Moisture is the most significant factor in the premature deterioration of buildings. Moisture can damage materials directly, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of building materials. Excess moisture is also the major factor in the growth of mold. The most common contributing factors to moisture problems in buildings include: − Lack of understanding of building science principles − Design related factors, e.g., lack of sufficient details in the drawings − Installation related factors, e.g., improper materials substitutions, lack of installer training, and lack of inspection during construction This seminar will discuss the moisture sources in buildings, moisture transport mechanisms and moisture control strategies.

The presentation will the concept of Consolidated Control Layer Design and how to use it to determine the materials that will make the most efficient wall for your customers. We will define the Control Layers, discuss the Code Requirements for each layer, explain the Building Science behind the code requirements, and how that layer is related to the other (Thermal to Moisture, Moisture to Air, Air to Vapor, etc.) We will then discuss the Fire considerations that Impact Control layer design with today’s codes, including NFPA 285 Brief Overview as it has changed the way we design our above grade wall systems and types of continuous insulations that influence the design considerations with respect to fire and NFPA-285. Finally, solutions for consolidating these 4 layers for simplified design, superior performance, and long lasting durability will be covered.

This course defines and explains building science behind the code for the four control layers of the building envelope: water, thermal, air and vapor. There will be a detailed overview of air leakage, why it matters in a sustainable envelope and why air barrier continuity is critical to building performance. Participants will be asked to explore typical design principles for addressing the four control layers within the wall assembly. Finally, there will be an in-depth discussion of the critical interfaces, how to detail them and test them to ensure continuity of the control layers for the entire building.

This course explores the below-grade use of polyisocyanurate (POLYISO) insulation to meet energy code and maximize thermal performance of the building foundation. Let us help dispel the myths that have been created relative to POLYISO insulation while discussing its thermal performance, water absorption, and load capacity – the three primary characteristics for below grade insulation. In addition, we will discuss how the insulation can provide protection for the foundation waterproofing system.

Helps provide the design community with a better understanding of the model energy code requirements for insulation in metal buildings, how codes are changing, including requirements for continuous insulation and air barriers along with considerations when selecting the right insulation.

This program is designed to provide the design community with the knowledge to make informed decisions when specifying a system solution in steel stud wall assembly that will deliver high thermal performance, moisture management, as well as minimize air infiltration in steel stud wall assemblies.

All the new energy codes are requiring or moving towards exterior insulation for exterior walls to increase energy efficiency and reduce the energy losses due to thermal bridging. This class examines how to design and build high performance wall assemblies that deliver significant increases in energy efficiency and do not lead to trapping water and moisture related failures. The class will also show practical approaches to advanced framing as well as specific installation protocols to prevent insulation installation related degradation which is 30% for typical installations. Steve Easley will use pictures from real world installations to illustrate the do’s and don’ts to building high performance wall assemblies that are affordable and cost effective. This interactive class is designed to sort through the myriad of insulation system options in order to match the best insulation system to the type of structure. This class also will show latest FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16 installation standards for integrating exterior insulation with weather barriers and window flashing. Additional content will provide information on water, air and vapor barrier code requirements in order to develop appropriate specifications to meet these new codes and create buildings that perform with better real-world results.

Effective and efficient building envelope assemblies will be discussed in terms of multi-family options to meet the 2009 and 2012 IECC for continuous insulation, air and water barrier performance. Up front investment in the assembly can potentially maximize operational returns especially for developer owned rental properties. Options and benefits will be discussed from design, construction to occupancy in particular for low rise, multi-family projects.

Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects.

Recent changes in North America energy codes for the building envelope include higher insulation R-values, continuous insulation, and continuous air barriers for air leakage control. New, code compliant wall assembly design options may be susceptible to increased moisture sensitivity due to lower drying rates, which are inherent to energy efficient assemblies but could be further impacted by design detailing and materials choices. Improved energy efficiency does not need to come at the expense of the long term performance and durability of buildings. This seminar will address design options and materials choices for energy efficient and durable wall design. Design tools for advanced moisture analysis (WUFI®, Wärme und Feuchte Instationär, or Transient Heat and Moisture Analysis) will be used to show how to predict performance of untested new assemblies, how materials substitution could impact the overall performance of the building envelope, and how design detailing could increase moisture management capabilities.

