Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA)
NFPA 285 and Weather Resistive Barriers - Implications for Wall Design
Use of combustible building materials in wall assemblies increases the risk of fire in the built environment. The relationship between the weather barrier and NFPA285 compliance is often misunderstood. This course will cover the basics of the NFPA 285 test standard and the building code sections relevant to weather resistive ...
Lessons Learned on the Path to Airtight Buildings
Over the course of 14 years, Walsh Construction Company has been on a journey of learning and discovery regarding effective strategies to create airtight building enclosures. We have learned from our mistakes, learned from our partners and learned that air tightness is not just about the enclosure, but is heavily ...
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 ...
Building Enclosures Durability Analysis with Hygrothermal Modeling
Hygrothermal modeling, the analysis of heat and moisture transport through building enclosure assemblies, reveals many of the climate-specific building science secrets that are key to durable design of walls and roofs and other assemblies. Debunking rules of thumb and avoiding answers of “it depends” – data and analysis can reveal ...
Taking the Air (Barrier) Out of ASHRAE 90.1 - With a Taste of MN Hotdish
The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, which includes mandatory requirements for air barriers. This session will explore key topics such as Whole-Building Air Leakage and Continuous Air Barrier Design and Installation—both essential components of the compliance path. Our speaker, Pam Jergenson from Minnesota, will guide ...
