Multifamily construction is more competitive than ever. Even as mixed-use projects are filling in desirable tracts in urban cores, developers are locating projects in the suburbs and “exurbs,” as well In any case, key demographic groups, including millennials and baby boomers, are driving this demand, and their expectations are high: they want convenient transportation nearby, and they want to be close to restaurants, shopping, and work. Sustainability is important, too, but lowering energy use is no longer enough. Increasingly, the real estate market has embraced the language of low and zero-carbon.

In such a climate, architects and builders need every tool possible to keep their project competitive, starting with the building envelope. Building envelopes utilize four critical “control layers” to protect buildings; the air and thermal layers can also increase energy efficiency.

There are now on the market solutions which integrate a water-resistive and air barrier with either engineered wood or gypsum sheathing, thus simplifying construction and saving time and labor. The integrated panels install just like standard sheathing panels. Once installed and completed with approved system accessories such as seam tapes or liquid flashings, the systems create an integrated air and water barrier, eliminating the need for separate house wrap. For multifamily projects in particular, this technology allows for code compliance and high performance while facilitating speed in construction. And as design professionals know, speed to occupancy make for a satisfied client.

This course will introduce the reader to integrated WRB/AB sheathing solutions. Included will be a discussion of other common solutions, including housewraps, self-adhered membranes, and fluid-applied membranes, and the pros and cons of each, and how they compare with integrated sheathing products. The reader will learn about codes, standards and test methods used to evaluate these products, both separately and as part of the building envelope assembly. Finally, this course will use case studies to demonstrate how these products can be used in commercial projects to achieve high building performance on a tight construction schedule, with an emphasis on multi-family constructions.