Sunday Education & Speakers

Each year building enclosure industry professionals from across North America and abroad gather at the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show for education covering the latest techniques and technologies in building enclosure design, repair, and maintenance.

IIBEC Continuing Educational Credit
All registered attendees will receive Continuing Educational Hours (CEHs) based on hourly attendance at educational programs and the trade show.

AIA Continuing Educational Credit
AIA Credit has been submitted by IIBEC to AIA for approval.

Trade Show Continuing Educational Credit
Attendees will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor. Attendees who spend more than four hours at the trade show will receive 3.0 CEHs.

Listed below are the sessions that will be presented at the 2023 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show.

Presentation Classification Codes:

Air Barriers: AB
Building Commissioning: BECxP
Building Enclosure: BE
Building Enclosure Technology: BET
Business/Professional Development: BPD
Codes & Standards: C&S
Exterior Wall: EW
Leak Detection: LD
Restoration: RS
Roofing: R
Waterproofing: WP
Wind: W
Safety: S
Sustainability: SUS

Sunday, March 5

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Historic Industrial Building Reuse and the Building Enclosure

Classification

BE, RS

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Prior to the pervasive use of mechanical interior conditioning, building enclosures were designed and constructed where building finishes accommodated drying the building enclosure to both the exterior and interior environments. This is especially true in historic industrial buildings, namely mass masonry structures. In the past couple of decades, many of these building types have been converted into modern living spaces. Conditioning the interior environment and the application of moisture-sensitive interior materials can result in undesirable condensation and the potential for biological growth on building interiors. The existing building enclosure construction can create conditions where raising the enclosure R-values to modern code-required values can be problematic. Installed components can conflict with the locations in which building science indicates the insulation should be installed. Existing construction can present conditions that, due to the manner of assembly or time-induced deterioration, are difficult to seal against air infiltration.

In this presentation, case studies will be discussed to demonstrate how these project issues were addressed. Attention will be given to the continuity of the air, water, and thermal control layers given the existing, historic building conditions. Designers, researchers, contractors, and building owners will be especially interested in the diagnostic testing procedures and, design-driving results that will be presented and discussed.

Learning Objectives

Identify the types of historic building enclosure construction that may present issues with modern interior environmental needs.
Compare how the air, water, and thermal layers may need to be assessed differently when designing repurposed historic industrial buildings.
Examine ASTM testing procedures to ensure the successful application of specific details are recommended on historic repurpose projects.
Assess which details need special attention when designing repurposed, historic industrial buildings.

Speakers

Paul Bielicki, AIA, NCARB, LLED, AP
Terracon Inc Consultants | Charlotte, NC

Paul Bielicki is a licensed architect and a graduate of Lawrence Technological University and the University of Tennessee with degrees in architecture and structural engineering. Since 2020, Bielicki has worked in the facilities division at Terracon Consultants Inc. His experience includes building enclosure evaluation, peer review, construction administration, and building design. He has managed or technically developed/designed a variety of building projects including 500,000 square feet offices, performing arts centers, and health care centers. Research interests include whole building and building component reuse.

William G. Lehne, PE, CIT
Terracon Inc Consultants | Charlotte, NC

William G. Lehne, PE, CIT, attended Clemson University from 2011 to 2014, graduating with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in structures. He received his professional engineering license in the states of North and South Carolina in 2020 and received his Level 1 – Certified Infrared Thermographer certification in 2021. He has received training on whole building air testing through Retrotec as well as training on utilizing WUFI Pro. Lehne’s work experience includes the design of light-framed wood residential and multifamily structures; building evaluations for insurance claims; water testing; whole building air testing; infrared scans for building enclosure and roofing evaluations; roof design; roof and building enclosure consulting; assisting with construction litigation and masonry evaluation for restoration of historic structures. He has a passion for evaluating and designing buildings and enjoys getting to know and assisting the people who utilize them.

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Brick by Brick—Traditional and Unconventional Masonry Restoration Strategies

Classification

EW, RS

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Exterior masonry wall design and construction practices have evolved to include mass, transitional, barrier, and cavity walls. As the inventory of these buildings age into the future, repair and/or restoration will be required. It’s not a question of if, but rather when and how.

