2026 Convention Session: How to Investigate the Impossible (Binkley, C)

How to Investigate the Impossible

Clarissa Binkley, PEng

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show in Sacramento, CA. 

This course includes the following required components.

• recording of the live session
• summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• course evaluation survey

Description

If you have ever spent months catching dripping water in a bucket or corralling unwanted moisture with sandbags and the source of water intrusion still eludes you, what can you do to figure out the problem? After conventional flood tests and Band-Aid repairs have failed to address the issue, what are the next steps?  This presentation addresses these questions by examining two case studies of water penetration in existing buildings. This presentation will delve into the investigative methods, diagnosis, and final repair strategy used in two scenarios where the source and cause of water penetration were far from obvious. For both case studies, we will explain the multistep investigative process, including red herrings, diagnostic tests, monitoring activities, and investigative repairs. Factors that limit investigations, such as the availability of as-built construction documentation, budget limitations, physical access, and disruption to building users will be discussed. Finally, the reasons why the initial repairs were ineffective and how our investigative findings led to the appropriate repair strategies will be reviewed.

Speaker/Author

Clarissa Binkley, PEng
Principal
4EA Building Science

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

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s) N/A


IIBEC Core Competencies: Waterproofing, Exterior Wall, Roofing

Knowledge Level: Introductory

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show 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 1/23/26         
Credit Expiration Date  1/23/29

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/Elective
AIA Course Number: CONV26_24_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment.  Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.

• After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion. 
• Participants 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
• If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.

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.