Building Performance Problems: How Building Enclosures and Mechanical Systems Interact

Building enclosures and mechanical systems have advanced significantly over the past few decades to meet increased demands for durability, reliability, and occupant comfort. Modern energy codes demand building enclosure assemblies that are more airtight and better insulated. Current building mechanical systems are more efficient and can better control interior environments. Unfortunately, these changes have largely come in parallel, with little-to-no coordination between disciplines to avoid performance problems that can be challenging to diagnose and resolve. Few codes and standards exist that provide guidance for coordinating issues between these systems.

In this webinar, we will discuss how these building systems have evolved and review their performance impacts on one another. We will also share case studies to demonstrate the relationship between mechanical and building enclosure systems; highlight building performance problems related to the interaction between these systems, including lessons learned; and present strategies for mitigating these problems.