Knowledge Level: Advanced
Session Topics(s): EW
Prerequisite Knowledge:

• EIFS over cladding terminology, materials, and typical installation details. 
• Punched window terminology, materials, and typical installation details. 
• Thermal bridging: What it is, and how it is commonly addressed. 
• Third-party energy conservation standards like Passive House.  
• Thermal and hygrothermal modelling and modelling software programs.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify the challenges of balancing extreme energy savings while addressing the needs and experiences of the building residents. 
• Differentiate between the installation details and the requirements of mineral wool versus expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) assemblies. 
• Discuss common deficiencies in each system, appropriate repair methods, and how these issues are evaluated.
• Identify common failure points in air barrier detailing, explore potential causes, and recommend solutions for both pre and post cladding installation.
• Discuss the impact of cost on a project, from the design stage through to construction, particularly in the face of inevitable changes.

Description
How far can we push the limits of an existing building to achieve significant energy and carbon savings while navigating the constraints of its structure and function? This presentation will delve into the challenges of pursuing a deep energy retrofit for a high-rise residential building, with the goal of achieving EnerPHit certification. We will examine the design decisions, construction challenges, and necessary compromises made throughout the project, highlighting the delicate balance between ambitious energy targets and the practical realities of working with an existing building. By sharing lessons learned, this presentation aims to provide insights for other design professionals facing similar challenges.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): WP; EW

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW, R
Prerequisite Knowledge: An understanding of construction terminology, architectural terminology and the understanding of the process of a construction project, along with the typical roles of consultants, contractors and architects/engineers. This project will dive into the challenges and lessons learned from a collaborative project team, so understanding traditional project roles will be important to highlight how this project was unique.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Summarize how masonry facade repairs can be successfully implemented within budget and schedule constraints by utilizing a collaborative approach between owner, architect/engineer, and contractor.
• Discuss the considerations for interfaces of masonry walls with windows, roofs, and balconies.
• Recognize building enclosure and interior improvements to consider during adaptive reuse, including discussions regarding code compliance requirements.
• Explain the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary planning approach to the basic adaptive reuse principles that apply to existing building reuse strategies.

Description
Adaptive reuse of existing buildings enhances sustainability and resiliency in the built environment while preserving the sense of place and stimulating economic growth. Recent economic and social shifts have increased the financial attractiveness of these conversions. Design professionals managing adaptive reuse projects must balance various, sometimes opposing factors, including historic preservation standards, code requirements, and client expectations. The Ramova Theatre project exemplifies the benefits and challenges of such endeavors. Originally constructed in 1929, the Ramova Theatre had been vacant since 1986. The comprehensive adaptive reuse project, led by O’Riley Office LLC, transformed the site into a vibrant community hub featuring a live performance theater, restaurant, and brewery within the existing footprint of a historical theater and commercial space. The project encompassed exterior enclosure rehabilitation, including masonry restoration and repairs, roof replacement, window restoration, and interior plaster restoration. The presenters will discuss their roles in the Ramova project team and will illustrate the challenges they faced, such as maintaining authenticity, integrating contemporary regulations and codes into a historic building, and balancing preservation to deliver a successful project to clients. The Ramova Theatre project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and stimulate economic growth.

Presenters/Authors:

Rachel Will, PEng
Principal and Executive Director of Knowledge Sharing
WJE

Dan O'Riley, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Principal
O’Riley Office LLC
 

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW
Prerequisite Knowledge: Attendees should have familiarity with ASTM E2270-14 Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades for Unsafe Conditions and know that several cities in the US have facade ordinances aimed at mandating building maintenance to help ensure public safety.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Discuss International Existing Building Code (IEBC) standards with respect to minimum standards for maintaining building safety.
• Assess the challenges of determining the duration for maintaining building safety in the absence of specific guidelines.
• Analyze the impact of the inspection and maintenance of a buildings’ exterior walls due to facade ordinances in cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
• Examine how architects and engineers make informed decisions and recommendations on repair campaigns based on expected service life and inspection cycle of the building.

Description
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) prescribes a minimum standard to maintain buildings as safe. But is there an expected duration to maintain this safety? If there are no guidelines as to what sort of duration or benchmark we as designers/consultants are trying to achieve, how can we encourage Owners to maintain minimum safety standards and expect them to perform periodic inspections and maintenance. In cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, the implementation of facade ordinances has mandated that inspections of building exterior walls and regulatory reporting be performed and has, in turn, allowed for architects and engineers to make informed  decisions and recommendations on repair campaigns based on expected service life to either last to the next inspection cycle or become a longer-term solution. With the knowledge of knowing when a subsequent inspection is due, owners are able to then choose whether to make it to the next cycle or surpass the expectation.

Presenter/Author:

Mike Lopez, RA, AIA, NCARB
Director
Rimkus
 

Knowledge Level: Advanced
Session Topics(s): EW
Prerequisite Knowledge: An understanding of exterior sheathing systems for opaque walls, including their function in creating a high-performance building enclosure, including appropriate control layers (bulk water, water vapor, air, and thermal). Additionally, experience with cladding attachment systems, various types of wall loading scenarios, and use of design tables to define appropriate cladding fastener rates is recommended.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Discuss the difference between the chemistry of chloride- and sulfate-based magnesium oxide (MgO) composite sheathing boards, including cement chemical structure, additives, and the manufacturing process. 
• Identify the properties of MgO-based boards and the benefits over traditional sheathing during the construction and long-term operation of commercial buildings.
• Address early board prototype challenges and highlight advancements in MgO technology, both with stand-alone boards and within a complete wall system.
• Outline quality control measures such as specific testing methods and associated performance targets to ensure the supplied boards meet the requirements to provide a long-lasting performance in the building enclosure. 
• Describe the performance of MgO systems in fire code testing, including NFPA 285 and combustibility testing, and be able to identify when they can and cannot be used.

Description
Exterior sheathing panels made with MgO chemistry represent a newer but growing product category that, compared to more familiar sheathing options, are not as widely known or understood amongst even experienced building enclosure experts. Commonly asked questions include: 

• Are MgO boards, chloride boards, and sulfate boards all referring to the same thing? 
• Are they all functionally interchangeable, or are some better for specific applications? 
• Why are people talking about sweating boards from Denmark? 
• Can they be a value-adding part of a robust and resilient building enclosure? 

Since the early days of MgO composite panels, which have been around in their modern form for about 20 years, significant advancements in understanding the chemistry and process control for MgO-based sheathing have improved the quality of available products. 

This session will demystify MgO and provide a window into the academic research investigating the synthesis, structure, and stability of composite panels based on MgO starting materials. Learners will walk away with an industry leading understanding and the necessary tools to speak confidently and accurately about MgO-based boards. They will have clarity on how to evaluate and select boards based on quality and long-term performance for certain applications and will see how incorporating this product into their building(s) can improve the constructability and long-term performance of exterior walls and roof systems.

Presenter/Author:

Adam Broderick, PhD
Research Scientist
DuPont Performance Building Solutions

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): BECx
Prerequisite Knowledge: Previous experience with enclosure energy code requirements, air leakage testing standards/procedures, and typical mechanisms of building air leakage would be beneficial for the learner.  

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify how air leakage impacts energy consumption.
• Discuss the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) compliance paths for air barrier and thermal envelope assemblies.
• Contrast the subtle differences between the various air leakage testing standards as well as discuss the project factors that may dictate one method over another.
• Review common pitfalls in the IECC building enclosure compliance process.

Description
Recent iterations of the IECC have prioritized the reduction of building enclosure air leakage as a means of energy efficiency. Historically, code requirements for building enclosures have focused on water leakage, which is the leading cause of construction claims in the United States, and thermal value, which energy models use to predict building performance. However, as the field of building science continues to evolve, the industry has recognized that these measures alone may not result in an efficient enclosure due to the potential of air leakage to cause moisture issues, by means of condensation, and thermal inefficiencies, by means of air leakage bypassing insulation materials. As a result, recent changes to the energy code now dictate that commercial buildings undergo “verification” or testing in an effort to reduce the energy and performance loss associated with air leakage. It is critical that designers, contractors, and consultants understand how and when to implement the new air leakage requirements on their projects to avoid schedule delays and cost overruns. This presentation will cover each IECC air leakage compliance path, nuances of the various air leakage testing standards, and common challenges encountered in the process.