Although time-tested, traditional repair strategies are suitable for many projects, other lesser-established unconventional strategies can be considered to improve exterior wall performance. Over-cladding or exterior coating application can be implemented to fundamentally transform the exterior wall into a cavity wall or barrier wall, respectively. Unconventional interior repairs, including the use of crystalline waterproofing technologies, urethane foam, or variable vapor retarders in conjunction with insulation can also be considered to improve wall performance with respect to water leakage, air infiltration, and/or thermal properties. This presentation will cover both traditional options and “outside-the-box” strategies for masonry restoration and repair projects. This presentation will also include discussions related to building science, air and vapor transport related to traditional and unconventional strategies, and several case studies.

Learning Objectives

Define masonry wall types as mass walls, drainage walls, or barrier walls.
Demonstrate an understanding of building science associated with masonry walls and the impacts of various restoration strategies.
Review various traditional and unconventional masonry restoration options to overcome issues associated with water leakage, air infiltration, and thermal performance.
Describe advanced technologies that can be applied to renovations associated with masonry walls.

Speakers

Gloria Frank, EIT
Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. | Willowbrook, IL

Gloria Frank is a member of the structural engineering staff at Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc., and is enrolled with the state of Illinois as an engineer intern. She is engaged in condition assessment, field investigation and testing, litigation support services, and documentation of structural components and distressed structures. In addition to structural engineering projects, Frank assists with testing for building enclosure condition assessment and repair design of historic structures. While earning her master’s degree in structural engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she worked as a teaching assistant under Professor Emeritus German Gurfinkel, assisting with courses in structural design of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete.

Patrick Reicher, REWC, REWO, SE
Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. | Willowbrook, IL

Patrick Reicher is a principal with Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. He has 17 years of experience with the forensic investigation, evaluation, and repair design of existing building enclosures, and building enclosure consulting and commissioning for new construction projects. Reicher is a structural engineer in Illinois and a professional engineer in several states. He is also a Registered Exterior Wall Consultant, Registered Exterior Wall Observer, Certified Construction Specifier, and Certified Construction Contract Administrator. He currently serves on several committees and task forces for IIBEC and the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Mysterious Moisture Marks: Assessment of Water Stains at Window Glazing

Classification

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Proceedings

Session Description

The threat of water intrusion within a building enclosure will raise different levels of concern, including aesthetic, environmental, and threats to the structural integrity. The appearance of water stains upon the interior surfaces of the window glazing system may raise alarms for the unit owner or building stakeholders. However, not all signs of water stains are the same. An assessment of the reported area of staining should include evaluations of all reasonable sources. Whether condensation from the inside or active water intrusion from the outside, the presentation will touch upon the most common scenarios and sources. A discussion regarding the conditions that may or may not be attributed to window glazing will take place. Expectations of the ability of watertightness performances based on the window type or configurations will be presented. Additionally, a discussion regarding the invasive and emerging noninvasive methods such as thermal imaging analysis via drone technology will occur.

Learning Objectives

Summarize waterproofing specifications and detailing of glazing systems, particularly those in common with window glazing types and configurations.
Identify typical signs and causes of water stains found at window glazing systems that may or may not be related to water intrusion.
Describe the methodology of window inspections with a focus on the use of drones, and analyze the use of thermal imaging.
Evaluate common repair practices and emerging new products for watertightness / weathertightness methodology.

Speakers

Patrick St. Louis, LEED
Thornton Tomasetti | Fort Lauderdale, FL

Patrick St. Louis, LEED Green Associate, is a senior project director with Thornton Tomasetti (TT) in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, office, in the Forensic, Renewal, and Property Loss practice. St Louis has been with TT for over nine years with a primary focus on forensic and renewal architecture. He has his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Krishna Sai Vutukuru, PhD
Thornton Tomasetti | Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dr. Krishna Sai Vutukuru, PhD is a senior engineer at Thornton Tomasetti Inc. (TT) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Vutukuru has been with TT for one year and specializes in built environment vulnerability to extreme wind events such as hurricanes, wind-driven rain, downbursts, and tornadoes. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi, as well as master’s and doctorate degrees in civil engineering from Florida International University.

3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.

