Moisture-Smart Design for Mass Timber Buildings
This session will focus on enclosure design and examine strategies to protect mass timber assemblies from moisture intrusion and accumulation, focusing on the unique hygrothermal behavior of products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam). Attendees will explore building enclosure approaches for high-performance walls and roofs, including the appropriate use and detailing of water-resistive barriers, air barriers, and vapor retarders. The presentation will also describe the designer’s role in construction-phase moisture protection. Through technical guidance and project case studies, participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive moisture management strategy that reduces the potential for decay, supports healthy indoor environments, and promotes the long-term performance, durability, and appearance of mass timber buildings.
Credits: Attendees can earn 1.0 AIA/CES HSW LU, 1.0 PDH credit or 0.10 ICC credit
Bonus content – attendees are invited to stay after the webinar for a non-accredited bonus session featuring WoodWorks Partner Rothoblaas for a manufacturer Q&A. Learn more about their products and services and how they can be a resource on your next project.
Speakers:
Brad Carmichael, PE, Assoc. AIA, CPHC | 4EA Building Science
Brad is a Principal with 4EA Building Science in Seattle. As an engineer and building scientist, Brad has been specializing in the design of durable and energy efficient building enclosures for nearly two decades. Throughout North America, Brad has consulted on a wide array of different project types and sectors, including high rises, healthcare facilities, cultural institutions, workspaces, affordable housing, and historic landmarks. Much of his current work focuses on the intersection between decarbonization and housing affordability in the built environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the hygrothermal properties and moisture behavior of mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam), and how these characteristics influence enclosure design and long-term durability.
- Evaluate the appropriate use and placement of water-resistive barriers, air barriers, and vapor retarders in mass timber wall and roof assemblies to reduce the risk of moisture intrusion, condensation, and material deterioration.
- Identify construction-phase moisture risks associated with mass timber and assess protection strategies based on climate, construction schedule, exposure duration, project risk, and budget.
- Apply moisture-management principles to develop enclosure and construction strategies that support occupant health, limit conditions that can contribute to decay and biological growth, and improve the long-term performance of mass timber buildings.
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Online Attendees:
- WoodWorks will send each attendee a certificate of completion within 2 weeks via email.
- Please note that to receive a certificate, attendees must stay for the duration of the event.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Mary Schramka | mary.schramka@woodworks.org | 708.204.9578
Image: Boulder Western City Campus / photo: Intrepid Creative