Presenter/Author

Alex Kosis, PE, Legacy LEED AP
Associate Principal
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
 

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Illustrate how minor design or construction oversights can lead to significant building enclosure failures, such as moisture intrusion or thermal inefficiencies.
• Analyze root causes and discuss preventive measures to bulk water ingress and moisture damage due to condensation from air leakage.
• Describe what constitutes a communication breakdown scenario from the standpoint of building enclosure forensics. 
• Illustrate the use of detailed documentation, visual aids, and precise instructions to prevent errors, enhance collaboration, and ensure long-term performance and durability of the building enclosure.

Description
The durability of the building enclosure relies not only on the quality of its design but also on the precision of its execution during construction. This presentation examines the critical interface between architectural detailing and on-site installation, focusing on the translation of information from architects to installers. Building forensic professionals often identify how minor oversights during design or installation evolve into significant issues, such as moisture intrusion or thermal inefficiencies. Drawing on forensic insights, the study highlights common communication breakdowns that compromise enclosure performance and durability. It emphasizes the importance of clear documentation, effective communication tools, and installer training to align design intent with real-world practices. Practical recommendations drawn from recent forensic case studies span every phase of a building’s life cycle. They include (1) annotated design drawings that explicitly show moisture control components such as kick out diverter flashings, (2) permitting checklists that flag any missing water management details before construction begins, (3) step by step installation guides and on site communication protocols so trades can translate design intent accurately, (4) inspector training and digital visualization tools that spotlight high risk interfaces during field reviews, and (5) homeowner handbooks that explain maintenance routines and warn of early signs of enclosure distress.

Presenter/Author

Javeriya Hasan, PhD (Building Science), MBSc, MSc, BEng (Hons), EIT
Associate
30 Forensic Engineering

Authors

Jeff Reitsma, PEng
Vice President
30 Forensice Engineering

Hitesh Doshi, PE
Professor
Toronto Metropolitan University

Clair Tam
Building Science Consultant
Stantec

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): R

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify the types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) single-ply roof systems currently being recycled.
• Provide educational tools that are available for incorporating single-ply roof membrane recycling specifications into a cycle renovation bid package.
• Describe acceptable practices and illustrate the steps involved in packaging and bundling the existing roofing membrane for recycling, instead of the landfill.
• Explain how recycled content reduces the carbon footprint of select manufacture products.
• Summarize how green certification systems such as GBI Green Globes, USGBC LEED, and BREEAM specific to recycling or using products with recycled content can add value for building owners.
• Discuss applications that use recycled content PVC roof membrane as feedstock.
• Analyze the quantity of vinyl and PVC single-ply roof membranes recycled each year.

Description
PVC (vinyl) materials have been recycled for decades as production scrap or when products have reached their end-of-life. PVC recyclers use these reclaimed materials to make recycled content feedstocks to be processed back into roofing products (closed loop) or other vinyl products such as flooring (open loop). This process recaptures the carbon benefit recycled membranes offer from a life-cycle assessment (LCA) evaluation. These benefits can be quantified using comparisons of replacing virgin PVC materials with recycled content materials. In addition to carbon avoidance, certification credits for waste management and recycling from green building rating systems such as GBI Green Globes, USGBC LEED, and BREEAM are available to building owners that can add value to a building’s portfolio.
As part of their sustainability initiatives, the Vinyl Institute (VI) and the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA) Vinyl Roof Division advocate for additional PVC recycling. Under a grant from the VI, the CFFA has developed recycling roof guide specifications and suggested techniques for removing the existing PVC roof. They will be presented. Additionally, a video will highlight how to remove and prepare a single-ply roof membrane for shipping to a recycler after a cycle renovation. Communication and education are key factors within the roofing industry to ensure single-ply roof membrane recycling becomes more widely known and practiced. This will ultimately enhance sustainability within the industry.

Presenters/Authors

Richard Krock, PE
Principal
VyChlor Advisors LLC

Jennifer Oblock
Executive Director
Chemical Fabrics and Film Association

Brian Whelan
President/Owner
Roof Resources LLC

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW, R

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Illustrate five different Code considerations with regards to parapets and guardrails.
• Describe how and where the discontinuities at parapets and guardrails can diminish the performance of the building enclosure.
• Evaluate strategies to make parapets and guardrails more durable and resilient.
• Summarize maintenance considerations with regard to parapets and guardrails.

