Prefabricated Exterior Wall Assemblies: Herding Cats in Hard Hats

Prefabrication of exterior wall assemblies has been explored since the 1920s and 1930s, so the concept of their use is nothing new to the built environment. Today, the construction industry’s focus is ensuring continuity of air, water, and thermal barriers—regardless of whether wall assemblies are built in the field or in a shop. Prefabricated exterior wall systems are designed to meet these requirements. This presentation will introduce perspectives from both a General Contractor involved in delegated design and a building enclosure consultant who reviews design, fabrication, and installation. Case studies will highlight code and industry inspection requirements, review processes and lessons learned in coordinating prefabricated assemblies with other trades. Presenters will include Colton Howard with Terracon supporting Kayla Maines, and we plan to bring in a prefabrication manufacturer to share their viewpoint.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the history and different types of prefabricated exterior wall panels.
2. Contracting and coordinating the delegated design process with the applicable trade partners. Turn-Key, Means & Methods, and who owns the details?
3. Review applicable codes and standards and methods for testing and inspecting these assemblies.
4. Demonstrate the process of designing and construction of the prefabricated exterior wall assembly and how it incorporates the air, thermal and water barriers within it.

Presenters: Kayla Maines, AIA, Senior Architect, Terracon Consultants, Inc, Trevor Brown, Regional Quality Director, JE Dunn, Colton Howard, CEI, Senior Facilities Professional, Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Register for the webinar.