By Emma Peterson. 

Whether you’re an attendee or an exhibitor, you don’t want to miss this premier air barrier event!  

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) will be hosting their annual building enclosure conference and trade show this May! This two-day show (May 5-6, 2026) will be held at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an unparalleled opportunity for design professionals, general contractors, air barrier contractors, consultants and testing labs to network, learn and grow together. 

Come as an attendee 

For attendees, this is your chance to earn valuable professional credits, network with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations in the air barrier world. There will be 22 dynamic presentations from top building enclosure experts sharing real-world insights and best practices across the two days of programming, offering professionals a chance to earn up to 12 total credits.  

There will also be unique in-person training opportunities that combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences. These trainings run a bit longer than the rest of the program, as they are divided into three core modules over three days (May 5-7, 2026). This year’s tracks include self-adhered/fluid applied installer training (SA/FL), spray polyurethane foam installer training (SPF) and auditor training.  

The best part? ABAA is providing “all BEC members, specification writers and architectural firm employees with a discounted rate.” Please note, these rates do not apply for the installer or field auditor training courses. Contact ABAA to learn more about eligiblity for these discounts.  

Exhibit on in the expo hall 

Looking for a way to meet your clients face-to-face? Consider exhibiting at ABAA’s annual building enclosure conference and trade show! The expo hall at the show is strategically placed at the heart of the event, giving you a great opportunity to gain exposure, build partnerships and foster new business growth. 

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your offerings alongside industry leaders like SOPREMA, VaproShield, Polyglass, Tremco, Sika, Georgia-Pacific and RAiNA. 

Learn more about the show and why it’s a great investment in your future, both as an attendee and an exhibitor.

By Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA).  

With 11 targeted sessions, ABAA delivers focused education that addresses modern enclosure challenges and emerging industry trends. 

The Buildings XVI Conference is drawing industry attention once again, and this year the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) is giving participants a head start. Before the main event begins, ABAA will host a full day of technical workshops on December 7 designed to help building professionals deepen their understanding of air barrier science and enclosure performance. 

ABAA has assembled 11 sessions that span the full spectrum of modern building enclosure challenges. The selections cover everything from codes and product compatibility to climate adaptation, diagnostic testing and emerging materials.  

This year’s workshops reflect the rapid evolution in building science, where new performance expectations and climate pressures demand stronger enclosure strategies. The sessions mirror the issues shaping specifications, detailing practices and on-site execution across the industry. 

Professionals planning to attend can secure their spot through this registration portal. 

A deep dive into today’s most pressing building enclosure topics 

Attendees can choose from sessions including: 

• Update on the Current Codes: What Affects the Air Barrier Industry 
• High Temp and Compatibility of Membranes 
• ABAA Research: Yesterday, Today and the Future 
• Whole Building Air Leakage Testing Updates 
• Warmer, Wetter and Windier: Future-Proofing Your Building Enclosure for a Changing Climate 
• Air Sealing Existing Buildings — including strategies that prove it can be done efficiently 
• What is CFM50 Not Telling You? Moving from “one number” to a full building performance approach 
• Real-Time Building Air Leakage Visualization: Demo and Research Progress — showing that yes, you can see air leaks 
• Buildings Move, Buildings Leak — exploring the mechanical realities behind performance 
• Self-Adhered Membrane Applications: What Does It Really Mean to Stick? 
• Emerging Materials: Benefits and Limitations of MgO-Based Sheathing Products 

This diverse curriculum ensures that attendees can tailor the day to their professional interests — whether they’re focused on design, construction, commissioning or research. 

Connect with ABAA throughout Buildings XVI 

After the workshop program, ABAA will be on-site at the Buildings XVI Conference from December 8–11. Attendees are encouraged to visit the ABAA booth to meet with technical experts, explore certification and training opportunities, and learn more about ongoing research initiatives. 

Original article and photo source: ABAA

By Air Barrier Association of America.  

Andrea brings decades of technical and industry experience to help guide the association into its next phase of growth. 

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) is entering a pivotal stage in its development, and that momentum is underscored by the appointment of Andrea Wagner Watts as the new chair. Andrea brings a wealth of experience across the areas of technical leadership, research and development to ABAA’s mission of advancing air barrier standards and building performance nationwide. For over a decade, Andrea has been a valuable member of ABAA, and now she is well-equipped to guide ABAA into the future.  

Q: To start, could you share a little about your background and how you first became involved with ABAA? 

A: I have a degree in civil engineering, but right out of college I took a sidestep into manufacturing. I began in sales, then moved into research and development, application engineering and technical support. As part of that work, I was on a team tasked with developing an air barrier product — a new area for the company. That’s how I first came across the Air Barrier Association of America.  

