In the fight against climate change, efforts intensify against the planet’s number one enemy—carbon dioxide. The building industry will play a significant role in these efforts. Embodied carbon—the global greenhouse gas emissions generated from sourcing raw material and processing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials—will be the target over the next decade. This course will define embodied carbon, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the construction industry's impact, and the methods and tools that building designers can employ to limit embodied carbon....
Masonry is an ideal sustainable building construction material as it is extremely durable, recyclable, and reusable. It allows for extraordinary design versatility, so it can meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. This course looks at the design elements, components, and construction techniques that characterize sustainable masonry cavity wall building envelopes....
This live course is offered as part of the DuPont Building Science Master Summit May 25, 2023 starting at 11am ET. Presented by: Keith P. Nelson, NCARB, AIA, CDT, BCxP, and Gabriel Acevedo, DuPont The trend toward sustainable building design took on new dimensions during the pandemic and concurrent supply chain crisis. Coupled with the ongoing dilution of skilled labor in the construction trades, there emerged an increased urgency and opportunity in specifying and installing sustainable roofing systems....
Critical to concrete waterproofing are the products used in combination to create a system that ensures complete control of moisture migration. Presented here are effective concrete waterproofing technologies and how they improve the durability and lifespan of structures. Discussions include water penetration, system selection, membrane protection, and cementitious waterproofing....
The teaching points will be on Closed cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) and the commercial building enveloped. Subject matter will contain discussions on safety with SPF use, SPF and NFPA 285 as well a review of the basic chemistry and some basic details....
Introduce the concept of cold-liquid reinforced systems. Describe their advantages and attributes, particularly with respect to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Illustrate their wide range of roofing, waterproofing and surfacing applications. Step by Step application methods to increase efficiencies and productivity, where and when to use these products on your own, guidelines based upon 50 years of experience for various kinds of applications, do and don't tips, helpful hints to increase productivity, how to install from mobilization, site set-up, demo, preparation of all substrate types, primer guidelines, installation of various membranes and installation of various top coats. Overview of bidding procedures and guidelines to better help specifiers, contractors, owners, general construction managers estimate more accurately. Provide a hands-on demonstration using a 2 component urethane liquid resin with fabric reinforcement to show application of the membrane field, flashings, pipe penetrations and drains. Demonstrate surfacing application for use over membrane....
Mineral wool core panels provide an excellent alternative to foam core insulated metal panels and other traditional materials where the wall assembly need to be fire resistive. Ratings of up to three hours can be achieved by this product. These panels also provide all necessary control layers in a single component: air, vapor, water and thermal. Acoustic properties of the product are also evaluated. Product configurations including sizes, profiles and metal facings are studied. Code compliance and generic details are reviewed. Mineral wool core panels and their contribution to LEED credits are also studied....
The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) fundamentally shifts how the thermal performance of building enclosures is designed and evaluated. In the 2024 IECC Chapter 4 Commercial Energy Efficiency, compliance now requires design teams to account for linear and point thermal bridging, as does ASHRAE 90.1-2022, which is incorporated by reference. This impact will notably change how design professionals consider typical building details like parapets, cladding attachments through continuous insulation, window perimeters, and more. Through a side-by-side review of previous and current requirements, this course will bolster design professionals’ understanding of the steps needed to address thermal bridges and how to incorporate these results in prescriptive path, performance path, and COMcheck compliance calculations. By examining the updated air leakage testing requirements codified in the 2024 IECC, professionals will learn to decipher whether whole-building air leakage is mandatory or if the air barrier design and verification approach will apply to their project. This course will explore the practical impacts of the new energy code requirements, reveal strategies for meeting compliance, and share tools that can help design professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing energy code landscape. This course welcomes both new and experienced design professionals alike. Those with a basic understanding of building enclosure-related heat transfer and fundamental calculation methods will benefit most from this course....
Discover the art and science of snow control on roofs and its effects. Examine the liabilities of improper or no snow retention. Learn how to properly engineer snow guards, minimize hazards and increase safety. Reveal critical considerations when choosing a snow guard system. Review specification techniques to limit liability....
An introduction to the history, manufacturing, and use of Polyisocyanurate Insulation in Commercial and Residential Construction and address how these products can contribute to energy efficiency, fire safety, sustainability, and a healthier indoor environment....
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The purpose of this session will focus on what an engineered façade system should provide. Project teams are seeking a complete single-source system from the studs to exterior finish. We will discuss types of testing and approvals Façade systems offer to meet national and international building codes such as FM, NFPA, and others. Further discussion will be on performance warranties for leakage, system integrity, material performance similar to a roofing warranty. From the designer’s role, where you place the insulation and how do you attach the cladding can be the most critical decision when working with a building façade. We will explore both questions from a building science perspective to give clarity and certainty this is done properly....
This course is an overview of the advantages and design considerations, of utilizing insulated metal panels as part of a high performance building envelope strategy for cold storage projects and those in which a temperature controlled environment is vital. In addition to providing superior thermal performance and air tightness, insulated metal panels can accelerate speed of build and allow for greater design flexibility. As well, Insulated metal doors can play a huge role in the success of your project; this course examines the benefits associated with both insulated metal panels and various types of insulated doors....
