About this program:

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Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often addressed through mechanical ventilation, filtration, and HVAC system design. While these strategies are essential, they are reactive—addressing symptoms rather than the root causes of many IAQ problems. One of the most significant and frequently overlooked drivers of poor indoor air quality is unmanaged moisture within building assemblies. This presentation explores the fundamental relationship between moisture, building enclosure design, and indoor air quality. Attendees will gain an understanding of how water intrusion, condensation, and limited drying potential in modern, high‑performance buildings can lead to mold growth, material degradation, and compromised indoor environments. Through clear building‑science principles, the session demonstrates why moisture management at the envelope level is a foundational strategy for IAQ risk reduction. The presentation focuses on the value of rainscreen systems, drainage layers, and ventilation mats as passive, durable solutions that enable wall assemblies to effectively manage moisture. By incorporating drainage and air spaces behind cladding systems, these advanced building products allow bulk water to exit assemblies and promote drying, significantly reducing the likelihood of moisture accumulation and associated IAQ issues. These drained and ventilated assemblies not only outperform traditional wall systems in terms of durability and resilience, but also improve occupant comfort and health outcomes. The session concludes with best‑practice guidance for designing and specifying moisture‑resilient assemblies that support healthy indoor air while extending the service life of building materials. This presentation is intended for architects, builders, envelope consultants, and construction professionals seeking to better understand how proactive moisture management strategies contribute to healthier, more durable buildings.

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What You'll Learn:

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• Explain the relationship between moisture management, building enclosure design, and indoor air quality (IAQ).

• Identify how unmanaged moisture—including water intrusion, condensation, and limited drying potential—can contribute to mold growth, material degradation, and compromised indoor environments.

• Understand why moisture control at the building envelope level is a foundational, proactive strategy for reducing IAQ risk in modern high‑performance buildings.

• Describe the function and benefits of rainscreen systems, drainage layers, and ventilation mats in promoting drying and managing bulk water within wall assemblies.

• Apply best‑practice principles for designing and specifying moisture‑resilient wall assemblies that improve durability, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality outcomes.

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About the Presenter:

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Ted Winslow is the Director of Product & Technical Sales for Advanced Building Products. He has over 20 years of experience in the building industry, working with both residential and commercial product manufacturers. Ted focuses on building physics and the development and application of practical products, systems, and solutions that support the needs of today’s building professionals. Through continuous engagement with trade organizations and industry training, he works to help industry stakeholders navigate evolving building practices and performance requirements. Ted holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University.

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Program Level: Basic/Intermediate/Advanced

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Content Areas: Residential Buildings; Building Design, Construction, & Commissioning; Ventilation & Moisture Control; Strategies to Prevent Mold in Buildings; Indoor Air Quality 

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