8:00 - 8:50 - Session 1
Title: Update on the Current Codes What one Affect the Air Barrier Industry
Abstract: Following the code change process is a taunting task and missing on code change can have a huge impact on your business, This presentation will have an overview of the changes that were implemented over the past code cycle and cover some of the work that is being done for future code revisions.
Presenter
Theresa Weston - Confirmed
8:50 - 9:00 - break
9:00 - 9:50 - Session 2
Totle: High Temp and Compatibility of Membranes
Abstract
This presentation aims to answer a few questions: what does ‘high temperature’ mean; are the standards that are currently being used enough to support those claims; and do materials that claim high temperature have the best chance of meeting the physical requirements of today’s-built environment? Existing standards addressing elements of elevated temperature, such as accelerated aging, sample conditioning (AAMA 711 section 5.5), and visual assessment (ASTM D1970 section 7.6) are generally inadequate and incomplete. This presentation looks at common standards and claims regarding “high temperature” and put them in the context of their respective applications.
Presenter:
Benjamin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Confirmed
Building Envelope Business Director
Siplast
9:50 - 10:00 - break
10:00 - 10:50 - Session 3
Title: ABAA Research – Yesterday. Today and the Future
Abstract:
Air barriers are relatively new in the United States. In 2001, when ABAA was formed, there were no test methods or material specifications specifically for air and water-resistive barriers. Over the decades, the industry raised many questions on materials and installation issues. ABAA continues to conduct research to determine the answers to the questions being raised. This presentation will cover some of the research that has been conducte, what is being done now and more importantly, what is scheduled for the future. You will be asked to provide input into what needs to be conducted.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe some of the questions raised by the industry
- Determine why “borrowing” research from other industries does not work
- List some of the questions that need to be addressed by the industry
-
Presenters:
Sarah Flock and Andrew Dunlap - Confirmed
10:50 - 11:00 - Break
11:00 - 11:50 pm - Session 4
Title: Warmer, Wetter, and Windier Future Proofing Your Building Enclosure for a Changing Climate
Abstract:
Building enclosure design is grounded in the ability of the envelope to moderate the indoor
environment from outdoor environmental conditions to establish a safe, comfortable, and operational
environment. The design of any given building enclosure must be responsive to the project-specific
climate and adapt to changing climatic conditions, including both chronic changes to climactic norms,
and management acute and intense weather events.
Climate variables such as increased rainfall, rising or falling temperatures, humidity, extreme winds, or
intense storms or flooding should prompt a reciprocal enclosure design response to future proof the
project.
This presentation will begin with an overview of climate future forecasting and key statistics to inform
project requirements followed by a review of specific interactions between climate vulnerabilities and
their associated climate statistics. Examples include Flood or Precipitation Scenarios, Combined
Temperature and Air Quality Scenarios, or Combined Wind, Temperature and Precipitation Scenarios
The discussion will focus on the implementation of specific enclosure design and system selection
choices from schematic design through construction and integration. Beginning in early design, building
material and assembly selection must prioritize increased resiliency and durability, including redundant
passive systems where necessary. Consideration for ongoing maintenance and adaptation of the existing
building stock is crucial.
Methods discussed are relevant to new builds and renovation of existing building stock alike. Robust
enclosures well adapted to a perform in a changing climate will also produce ancillary benefits; typically
enhancing occupant comfort and experience, and making a significant contribution towards thermal
load reduction, annual energy use and cost, as well as operational carbon emissions.
Finally, the design approach must consider the ability to maintain comfortable or operable interior
conditions during catastrophic events where some of our buildings becoming places of respite during
our most difficult days.
Presenter:
Jillian Burgess, RA Confirmed
Technical Director & Associate Principal
RWDI
11:50 - 12:45 pm Break
12:45 - 1:45 pm - Sessions 5
Title: Whole Building Air Leakage Testing Updates
Abstract:
Whole building testing has become part of the Building Code requirment in many states. More importantly, whole building testing is part of many construction contracts as the realization of the importantance of confirming that the building has a low air leakage rate. This presentation will cover what has happened in the industry over the past few years and what is expected in the coming years.
Presenter
Denali Jones - Confirmed
1:45 - 2:00 Break
2:00 - 3:00 - Session 6
Low Carbon Buildings
Abstract:
How much focus should we put on low embodied carbon building materials? Is the material with the lowest value the right choice for your building? This presentation covers what you need to consider when choosing low carbon building materials.