Basics of Thin Brick Wall Systems

Classification

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Several thin brick wall systems have been developed for the construction industry, ranging from composite thin brick precast panelized walls to rail-supported thin brick rain screens. Each of the thin brick wall systems has benefits and drawbacks that require careful consideration when considering climate, code, and adjacent wall assemblies. When the wrong thin brick system is chosen for a specific application, or the system is composed of using the wrong elements, problems can occur during or soon after construction. Our experience investigating problems with thin brick wall systems and navigating design challenges during construction has shown the importance of understanding the variety of systems that exist and when one system may want to be selected versus another. Understanding how each system functions is also essential to understanding how the detailing of the systems varies and the importance of matching the right details to the right system.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the basic material properties of thin brick systems and how they are similar and different from conventional brick systems.
Learn to differentiate between barrier thin brick and rain screen thin brick systems and how this affects the selection of other system components, i.e., weather barriers and insulation.
Discuss climate considerations for thin brick system selection.
Determine how codes such as NFPA 285 can drive system selection.

Speakers

Mary Donlon
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. | Waltham, MA

Mary Donlon is a senior consulting engineer who joined Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. in 2014 as a member of the building technology group. She has extensive experience in contemporary walls. Other areas of experience include industrial rope access, roofing, panelized wall systems, plazas, windows, and flooring.

Matthew Pitzer, AIA, LEED BD+C
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. | Waltham, MA

Matthew R. Pitzer is an architect and senior project manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. and a member of the building technology group in Waltham, Massachusetts. He has experience in the design, investigation, evaluation, restoration, and construction administration of historic and contemporary buildings. Pitzer specializes in the investigation and evaluation of existing building enclosure systems, including historic and contemporary masonry, waterproofing, cladding systems, windows and curtain walls, and roofing.

3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.

Change Is in the Air (Barrier!)

Classification

EW, AB

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Air barrier requirements for commercial buildings are undergoing substantial changes in the 2022 ASHRAE 90.1 Standard and the 2024 IECC. Continuous air barriers have been required in most buildings for a number of years. Recently the model commercial energy codes, ASHRAE 90.1 Standard and the 2024 IECC have been updated to provide more specific and stringent requirements for buildings. This presentation will provide expert insight from two individuals who have been engaged in the code development process for years and were specifically involved with the air leakage updates in both the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard and the International Energy Conservation Code. The air barrier updates include clarifications to the whole building performance testing methods and stringency, design phase requirements, material and assembly requirements, and on-site installation verification requirements. We will discuss the appropriateness of applications and the interaction between the building and energy code requirements. A discussion on new code development updates, design-based applications, and construction best practices will also take place.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the impact of air barrier systems on energy efficiency.
Recognize the changing building and energy codes and their interaction with building enclosure systems.
Evaluate how to implement an air barrier strategy to comply with the code and owner performance requirements.
Explain how specific examples and air barrier systems can be applied to current and future project designs.

Speakers

Benjamin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Siplast | Mosely, VA

Benjamin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is the building enclosure business director with Siplast. His previous experience includes enclosure consultant principal, technical management, research, and education for enclosure products, commercial design, real estate development and construction management on a range of projects that included residential, educational, offices, and DuPont industrial projects. Industry positions include voting member of the ASHRAE 90.1 Envelope and Project Committees, LEED Technical Committee member, past LEED Materials (MR) TAG, and director of the Air Barrier Association of America. Meyer has MBA, BS, and M. Arch degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

Theresa Weston, PhD
Holt Weston Consultancy | Richmond, VA

Theresa Weston, PhD, is the president of the Holt Weston Consultancy, providing building science-focused expertise to increase sustainability and resiliency of the built environment. Weston is on the executive committee of the ASTM Committee on the Performance of Buildings and chairs the Subcommittee on Air Leakage and Ventilation. At ASHRAE, she is the immediate-past chair of the Residential Buildings Committee and immediate-past-Chair of the Standard for Energy Efficient Design of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings (90.2), and past chair of the Technical Committee on Building Materials and Building Envelope Performance. Weston is active in the International Code Council code development process.

3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.