Newer energy codes require that homes be sealed and tested to 3-5 air changes per hour. Good home design and the right spec’s go along way to making that happen. Proper air sealing saves energy and reduces moisture and mold problems. In this advanced session 1 hour session building science expert Steve Easley uses pictures from the real world examples to illustrate what works and what doesn’t. Trying to fix a home that does meet these requirements is costly and time consuming, and improper sealing techniques can also lead to serious mold and moisture problems. Learn how to do it right the first time at the lowest cost, how to achieve the ”biggest bang for the buck" when prioritizing labor, and the best methods and materials to meet the newer code requirements.

This course examines the benefits of ICF walls, including materials, components, design flexibility, plus, building science characteristics and construction advantages.

Conventional building practice consists of single functional materials combined to serve the building design needs. For example, an air barrier is a distinct and separate layer, and water resistive barrier is often a separate layer. New designs concepts where multiple functionality, such as air and water barriers, can be met at the same layer per building code will be discussed. In particular, if insulated foam sheathing is used, appropriate joint treatment can enable compliance as air, water, and thermal barriers. Both conventional solid (peel and stick), and new fluid applied flashing and barriers will be discussed. Participants will also gain an understanding of material options and impact of application techniques on long term building performance.

A study of Aluminum cladding material used in architectural applications. The metal’s properties, aesthetics, technical aspects, manufacturing process, and appropriate design applications. An overview of the environmental aspects of aluminum completes the study.

This course explores design choices to meet energy code and thermal insulation selection strategies to maximize long term building performance. Factors influencing the performance of an insulation in its application include production, R-values, moisture, temperature, aging, and quality of installation will be discussed.

Curious to challenge yourself and your views? This session is intended for green building practitioners who would like to gain a new perspective, develop a deeper understanding of what outputs of the LCA process can be used to effectively communicate the value of environmental product information into product specifications for a sustainable built environment.

Today's buildings are responsible for 38% of the world's energy usage, causing the demand for highly energy efficient and durable buildings to increase. One of the key elements in a highly energy efficient and durable building envelope is a continuous air barrier and water barrier system. There are several different types of air barrier membranes that are commonly used in the industry, although fluid applied air barriers continue to increase in popularity. There are hundreds of fluid applied air barrier products currently available and they vary greatly in thickness and formulation. As commercial buildings become more energy efficient and complex, the need for a high performance fluid air barrier system is increasing. This presentation will discuss some of the key differences and performance advantages of these new high performance air barrier chemical formulations in contrast to traditional fluid applied air barrier formulations.

This seminar is a basic review of transport mechanisms for heat, air and moisture movement across the building enclosure. These movements affect the building performance, hence controlling heat, air and moisture flow represent critical functions of the building enclosure. The control strategies for achieving an energy efficient and durable building enclosure will be discussed for each.

This one-hour course will study the rainscreen principle for implementation in your architectural designs. We will examine conventional wall systems and introduce two types of methods utilizing the rainscreen principle. Through a series of application examples we will consider a variety of design strategies and best practices based on climate conditions.

Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly specialized process and equipment used in the manufacturing process, insulated metal panels are a lightweight, durable, and sustainable building envelope solution.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been used in North America as a single-ply roof membrane for more than 40 years. Because of the longevity of PVC and its history of performance, PVC roofs have a lower roof replacement rate compared to other single-ply membranes. This course discusses how PVC is manufactured, its features and benefits, and comparisons between its performance and that of other thermoplastic single-ply membranes.

A discussion on the increasing adoption of insulated roof decks in the North American, including descriptions on what insulated metal roof decks entail, comparisons of insulated metal roof decks with more traditional systems, and design considerations for insulated metal roof decks.

Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly specialized process and equipment used in the manufacturing process, insulated metal panels are a lightweight, durable, and sustainable building envelope solution.

An introduction to insulated metal panels (IMPs) including their advantages, the manufacturing and specification process involved as well as the types/profiles of IMPs available including their installation considerations.

There is a constant increase of homeowners looking for low-maintenance siding materials without risking the aesthetics. This cellular PVC Cladding product can accomplish just that. In this course, you will learn about PVC cladding and how it will give the you the beauty of real cedar but without the long-term maintenance.