Description
Parapets and guardrails often overlap in purpose when they are located at the edge of a terrace, balcony, or roof. To make matters more complicated, these “secondary architectural elements” may directly impact the building enclosure in terms of water management, air, and thermal control.  These key issues come into play during the design, construction, and service of the building as these architectural elements have a unique array of considerations for a very complicated location. The structural, thermal, safety, waterproofing/roofing, and aesthetics of the enclosure all need to be considered and coordinated. The intersection of regulatory requirements (such as codes and local ordinances) with good design, detailing, and maintenance practices can help promote long lasting parapets and guardrails for years to come without degrading the performance of the building enclosure.

Presenter/Author

John Graz, RRC, AIA, NCARB
Senior Specialist
BPL Enclosure

Knowledge Level: Advanced
Session Topics(s): BECx
 

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Recognize the difference between the minimum requirements and needed performance criteria for resilient buildings.
• Define specification requirements for future-proof whole building air barrier materials and installation.
• Design a resilient roof and wall assembly to meet intensifying weather conditions.
• Evaluate exposure factors for air barrier properties that are not referenced in the code but that impact the overall durability of the building.

Description
As climate change drives increasingly severe storms, building resilience is critical. How do we ensure buildings withstand these extremes? A robust whole-building air barrier assembly is key, offering a resilient shield against environmental stresses. This presentation will guide you in designing and implementing a high-performance building enclosure to manage climate impacts effectively. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines resilience as mitigating risks from hazards, shocks, and stresses while adapting to evolving conditions. But how does this apply to building enclosure design? We will explore how resilience is integrated through strategies based on current and future codes and through comparison of past standards to anticipated advancements. This focus on code evolution and specification improvements highlights best practices for adaptable, durable construction. Various roof and wall assemblies will be examined, including analysis of performance through lab tests and real-world exposure. Additionally, the session will address how essential quality assurance protocols, including building enclosure commissioning, the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) Quality Assurance Program, and Whole Building Airtightness Testing guarantee that the on-site performance aligns with design. By the end, attendees will understand the critical role of whole-building air and water barriers and how to future-proof projects through resilience-driven design, quality control, and adaptability.

Presenters/Authors

Benjamin Meyer, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Building Enclosure Business Director
Siplast

Luke Geoffrion, PhD
Associate R&D Manager – Innovation
Siplast

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Describe the research decisions made throughout the embodied carbon calculation process to streamline studies and make analyses more accessible.
• Evaluate tools and steps toward holistically completing facade embodied carbon studies.
• Identify different calculation methodologies such as manual or online tools and their inherent variabilities.
• Evaluate the applied process from the perspectives of facade engineers and the establishment of communication between various stakeholders to then manipulate the process for future studies from varied AEC perspectives. 

Description
When initially approaching embodied carbon and the corresponding research, professionals are often overwhelmed by a plethora of resources, making the process difficult to navigate. This presentation will review a completed facade embodied carbon study to highlight potential variabilities within the initial lack of parameters. A brief systematic breakdown of stage-by-stage calculations for retrospective building projects will be used as a basis for discussion focusing on the impact of each stage, realism of the results, and inherent variabilities or uncertainties. 
A series of in-depth microstudies were explored to analyze tools and factors used throughout the manual calculation process, setting lessons learned for future professionals. An understanding of the inherent uncertainties between the manual calculations and online toolkits is critical and will be explored to highlight the impacts of project specific EPDs and utilization of embodied carbon performance tools such as EC3 for guiding methodology and its reliability. 
Ultimately, this presentation will provide attendees with a more refined approach to managing embodied carbon studies, equipping them with the tools to streamline future retrospective assessments and enhance carbon-conscious decision-making.
 

