Mind The Gap

Wall assemblies are increasing in thickness due to continuous insulation demands, required air ventilation, and different thermal girt thicknesses depending on the type of wall system to be implemented. Taking into consideration the thermal, air, water, vapor, and fire compliance requirements, what details should be considered. How should we evaluate the design and construction of the wall with fenestration location, moisture, air, and vapor barrier layers and transitions with different building systems. We will review the implications of each decision on the wall system.

Presented by:  Corey Zussman, AIA, NCARB, ALA, REWC, RWC, RRO, CDT, CQM, LEED® AP BD+C | Director of Quality Construction | Pepper Construction


Continuing Education: 1.0 AIA CES LU/HSW

Learning Objectives:

1. Determine the requirements of the wall cavity with regard to thermal, air, water, vapor, and fire compliance.
2. Understand the ever-increasing wall cavity size, needs and requirements.
3. Discuss the implications of locating the window system within the wall cavity.
4. Review the needs of the wall, including UV protection, proper airflow, code requirements for attachment of materials, and difficulties of systems.

Registration: Required by Friday, January 11.  Limited seating available on a first come basis. Complimentary to members and non-members.


Corey Zussman is a registered Architect in several states, practicing for over 28 years, specializing in building envelope, restoration, preservation, life safety, & interior finishes. Corey is currently the Director of Quality Assurance for a Pepper Construction Company in Chicago promoting the Quality Program for over six years. He works on 50-75 projects a year, including constructability reviews, conducting pre-installation meetings, conducting comprehensive envelope meetings, construction observation, and providing education throughout the industry. Corey has produced over 150 “lessons learned” papers about building envelope and life safety concerns to be proactive during design review, pre-construction, and construction.  He has extensive quality metrics for more than 1,000 buildings and $2 billion worth of work, and a Quality App for mobile phones and tablets which houses the lessons learned papers to stay ahead or verify construction in the field.



CSI Chicago is a AIA CES Registered Provider (Provider Number S001).