Detailing Roof Membrane Terminations at Vertical Walls
Roof-to-wall transitions are one of the most failure-prone areas in the building envelope. This article details how to properly terminate roof membranes at vertical walls to preserve waterproofing, air barrier continuity, and wind uplift resistance. Common Failure Points at Terminations Water infiltration often occurs at the base of walls, roof edge transitions, or where roofing […]
Detailing Parapet Walls for Thermal and Air Barrier Continuity
Parapet walls are frequent sources of thermal bridging and air leakage in commercial and multifamily buildings. This article outlines effective strategies to detail parapets while preserving all four control layers: water, air, vapor, and thermal. Parapet Design Challenges Parapets create interruptions in wall and roof continuity, increasing risks of air infiltration, condensation, and thermal bridging. […]
Sub-Slab Vapor Barrier Detailing and Radon Control
Sub-slab vapor barriers are essential to prevent moisture migration into buildings and form the first line of defense against soil gases like radon. This article outlines proper installation, product selection, and detailing strategies for high-performance sub-slab systems. Purpose of Sub-Slab Vapor Barriers A properly detailed vapor barrier blocks ground moisture and radon entry into the […]
Wall to Foundation Air and Vapor Barrier Transitions
The wall-to-foundation interface is a critical location for maintaining continuity of air, vapor, and moisture barriers in the building envelope. This article outlines best practices for properly detailing these transitions in residential and commercial construction. Why This Transition Matters This junction often includes dissimilar materials—concrete, wood, or steel—and is exposed to ground moisture, settlement, and […]
Detailing Pipe and Conduit Sleeves Through Envelope Systems
Pipe and conduit sleeves are necessary to route services through walls and roofs, but they can compromise control layers if not properly detailed. This article explains the best practices for sleeve integration in envelope systems, including waterproofing, air sealing, and firestopping. Sleeve Placement and Sizing Sleeves should be sized to allow for annular space around […]
Detailing Floor Penetrations in Air and Thermal Barriers
Floor penetrations—such as for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems—can disrupt both air and thermal barriers. This article provides detailed methods for sealing these penetrations in wood, concrete, and steel floor assemblies. Common Floor Penetration Types Each of these requires a different air, vapor, and insulation strategy depending on the floor assembly and fire rating requirements. […]
Air Sealing Electrical Boxes and Utility Openings
Electrical boxes and utility penetrations are frequent sources of air leakage in building envelopes. This article covers techniques to air seal these elements in residential and commercial construction to improve airtightness and energy performance. Problem Areas and Leakage Risk Electrical boxes, plumbing chases, and HVAC terminations often interrupt the continuity of air barriers and are […]
Penetration Sealing Strategies for WRB Systems
Every penetration in a wall WRB (water-resistive barrier) is a potential path for air and moisture intrusion. This article outlines tested methods and products to seal WRB penetrations for pipes, conduits, fasteners, and structural elements. Types of Penetrations Each requires a different sealing approach based on movement potential, substrate compatibility, and long-term durability. Sealing Strategies […]
Detailing Control Joints in EIFS Systems
Control joints in EIFS are critical for managing thermal movement and preventing cracking in the finish coat. This article outlines spacing, joint construction, sealant detailing, and best practices for EIFS assemblies. Why Control Joints Are Required EIFS systems experience significant dimensional changes due to temperature and moisture fluctuations. Control joints prevent cracking in the base […]
Detailing Air Barrier at Floor Line Transitions
Floor line transitions—where walls meet floor slabs or floor framing—pose major risks for air leakage and thermal discontinuity. This article details how to maintain air barrier integrity and align control layers across floor assemblies. Floor-to-Wall Transition Types Common conditions include slab-on-grade to framed walls, intermediate steel or concrete floor decks, and cantilevered balconies. Each introduces […]