Knowledge Level: Advanced
Session Topics(s): R
Prerequisite Knowledge: An understanding of the following topics: roof thermal bridging, snow retention, steep-slope roof edge structural support, steep-slope roof ventilation, and steep-slope roof types, including metal, slate, clay tile, shingle, etc.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Review the common and unique scenarios in which structural blocking is required for sloped roofing systems.
• Discuss the load path between the roofing system and roof structure in systems requiring blocking and evaluate detailing options that provide a competent load path while minimizing negative impact on the building enclosure.
• Summarize how to detail structural penetrations through the air, water, vapor and thermal envelope barriers.
• Identify techniques to maintain and calculate the proper roof ventilation around structural blocking.

Description
In sloped roof construction, understanding and defining the load path between the roofing system and the roof structure for the in-plane component of gravity loads can be complicated. Vented roofs, metal roofs, and roofs with snow retention devices are examples of roofing systems for which a well-thought-out structural load path is instrumental in delivering gravity forces into the base building structure. Despite the importance of completing this load path, design teams, and contractors often overlook its design. By not seriously considering and evaluating the load path during the design phase, we also miss the opportunity to properly detail the structural penetrations through the building enclosure. Consequently, failing to address the in-plane gravity load path during the design phase can result in unintended discontinuities in the building enclosure, thermal bridging, reduction in thermal performance, and an increased risk of condensation at these crucial structural connections.

This presentation explains when and why the structural design of steep-slope roofing systems is essential and provides design considerations, including an in-depth review of the coordination required between structural and enclosure designers. 

Presenters/Authors:

Luke Niezelski, PE (MA)
Senior Project Manager
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Clayton Brown, PE (MA)
Senior Consulting Engineer
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Knowledge Level: Advanced
Session Topics(s): R

More details coming soon.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW, R

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify three key factors that contribute to condensation in healthcare/humidified facilities.
• Describe three major enclosure design considerations to help prevent condensation.
• Reflect on examples of poor condensation control and successful mitigation strategies.
• Discuss how current and forthcoming energy codes affect air leakage, thermal performance, and early design decision-making processes for building enclosures.

Description
Understanding water vapor, vapor drive, air leakage, and condensation in new and existing healthcare/humidified buildings (in northern climates) is vital to maintain building construction integrity, indoor air quality, and occupant health. This presentation explores common causes of condensation and water accumulation issues specific to healthcare facilities from a technical building enclosure perspective. Common past performance issues, design considerations to alleviate those issues, and testing protocols prior to construction to validate the performance of the proposed enclosure system design will be discussed along with upcoming energy code changes that directly impact condensation risk potential and energy code path decisions. 

Presenters/Authors

Allison McSherry, RA, BECxP, CxA+BE, LEED AP BD+C, CEM, NCARB
Associate V
Klein and Hoffman Inc.

Brian Mathus, RA, BECxP, CxA+BE
Associate V
Klein & Hoffman
 

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Discuss methods, criteria, and limitations of ASTM E2273.
• Define the relationships between drainage gap size, drainage efficiency, water absorption. and water application rates.
• Describe key factors that influence drainage efficiencies in standard testing and real-world conditions.
• Interpret the need for optimized gap size based on climate and proposed wall type.

Description
Building codes now prescribe minimum drainage spaces for distinct cladding types. The intent is to provide a more efficient release of water that has penetrated beyond the cladding. Compliance is also achieved with proven drainage efficiencies as tested in accordance with ASTM E2273. One prevailing assumption is that gap size and drainage efficiency are inexorably linked. However, this notion is challenged by the advent of drainage wraps and other products offering smaller yet efficient drainage spaces. This session will examine drainage efficiencies of full-scale test walls configured with fiber cement panels and gap depths of 10 mm or 1.5 mm. Key considerations including variances in water application rates and the effects of moisture absorption at drainage interfaces will be discussed. The fate of residual water within the drainage space is further explored with hygrothermal simulations for multiple North American climates.

Presenters/Authors

M. Steven Doggett, PhD
Principal Materials Scientist
Built Environments

Jarrett Davis, AMB, CGP, CDT, LEED AP BD+C
Principal Building Scientist
Built Environments

Author

Mathew Congleton 
Project Engineer
Built Environments 
 

Knowledge Level: Introductory
Session Topics(s): WP

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Summarize the benefits of below-grade wall retrofits when an exterior approach is required (versus insulating from the interior) and understand current practices in cold climates.
• Discuss alternative materials, such as foam glass aggregate and perlite, including their properties, availability, cost and considerations for below-grade applications.
• Describe the steps involved in a novel “excavationless” approach to foundation retrofitting.
• Explain the experimental design presented and effectively solicit feedback from peers and stakeholders.

