Educational Programs

This program introduces the importance and functions of the Building Thermal Envelope (BTE) and then covers code compliance with the commercial energy and building codes for appropriate use of continuous insulation in all climate zones.

To download the full presentation, choose a link below. 

• PowerPoint
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Presented as a full-day, live course at the 2025 Colorado Chapter of ICC Educational Institute, Eric Banks, Jay Crandell, P.E. and Marcin Pazera cover the important aspects of using foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS) continuous insulation (ci) in the building envelope. The presentation slides cover:

Presented as a live, full-day course at the 2024 Colorado Chapter of ICC Educational Institute, Eric Banks and Jay Crandell, P.E. discuss the code-compliant use of insulation, including ci and foam plastic, which requires coordination across multiple building code requirements that integrate fire safety, moisture/vapor control, water-resistive barrier, cladding installation, window installation, etc.

This program presents energy code requirements, addresses moisture control principles and building code requirements, and then specifically focuses on details to integrate windows and cladding efficiently and effectively with continuous insulation, particularly foam plastic insulated sheathings.

The presence of an airspace enclosed within a building envelope assembly is known to contribute to the overall thermal performance of the assembly. But, the actual R-value of an airspace can vary significantly depending on various conditions of use, such as the air-tightness of the assembly of materials enclosing an airspace.

Newer homes, materials and code requirements have changed the way “invisible” water (water vapor) must be managed to avoid it becoming visible in unwanted ways. Water vapor control is one of the trickiest and riskiest areas of building and energy code compliance. The old “rules of thumb” are no longer reliable or universal. This program, originally presented at IBS 2017, provides actionable prescriptive guidelines for integrated insulation and vapor control strategies. 

To download the full presentation, choose a link below. 

Building code requirements relating to NFPA 285 testing requirements and the use of the alternative materials provision of the code to extend those test results to similar wall assemblies of equal or better performance.

Overview of key building science concepts, U.S. & Canadian code requirements, accepted methods of design to control water vapor, and design solutions for all climate zones and walls with or without continuous insulation.

Summary of WRB water penetration testing requirements and recommendations for the fair treatment of WRB products based on one performance-based benchmark for water-penetration resistance of WRB assemblies.

Thermal bridging can significantly impact whole building energy use, condensation risk, and occupant comfort. This presentation contains an overview of the various types of thermal bridges and their impacts and a discussion of repetitive metal penetrations for cladding and component attachments.

How does foam sheathing on home foundations or above-grade walls perform with respect to termite protection? Concerns have been brought up based on a variety of anecdotal observations. However, good science can alleviate these concerns and lead to better termite protection practices in all construction. This Educational Program summarizes the available information on termite protection and suggest key general improvements to building code provisions, especially in the ‘very heavy’ termite risk zone.

Continuous insulation is used on foundations, exterior walls, and roofs. Continuous insulation provides maximum thermal performance by minimizing thermal bridging.  It provides optimal assemblies that dry and also minimize seasonal moisture variations, creating a stable and durable environment for the building structure and interior.

This presentation provides guidance for and examples of the new building code advancements and their effective application for design and construction of code-compliant, durable, and energy-efficient building enclosures.

The way we think about the health and safety of a building has changed. Building science leads the way in developing best practices and interventions that will result in the healthier buildings of tomorrow. This presentation provides a practical understanding of the topic and includes cost-effective, actionable guidance on how to design and construct healthy and resilient building envelopes in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world.