Abaa (air barrier association of america) - Articles

Air, Vapor & WRB Barriers: Thermal Bridging 101, a Webinar from ABAA

Learn air, vapor and WRB basics, plus thermal bridging impacts on building envelope performance.

June 14, 2026

Air barriers, vapor barriers and water-resistive barriers are often treated as straightforward concepts, yet confusion persists throughout the construction industry.

Air, Water, Vapor Barriers: What Matters Most

Field guidance on barrier roles, testing, and install details that drive airtightness and durability.

Laverne Dalgleish

June 8, 2026

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Understanding air, water and vapor barriers is essential for airtight, durable wall and ceiling assemblies that meet modern code and performance demands.

Keynote speakers Mary Kilnay and Brian Callaghan

ABAA Conference Sets Attendance Record in 2026

ABAA conference in Minneapolis highlighted air barrier training, WUFI research and standards workup.

Laverne Dalgleish

May 13, 2026

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Record attendance and hands-on training drove momentum at the 2026 ABAA conference event nationwide.

Editor's Note

Wall and Ceiling Trade Shows Focus on Building Envelope

As the IECC and IBC tighten requirements, interior assemblies are under greater scrutiny—and so is the contractor installing them

John Wyatt

May 1, 2026

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Three major industry events this spring put a spotlight on airtightness, fire resistance and moisture control—scope that now lands squarely on the wall and ceiling contractor.

ABAA Air Barrier Conference Returns to Minneapolis

Two-day annual event delivers airtightness, air barrier training for contractors, designers in Minnesota.

John Wyatt

April 12, 2026

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Two-day annual event delivers airtightness, air barrier training for contractors, designers in Minnesota.

Convention Companion: Your Guide to 2026 Wall & Ceiling Industry Events

A snapshot of the trade shows, conventions, meetings, and other key industry events for 2026.

John Wyatt

March 19, 2026

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A snapshot of the trade shows, conventions, meetings, and other key industry events for 2026.

If Walls Could Talk

SPFA Convention 2026 Expands Education, Exams and Contractor Resources for Spray Foam Professionals

The SPFA convention in Las Vegas expands certification training, multilingual education tools, and networking opportunities while streamlining contractor access to exams, sessions, and expo resources.

Jill Bloom

Tanja Kern

March 3, 2026

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The SPFA convention in Las Vegas expands certification training, multilingual education tools, and networking opportunities while streamlining contractor access to exams, sessions, and expo resources. W&C’s Jill Bloom speaks with the association’s Lisa Smith.

Insulating Metal Clad Buildings

Properly installed spray foam insulation can dramatically improve the performance of metal clad buildings, but success depends on careful attention to substrate stability, preparation, and framing details.

Tom Harris

February 23, 2026

One Comment

Properly installed spray foam insulation can dramatically improve the performance of metal clad buildings, but success depends on careful attention to substrate stability, preparation, and framing details.

Benjamin Scales: From Jobsite Tools to Courtroom Expertise

Not your typical building enclosure consultant

Lindsay Lewis

January 30, 2026

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When you meet Benjamin Scales, you quickly realize he’s not your typical building enclosure consultant. With more than 22 years of experience, Benjamin’s career has been a steady climb through nearly every corner of the industry.

Air Barriers' Impact on Energy Use in a Building

Air barriers significantly reduce energy use in buildings by minimizing air leakage, debunking long-held myths about “breathable” buildings and demonstrating through research and field testing that airtight construction—when paired with proper ventilation—improves energy efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality.

Laverne Dalgleish

July 7, 2025

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Air barriers significantly reduce energy use in buildings by minimizing air leakage, debunking long-held myths about “breathable” buildings and demonstrating through research and field testing that airtight construction—when paired with proper ventilation—improves energy efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality.