Dealing with the Challenges of Mid-Rise Wood Frame Construction

Auxiliary Seminar – Friday, March 15

This presentation will explain the code changes that have allowed taller buildings to be constructed using wood. Attendees will learn about the characteristics of wood framing that present unique design challenges, the variety of building code issues that serve to reduce the durability of wood-frame buildings, and compatibility issues associated with various construction materials. Finally, the lack of proper communication between construction team members will be discussed, in an effort to focus more on delivering a good building product and less on budgets, schedules, and warranties.

The seminar will be broken down into sections, including:

• Introduction
• Designing roofs and balconies to avoid ponding: Design solutions to provide long-term positive drainage for minimum slop assemblies supported by wood framing will be discussed.
• Best practices for structural framing: Design loads; vulnerability of compression, shrinkage, and long-term creep; and deflection are some of the issues that will be explained.
• Designing for durability and fire safety: Shortcomings in typical construction practices that can have a negative impact on durability and fire safety will be presented.
• Keeping the water out: Detailing the building envelope to avoid water intrusion issues is critical to the expected service life of the building.

The Florida Building Code

Auxiliary Seminar – Friday, March 15

This presentation will provide roof consultants, manufacturers, and designers with an analysis of the progress towards the creation of the 2020 Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC), the centerpiece of a new building code system. The FBC, like all other building codes, is not a static document, it must remain flexible and progress. A building code is ever-evolving and is never the final expression for building matters but must keep pace as new technologies and standards are developed. The notable impact of transitioning from the International Codes as the foundation for the FBC development will be explored and evaluated. One of the new standards which will be assessed is ASCE 7-16 and the effects this standard will have on design, installation, and product approvals. Additionally, the influence ASCE 7-16 will have on roofing application standards and other High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements will be considered in the presentation. The creation of the next edition of the building code is at a crossroads. Will the path build upon the legacy of Hurricane Andrew and a continuing effort to strengthen the built environment, or will the track suggest a gradual stagnation or erosion of safeguards for the public?

Exterior Concrete Wall Systems

Auxiliary Seminar – Friday, March 15

This auxiliary seminar is specifically targeted at building envelope designers. The purpose of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of exterior concrete wall systems that serve as part of the building envelope system. This course will cover properties of concrete materials that affect their use in building envelopes, applicable codes and standards, design and construction requirements, and evaluating, repairing, and maintaining exterior concrete walls. Case studies will also be presented for exterior wall repair projects.

Variations in the Free-Fall Velocities of Hail

Saturday, March 16, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hailstorms account for billions of dollars of damage a year to roofing systems. Mitigating this damage is dependent on properly understanding the effect of hail’s impact on roofing systems. Prior research on this issue has depended primarily on data from the National Bureau of Standards’ (NBS’), document, NBS 23, from August 1969, authored by Sidney Greenfeld. The NBS published data stating the free-fall velocities of spherical ice of various sizes with an assumed density of .89 to .91. Resultant kinetic energy was calculated for each of these sizes. This research was based on theoretical data generated by J.A.P. Laurie of the National Building Research Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. The NBS research assumes spherical ice spheres and does not consider other relevant factors such as shape, surface area, air temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.

To study the effect of these variations in meteorological factors and physical properties of hail, a vertical wind tunnel has been utilized by Jim D. Koontz & Associates. Ice spheres with different shapes, surface areas, and densities have been tested in a vertical wind tunnel with variations in other relevant meteorological factors. This study measures the true free-fall velocity and resultant kinetic energy generated by variations in hail. The information generated will be compared to the NBS data to aid researchers in performing roof damage assessments as a result of hail impact and in developing hail-resistant roofing products.

Building Performance Testing

Saturday, March 16, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This presentation will examine performance test methods for various building envelope components, including façade elements; windows and curtainwalls; air barriers; and electronic leak detection (ELD) for waterproofing. The speaker will share the type of equipment and setup needed for the various testing methods. The speaker will also distinguish between methods for “performance testing of assemblies” versus “diagnostic testing” to pinpoint failure mechanisms. The pros and cons of various types of equipment used for testing, such as building negative pressure chambers as opposed to employing the blower door method, will be discussed. The speaker will also explain the four types of ELD testing methods and equipment, including electronic field vector mapping, high-voltage spark, low-voltage vertical, and low-voltage horizontal testing.