Objectives of this course will be to have the participants leave with the ability to understand the health, safety, productivity, protection and aesthetic benefits of Natural daylighting in occupied spaces. The benefits to the occupants of a space with diffused sunlight (no glare) instead of direct sunlight (glare). Understanding Natural Daylight improves occupant’s attendance productivity and health. Also the benefits of designing with low solar heat gain to lower the energy costs of cooling and high insulation properties benefiting the efficiency of heating of the building. There will also be explanation about providing safety of occupants egressing a building during a fire. Attendees will also learn about safety of providing a daylighting material, which can meet OSHA fall through, windborne debris, blast resistance and explosion venting protection. *This course is presented on behalf of Kalwall’s strategic partner Structures Unlimited, Inc....
Retrofitting and replacing roof systems are essential aspects of the construction industry and offer opportunities to reduce a building’s energy consumption. Sustainable retrofitting of roofs with durable, energy-efficient materials helps reduce waste and conserve resources while promoting ecofriendly building practices. This course gives an overview of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and innovative roof systems that are designed to enhance building efficiency....
While natural stone veneer has a timeless popularity in commercial and residential applications, its cost, weight, and availability can make it prohibitive for some projects. Natural-looking manufactured stone veneer alleviates those concerns but still requires time and experience in mortared stone installation. This course explores these options and then introduces the latest manufactured stone product, a panelized, mortarless veneer that installs with the ease, speed, and all-weather flexibility of siding. Application examples and case studies present the many options that offer a real stone aesthetic without the time, skill, and constraints required for mortared applications....
Manufactured stone veneer is an inspirational design element, born from innovative technology and creative solutions. Also known as MSV, manufactured stone veneer is lightweight, non-load bearing building material used as a decorative wall covering for exterior or interior surfaces in both residential and commercial construction. Manufactured stone veneer products are cast in molds taken from carefully selected natural stone, using a process that faithfully captures even the faintest detail. The use of molds allows the stone to have a unique aesthetic and panelized systems allow for quicker installation. Manufactured stone veneer products adhere to any structurally sound surface and require a simple installation process of lath, scratch coat, mortar, and grout. Each color and texture uses a blend of Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. Even on close examination, manufactured stone looks and feels like natural stone....
We will discuss how Polyiso Continuous Insulation will improve the thermal performance of walls of Steel Stud Construction. In addressing the advantages of continuous insulation, we will also address the disadvantages of using steel studs without continuous insulation. We will discuss what Sustainability is related to and how it is measured, including factors that are involved in addressing Building Longevity, and how these concepts impact making buildings more energy efficient. We will look at various types of products used to achieve code-compliant designs with a perspective that addresses sustainable construction. Looking towards the future we will discuss the actions being undertaken in conjunction with energy conservation and construction codes, building science organizations, and other groups in pushing proper building envelope design. We will also look at the history of Polyiso and how this product is produced from raw chemicals, creating a completed board stock product....
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Insulated vinyl siding, known as insulated siding, is an exterior cladding that combines the protection and low maintenance of traditional vinyl siding with the energy efficiency of EPS foam. The composite results in an improvement in performance and aesthetics. This course discusses the benefits associated with installing insulated siding on new and renovation residential construction projects, and the range of architectural styles that can be achieved with the breadth of design and color options available....
This course aims to help architects, developers, colorists, and other specifiers understand which current popular exterior colors to continue using, which new colors to begin introducing, and what combinations will ensure successful palettes. The major design shifts in current U.S. regions as well as the cultural and consumer influences behind color trends will be referenced for the purpose of enhancing the knowledge course participants have regarding the color trends for the coming years....
The facade is one of the most significant contributors to the energy consumption and comfort parameters of any building. This course explores high-performance building envelopes and the use of advanced insulated metal panel systems featuring integrated daylighting and ventilation components that combine to provide weathertightness and maximum thermal performance....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces adversely affect the learning and teaching processes. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation, and mental health can be profound and long lasting. This course examines the impact of different sound problems and presents solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning and engagement and teacher retention....
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This course explores how an innovative, scalable, and economical cold-formed steel column and composite beam framing system addresses common primary framing challenges to reach the roof faster and deliver stronger, more cost-effective, and sustainable projects. This well-proven, ICC-compliant system reduces dependencies on multiple trades and minimizes the number of handoffs, supporting schedule compression, which then translates directly into earlier openings, faster revenue generation, and reduced labor costs. The system is applicable to a range of housing, hotel, and commercial mid-rise projects in all climates and geographies....
Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) are an increasingly popular choice for building developers and architects, presenting a compelling solution that combines functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This course reviews the architectural IMP, its applications and benefits, and comparisons to other materials. It explores current trends and developments that are paving the way for increased aesthetic possibilities and building envelope performance....
A roof is a defining feature of a building, but today’s roofs are asked to provide much more than a simple enclosure. Modern roof systems may need to deliver a wide range of benefits – from protecting against severe weather to reducing energy waste to improving occupant well-being and comfort. Each component of the roof system has an important role to play, including the insulation layer. This presentation introduces the key benefits and attributes of polyiso roof insulation products. Topics covered include designing building and energy code-compliant roof assemblies, solving performance challenges like ponding water, and reducing the environmental impacts of buildings with roof systems that contain polyiso insulation products....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
From the presenters of “Maintaining Continuous Insulation and AWBs at Transitions” comes the next detailing presentation in the series. This presentation expands on integrating insulation and air barriers using the previously described building science fundamentals but applied to some trickier details. How do you integrate continuous insulation at a foundation where the masonry veneer must rest on concrete foundation walls? How do you attach heavy, but combustible, low mass veneers? Join us to find out....