Bridging the Generational Divide: Mentoring in a Hybrid Work Environment

Classification

BPD

Article

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Currently, the industry is experiencing the critical challenge of bridging the generational divide and mentoring in a hybrid work environment. This presentation will address how to begin bridging that divide by building a foundation of trust and understanding the expectation, motivation, and goal differences between the generations. In establishing an industry-standard-based training approach while emphasizing the importance of collaborative fieldwork to create a feedback loop, the divide can be lessened. This presentation is intended for industry professionals from varying generations and uses research studies as well as real-time research to support its learning objectives. Findings are primarily based on direct experience of and between the two authors/presenters.

Learning Objectives

Identify strategies for building a foundation of trust between the mentor and mentee.
Discuss expectation, motivation, and goal differences between the generations.
Discuss how to establish an industry standard-based training approach.
Evaluate the importance of a collaborative field to create a feedback loop.

Speakers

Kevin Palma, RWC, LEED, AP
Seal Building Enclosure LLC | Houston, TX

Kevin Palma co-founded Seal Building Enclosure LLC in 2021 with 14 years of experience in the building enclosure consulting, architecture, and construction industry. He has provided building enclosure consulting and project management services for both new and existing building projects throughout various market sectors. His areas of technical expertise include design review, detailing, assessment, and construction administration of below-grade waterproofing, air barriers, cladding, horizontal deck waterproofing, glazed curtain walls, glazed storefronts, coatings, and roofing. Palma graduated from Ohio State with a bachelor of science in architecture, and from the University of Illinois with a master of architecture.

Nichole Thomas
Seal Building Enclosure LLC | Houston, TX

Thomas is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture. She has experience working with well-respected architecture firms in the Houston area and has been involved in various aspects of the design and construction process, including drafting, specification writing, construction administration, sustainability, and building performance evaluation.

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Concept of Design Considerations

Classification:
BE, BPD

Article

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Design reviews of plans and specifications are a critical step in the development of project manuals and “construction set” drawings. Design considerations, input from all stakeholders (owners, contractors, design professionals, and consultants) is added in the process as the project progresses from the original schematic design to a completed set of documents. There are several key resources (SpecsIntact, CSI, etc.) that provide key elements for the document development process. This presentation will address how to improve in-house standards for practice in design considerations and development and will focus on the uniformity of design documents over time and in different offices. Recommendations for minimum standards and compliance will be offered as a benchmark for design development.

Learning Objectives

Identify strategies to improve in-house standards for practice in design considerations.
Explain the importance of uniformity when multiple personnel or locations are involved in the process of design considerations.
Discuss the minimum standards that follow industry guidelines and exceed the minimum requirements of codes.
Provide minimum recommendations/comments when involved in design review and commissioning.

Speaker

Richard L. Cook Jr. F–IIBEC, RBEC, RRO, REWO, CCS, LEED, CSRP, SC ACEM
The Building Envelope Enclosure Group | Hanahan, SC

Richard L. Cook Jr. is the principal managing partner of the Building Envelope Enclosure Group. His expertise is in building enclosure consulting and design services. He received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Citadel in 1984. His credentials include FRCI, RBEC, REWO, RRO, CCS, CSRP & LEED AP.

Cook has been a member of IIBEC since 1988 and is a past president. He has chaired committees, published articles, and developed and taught dozens of courses for IIBEC as well as universities. He has authored numerous papers on the subject of building enclosures.

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Oh Hail! Metal Roofs, Hail Impact, and Long-Term Performance

Classification

R, S

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

For several years, the insurance industry has been addressing an important question: what is considered cosmetic damage vs. functional damage when assessing hail impact on low-slope metal roofing? Cosmetic damage due to hail is often excluded from coverage. However, more recently, the distinction between cosmetic and functional damage has been challenged by forensic experts potentially basing their opinions on unsubstantiated claims of reduced service life and the performance of a dimpled roof. Does moisture retention or microfracture within a hail divot really diminish roof life?

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association has recently completed two research projects on the effects of hail on coated steel roofing systems. The projects, which evaluated the coating damage due to roll forming of 55% Al-Zn-coated steel roof panels and the water ponding drying rates for simulated hail impact divots on 55% Al-Zn-coated steel roof panels, provide much-needed information to define the differences between “cosmetic” and “functional” damage. This presentation provides background on the hail damage issue and presents the results of the recently completed research, which will come to bear on the definition of functional damage going forward. It is essential to properly evaluate hail impact on coated steel roofing.