Panelized Wall Systems – Joint Detailing for Success

Saturday, March 16, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Prefabricated exterior wall panels are becoming more popular for their potential to accelerate building construction schedules, better control fabrication quality in a shop setting, and reduce costs; however, without careful detailing, the joints between panels may increase maintenance requirements and prove to be the weak link within the system. These joints are potential vulnerabilities as they often rely on gaskets, sealants, and foams as the primary weather barrier. All three typically require maintenance and make the integration of modern wall barriers (air, vapor, weather, and thermal) complicated. The joints also typically lack redundancy.

In this presentation, we discuss multiple panel joint options, which we have seen both in design and construction, and their advantages and disadvantages, including long-term durability and capability to accommodate building movement and deflection. We also discuss what features designers should focus on when reviewing prefabricated panel designs and how designers can work with the prefabricated exterior wall panel contractors to improve the wall barrier integration and provide redundancy in the joint detail design.

Assessing Retrofit Single-Ply Roof Systems Installed Over Existing Metal Panel Roof Systems

Saturday, March 16, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Metal buildings with metal panel roof systems are commonly used across the United States, and a retrofit single-ply roof system is frequently installed after the metal roof is no longer providing useful service. Research has been conducted to experimentally and analytically investigate the performance of metal panel roofs retrofitted using single-ply roof systems. Various large-scale assemblies were subjected to an industry-recognized uplift-resistance test to determine uplift resistance and mode(s) of failure. Variations in fastener schedules and type were also evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA) models that were developed and calibrated by experimental testing. Of specific concern are differences in uplift resistance of retrofit single-ply roof systems because of variations in attachment, including fastener types, schedules, and spacing of existing structural members.

The research paper and presentation will discuss the research parameters, the outcome of the physical testing, and the results of the FEA modeling of different attachment scenarios. Best-practice design and installation recommendations will be provided.

Two Fire Stations; Very Different Results

Saturday, March 16, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This is a unique case study of two replacement fire stations designed and constructed for the same owner in the same county at the same time by the same general contractor with the same envelope consultant, but designed by two different architects. The study offers insight into two different design approaches for the building envelope and how detailing, construction, and testing of the materials and systems played out.

The result was that one fire station, when tested for airtightness, yielded a very tight building envelope; the other initially failed, and then later passed following some repairs.

In this case study, we will evaluate the differences between detailing an installation at the critical building envelope transitions at the foundation walls, windows, door openings, roof-to-wall intersections, and interior wall separations between conditioned and occupied spaces and unconditioned apparatus bays.

During the course of construction, both projects were reviewed for compliance with the plans and specifications, and areas of potential air or water leaks were addressed as the work progressed. A number of construction issues arose between the various trades, requiring close coordination between the mason, roofer, air barrier, and exterior sheathing subcontractors.

Prior to occupancy, both buildings were tested in accordance with ASTM guidelines for whole-building air testing, resulting in substantially different findings, which are attributable to the complexity of the designs and the attention to detail during construction. In both projects, the owner has benefited in the form of substantially lower energy costs to operate these facilities.

International Codes Updates

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

This presentation will focus on changes to the 2018 International Codes, and upcoming proposals to the 2021 International Codes. The presentation will cover the International Building Code, the International Existing Building Code, and the International Energy Conservation Code. Topics will include changes to reroofing, polypropylene siding, roof coverings, underlayment, building integrated photovoltaics, air barriers, and secondary drainage requirements, along with the reasons for the code changes. Code proposals submitted by RCI and RCI’s position on certain code proposals will be discussed.

Good Codes vs. Durable Roofs – Which Is the Missing Link? Where Is the Sweet Spot?

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Recent frequent occurrences of extreme weather events threaten the performance of the roof assembly in two ways. The first is damage from extreme and sudden catastrophic events (hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, etc.). The second is from recurring elevated stress over a relatively long period of time. The latter would include more frequent heat waves, droughts, and overall increases in rain and higher sustained winds. When exposed to these extreme weather elements, the durability of low-slope membrane roofs (LSMR) depends on three factors:

• Good design based on updated code provisions
• Systematic lab evaluation that closely mimics the weather elements
• Quality installation with evaluated roofing components

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), as part of the Canadian climate adaptation initiative, is carrying out a project: Guidelines for Commissioning and Certifying the Resiliency of Roofs Subjected to Extreme Weather Events, which aims to develop field protocols to assess in-situ roof conditions. There are no comprehensive guidelines to assess the capacity of existing roofs after weather events, nor to validate the designed capacity of newly installed roofs. The speaker will present the performance-based solutions to this missing link. This presentation focuses on additional requirements for climate adaptation that are applicable to climatic zones classified as “moderate” and “severe” for respective climatic loads. Requirements will be systematically presented for design and resistance estimation for components and systems through laboratory evaluations and field installation certification of the LSMR.

