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Quality Assurance or Quality Control: What to Specify for High Performance Building Enclosures


About This Program

There seems to be a lack of understanding of what quality assurance entails versus quality control, the fundamental differences between the two, and what each function brings to the table. This is not unique to the ABAA air barrier quality assurance program or the construction industry in general. These terms are used interchangeably and misunderstood in all industries. 

In this presentation, a discussion of how to implement quality assurance and quality control will be explored specific to the building enclosure, and the steps you can take to ensure a high-performance building.

Session Takeaways

  • Explore how quality management systems can be applied to the construction process, and how quality assurance differentiates with quality control
  • Assess potential impacts to cost, scheduling, building performance, and durability by poor installation of air barriers
  • Describe language required in a specification that provides key criteria in regards to implementing an air barrier site quality assurance program
  • Define key components of an air barrier site quality assurance program, and assess the importance and relationship of each component

Symbol Key

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Learning Units

CSI: 1.0 LU*
*May be submitted for domain specific learning units to CDT recertification, and/or general learning units for CCCA, CCS, and CCPR.

Relevant Practices

Specifying/Information Management
Product Selection/Specification
Construction Management/Construction
Quality Assurance/Quality Control