Program:  High Performance Building Envelopes

This session is designed for architects and other design and construction professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of the application and use of air barriers in the building envelopes of commercial and multi-family residential buildings.  Researchers, architects, and code writers have shown that attention to specific details in both new and retrofitted envelopes result in better performing buildings with better comfort and long durability as well as lower energy consumption.

Air leakage through the building envelope is silent, invisible, and cunning.  It causes numerous building envelope problems, including wetting of cavity materials, spalling of masonry, premature corrosion of metals, blistering of paint, icicles, and staining of contraction.  Continuity is important but strength is even more important.

In buildings, the air barrier system must be designed, and specified on plans.  It has specific performance criteria and specific material requirements.

Presenter:  Steve Tratt, National Sales Manager, Canam Building Envelope Specialists

Steve Tratt has over 26 years of experience in the building envelope air barrier industry, including expertise in air leakage testing and weatherization materials.  He has worked extensively in the custom design of building science solutions for the education, healthcare, commercial, and government markets.  His material expertise includes two-component polyurethane foam insulating air sealants, door and window weather‐stripping, fire-stopping systems, and air tightness testing equipment.  Steve has trained building envelope retrofit contractors in both Canada and the United States and has made numerous presentations to a wide variety of trade associations.  Currently Steve is involved in organizing and presenting air barrier seminars for architects and engineers.