Challenges Related to Waterproofing Manufacturers’ Standard Details

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Architects, engineers, and contractors frequently use manufacturers’ standard details (MSD) for construction drawings and/or shop drawings. While these MSDs show system configurations for a variety of situations, they often represent the bare minimum assembly necessary to meet minimum performance requirements. Furthermore, MSDs are typically tested in a laboratory setting, bearing little to no resemblance to actual environmental conditions experienced in the field. Accordingly, relying on MSDs may not provide the desired performance for actual site conditions and should be used with caution or modified to meet the design team’s specific project needs.

This paper will provide background information about the development of MSDs, discuss challenges associated with their use, and propose detail enhancements that may improve system performance for real-world conditions.

The Sacred and the Profane: Remediating a Church with Moisture Issues

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

This presentation will describe the remediation of a church with interior cosmetic and moisture issues. Forensic investigation centered on two problems that developed soon after the original completion of the building: an unsightly crack in the interior plaster of the curved chancel wall, and persistent biological growth in the foundation wall of the fellowship hall. As the investigation progressed, it was further discovered that cracks had also proliferated in the curved CMU structural wall and exterior brick veneer at multiple corners. Additional issues included brick veneer walls with no control joints and no base flashing or weep holes, and the absence of proper slope and drainage away from the building. WDP & Associates (represented by the one author) worked with the church staff and lay volunteers (represented by the second author) to design and administer a series of aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound corrections for these problems. The contracted work was completed in early 2018. The speakers will present the building remediation strategies developed by viewing the building as a system, and describe the collaboration among the designers, contractors, and clients.

Diagnosing the Installation of Slate Roofs

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Slate roof installation diagnostics can be difficult and problematic for an inexperienced roof consultant. Yet, failures of new slate roof systems are much too common and often lead to expensive, drawn-out litigation. Slate Roof Installation Guidelines published by the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America Inc. point out best practices that help to make a slate roof installation problem-free and successful. The SRCA guidelines are used in this presentation as a basis for evaluating a slate roof installation.

Informational sections will include:

• Contract documents and supporting information
• Roofing slate identification, characteristics, and quality assessment
• General materials, underlayment, nails, flashings, fasteners, and roof decking
• Slate execution, headlap, starter courses, ridges and hips, and flashing installation
• Case studies
  • Multi-million-dollar Pennsylvania home
  • Private home in Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Church in New Jersey
  • Shopping center in Louisiana
  • Museum in New York
  • Mansion in Pennsylvania

Air Barriers in the Energy Code: Updates, Compliance, and Achieving Performance

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m

New tools and strategies are needed in order to design, build, and verify performance to create healthier, more resilient places to live, work, and play. This paper provides a roadmap and case studies for continuous air barrier strategies to achieve performance in building design, construction, and operations. Continuous air barriers are not only becoming required by recent energy codes, but so are the requirements for field installation verification and building performance testing. This increase in stringency aligns with ASHRAE 90.1 overall building energy efficiency improvements in the base code. With regards to air barriers, this presentation will discuss whole-building performance, design requirements, material and assembly requirements, and installation verification requirements. It will utilize input from experts in the current energy code development process, experience from daily field observations across hundreds of projects, and practitioners who conduct whole-building air leakage testing. In practice, air barrier systems are also being utilized for water-resistive barriers (WRBs) and vapor barriers (VB) to comply with the building code. He will discuss appropriateness of applications and the interaction between the building and energy code requirements. New code development updates, design-based applications, and construction best practices will also be discussed.

How to Build a Sustainable, High-Performing Workforce: The NRCA ProCertification Program

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

It’s no secret that the roofing industry desperately needs a skilled workforce. NRCA will share the industry’s vision and strategies for solving the workforce crisis by creating an unprecedented career path through standardized training, professional certifications, and other resources designed to grow and retain a high-performing, sustainable 21st-century workforce.

The roofing industry needs to be elevated—to be viewed as a profession on par with or above other trades. To make the industry a more appealing, viable career option to younger generations and to develop a highly competent workforce of proud, accomplished craft professionals, NRCA is creating: a standardized, consensus-based national training curriculum for new or relatively new roofing, waterproofing, and rooftop installers; and professional certifications for experienced installers. When a career path is established, workers will see opportunities for growth, achievement, and a fulfilling career in the roofing industry.

