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.
Educational Programs
Some of the content on this page is available to clients only. Please login to view a complete list of programs.
Educational topics are provided in both long-program and topic-focused form, so that users can more easily create a custom program with information that is relevant to their audience (i.e. specifiers, building officials, etc.).
To build a program, select the modules best suited to your presentation and combine them to create a single PDF or PowerPoint slide deck. We’re happy to help you create the best program possible from the selection of modules. Please call Abby at (608) 310-6704 if you have questions or would like assistance.
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.
Topic: Water Vapor
Contains resources on using continuous insulation for compliance with the building codes and energy codes.
Topic: 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.
Topic: Water Resistive Barrier
With the rise in importance of the energy code (IECC) continuous exterior insulation has become part of the solutions discussion.
This educational program and related modules are focused on the appropriate use of Polyiso sheathing and its application with respect to codes, standards, and other information useful for the proper installation by the construction industry.
Topic: Continuous Insulation
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.
Topic: R-Value
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 session, presented at IBS 2017, provides actionable prescriptive guidelines for integrated insulation and vapor control strategies. Specific applications and unique situations from the audience will also be explored.
Topic: Moisture Vapor Transmission
This presentation addresses two practices with proven ability to improve water penetration resistance of fenestration product installation: Sill pans and flashing for rough opening drainage, and air-sealing of the interior side of the rough opening gap.
Topic: Fenestration, Moisture Control
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.
Topic: Thermal Bridging
This presentation to the ASHRAE 160 hygrothermal modeling committee explains why it is important to protect OSB and other moisture-sensitive sheathing materials from excessive seasonal moisture content cycling. Building codes and current hygrothermal modeling criteria do not completely address this problem. Appropriate use of exterior continuous insulation in coordination with interior vapor retarders offer the “driest” solutions.
Topic: Moisture Control, Water Vapor
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.
Topic: Termites
This presentation, given by Jay Crandell (ARES Consulting) and Amy Schmidt (Dow Building and Construction) at the 2018 RESNET Building Performance Conference covers topics in energy code compliance, such as calculating the R-value of a hybrid wall and determining air space performance contributions.
Topic: R-Value, Thermal Bridging, Water Vapor
This presentation, adapted from a presentation given by Jay Crandell P.E. at the 2018 ASHRAE Annual Conference, covers the basics of thermal bridging in wall assembly performance. It demonstrates methods of estimating the magnitude of the effect of thermal bridges using mathematical approaches to calculating assembly performance, and explains the pros and cons of various methods.
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.