Installing air barriers may seem straightforward—until the work begins. The first step is simple: does the material meet the required performance standards? But things quickly get more complex. Where exactly is the air barrier located in the assembly? How do adjacent materials impact its performance? What hidden risks could undermine your results? In this session, get the answers to these questions and more. Learn how to adapt air barrier strategies for different climate zones, meet today’s evolving performance demands, and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even experienced teams.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the number one reason why you would install an air barrier system on a building
• List the key benefits of incorporating an air barrier system
• Review different air barrier materials and their critical installation requirements
• Identify the top ten air barrier leakage areas
• Explain the importance of having a quality control program for installation of air barrier products and systems

Presenter:

Laverne Dalgleish

Executive Director, Air Barrier Association of America

Laverne started his career in the construction industry as a builder. His career has focused on the building envelope and improving quality to produce durable, resilient, low energy use, functional buildings. His work has included research, developing standards, education, and training. He formed ABAA in 2000 when there was no air barrier industry and has been able to watch it grow to become the center of excellence for the air and water-resistive barrier industry. ABAA has developed and implemented a site quality assurance program that ties the design professional, manufacturer, contractor, installer and auditor (inspector) together following International Standards.