walls Archives

The Thermal Envelope Certificate Is Not a Substitute for Stretch Code–Compliant Design

January 8, 2026January 8, 2026Matt

Under the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, the thermal envelope certificate is often misunderstood. It’s often treated as an administrative requirement to be addressed at the end of a project—something to be obtained after design and construction decisions have already been made. In reality, the certificate is intended to document compliance with the Stretch Code’s envelope performance requirements, not to create that compliance.

Importantly, the thermal envelope certificate cannot make a non-compliant wall assembly compliant. If the building envelope does not meet the required performance thresholds, no amount of documentation at the end of the project will resolve that gap.

Hands On: Exploratory Openings, Mock-ups, and Training

October 13, 2025October 13, 2025Matt

Building envelope systems work, or don’t, because of physical real-world details. Air and water don’t care how it’s drawn—the only thing that matters is how it actually is.

Exploratory Openings

When it comes to diagnosing what’s wrong with a building that’s not working right (if it’s leaking, for example) one of the best tools we have are exploratory openings. Sometimes called “probes”, this is essentially disassembling some parts of the building so we can see what’s under the surface.

Live Webinar: Understanding & Designing for Moisture Movement

September 24, 2025October 3, 2025Matt

Update: Watch the webinar on-demand here.

Join CopelandBEC’s Matt Copeland and GAF’s Jennifer Keegan in this live webinar today, September 24, 2025.

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between how moisture moves through airflow and how it moves by way of diffusion through materials and assemblies.
Explain the code-mandated responsibilities regarding building envelope details.
Develop strategies for meeting standard of care obligations related to including details in your design documents.
Cover the new whole building airtightness testing requirements and how to be prepared for them on your next project.

A quick intro video is below and you can register here.

Spring Forward with Building Envelope Maintenance

April 29, 2025August 30, 2025Autumn Dean

Spring is a time of renewal: baby birds, tulips, and… building envelope condition assessments? After months of snow loads, wind-driven rain, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles, our buildings in northern climates need some TLC. The spring months offer a window of opportunity to inspect and address roof, wall, window, and foundation issues before they escalate. Early detection and repair can extend the lifespan of building components, enhance energy efficiency, and maintain occupant comfort and safety.

Online Event: The 4 Barriers in a Contemporary Context

April 8, 2025April 18, 2025Matt

Join us for a free online event on April 15, 2025.

When it comes to moisture control, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you—and your building. In a time of evolving building codes and increasingly complex facade systems, moisture management demands a sophisticated integration of building science and design.

This presentation reveals essential strategies for creating resilient exterior wall assemblies by understanding the four barriers—water, vapor, air, and thermal—within the context of 21st century building demands.