Northern Illinois CSI Chapter Program

Thursday, February 21, 2019

How to Properly Specify an Air Barrier System

Presenter: Peter Spafford

Director of Quality Assurance - ABAA

Peter Spafford has been involved in the energy conservation and building performance industry for 26 years. Peter has been an instructor in building science and building envelope performance for the past 25 years and has taught hundreds of installers, building officials and contractors across the country. Peter became the national training manager for Building Professionals and oversaw the delivery and facilitation of upwards of 50 training programs a year and coordinated upward of 50-70 project managers and instructors in delivering 6 week to 6 month term training programs in energy efficiency and building envelope performance. Peter has also spent a tremendous amount of time in the field performing 3rd party inspections on behalf of government, quality assurance providers, utilities and warranty programs. Peter currently is the Director of the Quality Assurance Program for Building Professionals and the Air Barrier Association of America. He has been involved in both the development and compliance aspects of the program for a number of initiatives in both the residential and commercial building markets.

CE Credit     1.0 AIA  LU/HSW    

Program Description:

Design and Construction documents are one of the first steps towards achieving an effective layer of airtightness to manage moisture and air movement. The importance of a proper specification cannot be understated and a well-articulated document will ensure that the owner is provided with materials, performance and quality.

The presentation will review some of the consideration and language that should be reviewed prior to developing a specification and will outline code requirements, performance requirements, what can be done for quality and ensuring material selection meets the intent of design and for crucial coordination with other components of the enclosure.

Learning Objectives:

1. Through a review of code language of IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1, determine the code compliance options for air barriers and requirements for materials, assemblies and whole building airtightness.
2. Understand the various test methods for air barrier materials and assemblies as it relats to air, water fire and other key requirements.
3. Analyze the other control functions for a wall assembly and determine if the Air Barrier also provides vapor control or water resistance.
4. Identify key language for 3-part specification to articulate performance standards, execution and quality requirements.

 

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