I attended my first ABAA Conference around 2012 in Chicago, which gave me my first real exposure to the association. Like many first-time attendees, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect — it felt a little surface level at first. Then Brian Stroik—who was on his way to becoming Chair at the time—pulled me aside and invited me to help energize the Technical Committee, co-chairing with John Posenecker. That was around 2014, and coincidentally about the time the air barrier material we’d been working on launched. From there, I became much more actively involved.  

Over the years, I’ve worked primarily in R&D for manufacturers, so the Technical Committee was a natural fit. Along the way, I’ve had career changes — starting at Corning, through acquisitions and restructurings and ultimately finding my way to DuPont. But through it all, ABAA has been a constant presence. 

Q: What motivated you to step into the role of Chair at this point in your career? 

A: Timing is never perfect, but it feels right. Most of my career has been focused on research and development. In my current role, I’ve shifted more toward education and outreach, which has always been a passion of mine. This change also gives me more flexibility and visibility to commit time to ABAA.  

It’s also an exciting moment for the association. I think we’re at a turning point, moving from a smaller, “growing” organization into one preparing for a much bigger future. It feels a bit like we’re moving out of our “teenage years” into early adulthood — figuring out who we are and where we want to go. Having the opportunity to help shape that strategy is something I really value. 

Q: As you look ahead to your term, what are the key priorities or goals you’re most excited to focus on? 

A: While things like bylaws and contracts may not sound thrilling, they’re essential building blocks. Much of our documentation was created when ABAA was still a smaller organization. As we approach our 25th anniversary, it’s time to update these foundations so the association is well positioned for the next 25 years.  

Another big focus for me is transparency and communication. There’s incredible work happening in our Technical Committee, Research Committee, Contractors Committee and others. I want to make sure members know what’s going on, how they can get involved and how their contributions matter. The more people are aware of what’s happening, the more excitement and engagement we’ll generate across the membership. 

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the association and its members right now? 

A: One of our greatest strengths — and biggest opportunities — is being the go-to source for education and technical knowledge in the air barrier space. With evolving building codes, professionals across disciplines — contractors, designers, engineers — are all being asked to do things differently than before. 

That can be daunting, but it’s also where ABAA shines. We’ve been building this expertise for decades, learning from trial and error. Now, we have the opportunity to share that knowledge so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Whether it’s expanding our education offerings, finding new ways to deliver content or becoming a more accessible reference resource, I see tremendous potential for ABAA to grow its impact. 

Q: On the flip side, what challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to help the association navigate them? 

A: One challenge is generational transition. Many of the founding members who shaped the association and carry valuable institutional knowledge are retiring or stepping back. Capturing and documenting their wisdom now is critical so we can pass it on to the next wave of leaders. 

At the same time, we need to bring new voices into the fold. Not everyone is ready to jump straight into a leadership position, so part of our challenge is finding ways for people to get involved in smaller ways that build comfort and confidence. The energy and enthusiasm of our membership has always set ABAA apart, and ensuring that continues for the next 25 years is essential. 

Q: Thinking long-term, how do you envision the association evolving over the next few years? 

A: I see the Standards Institute (ASI) playing a major role. Having ABAA’s name tied to standards that can be adopted into code is a game-changer. It will draw more attention to the association, and with that comes both opportunity and challenge.  

One of the things I value most about ABAA is the spirit of collaboration — even among competitors. We all come together to move the industry forward. As standards become codified, we’ll need to ensure we keep that collaborative, industry-wide focus, even as the stakes get higher. 

Q: What excites you most about the future of the association and the industry it serves? 

A: The progress we’ve made in 25 years is incredible. We’ve gone from “what is an air barrier and why do we need it?” to a broad understanding of its value, especially in new commercial construction. 

Now, I’m excited about shifting that focus to existing buildings. How do we take the stock we already have and improve it — affordably and practically — without always aiming for extreme benchmarks like passive house standards? The work being done by groups like the Existing Buildings Task Group is just the beginning. I see huge potential for us to expand our scope and make a real difference.  

Q: Finally, is there a message you’d like to share directly with members as you begin your term?  

A: I’m honored and excited to serve as Chair. ABAA has always been a place where I’ve felt welcome, and I hope every member feels the same. If you’re curious about getting more involved but aren’t sure where to start — reach out. Call me. I’m always happy to talk and help find a spot that fits your interests and availability. There are countless ways to contribute, from committees to conference participation, and every piece adds to the whole.  

What makes this association unique is the willingness of members to share knowledge, ask questions and learn together. I look forward to seeing more of that spirit in action as we move forward. 

Original article and photo source: ABAA

By The Coffee Shops™.

Learn the key to proper stucco installation and water infiltration prevention strategies in this exclusive webinar, presented by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). 