Contractors, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, and other roofing industry stakeholders all can partner with NRCA in this endeavor to elevate the roofing industry’s image. Trainers are needed to help installers learn and practice skills. Assessors are needed to verify installers’ hands-on skills. When the industry comes together, everybody wins.

Why Did My Fully Tested Façade Fail in a Warm and Humid Climate?

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Today, construction is being significantly driven by energy efficiency and sustainability objectives. This is occurring in both the façade and the HVAC system. The speaker will present case studies that show how—despite increased testing and commissioning of today’s building façades—HVAC system performance has an effect on air leakage that is resulting in physical damage to the building and also loss of energy performance, especially in warm and humid climates. This presentation will delineate how, in warm and humid climates, the current façade commissioning procedures need to be adapted to address current HVAC design strategies such as heat recovery systems and dedicated outdoor air systems. This includes field experience on the impact of internal building compartmentalization, horizontally and vertically, that impact the ability of the façade to perform in accordance with desired air leakage standards. The information presented in this session is based upon field testing, diagnosis, and correction of multimillion-dollar mold and moisture problems caused by air leakage through the façade in warm and humid climates.

Continuous Insulation: Research, Applications, and Resources for Walls, Roofs, and Foundations

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Continuous insulation is used on foundations, exterior walls, and roofs. Primarily, continuous insulation provides maximum thermal performance by minimizing thermal bridging caused by framing and structural details such as floor-wall or roof-wall intersections. When properly coordinated with climate and vapor retarder specification, it provides assemblies that dry and also minimize seasonal moisture variations, creating a stable and durable environment for the building structure and interior. Various continuous insulation products also provide one or more functions, such as thermal insulation, water-resistive barrier, and air barrier (some composites even add a wall-bracing function or roof ventilation function). Hybrid envelope assemblies that strategically use continuous insulation in combination with other materials can optimize cost-effectiveness and performance. While the options and opportunities are significant, the application must be done correctly to accommodate cladding installation, fire performance requirements, and other matters important to overall constructability and code compliance for energy-efficient and resilient building envelopes. This presentation addresses these topics based on a comprehensive body of building science research and knowledge resulting in recent building code and energy code advancements, as well as design guides, calculator tools, construction details, and installation resources available to support appropriate and competitive use of continuous insulation.

In the Dark: A Practical Approach to Keeping Low-Slope Wood Deck Roof Systems Dry

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The roofing industry has been focused on the energy-efficiency benefits of cool roofs. Most nonreflective membrane roofs are and have been reroofed with reflective membrane roofs. When this happens, the benefit of the previous dark roof to “self-dry” can be lost when replaced with a reflective membrane. Moving from a dark-colored membrane to a reflective membrane can reduce the drying potential of the roof system due to a reduction of heat gain, thus increasing the potential for damage from condensation in older assemblies. However, it has been very well documented that properly designed cool roof assemblies with appropriate air barriers do not have moisture issues. Additionally, it has been shown that nonreflective, self-drying roofs have concealed design flaws and improper venting due to their significant heat gain.

This study includes extensive modelling of the effects of using dark-colored roof membranes versus reflective roof membranes on existing wood roof deck assemblies. A large-scale case study evaluates the effects of retrofitting a reflective membrane with a dark coating to determine its ability to mitigate condensation within the cool roof assembly that lacks a proper air barrier and the potential to dry out the wood roof deck over time.

StuccoMetrics: ASTM C1861 – New Paradigms for Stucco Lathing Accessories

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Insights are presented regarding the development and technical content of the new and profusely illustrated stucco industry standard, ASTM C1861, Standard Specification for Lathing and Furring Accessories, and Fasteners, for Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster by its primary author. The standard defines 30 fundamental and generic lathing and furring accessories and fasteners, and defines 11 new lathing accessory-related terms. Recommendations are given to assist designers, manufacturers, craftsmen, and building owners in understanding the function, specification, and use of generic stucco lathing accessories, which are individually presented and discussed in detail, including their intrinsic characteristics, attributes, functions, and limitations.

Roof Consultants’ New Challenge: OSHA’s 1910 Walking-Working Surface Standard

Monday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For the first time in over 45 years, OSHA has published its final rule on CFR 29 1910, Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment, a document of over 500 pages. This has a significant impact on the way rooftops must be addressed and designed for fall protection. Now, nearly every building erected is required to meet the new Walking-Working Surface Standard. As a roof consultant, you have the ability to design safety systems on a new project to prevent working-at-height accidents.