Learning Objectives

Identify the two common concerns regarding the long-term performance of hail-impacted 55% Al-Zn-coated steel roof panels.
Explain the empirical and scientific corrosion behavior of 55% Al-Zn coatings on steel roof panels.
Discuss the approach to apply results of drying rate and coating fracture studies to categorize hail impact damage as cosmetic or functional with dimensional delineations.
Define appropriate evaluation criteria for 55% Al-Zn coating damage due to hail impacts.
Defend your assessment of hail-damaged, 55% Al-Zn-coated steel roof panels.

Speakers

Ron Dutton
Ron Dutton Consulting Services LLC | Annapolis, MD

Ron Dutton is the president of Ron Dutton Consulting Services. Dutton provides technical services for product development, failure analysis, and product training for the metal construction and appliance industries. With 40 years of experience in metallic-coated steel products and a strong emphasis on 55% Al-Zn alloy-coated sheets, Dutton has served in various organizations, such as the National Coil Coating Association (NCCA) Building Products and Residential Roofing Task Forces. He chaired the North American Zinc Aluminum Coaters Pre-Painted Building Inspection Committee and chaired the board for the Zinc Aluminum Coaters Association. Dutton holds BS and MS degrees in metallurgical engineering and materials science from Drexel University and Lehigh University.

Robert Haddock
S-5 | Colorado Springs, CO

Robert Haddock is a metal roofing expert who has worked in the industry for five decades―first as a laborer, then contractor, forensic analyst, technical author, innovator, and founder of S-5. He is a member of NRCA, ASHRAE, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Construction Specifiers Institute, and ASTM. He is also a lifetime honorary member of Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association, and Metal Construction Association. Haddock innovated the concept of seam clamps for standing seam roof profiles. He has served as faculty for Roofing Industry Educational Institute, IIBEC, and the University of Wisconsin. He is a recipient of numerous awards including the IIBEC Richard M. Horowitz Award and was a charter inductee to the Metal Construction Hall of Fame.

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Six Frequently Misunderstood Topics Related to Commercial Building Enclosures

Classification

Proceedings

This course has been approved for 1 IIBEC Continuing Education Hour

Session Description

Discussions between architects, building enclosure consultants, product manufacturers, and contractors frequently center around common misunderstandings regarding commercial building enclosures. This presentation will address five common topics using case studies, specific project examples, and citations from previous literature. These topics are: 1) The importance of relative humidity, dew point, and how they are managed in a building enclosure and the difference between a static analysis and dynamic analysis (WUFI). 2) How the permeability of individual layers of the building enclosure versus moisture flow through an entire assembly. 3) The importance of aligning the control layers at penetrations such as windows and how to ensure continuity at important interfaces such as the roof and foundation. 4) An analysis of when structural sheathing is needed in commercial construction compared with wood-framed construction and when structural sheathing can be used to improve the efficiency of a building schedule. 5) An overview of NFPA 285 testing, the information it provides, and its importance for the safety of buildings. Finally, the presenters will discuss a bonus topic citing specific examples of how results found via lab test methods can set unrealistic expectations for in-field conditions.

Learning Objectives

Define the terms “relative humidity,” “dew point,” and “vapor permeability,” and describe how each can impact a project.
Explain NFPA 285 and how fire-rated assemblies are critical components for life safety.
Discuss how and when to incorporate structural sheathing in a project.
Review how to properly interpret and apply lab testing of products and assemblies to field conditions

Speaker

Andrea Wagner-Watts
DuPont Performance Building Solutions | East Aurora, NY

Andrea Wagner-Watts is the commercial application leader for DuPont Performance Building Solutions. Wagner-Watts has worked in the construction industry for over 15 years, where she has successfully helped develop multiple sealants and air/water barrier system solutions. Currently, she focuses on improving the overall performance of the building enclosure through application innovation, and new product development. She has published on building science, interfaces, durability, and resiliency. Wagner-Watts holds two patents, is a LEED Green Associate, and is the Air Barrier Association of America Technical Committee Chair.