In the upcoming webinar on November 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, “What Happened? A Case Study in a New Building’s Stucco Gone Wrong,” building envelope expert George David Schoenhard takes a deep dive into this project’s forensic investigation, the root causes of failure and the innovative solution that turned disaster into success. 

The case began with a simple observation that there were cracks in the stucco, but quickly escalated into a full-scale forensic discovery. Investigators uncovered extensive water infiltration, leading to material decomposition, water damage and insect infestation within the wall system. The culprit? A fundamental application error during the stucco installation. The project was originally designed to use a traditional three-coat stucco system, but the contractor skipped a key step: the brown coat. Instead, they applied an extra-thick finish coat directly over the scratch coat. 

That shortcut caused excessive shrinkage and widespread cracking. Even worse, the finish coat delaminated from the scratch coat, allowing rainwater to freely enter behind the surface. Weak window sealant compounded the issue, directing moisture straight into classrooms. 

When the damage was finally uncovered, the school district faced a serious dilemma. Removing and reinstalling a proper three-coat stucco system would take far longer than the summer break allowed. To complete the work before the next school year, the project team turned to a modern solution, DEFS (direct-applied exterior finish system) over cement board. Combined with new flashings and a fluid-applied air and weather barrier, this innovative approach delivered the look of traditional stucco with far better moisture control and performance. 

The result was a watertight, durable and attractive finish that perfectly matched the original aesthetic while solving the core building envelope issues. The school reopened on schedule, now protected by a system that performs the way it should have from the start. 

This case study will provide attendees with valuable lessons in proper stucco application, moisture management and repair strategies for both residential and commercial projects, including the following learning objectives:

• Review guidelines for traditional three-coat stucco 
• Explain why too much finish coat can cause cracking and delamination 
• Learn why proper window flashing is critical to preventing leaks 
• Compare three-coat stucco, EIFS and DEFS hard-coat systems 

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a real-world project failure and learn how to avoid similar mistakes in your own projects. 

Register now to attend “What the Hell Happened? A Case Study in a New Building’s Stucco Gone Wrong” at no cost. This session is CABS-recommended learning and open to all industry professionals interested in improving their understanding of modern stucco systems and building envelope performance. 

By Air Barrier Association of America. 

Register for this webinar and gain the insights that could save your next project.

Sometimes even the best-looking new buildings hide serious construction flaws beneath the surface. That’s exactly what happened to a recently constructed charter elementary school that faced major issues just eight years after completion. Cracks spidered across its stucco walls and water leaked through window perimeters into classrooms, threatening the building’s integrity and the safety of students. 

In the upcoming webinar on November 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, “What Happened? A Case Study in a New Building’s Stucco Gone Wrong,” building envelope expert George David Schoenhard takes a deep dive into this project’s forensic investigation, the root causes of failure and the innovative solution that turned disaster into success. 

The case began with a simple observation — cracks in the stucco — but quickly escalated into a full-scale forensic discovery. Investigators uncovered extensive water infiltration, leading to decomposition damage and insect infestation within the wall system. The culprit? A fundamental application error during the stucco installation. The project was originally designed to use a traditional three-coat stucco system, but the contractor skipped a key step: the brown coat. Instead, they applied an extra-thick finish coat directly over the scratch coat. 

That shortcut caused excessive shrinkage and widespread cracking. Even worse, the finish coat delaminated from the scratch coat, allowing rainwater to freely enter behind the surface. Mis-flashed windows compounded the issue, directing moisture straight into classrooms. 

When the damage was finally uncovered, the school district faced a serious dilemma.  Removing and reinstalling a proper three-coat stucco system would take far longer than the summer break allowed. To complete the work before the next school year, the project team turned to a modern solution, drainage back, direct-apply DEFS (Direct Applied Exterior Finish System) over cement board.  Combined with new flashings and a fluid-applied air and weather barrier, this innovative approach delivered the look of traditional stucco with far better moisture control and performance. 

The result was a watertight, durable and attractive finish that perfectly matched the original aesthetic while solving the core building envelope issues. The school reopened on schedule, now protected by a system that performs the way it should have from the start. 

This fascinating case study will provide attendees with valuable lessons in proper stucco application, moisture management and repair strategies for both residential and commercial projects. 

Learning objectives: 

• Review guidelines for traditional three-coat stucco 
• Understand why too much finish coat can cause cracking and delamination 
• Learn why proper window flashing is critical to preventing leaks 
• Compare three-coat stucco, EIFS and DEFS hard-coat systems 

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a real-world failure — and see how to avoid similar mistakes in your own projects. 

Register now to attend “What the Hell Happened? A Case Study in a New Building’s Stucco Gone Wrong” at no cost. This session is CABS-recommended learning and open to all industry professionals interested in improving their understanding of modern stucco systems and building envelope performance.

