Building Quality, Reducing Risk, and Mitigating Moisture
QAP is a job site program that ensures proper materials, installation and inspection of the air and moisture barrier system.
QAP by the Numbers
23,000+
QAP Specified
Projects
91 Million
Sq. Ft. of QAP Audited
Air Barrier Installation
2,705
Certified and Registered Installers
What Does QAP Offer?
Less Rework
Minimized Liability
Multi-Faceted Approach
Integrated Components
Proven Approach
Mitigate Claims
View our short video and listen to industry experts as they
explain how investing in QAP has lowered their
“Cost of Quality” by up to 10 times.
Less Rework – Minimized Liability
Rework Required
Poorly installed weather resistive air barrier resulted in major rework and over 75% of construction defects are due to water intrusion, air leakage, and poor workmanship.
QAP In-process Repair
An installation error was noted by a QAP auditor during a routine quality control site visit.
The flaw was quickly rectified (no rework or change order required) thus avoiding possible moisture and air intrusion after the cladding was installed.
Multi-Faceted Approach – Integrated Components
Contractor Accreditation
QAP contractors are trained, accredited, and have signed agreements with ABAA to follow installation guidelines and correct deficiencies.
They must meet bonding/insurance requirements, employ ABAA certified installers, and possess the equipment to install and test their work.
Installer Certification
QAP installers are trained and certified by ABAA. To qualify they must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of documented work experience in air barrier/water resistive barrier installation.
Typically, certified installers work for QAP accredited contractors.
Evaluated Assemblies
ABAA has tested over 100 manufacturer air barrier WRB assemblies that were tested in accordance with ASTM E2357 and many other stringent evaluation criteria.
By specifying evaluated materials, design professionals can limit their liability and be assured that materials will meet and exceed stated specifications.
Field Documentation
Each day, certified installers are required to document the installation process, inspect, and fix deficiencies.
The reports are submitted to the construction site QA office and, in turn, provided to the general contractor and design professional.
Onsite Field Audits
ABAA field auditors confirm compliance with project specifications, manufacturer installation guidelines, and ABAA Site Quality Assurance Program. Auditors review substrate preparation, compatible materials, applications, and repair procedures.
Audit findings are distributed to the: owner, architect, manufacturer, GC and accredited contractor.
Final ABAA Audit Confirmation
ABAA has tested over 100 manufacturer air barrier WRB assemblies that were tested in accordance with ASTM E2357 and many other stringent evaluation criteria.
By specifying evaluated materials, design professionals can limit their liability and be assured that materials will meet and exceed stated specifications.
Proven Approach – Mitigate Claims
For a fraction of the overall building cost, you can ensure PROPER MATERIALS, PROPER INSTALLATION, and PROPER INSPECTION for the most difficult to maintain component of your building: the wall assembly and air barrier system.
= QAP cost compared to overall construction cost
Strip Mall
Building Cost: $6,390,000
ABAA Wall Area: 11,348 sf
QAP Investment: $4,964
Audits: 2
% of Job Cost:
.08%
Small Hotel
Building Cost: $17,280,000
ABAA Wall Area: 17,280 sf
QAP Investment: $5,468
Audits: 2
% of Job Cost:
.03%
Small Hotel
Building Cost: $17,280,000
ABAA Wall Area: 17,280 sf
QAP Investment: $5,468
Audits: 2
% of Job Cost:
.02%
Large Hotel
Building Cost: $65,594,884
ABAA Wall Area: 33,849 sf
QAP Investment: $6,877
Audits: 2
% of Job Cost:
.01%
Secondary School
Building Cost: $51,037,800
ABAA Wall Area: 27,040 sf
QAP Investment: $6,298
Audits: 2
% of Job Cost:
.01%
Large Office
Building Cost: $276,224,400
ABAA Wall Area: 64,480 sf
QAP Investment: $11,480
Audits: 3
% of Job Cost:
.004%
*References
- Pricing from blog entry: https://www.levelset.com/blog/commercial-construction-cost-per-square-foot
- Wall area based on DOE prototypes
- QAP costs based on QAP Calculator
- Audits determined by ABAA wall area
How Does QAP Help Me?
Architects
Manages risk, offers
3rd party impartial resource,
and provides owner a
high-performance building
Building Consultants
Partner on proper
installation, quality control,
opportunity to perform
services for the ABAA
Building Owner
Protects your investment,
maximizes energy savings,
and reduces operating costs
for the life of the building
General Contractor
Reduces rework,
minimizes risk of moisture
claims, and offers highly
trained contractors
Air Barrier Contractors
Offers first class
impartial training
programs setting you apart
from the competition
Manufacturers
Ensures installation
by qualified trades,
monitors installation, and
reduces field rep visits
Specify QAP
Contact our QAP Team