North American Building Compliance Testing Association
INdustry Insights
Stay ahead of the curve. From field expertise to emerging techniques, Industry Insights from NABCTA keeps building envelope professionals informed, equipped, and ready for what’s next.

What Role Does Forensic Architecture Play in Resolving Building Failures?
Forensic architecture is not about blame. It is about cause. When a building starts misbehaving, someone has to do the detective work, and that work happens on rooftops, behind

Why Building Enclosure Testing Certification Matters
June 10, 2026 Building enclosure testing plays a critical role in verifying that walls, roofs, windows, and air barriers perform as designed. Without proper training, even experienced professionals may interpret

Envelope Consulting vs. Envelope Commissioning: Are You Getting What You Asked For?
By: Bill Coltzer, Jr. Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) and building envelope consulting are not the same thing. One involves a defined, comprehensive process with real accountability. The other does not.

Air Barrier vs. Water Resistive Barrier: What Is the Difference?
By Bill Coltzer, Jr. The two most abused terms in building envelope design are air barrier and water resistive barrier (WRB). They are not interchangeable, and confusing them is one