MBEC Seminar: Air Barriers are Really Simple, Right (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Presentation Overview:

Air barriers start out really simple, it is simply a material that stops or reduces the flow of air through a material. The first thing people think of is why is this different than a vapor barrier? The next question is where do I put an air barrier? On the inside? On the outside? Does it Matter? Now this is where it starts to get complicated. There is a saying that all questions should be answered with “It Depends” which in this case is very true. This presentation will walk you through the decisions you need to make when designing and installing air barriers and point out some pitfalls you want to avoid.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

Identify the main reason why you would install an air barrier in a building
Explain the difference between an air barrier and a vapor barrier
Characterize the key requirements for an air barrier
Compare the amount of water transfer of a vapor barrier and an air leak
List the benefits resulting from an airtight building

Speaker Bio:

Laverne Dalgleish

Laverne Dalgleish is the Executive Director of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). As such, he works to champion energy conservation in buildings while educating the building owners and designers about the benefits of energy conservation such as durability, comfort, reduced maintenance, reduced HVAC equipment costs and the positive impact on the environment.

Mr. Dalgleish travels North America on a weekly basis to educate building owners and designers on the benefits of effective and working air barrier systems in buildings. This education mission includes working with standards development organizations, training and education groups, government policy departments, and quality assurance program developers for the construction industry. Mr. Dalgleish is the Secretariat of two ISO Committees, ISO TC61 SC10 Cellular Plastics and ISO TC163 SC3 Thermal Insulation Products. He is also Chair of the ULC Thermal Performance in the Building Environment Standards Committee.

Mr. Dalgleish was the key developer of the ABAA Quality Assurance Program for the installation of air barrier systems in buildings. This program is based on ISO9000 and ISO 12576-2 but brings the ISO requirements together with practical applications for the air barrier industry.

Thursday October 22nd, 2026

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm (Doors open at 2:00pm)

Members $0 / Future Members $20

Event Location: Red River College Princess Street

Room: P107-CGA

Manitoba Building Envelope Council upcoming events

MBEC Seminar: Air Barriers are Really Simple, Right (October 22, 2026)