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....
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Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff....
Discover the basics of solar photovoltaic systems including the major parts for rooftop solar installations. Describe the basics of the rooftop installation mechanics and measures to minimize hazards and increase safety. Review critical parameters that should be considered when designing a roof to be solar ready. Reveal the advantages of installing solar on metal roofs, including performance and economic benefits....
This course explores how to use coil and extrusion coatings in the built environment, and how innovative coatings contribute to sustainability initiatives....
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively....
This program is designed to educate the audience on the processing of closed cell spray foam, its use in the commercial building envelope. It will also go into the proper application and safety required in using closed cell 2# spray foam. There will be some building science and discussion of air barriers. The program ends with discovering many other uses for closed cell spray foam....
In the wake of the green movement, combined with rising energy costs, building sustainability has become an important topic. This course examines how foil-faced polyisocyanurate (polyiso) continuous insulation can function as a multiple control layer, providing a building with an air and water-resistive barrier and a thermal control layer. Additionally, this course reviews building codes and standards for meeting the continuous insulation requirements in steel stud building envelope designs, the benefits of using polyiso insulation in wall assemblies, and how polyiso insulation meets NFPA 285 requirements....
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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....
Our nation's buildings are aging. Modernization of those aging buildings can preserve and protect them while also maintaining historical integrity and accuracy. Metal roofs and walls can offer the benefits of low weight, flexibility, energy efficiency, wind resistance, fire safety, and easy solar attachment for the purpose of restoring or preserving aging structures. In this session, we will uncover why metal is a great choice for older structures....
In this one-hour course, design professionals will take an in-depth look at the sustainable, and versatile attributes of composite roofing solutions. The advantages of composite roofing systems will be examined, including long life-cycle, durability, and its ability to be specified in a wide array of applications and environments....
In this course, we will explore the features and outdoor applications of elevated deck systems that enable architects to optimize outdoor spaces with functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, creating attractive and safe spaces for occupants. This course covers the system components for practical applications in various settings, offering insights into proprietary pedestal systems....
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....
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....
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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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....
Spray polyurethane roofing is a commercial low-slope roofing system in use since the 1970’s with millions of square feet applied across North America. Attributes of this system are comprehensive, from substantial energy efficiency to durability features, as well as a superior sustainability profile compared to other conventional roofing systems. Exploring the challenges with traditional membrane and built-up roofing systems will bring to light the performance improvements that a spray foam roofing system provides. Attendees will learn about the history and developments of coated spray foam roofing systems. They will also learn of the construction detailing and monolithic performance benefits of spray foam roofing, while gaining knowledge of the environmental and sustainability contributions of this advanced roof system....
Locating mechanical and electrical equipment on a roof is often necessary for space and efficiency in a building design. However, it can be challenging to provide a means for safe maintenance access while preserving the roof membrane and structural integrity and not interfering with other rooftop equipment. This course presents the components that comprise rooftop support systems designed to solve these challenges, as well as system design considerations and compliance with the International Building Code® (IBC®) and the International Mechanical Code® (IMC®)....
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....
Understanding how insulated metal panels comply with fire safety regulations under the code is critical to their proper use in creating highly energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. This course takes a relatively complex subject and addresses the most important fire safety aspects to allow building designers to make an informed decision on the use of these popular cladding systems. Also reviewed are how these products have been addressed in the development of the International Building Code and the various third-party product listings, evaluation reports, and engineering judgements used to show compliance....
As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector has an immense opportunity to play a role in the efforts to mitigate climate change. This course will give an overview of the global move toward a more sustainable future. We will explore the latest state of knowledge on climate change, the targets, goals, and regulations set to mitigate its worst effects, and what you, as an architect, can do to help. You will also learn about the science behind embodied carbon and why it is important, as well as other tools and resources available to advance the overall sustainability of the built environment....
This course explores the role of motorized pergolas in shaping contemporary outdoor spaces that balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and architectural design. Participants will learn how these systems support sustainable performance goals, discover key considerations for successful integration, and review best practices for specifying louvered roof solutions in both residential and commercial projects....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Sports + Recreation projects. There are many reasons that Kalwall is such a natural fit for coaches, athletes, trainers and fans alike. Providing glare-free, full-spectrum light is ideal for videography, mental focus and visual acuity. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build a facility fit for champions....
Learners will closely evaluate steep-slope roofs, examining materials and practices that improve roof performance. By the end of the course, they will be able to identify key characteristics of roofing systems that prevent roof deterioration and damage, providing protection to the occupants within the structure. Finally, learners will evaluate best practices in detailing steep-slope roof systems to mitigate water, ice, or weather damage to the structure....
Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations in recent years address the impacts of embodied carbon and other attributes of sustainable construction design. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF chemistries, and how the sustainability benefits of spray polyurethane foam (also known as SPF), contributes to high performance construction design...
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....
