Presentation Title: Critical Lessons Learned: Avoiding Design and Installation Mistakes in Building Assemblies

Presenter Bio: Dani Ittner has more than 23 years of design and project management expertise. She has managed all phases of renovation and new construction, for a diverse range of public and private facilities. These projects have included recreation, municipal, commercial, military, healthcare, restaurant/hospitality, residential, and education facilities. Over the last decade Dani has focused her career on envelope design and consulting, including waterproofing, air barrier, and roof design and detailing. Highly skilled in energy codes and their application, Dani utilizes technical design knowledge to provide clients with quality, cost-effective and energy efficient envelope design solutions.

Course Description: This presentation explores three critical construction issues that could have been avoided with proper planning, testing, and installation procedures. Through real-world case studies, we will examine how window assemblies failing to meet testing standards, improper wall assembly design, and inadequate roof ventilation can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. By identifying these common pitfalls, we aim to emphasize the importance of adhering to industry standards and implementing effective design strategies. Participants will gain valuable insights into how these issues can be proactively addressed during design to avoid long-term building performance problems.

Learning Objectives.

• Participants will understand the requirements for window assembly testing and certification, and recognize the impact of non-compliance on building performance and occupant safety.
• Participants will learn the critical elements of a proper wall assembly design and how neglecting these elements can lead to moisture damage.
• Participants will gain insight into the importance of proper roof ventilation in preventing condensation, mold growth, and premature roof degradation.
• Participants will explore practical strategies for preventing these common construction issues through early-stage design and effective quality control processes.