, hospitals, airports and other commercial type buildings. While adhered veneer ...
Prefabricated Exterior Wall Assemblies: Herding Cats in Hard Hats
Prefabrication of exterior wall assemblies has been explored since the 1920s and 1930s, so the concept of their use is nothing new to the built environment. Today, the construction industry’s focus is ensuring continuity of air, water, and thermal barriers—regardless of whether wall assemblies are built in the field or ...
Electronic Leak Detection: Lessons Learned from ELD Testing & Continuous Monitoring
This one hour course will cover the lessons learned from multiple case studies regarding Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) quality control testing as part of new construction, forensic testing in existing buildings with active leaks, and continuous moisture monitoring for conventional roofing. Participants will learn about the principles outlined in the ...
