“Water infiltration used to be the Architect’s worst nightmare. With the advent of sustainability, energy loss has become just as important. Traditionally, the Industry has not been very helpful in addressing viable solutions to help design professionals in either category. This seminar, led by extremely knowledgeable experts, was most instrumental in establishing a much needed level of comfort that sustainable building envelopes can be readily achieved by the demonstrated methods of moisture and energy management.”

Ronald F. Dellaria RA, CSI, DBIA
President Astorino Development
Chief Compliance Officer Astorino

IMI experts partnered with Maria Spinu, PhD, Building Science Integration Manager for DuPont Building Innovations who presented Sustainable Building Envelope: Moisture & Energy Management in Buildings. This seminar focused on how air and moisture management in the building enclosure can help reduce energy costs and improve durability for sustainable building envelope design. The control strategies emphasized the fundamental moisture management principles and the proper choice of barriers for your project based on climate, building codes, and design criteria.

Maria A. Viteri, AIA, LEED AP, IMI Director of Sustainability and Program Development presented High Performance Masonry Wall Systems. The program described how masonry systems satisfy the basic functions of the building envelope/enclosure, controlling air, moisture and vapor transmission. This positions masonry as a system rather than a collection of individual components; meeting the demands of the construction manager and building owner for a single source of responsibility.

The presentations and physical mockups demonstrated how the system performs best when installed by a single contractor or craft. The bricklayer who installs the exterior veneer is now the building envelope / enclosure specialist who installs the control layers in the wall system, providing single source responsibility for the integrity of the building envelope / enclosure.

The Pittsburgh program attracted over 60 architects, engineers, construction managers, BAC contractors and craftworkers who saw the value of integrated systems and high performing masonry walls.