Critical Transitions Designing for Air Barrier Continuity

Modern high performance buildings demand more than independent envelope components. They require a coordinated air control strategy that begins with the details to the final building air leak testing. This course examines the role of continuous air barriers in improving energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort in commercial construction. Participants will explore how air leakage increases condensation risk, reduces thermal efficiency and impacts long-term building performance. This course will review best practices for detailing critical transitions such as roof-to-wall and wall to below-grade connections, where discontinuities often lead to failures. Special attention will be given to vapor permeable air barrier systems and their ability to maintain airtightness while supporting drying potential within the assemblies. Through discussion of real-world projects across mission-critical facilities, large-format industrial buildings, multi-family housing, and commercial construction, attendees will learn how integrated, permeable enclosure strategies support long-term resilience, effective moisture management, and reduce building failure risk.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

• Identify best practices for critical transitions between roof and wall systems and wall to below grade systems.
• Understand how air leakage impacts energy performance, durability, and occupant comfort in commercial buildings.
• Analyze how vapor-permeable air barriers can support drying potential while maintaining airtightness.
• Discuss how vapor-permeable air barriers can support high-performance enclosure design in data centers, multi-family, and commercial buildings.
• Evaluate air control between the roof, wall, below grade, and interior smart vapor retarders.
• Explore how new technology such as interior smart vapor retarders can support more energy efficient buildings.
• Identify common breakdowns in communication and sequencing between trades that impact air barrier continuity, and explore approaches to improve coordination at critical transitions.

Approximately 1 hour. Delivered via webinar or face-to-face presentation. Available sessions shown below.

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This course is registered with: 2 Industry Association(s)