2025 Convention Session: All-in-One Cladding Systems: A Cautionary Tale (Ruther, Tognetti)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2025 IIBEC International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.  This course includes the following components:

• recording of the live session
• a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• two surveys required to claim continuing education credit

Description

Exterior wall systems using insulated metal panels, adhered masonry, and exterior sheathing with integrated water-resistive barriers (WRBs) are often appealing due to their marketed “all-in-one” characteristics. They can present advantages, such as reduced labor and/or material costs and reduced overall installation time, while presumably providing the same or better code-compliance, aesthetics, and performance relative to their traditional multicomponent exterior wall enclosure counterparts (i.e., rainscreen metal panel systems, conventional veneer masonry systems, and other exterior wall coverings with sheathing and sheet- or liquid-applied WRBs). However, these systems can and do require increased attention and a more methodical approach during a systematic installation because they often lack the inherent redundancy and/or durability of traditional systems. This increased attention necessary during installation may also not be recognized. Even a slight deviation with installation of such systems can lead to premature failure and substantial remediation. This session will explore the potential adverse outcomes that can occur when seemingly minor departures from an idealized installation occur—departures that may not prove as significant for their traditional counterparts.

Speaker/Author

Leah Ruther, PE
Senior Associate
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.

Leah Ruther is a licensed professional engineer at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. Ruther graduated from Calvin University with a bachelor’s in civil engineering and from Lawrence Technological University with a master’s in civil engineering. Since joining WJE in 2012, Ruther has been involved with numerous structural engineering and architecture related projects. Her responsibilities include the investigation and analysis of existing and damaged structures, development of technical repair and rehabilitation documents, and construction observations.

Author/Speaker

Brian Tognetti, RA, CCCA, NCARB
Principal & Unit Manager
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.

Brian Tognetti of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. has nearly 30 years of architectural experience and is a registered architect in multiple states. He is a member of the Metro Detroit Chapter of BOMA, the Southeast Michigan Building Officials and Inspectors Association, ICC, the Metropolitan Detroit Chapter of CSI, and the AIA Detroit Building Codes and Regulations Committee. In his professional career, Tognetti often performs design peer reviews, investigates/repairs exterior enclosure problems, and researches and advises internal and external clients on the performance of exterior enclosure assemblies for both new and existing buildings.

Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.

Credit Start Date    01/15/25           Credit Expiration Date   01/15/28

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)

N/A

IIBEC Core Competencies: Exterior Walls

Knowledge Level: Introductory

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH

This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW
AIA Course Number: CONV25_11_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs, learners are required to:

• Achieve a passing score of 70% on the summative assessment (learners are provided unlimited attempts)
• Complete the course Evaluation & Attestation Survey

After completing the Evaluation & Attestation Survey, learners will be able to download a Certificate of Completion.  Learners are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: cehs@iibec.org

To claim AIA LU, learners are required to complete the above requirements, as well as:

• Complete the AIA Survey (AIA member number is required)

AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members.

AIA CES Provider statement

IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider G024. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs.  Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.