We will explore the evolution of technology in low-slope roofing systems and its significance for buildings. Past low-slope roofing typically ignored air tightness, focusing on vapor restriction. This presentation will describe the importance of air tightness and vapor restriction to protect the building, your assets, and its occupants. Gain comprehensive insights into the anatomy of low-slope roofing assemblies and common low-slope roofing systems in the modern world or construction. We will provide the knowledge to make informed decisions about the usage of air/vapor retarders versus vapor barriers in low-slope roofing applications, enhancing your proficiency in creating resilient and sustainable building envelopes....
Underslab moisture is something that designers need to take into consideration in both the design and construction phases of a building project. It can cause many problems for the building and the health of its occupants over the course of its life span; however, if properly addressed during design and construction, many of these issues can be mitigated. This course looks at the different types of moisture movement that exist below the slab, examines solutions for a variety of site conditions, and reviews best practices for managing moisture....
This presentation originates from a research report written by the Applied Building Technology Group called Assessment of Water Vapor Control Methods for Modern Insulated Light-Frame Wall Assemblies. The report is extensive and includes compiled data from test homes, huts, and studies from the US, Canada, and Europe. The presentation utilizes the collected data from the research report in the form of a table to make easy insulation choices to prevent moisture issues. This presentation will first present the Building Science Concepts one needs to understand why things happen the way they do. The attendee will then be able to use that information to make informed decisions on how to design with wood framed construction. The presentation also breaks down some of the findings about wood sheathing and how it has been standing up over the years....
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This course will explore the fundamentals of architectural insulated metal panels, their performance benefits, and how insulated metal panels achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal control via a more advanced and cost-effective single component system that accelerates construction time. The course will also cover important design details to achieve your design intent and case studies that will showcase architectural insulated wall panels....
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and modern lifestyle, have resulted in isolation of humans from our experiences within nature. Early research has shown that psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence in the well-being and health such as focus, information retention, productivity and creativity. In this course, we will identify these potential problems and the effects of them; as well as outline different corrective actions to mitigate/lessen the issues....
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 (XPS) and cellular glass insulations in commercial roofing applications including PRMA (plaza deck, vegetative roofs, and split slabs), unprotected roof membranes, architectural metal and asphalt pavement systems for which cellular glass and XPS are 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 affects the physical properties and performance of each type of insulation....
The effects of Strom Water during Peak Flow periods in areas serviced by Combined Sewer Systems is a hot button issue all over the United States. Blue Roofs are a useful and cost effective tool for managing Storm Water during Peak Flow periods and can be used to contribute to minimizing Combined Sewer Over-flow....
Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course looks at above-grade air barrier systems and their types and components. Continuity and compatibility, specification, and installation challenges are also considered....
Roof and floor hatches offer practical solutions for improving accessibility, safety, and functionality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They must be designed and specified to provide safe access to rooftops and below-ground spaces to facilitate maintenance, inspections, equipment installations, and more. The specification considerations for roof, floor, and skylight hatches are presented here. Discussions include size considerations, material options, types of operation, safety features, loads, and thermal, fire, and acoustic performance....
Concrete pavers have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy. Ballast pavers provide a durable surface protecting the roofing system from wind uplift, UV degradation and impact. In addition to these benefits, plaza pavers also add the ability to increase the useable square footage of a structure by providing a durable pedestrian surface on roof decks....
A sound building envelope should be sustainable and provide fire resistance, good thermal performance, and protection from the elements. Mineral wool, fire rated insulated metal panels (IMPs) can improve building performance and contribute to a sustainable design strategy. Included in this course are discussions on mineral wool IMP characteristics and design options, performance advantages, and installation considerations. The course details how fire resistance is specified in the International Building Code and provides examples of fire wall and fire partition construction assemblies....
An educational session exploring innovative floor coating systems, their applications, and how they contribute to sustainability and durability in modern architecture. Attendees will learn about advancements in materials, the importance of proper installation methods, and the role of floor coatings in enhancing the functionality of commercial and residential spaces....
History of fully reinforced, cold-fluid applied, liquid resin waterproofing membranes. Technology - composite of resin and reinforcement. Understanding system components. Application process, performance benefits, range of applications. Project examples including detailing and various assemblies....
The perimeter roof edge is the first line of defense against wind events and costly issues. Learn about why using a proper perimeter roof edge system is critical....
Building science experts acknowledge the need for drainage in both vertical and horizontal applications in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of the building. This course examines foundation wall, green roof, and plaza deck applications and discusses the factors that impact drainage, including soil permeability, saturation, land cover, and loading. Flow rate standards are discussed, and drainage composite mat installation is explained....
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....
Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds....
The performance and durability of a roof are critical to the health, welfare, and safety of both building occupants and the building itself. This course examines the construction, materials, and best detailing practices that ensure the proper long-term performance of steep-pitch roofs. It describes and details layout options for assemblies of steep-pitch roofs and the key characteristics of roofing systems that help to prevent roof deterioration and damage. It then highlights best practices in detailing and constructing steep-pitch roof systems that mitigate water, ice, snow, fire, or wind damage to the roof....
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....
This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Industrial and Manufacturing projects. Kalwall’s museum-quality daylighting™ provides balanced, full-spectrum light for assembly or inspection areas that require high visual acuity while providing visual privacy from the outside to protect proprietary technologies. Looking to boost worker performance, reduce absenteeism, lower maintenance requirements or capture energy savings? Learn how Kalwall can help you accomplish all that and more....
This presentation focuses on wind design requirements for commercial low-slope roofing. The presentation covers building code history, ASCE 7, future tornado wind design requirements and agency approvals for wind uplift resistance for low-slope roofing....
This panel discussion explores building sustainable designs for energy efficiency, water efficiency and stormwater management starting from the roof. With urban heat island effect compounding the global warming from climate change, we are in urgent need of understanding how the roof can be very effective in delivering sustainable, high performance buildings while incorporating stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). Smart material choices and quality and environmental performance certifications are part of assuring performance meets design intent. In addition, job site pain points and project insights for maximizing building design performance will be shared....
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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....
Designing beautiful, sustainable, high-performance buildings can help your structures leave a lasting impression and positive impact. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) accomplish that while providing innovative design possibilities for single or multistory projects. Learn about the features and advantages of building with ICFs designed as a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that offers substantial benefits over traditional construction methods....
