Enhancing the Durability of Multi-Family Building Enclosures

Course Description
Multi-family projects involve a unique blend of residential and commercial construction requirements. This presentation will address the specific challenges that designers of these structures face with the building enclosure. The session will begin with a discussion on achieving control layer continuity for a successful and code-compliant design, encompassing the roof, walls, and below-grade systems. This includes strategies for effectively managing water throughout the project, including across the building enclosure, parking structure, and balconies. Special attention will be given to the material and system properties required to ensure long-term durability and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, attendees will learn how to design tricky, airtight transitions between systems, such as connecting steep and low-slope roof assemblies and the critical roof-to-wall interface.

Learning Objectives 

1. Analyze strategies to provide control layer continuity across the building enclosure.
2. Design robust roof assembly transitions for code-compliant construction.
3. Describe water management strategies for multi-family construction projects.
4. Understand the material properties to specify for durable building enclosure assemblies.