A New Certification Pushes SME to the Forefront of Building Enclosure Commissioning

Buildings aren’t supposed to leak. This concept is so universal that until recently, project teams typically took the building’s enclosure performance for granted (“Leaks? Of course not!”). So, why are new buildings sometimes plagued with frost on the insides of windows? Or have water finding its way through a wall or roof, damaging the interior finishes?

Weathertightness is now under greater scrutiny because explicit regulatory requirements and expectations from savvy owners demand more attention and resources than ever. Controlling water, heat flow, and air movement isn’t automatic, so project teams typically hash out these issues during the design and construction.

A smoke test reveals significant air infiltration.

Water ingress and heat loss are old foes for enclosure professionals, rearing their heads once again to menace budgets and schedules. Air movement through the exterior wall is the new kid on the block but presents similar problems to architects and contractors. For this reason, expertise in air control is becoming indispensable as projects increase in cost and complexity and air leakage requirements are tightened with each new revision to the energy code.

To support our clients in tackling air movement issues, SME’s Chief Architect Eric A. Murrell recently became a Certified Air Barrier Specialist (CABS). CABS is offered through The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA).This qualification uniquely positions him to advise on how each aspect of a building’s air barrier system contributes to meeting enclosure requirements and creating a structure with lasting quality.

Evaluating a new building’s air barrier system is integral to Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx), a holistic process that addresses the concerns around weathertightness. BECx validates design plans and construction against the owner’s written expectations for the building. Including BECx, specifically a Certified Air Barrier Specialist, in the project cycle leads to fewer headaches and communication breakdowns, reduces the potential for claims and litigation, and pays for itself in both dollars and peace of mind.