How can roof consultants’ knowledge assist building owners, managers, and contractors through a proactive design process? Are there benefits to being proactive vs. reactive to these new regulations? In what ways can roof consultants best serve their clients so they can provide a safe workplace for vendors and maintenance employees? The speaker will:

• Review relevant highlights of 29 CFR 1910
• Explain and provide examples of when 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910 govern and terminate
• Discuss 29 CFR 1910 training requirements
• Discuss the specific differences of application between 29 CFR 1926 & 29 CFR 1910.
• Talk about the value proposition of building owner buy-in to rooftop safety
• Discuss how the new OSHA standard applies to building clients/owners and what is their additional exposure.
• Explain how project planning is key to risk mitigation
• Discuss why the architectural industry should drive the fall protection discussion

Wind Pressures on Low-Slope Roofs: ASCE 7-16 Standard and Fourth Edition of RCIF Monograph

Monday, March 18, 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The standard published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) titled Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures is used for designing building structures and their components. The standard is revised periodically. Its latest revision, which was scheduled for publication in 2016, became available in 2017 and is known as ASCE/SEI 7-16. The next edition of the monograph is scheduled for 2022.

ASCE/SEI 7-16 contains a number of revisions in the wind load chapters of the standard. This presentation examines these revisions and how they impact low-slope roof assembly design in resisting wind uplift. It also describes wind uplift design of roof assemblies in accordance with ASCE 7-16, with several illustrative examples.

As the fourth edition of the RCIF monograph Wind Uplift Pressures on Low-Slope Roofs, which is keyed to ASCE/SEI 7-16, is being published, this presentation addresses the topics covered in the monograph with particular focus on the fundamentals of wind uplift on low-slope roofs. The use of wind pressure tables included in the monograph, which allow the selection of wind pressure values without detailed calculations and converting them to FM Global wind uplift ratings, is explained. The paper examines the use of ultimate strength design-safety provisions in wind uplift design of roof assemblies in place of the commonly used allowable stress design provision.

Water Resistance of Façades

Monday, March 18, 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

One of the primary functions of the façade is to control rainwater. But what level of resistance is acceptable? AAMA 101 already provides a method for answering this question for windows. This paper will describe a rational method of applying the AAMA standards to opaque façades. Examples will be shared showing how to communicate these goals to owners, specifiers, and contractors during the design process. Examples of laboratory and field testing will also be shared, showing how these tests can fall short, how testing is misused, and when special attention is needed to ensure test results are meaningful.

In an effort to develop a consensus standard for testing façades, laboratory testing has been performed in collaboration with a national air barrier manufacturer and the Western Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association. The results of testing will be shared, underlining the importance of good enclosure design principles, including drainage, redundancy, and durable materials. Test results also show there is not a one-size-fits-all test to perform during construction to ensure a water-tight façade. Rather, results show how the designer needs to think critically about the waterproofing strategy and customize the testing protocol to be compatible with the designed water control strategy.

Seeking Solutions to Cost-Effectively Insulate an Existing Wall Assembly

Monday, March 18, 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Retrofitting an existing wall assembly to make it more energy-efficient is a difficult technical challenge. Common approaches include cavity fill techniques, adding continuous foam or fibrous insulation, or adding an insulated cladding or siding product.

Filling wall cavities with loose-fill insulation is the most common practice, but conventional “drill-and-fill” techniques result in damage to interior gypsum board. Performing the task from the exterior side requires the removal and replacement of the cladding system and adds appreciable cost. Even after completion, the wall system is under-insulated by today’s standards, achieving an R-value of only approximately R-10.

Continuous insulation (ci) can be applied to the outside of the exterior sheathing, but it also adds appreciable cost to the project. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires ci thicknesses of 1 or 2 in. in building walls with traditional 2 x 4 framing. Additional ci would be required if the existing wall cavities were uninsulated. The addition of this amount of ci requires that all of the architectural details be retrimmed.

Insulated siding—vinyl siding with manufacturer-installed rigid expanded polystyrene foam plastic insulation permanently adhered to it—forms a layer of ci around a home. The international standard for insulated vinyl siding (ASTM D7793) requires a minimum thermal resistance rating of R-2. The added amount of R-value currently available in insulated vinyl siding on the market is very small.

