About This Program

The building construction process of today presents a vast spectrum of considerations: complex building materials, multi-layer construction/multiple trades, higher expectations from owners, scheduling intricacies, and, of course, the budget. In the past, building systems were simpler with fewer layers. There were more master tradespeople at hand, ample apprentice training, and far simpler expectations for building performance.

Building occupants now require more for the interior environment—precise temperature and humidity control, no tolerance for condensation or mold, high indoor air quality, energy efficiency, among other features. To meet the need for a well-designed and well-constructed building enclosure, we rely on material and assembly product data sheets to help determine if we are achieving the expectations and objectives for a project. Without well-thought-out transitioning, termination, and flashing at the interface of the materials and assemblies, their intended performance is diminished or negated altogether.

In this presentation we will briefly touch on the history of building enclosure design and performance and how construction materials and assemblies have evolved to meet today’s standards for safety, comfort, and sustainability. The focus will be on aluminum glazing assemblies, specifically storefront and windows. We will also review typical assemblies and standard interface details, compare them with case studies, and discuss computer modeling, laboratory certification testing, and field performance testing. A key focus will be to review historic and current detailing and how modern lightweight construction has impacted the interfacing of storefront and window assemblies. Another important discussion point will be how building enclosure material and assembly interfacing affects construction sequencing, scheduling, and overall building performance. 

Session Takeaways

• Building Enclosure History and Design Principles. Review building construction practices of the past and present—specifically wall construction and interfacing with fenestration—and learn the building science principles that relate to proper interfacing.
• Laboratory Certification Testing, Computer Modeling and Field Performance Testing. Delve further into building science principles by exploring product certification, modeling, and testing of fenestration.
• Constructability and Construction Sequencing. Review how performance-based interfacing details affect constructability and construction sequencing.
• Case Studies. Review project examples, including wall opening details for window and storefront assemblies.