2025 BES Session: Building Enclosure Forensics and the Need for a Site Communications Strategy (Hasan, Reitsma, Doshi, Tam)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri.  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

The durability of the building enclosure relies not only on the quality of its design but also on the precision of its execution during construction. This presentation examines the critical interface between architectural detailing and on-site installation, focusing on the translation of information from architects to installers. Building forensic professionals often identify how minor oversights during design or installation evolve into significant issues, such as moisture intrusion or thermal inefficiencies. Drawing on forensic insights, the study highlights common communication breakdowns that compromise enclosure performance and durability. It emphasizes the importance of clear documentation, effective communication tools, and installer training to align design intent with real-world practices. Practical recommendations drawn from recent forensic case studies span every phase of a building’s life cycle. They include (1) annotated design drawings that explicitly show moisture control components such as kick‑out diverter flashings, (2) permitting checklists that flag any missing water management details before construction begins, (3) step by step installation guides and on‑site communication protocols so trades can translate design intent accurately, (4) inspector training and digital visualization tools that spotlight high‑risk interfaces during field reviews, and (5) homeowner handbooks that explain maintenance routines and warn of early signs of enclosure distress.

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)
Attendees should be familiar with basic building science principles, including moisture and thermal management; common materials and construction techniques used in building enclosures; and industry standards and codes related to durability and performance. The session aims to build on this foundational knowledge, offering insights into more nuanced and advanced topics, such as identifying and addressing common installation errors, translating forensic findings into actionable construction strategies, and enhancing communication between architects, contractors, and site teams to prevent building enclosure failures.

IIBEC Core Competencies: Exterior Walls (EW)

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

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

Speaker/Author

Javeriya Hasan, PhD (Building Science), MBSc, MSc, BEng (Hons), EIT

Associate

30 Forensic Engineering

Javeriya Hasan is an associate with the Civil & Structural Engineering and Building Science & Building Envelope Engineering group at 30 Forensic Engineering. She holds a PhD in building science from Toronto Metropolitan University, where her research involved the development of a machine learning-based tool for solar neighbourhood planning. Her experience lies in the areas of sustainability and built environment, with an emphasis on building energy efficiency, building performance, and resilience.

Authors

Jeff Reitsma, PEng

Mr. Jeff Reitsma is vice president and practice lead of 30FE’s Construction group, with nearly 25 years of experience in the engineering consulting and construction industries. Reitsma specializes in leadership of multidisciplinary forensic investigations and post-loss remediation projects nationwide and has led design and construction teams for some of the biggest engineering firms in North America. He has overseen municipal capital infrastructure projects from conception to completion and has designed and directed indoor air quality, catastrophic loss response, and fire and flood impact remediation projects. He is an ODACC-registered adjudicator supporting dispute resolution under the Construction Act in Ontario.

Hitesh Doshi, PE

Hitesh Doshi, professor, Toronto Metropolitan University, in the department of architectural science, has over 35 years of educating and training professionals in building science. A professional engineer, he has 40 years of experience practicing building science, with a focus on performance of building enclosure systems. In recent years he has contributed to knowledge on rooftop systems such as urban farms, green roofs, and blue roofs. He has also been involved in advocacy work through regulatory warranty and builder authorities.

Clair Tam

Claire Tam is a building science consultant specializing in building enclosure component modelling and performance analysis at Stantec. She applies her architecture and building science background and passion for high-performance enclosure detailing to evaluate building performance and sustainable design strategies. She is adept at using multiple simulation tools for 2-D and 3-D thermal, hygrothermal, whole-building energy, and Passive House design.

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.

Credit Start Date 5/22/2025               
Credit Expiration Date 5/22/2028

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: BES25_07_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: [email protected]

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 ([email protected] 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.