This presentation will report on a research project to produce vacuum-insulated vinyl siding that would represent at least a five-fold thermal improvement from currently available insulated siding products. It has sufficient R-value to meet the ci requirements of the IECC in all climate zones and has a much thinner profile that will facilitate its application to existing homes without the need for expensive retrimming of the architectural details.

Weathering the Storm: Climate Change, Buildings, and the Passive House Standard

Monday, March 18, 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The climate data are clear – climate change is happening. As the severity and frequency of storms and other extreme weather events increases, it becomes more and more critical that we achieve the targets set out in the Paris Accord. While limiting our global temperature rise to 2°C may seem like an easy target, how we design, construct, and operate buildings will need to change dramatically.

While there are many sustainable building initiatives/programs, Passive House is the most rigorous voluntary energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today. Passive House buildings:

• Achieve up to a 90% reduction in energy required for space heating and cooling
• Maintain a habitable interior temperature for weeks without power
• Have excellent indoor environmental quality
• Allow design flexibility

Through the course of this presentation, actual project examples will be used to reinforce each of the five key principles of the Passive House Standard and how quality assurance is carried out for each:

• Low U-value and continuous insulation
• Continuous air barrier layer
• Elimination of thermal bridges
• Use of high-performance glazing
• Optimization of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

We will conclude with a discussion on how the standard is being implemented in codes and standards at the local level, using the Toronto Green Standard as an example, and the potential impact of widespread adoption of the standard.

Foam Plastic Insulation: Fire Safety for Exterior Walls on Commercial Buildings

Monday, March 18, 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The tragic June 2017 fire at the Grenfell Tower in London has led British authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of building fire regulations intended to provide answers on how the fire occurred and what should be done to prevent a future tragedy. The Grenfell Tower fire has communities outside of England asking, could this type of fire happen here?

This presentation aims to provide U.S. practitioners with answers, information, and guidance on how to harmonize the goals of building fire safety and energy efficiency. Information presented will be derived from consensus codes and standards, industry research and testing, and best practice guidance documents.

This paper will:

• Highlight specifically how U.S. codes and standards create a system approach to controlling the use of foam plastic insulation products in commercial buildings of varying heights
• Detail resources that are available to help ensure buildings here in the U.S. are built and renovated to greatly reduce fire incidents and losses when fires do occur
• Present examples of approved assemblies in a variety of exterior walls that utilize foam plastic insulation for different construction configurations
• Provide guidance on how fire safety can be maintained throughout the design process and construction phases

The RCI, Inc. International Trade Show offers attendees the chance to meet and learn from representatives from over 140 manufacturers of roofing, waterproofing, and exterior wall products.

Discover Products for Better Building Envelopes
Exhibiting companies send knowledgeable staff to the RCI trade show to provide building envelope consultants with answers to important questions about material characteristics and application. Research and development professionals attend to trade valuable insights into the future direction of today’s building envelope materials.

Earn CEHs for Attending the RCI Trade Show.
Attendees will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor. Attendees who spend more than four hours at the trade show will receive 3.0 CEHs.

• See the list of exhibitors registered for the 2019 RCI International Trade Show.
• Recognize the event’s Platinum and Gold Sponsors.
• Learn from Live Product Demonstrations.

Become an RCI International Trade Show exhibitor.

Show your support for building envelope industry education, learn about becoming a sponsor of the RCI International convention and Trade Show.

Host course for the President-Elect’s Golf Tournament: Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club | 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

Redesigned by Arnold Palmer Design Company, Shingle Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course bordered by moss-hung oaks and native pines meandering along historic Shingle Creek. Featuring bunkers, bends and extra long par 4s and par 5s, this exciting course will inspire and challenge every type of golfer. The exclusive sponsor for this event is Derbigum Americas.

Annual Banquet Entertainment – Volcano Joe and the Hot Lava Band

Remember the best party you’ve ever been to? That little beach bar where you kicked off your shoes, sipped on fruity rum drinks, and danced till dawn while the band played your favorite songs from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and all the other great party songs from today’s top hits to classic rock ‘n’ roll to shagging music from the 60s and 70s? Well, you can recreate that feeling again with America’s #1 beach band.

Since 1998, this dynamic seven-piece band has been the go-to act for the country’s finest beach parties. From Maui to Bermuda, from Cancun to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Nevis, and of course, all across the state of Florida, Volcano Joe is the #1 choice for beach entertainment in corporate America!