Presenter:
John Straube, P.Eng. Ph.D. - Confirmed
Principal, Senior Specialist
RDH Building Science Inc.
Track Two - Demonstrations and Simulations
8:00 - 8:50 - Session 1
Title: Air Sealing Existing Buildings
Abstract:
Existing buildings can have high air leakage rates which can cause many problem in the building. We know we can improve these buildings and reduce deteration caused by the results of air leakage but where do we start. This presentation covers what has been learned over the past decades of retrofitting existing buildings and why this knowledge can be applied to every building across the country.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify some of the most common air leakage locations
- Determine some of the means and methods used to reduce air leakage
- Explain why a different skill set is required for sealing existing buildings
Presenter
Larry Harmon, Vice President - Confirmed
Air Barrier Solutions, Inc.
9:00 - 9:50 – Break
9:00 - 9:50 - Session 2
Title: Air Leakage Modeling
Abstract:
Infiltration is the unintended and uncontrolled air leaking into a building through intentional and unintentional openings but how much infiltration can you expect in a building? Empirical models for infiltration are available, but they were developed for low-rise residential buildings. This workshop will present novel ways of modeling infiltration in commercial buildings and the implications on energy use. We will also introduce CHIMP (Clearing House for Infiltration Modeling Purposes), which provides a central resource where users can obtain information, data, and tools to facilitate the modeling of infiltration in a variety of analysis tools (e.g., CONTAM, EnergyPlus, etc). Here you’ll find the models, datasets, and tools NIST has been developing for estimating the effects of infiltration on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) related energy use.
Presenter:
Lisa Chen Ng, Ph.D. - confirmed
Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Group
Building Energy and Environment Division
Engineering Laboratory
NIST
9:50 - 10:00 - break
10:00 - 10:50 - Session 3
Title: What is CFM50 not telling you? From “One Number” to a Whole Building Performance Approach
Abstract:
CFM/ACH50 gives a convenient score, but it rarely matches how buildings actually leak in day-to-day weather or during smoke and outage events. Multi-point blower door testing reveals the full leakage profile at realistic pressures and can be translated into plain-language decisions that improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort, moisture control, energy use, and resilience. This session is a guided conversation: participants will trade field lessons on multi-point testing, share simple ways to handle wind/baseline effects, and examine where single-number thinking has led projects astray.
Together we’ll discuss how multi-point results can inform decision-ready outputs that owners and programs can use—everyday infiltration indicators, simple smoke-entry risk cues, and outage temperature holdover expectations—and fold them into practical IAQ/Smoke and Energy/Resilience plans. Brief case examples will illustrate how moving beyond one number supports cleaner indoor air during wildfire events, steadier temperatures during outages, and lower loads year-round—without adding complexity to projects.
Presenter:
Jessica Meylor– confirmed
Green Building Engineering Consultant
10:50 - 11:00 - Break
11:00 - 11:50 pm - Session 4
Title: Real-Time Building Air Leakage Visualization: Demo and Research Progress
Abstract:
Unwanted air leakage in buildings can waste energy, increase energy bills, compromise envelope durability, and hinder indoor comfort. To remedy this, leakage areas need to be located and sealed. Oak Ridge National Laboratory and partners are working on adapting an optical imaging technique to visualize leakage to simplify leakage point location. During this workshop we will discuss the fundamental optical technique and operating requirements. We will also demonstrate visualizing air leakage using a modest camera and custom software. Attendees will also see a demonstration of AURA, a smartphone app that utilizes the onboard camera to put air leakage visualization in the hands of everyone.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe widely used non-destructive testing techniques to access the building envelope
- Discuss why locating and sealing air leakage in buildings is important
- Explain how cameras can be used to see air leakage
Presenters:
Philip Boudreaux Confirmed
Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Gurneesh Jatana,
Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
11:50 - 12:45 pm Break
12:45 - 1:45 pm - Sessions 5
Title: Adhesion and Compatibility of Flashings
Abstract:
XXXX
Learning Objectives:
- XXX
- XXX
- XXX
Presenter:
Craig Wetmore – not confirmed
1:45 - 2:00 Break
2:00 - 3:00 - Session 6
Title: Where and how to use MgO in a construction project
Abstract:
XXXX
Learning Objectives:
- XXX
- XXX
- XXX
Presenter:
Keith Nelson– not confirmed