By Emma Peterson.

From foundational education to industry forecasting, don’t miss ABAA’s 2025 conference!

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA)’s building enclosure conference and trade show is coming to Denver, Colorado from May 6-7, 2025! This is an incredible opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge through educational learning tracks and explore a trade show floor full of the newest innovations and ideas in the industry. If you’re there, come say hi to The Coffee Shops™ crew! We’ll be in booth #41 in the foyer hosting a mini soundstage.  

This conference is perfect for anyone in the building enclosure industry, whether you are a design professional, general contractor, air barrier technician, building consultant or testing lab tech, this is a great way to connect to your fellow professionals and sharpen your skills.

Education

For attendees of both days, there are up to 11 AIA LU/HSW credits available across three different educational tracks! And one of these tracks, the Foundational Track, is brand new for this year’s show! This track is designed for emerging professionals and those wanting to work on their foundational knowledge of building science and air barriers. Covering topics like building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning, this track is a great way to boost your confidence and readiness.  

Keynote

This year, the keynote speaker is Kenneth D. Simonson. Kenneth is the chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) and his talk is titled “Will construction thrive or dive beyond 2025?” It will give attendees a current outlook for the building construction industry and dive into some of the ways that announced and implemented federal policy changes might change things. Further, it will discuss “trends in construction employment, nationally and by state, and the implications of immigration/deportation policies along with trends in materials costs and the potential impact of tariffs and ocean shipping fees on costs and supply chains.”

Discount

Looking to get registered? Consider bringing your whole team and saving! ABAA is offering a unique deal to those who register three (3) or more individuals together for the 2025 ABAA Conference. This group discount can save up to $250 per person! All you have to do to take advantage of this is to contact the ABAA office.  

Make sure to register for this conference today! You can also learn more about all the different events and sessions happening in the official showbook.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Secure your spot at the ABAA conference and elevate your air barrier knowledge to the industry’s standard for building airtightness. 

Less than a month away, don’t miss this year’s Annual Air Barrier Association of America’s Building Enclosure Conference! May 7-8, 2024, in Reston, Virginia, the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) is hosting the only conference in the world that focuses on air barriers and building airtightness. Join experts across various industries as they discuss topics related to building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning.  

In two full days, you’ll meet with leading air barrier manufacturers and service providers from across the country. Choose comprehensive learning tracks specific to your industry, with seminars specifically geared towards design professionals, consultants, general contractors and others interested in air barriers and building airtightness. 

Already working in air barrier applications and want to expand your education? There’s also the opportunity to attend their installer and auditor training programs to ensure you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to produce quality air barrier installations. Choose from three training courses offered: sprayed polyurethane foam, self-adhered and fluid applied or field auditor. But hurry, the deadline to register is April 19, 2024. 

With over 30 exhibitors attending, you won’t know where to start with all the networking opportunities! There are still a few spaces available if your company would like to become an exhibitor. Each booth receives two complimentary registrations for the conference, a company related question for the Conference App game and more. Did we mention the app? Whether you’re an exhibitor or just there to network, download the Conference App ahead of time and access speaker bios, opportunities to win prizes and connect with other attendees. 

Find a detailed schedule of the presentations and register to attend the Annual Air Barrier Association of America’s Building Enclosure Conference in Virginia this May!

The national voice of the air barrier industry, they do air barriers right for energy efficiency, better buildings and healthier communities. 

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, is pleased to welcome the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) into its community for contractors. 

A national, not-for-profit trade association, their members represent all aspects of the building enclosure industry including manufacturers, architects, engineers, researchers, building owners and more. ABAA is active in research, education, standards development, building codes and technical resources to raise the industry's quality. 

As a member of ABAA, you have access to an array of resources, including: 

• Air barrier education and training courses: Committed to educating the public about air barrier systems and developing a professional air barrier specialty trade, ABAA offers training programs from design to installation. Offered in a variety of learning formats, find continuing education, installer and auditor courses or become a whole building airtightness technician. 

• Site Quality Assurance Program: The ABAA Site Quality Assurance Program manages the risks that could occur during the installation of air and water resistive barriers. It has been designed to ensure proper installation, improve the performance of a building, reduce moisture damage and reduce energy costs. 

• Technical resources: From industry standards to current research projects and air tightness testing, ABAA provides the latest information to keep you updated in the air barrier industry. 

• Annual building enclosure conference: Each year, the Annual Air Barrier Association of America’s Building Enclosure Conference provides two full days of comprehensive learning tracks for professionals interested in the air barrier industry. Not only does it offer the opportunity to learn from the top minds in building science, but you’ll get to network with like-minded professionals from across the country. Learn more about building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning, with opportunities for continuing education credits. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is proud to welcome the Air Barrier Association of America!