This program is the third in a series of three VIRTUAL BUILDING CODE seminars in March. Each will provide 1.5 HSW LUs. 

March 11 – Addressing Ready Mixed Concrete Sustainability (click HERE for details)
March 16 – Fire Resistive Construction: An Overview of IBC Chapter 7 (click HERE for details)
March 24 – The Great Debate: Do I Really Need a Roof Air Barrier? (see BELOW for details)


The Great Debate: Do I Really Need a Roof Air Barrier?

Presented virtually on Tuesday, March 24, 2026
11:30 am – 1:00 pm CT
Register HERE

With the adoption of the 2024 Minnesota Energy Code, building envelope air tightness is more important than ever, and one of the most vulnerable locations for air leakage is at roof transitions with parapets and outside walls. Yet, advocates for roof 2 of 4 air barriers are often challenged by well-meaning colleagues who believe roof air barriers are unnecessary – or even harmful – in commercial flat roof assemblies. While it is true that roof membranes can act as effective air barriers, there are also many situations when a dedicated air barrier membrane should be seen as an essential control layer in the roof assembly. This presentation will bust some myths about roof air barriers, compare case studies of projects with and without dedicated roof assembly air control layers, and examine how to approach detailing transitions in either scenario to achieve air tightness. This presentation is intended to help participants know when to advocate for roof air barriers and when the building envelope can function without one.

Continuing education

1.5 HSW AIA LUs

Learning objectives

  1. Discuss reasons for and against using a dedicated air barrier in roof assemblies.

  2. Identify and break down common misperceptions and about roof air barriers.

  3. Evaluate common commercial roof assemblies, overhang, and parapet details and distinguish the conditions that precipitate or negate the need for air barriers.

  4. Define best practices for detailing transitions between roof assemblies, walls, and parapets.

Presented by:

Chris Bubser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been involved in the design and construction of a variety of commercial and residential buildings around the midwest as a builder, architect, virtual design and construction coordinator, and quality manager. Chris has worked as a Senior Technical Architect at LHB since 2019, where he specializes in construction contract administration, facility condition assessments, and mentoring emerging professionals in the dark arts of detailing. He served on the Board of the Building Enclosure Council of Minnesota from 2014 to 2022, including two years as Chair.

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Contact Deanna Christiansen