2026 Convention Session Course: The Not So Perfect Wall (Gentry T.)

The Not So Perfect Wall
(Gentry T.)

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
Nearly two decades ago, Joseph Lstiburek delved into “The Perfect Wall” with his ASHRAE Journal article. It has served as a springboard for seeking greater insight into the relationships between, and the methods used to manage, the four building enclosure phenomena of liquid water intrusion, air infiltration and exfiltration, water vapor migration, and heat transfer. The goal of this presentation is to provide additional insight for managing the four phenomena by focusing on: 1) the constructability of commonly used subassemblies to manage these phenomena; and, 2) the integration of the subassemblies within the whole of the building enclosure; i.e., this presentation seeks to provide additional insight by focusing on “real world” conditions. To reach this goal, common constructability related causes for the uncontrolled intrusion of liquid water, the infiltration and exfiltration of air, the migration of water vapor, and the transfer of heat are identified and then evaluated under transient environmental conditions—as opposed to evaluations under steady state environmental conditions—to better understand the consequences of allowing the phenomena to be uncontrolled.

Authors/Speakers
Thomas Gentry, AIA
Architect
MKA International Inc.

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

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)
A basic understanding of building envelopes.

IIBEC Core Competencies: Exterior Walls

Knowledge Level: Advanced                

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/HSW
AIA Course Number: CONV26_21_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.