An overview of walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems, including a discussion of the key principles of deck design, design considerations, and how to install and specify roof deck membrane systems. This program will be extremely beneficial to architects, specifiers, and contractors involved in single and multiple-family homes that include decks, balconies, and rooftop decks....
A summary of performance characteristics of thermoplastic roofing systems and review of results from infrared case studies done on reflective roofing products. Emphasizes thermoplastic roofing as a component of sustainable high performance buildings and highlights some of the areas where they may help with LEED certification. Provides a sample calculation of cool roofing energy savings utilizing an on-line calculator....
This presentation will focus on the science of noise control, specifically covering full system principles, building philosophy, and the most overlooked component when assembling such systems. The course will also highlight the forces that create the need for noise control systems, and how those forces shape how we approach these systems....
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....
This course provides an overview of impacts from natural disasters and identifies solutions for building back better. It discusses the use of closed-cell polyurethane foams as well as other performance materials for disaster durable construction applications, including responding to flood and wind events using approved methods and materials....
An examination of the new Poly-Ash category of exterior moulding as it relates to other types of moulding, specifically around the areas of installation, maintenance, and sustainability....
This course covers several aspects of the Tesla Ecosystem, Tesla Solar Roof (renewable energy generation), Tesla Powerwall (energy storage & back-up power), and Tesla Wall Connector (electric vehicle charging)....
Architects and other design professionals have a critical role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through building design and product selection. The urgent need to reduce both operational and embodied carbon means that building designers must be familiar with transparency documents that facilitate low-carbon product selection. In this course, we review the types of carbon of concern, transparency documents that provide critical information, and tools for sourcing embodied carbon information. We also look at the contribution of insulated metal panels to both low embodied and low operational carbon buildings....
Understanding building physics is critical to proper building envelope design. Examined here are practical concepts for the building designer, including how cladding systems perform across different climate zones and applications. Environmental control layers and hygrothermal loads are reviewed, as is the concept of perfect/universal wall design. The course focuses on how single-component insulated metal panels (IMPs) function as a perfect/universal wall, simplifying wall system design and installation....
Commercial roofing systems are quite varied. As such, their performance expectations are varied, and their suitability for different applications vary. Certain types of high performance roofing systems require specific components, and performance standards to achieve energy efficient and durable life cycle performance. This course describes the high performance attributes of extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) in commercial roofing applications including PRMA (green/vegetated), mechanically attached, architectural metal and recover systems for which XPS is uniquely suited. It defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for those systems. Further, it compares various insulation types, how they are manufactured, and how the manufacturing process effects the physical properties and performance of each type of insulation....
Noise negatively impacts human health, making sound control crucial in multifamily housing and various commercial applications. This course reviews airborne and impact sound, the key elements of soundproofing, and the role of high-performance wood fiber soundproofing products in providing effective noise control. Additionally, it discusses how these solutions contribute to meeting requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) rating systems and the WELL Building Standard version 2....
Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology....
View the FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation Course Library
FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
There is an extremely wide array of coated or composite fabrics available on the market, each type formulated for specific uses and with different levels of performance and quality. To assist in the decision-making process, standards have been developed to show product performance, facilitate quality control, and assure designers that the product they are specifying is suitable for normal commercial use. This course briefly outlines the history, properties, and uses of coated fabrics, the intent and content of one coated fabric standard, and the testing protocols that support it....
View the Coated Fabrics and Film Association Course Library
Coated Fabrics and Film Association
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
A strong connection between the roof and wall is critical for building enclosure integrity, energy efficiency, and durability. This course will examine an innovative approach to the roof to wall connection utilizing a simplified parapet cap. Construction of these is generally fabricated in the field with wood that can warp, twist, and make this connection tricky. This course will explore a prefabricated option featuring high-strength material for a stable and sustainable parapet cap solution that can be used on any type of wall structure. This Engineered Framing System provides a plethora of installation benefits for commercial construction....
Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as inverted or upside-down roofs, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This course explores how PMR assemblies provide several advantages over conventional roof assemblies, offering superior protection against water penetration and enhanced energy efficiency. The course also shows how PMR assemblies allow for the creation of green roofs or blue roof systems. With a proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing options....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
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....
Modern building envelope assemblies 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 envelope has an important role to play, including the insulation. This presentation introduces the key benefits and attributes of polyiso continuous insulation products used for above grade wall assemblies as well as below grade applications. Topics covered include designing building and energy code-compliant commercial envelope assemblies, solving performance challenges like thermal bridging and moisture barrier and air barrier requirements, and reducing the environmental impacts of buildings with assemblies that contain polyiso continuous insulation products....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
Anytime a facility has people working on a roof, their safety and protection must be the priority. Even under the best conditions, working on a rooftop is dangerous due to the roof’s elevation, slope, and edge, as well as other hazards created by weather conditions, electricity, and power tools. This course reviews the hazards of the rooftop environment and the relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to aid designers, property owners, and facility managers in selecting safe access and fall protection systems for their buildings....
Based on published studies, a vented rainscreen assembly provides the following for a wall assembly: • Effectively drain water that has entered behind the cladding • Reduces the wet time of absorptive claddings • Increased drying of the interstitial wall assembly • Mitigate reverse vapor drive for highly permeable Water Resistant Barrier / Air Barrier (WRB/AB) systems Learn the current research and field practices on vapor open (permeable), vented rain screen cladding wall assemblies and their impact to mitigate water long-term intrusion and enhance the drying capacity of the building envelope assembly for the life of the building....
Architectural acoustic design focuses on managing airborne and impact sound within indoor and outdoor spaces. This course addresses the acoustic challenges associated with outdoor recreational spaces, focusing on the surge in pickleball popularity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sound propagation in open-air environments and explore how modern acoustic products can reduce unwanted noise while maintaining functionality and the design intent. Acoustic solutions for indoor spaces requiring noise reduction are also covered, as well as the role of acoustic barriers in meeting the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2....
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered....
This course is aimed to define what exactly continuous insulation is, and the key benefits of using it. The course will also show participants how continuous insulation complies with building and energy code requirements within that field....
Guided Manufacturing Plant Tour of Kemper System America's West Seneca, NY Facility. Tour includes a review of plant safety criteria (5 mins); QC & R&D labs (30 mins) introduction into various equipment used for ASTM and product testing; Warehouse tour (5 mins) including discussion of building design for containing potential spills to protect surrounding wildlife area; Distribution center (5 mins) discussions including QC process for incoming raw materials and outgoing products; Manufacturing overview (15 mins) showing machinery and processes for creating various liquid resins, primer, topcoats, & coatings....
Discover the correct selection, specification, engineering, and design process to create safe and permanent roof attachments for various needs. Learn how to properly identify rooftop thermal cycling and manage the correct installation process. Identify correct installation practices of any rooftop penetration to maintain weathertightness warranties. Learn how to meet local and national building code requirements and other safety specifications for various rooftop accessories. Discover the ease of installing rooftop safety equipment and accessories safely without voiding roof manufacturer warranties on metal roofs....
