Technical Roundtable: Put Penetrations to the Test

Put Penetrations to the Test:
A review of the history, current trends and research for attachments with WRBs.

Building enclosure design involves balancing the demands of air, water and thermal considerations. Air and water barriers (AWB) are often incorporated to provide weather protection, but to perform successfully, require continuity. However, enclosure design also includes rainscreen cladding systems with numerous fasteners penetrating the AWBs (via attachments). Available guidelines for detailing and testing the installed AWB with the cladding attachments can be limited, and installation practices are not consistent from project to project. While improved installation methods and consensus standards for validating air and water tightness are needed, research is also required to assess detection approaches and the evaluation methodologies to employ. This session will discuss the research underway, as well as the background and context of the current practices related to penetrations of the AWB.


Presented by: Sarah Flock, NCARB, BECxP, CxA+BE - Principal, Raths, Raths, & Johnson, Inc. (View Sarah's resume.)

Continuing Education: Pending AIA/CES for approval.

Learning Objectives:

1. Introduce current trends with Water Resistive Barriers (WRBs).
2. Describe the history of WRBs.
3. Discuss code compliance and standards.
4. Review of current and proposed test methods.
5. Summarize fastener penetration research testing status.
6. Discuss other testing and considerations for specifying.
   

Registration: Required by Friday, May 3.  Limited seating available on a first come basis. Complimentary to members and non-members.



CSI Chicago is a AIA CES Registered Provider (Provider Number S000).