Description
Deep retrofits require the renewal of the entire building enclosure to enhance both resilience and thermal performance. NRCan’s Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofit (PEER) project has developed prefabricated panels for rapidly retrofitting above grade wall assemblies –an approach well-suited for renewing occupied housing. However, with basements in these units also being occupied, there is a need for a complimentary, industrialized solution to retrofitting below grade wall assemblies from the exterior. NRCan has developed a concept for a novel, exterior below grade wall retrofit approach that aims to reduce material costs, labor and site disruption, while also improving drainage, and reducing waste and material emissions compared to the current best practices. This innovative method involves hydrovacuum excavating a narrow 6-12” wide trench, spray-applying a water proofing membrane and backfilling using free-draining insulating materials (such as perlite or foam glass aggregate) to provide both insulation and drainage. This presentation will provide the schematic design of the retrofit system, associated construction (paired with a panelized above grade retrofit), an analysis of the thermal performance and embodied carbon emissions, preliminary material properties and a suitability assessment of perlite, and an experimental design to evaluate system performance. 

Presenters/Authors

Hamish Pope, PhD
Advanced Building Envelope Specialist
Natural Resources Canada

Authors

Mark Carver 
Project Officer
Natural Resources Canada

Brock Conley, PhD
Building Science Researcher
Natural Resources Canada
 

Jeff Armstrong BArchTech, MArch.
Principal
Cold Climate Building Inc.
 

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): R
Prerequisite Knowledge: The ideal level of prerequisite knowledge for this presentation includes the fundamentals of enclosure/roofing design and the general process for design and construction. Learners who understand building enclosure design concepts, including terminology and materials, will benefit the most.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify key strategies to drive a design process that maximizes owner value, including a robust predesign phase.
• Explain how to work with owners during a predesign phase to establish project goals before beginning the design.
• Discuss important technical intricacies to be considered as part of building enclosure rehabilitation projects using a roof replacement case study that considers current and future code requirements and industry standards.
• Identify key design criteria and construction phase tasks to help bridge the gap between the owner's goals and completed construction.

Description
Rehabilitation of existing building enclosures offers technical designers the opportunity to optimize building performance while bridging the owner’s goals and providing value for the owner. This paper outlines the benefits of early-stage planning and communication with an integrated holistic approach implemented throughout the predesign phase. For a technical designer, the amount of effort should be maximized in the predesign phase to maximize overall project value. Key tasks from the predesign phase are outlined. These include forming a team, identifying urgent issues and long-term goals, developing an owner’s project requirements, investigation, and site assessment. To conclude the predesign process, documentation that summarizes and materializes the findings and details of the predesign phase is also discussed, as are the design and construction phases. Roofing case studies including dead load and wind uplift calculations are used to exemplify the benefits of placing emphasis on the predesign phase to increase value for the owner.  

Presenters/Authors

Richard Ziegler, RRC, RRO, PE
Principal
Stantec

Amy Huynh, PEng
Building Science Engineer
Stantec
 

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Session Topics(s): EW, R
 

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Explain how moisture intrudes and affects roof/wall assemblies over pools and caustic environments.
• Summarize the typical materials of construction, and advantages associated with material selection in roof and wall assemblies.
• Identify the functional performance-based characteristics of a high-performance enclosure system.
• Analyze various preferred natatorium roof/wall assembly details and applications in a case study.

Description
Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks involved in designing roof and wall assemblies over pools and other corrosive environments. This session will cover effective design strategies to mitigate moisture damage by managing air, temperature, and vapor control. Key roof assembly elements—such as metal decking, fasteners, air/vapor barriers, and insulation—will be discussed in detail. Finally, these principles will be applied in a case study, covering the full project life cycle from concept and design to application, inspections, and handover.

Presenters/Authors

Q. Jonnie Hasan, MEng (Sustainable Development), Professional Engineer (PE Structural), BECxP, CxA+BE
VP of Business Development and R&D
Innovative Metals Company (IMETCO)