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....
In this video series course, we cover common metal roofing installation considerations. The first video discusses typical metal roof penetrations and details for proper installation. The second video presents metal enhancement options and design and installation tips to prevent premature corrosion in marine environments. The final video explores the expansion and contraction of standing seam metal roofs and how points of fixity accommodate thermal movement....
Green roof systems are typically described in terms of soil depth (intensive vs. extensive) or where they are assembled (built-in-place vs. modular). These are useful categories, but do not address key elements of green roof design, such as drainage, water storage, roof slope, and other considerations. This presentation will review different green roof systems and components, and their use in meeting project goals relating to storm water management, integration with hardscape, and constructability....
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 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....
This AIA course delves into the transformative power of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) and PUMA (Polyurethane Methacrylate) technologies within the construction industry. Participants will explore the unique physical properties and exceptional performance benefits these advanced materials offer, particularly in terms of speed of application and durability. The course provides a comprehensive overview of typical installation procedures, focusing on common applications such as vehicular coatings and below-grade waterproofing. Special attention is given to the critical role these technologies play in minimizing downtime for essential facilities, such as hospitals, where maintaining operational entrances and surfaces like ambulance bays and helipads is vital. With zero VOC emissions, PMMA and PUMA technologies also support environmentally safe construction practices....
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....
Assesses the urban environmental issues of stormwater runoff and heat islands and describes how their damaging impacts can be mitigated by blue, white, and green roofs. The considerations and additional benefits of each roof type are also discussed....
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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This presentation will address the benefits of specifying architectural stone veneer in your design projects, and also provide information on proper installation techniques. Topics include a breakdown of the innovative mold technology used by the industry’s leading manufacturers of architectural stone veneer and what to look for in a high-quality product. The presentation will also include an in-depth overview of installation techniques and evaluate alternative wall systems and regulations....
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....
Guided tour of a roofing system fabricating facility. Includes a summary of the manufacturing processes, quality checks, inspection procedures, and testing performed within the facility to conform to UL, FM, and regulatory codes....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation and mental health can be vast and long lasting. In this class we will examine impact of different sound problems and how introduce solutions to mitigate them. Learn about solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning, student recruitment, and teacher retention....
Installing snow retention systems on rooftop applications improves the safety of building occupants and can decrease the risk of property damage. This course identifies different snow guard styles and explains how each contributes to snow retention. Installation techniques are reviewed, and layout designs that maximize occupant safety and minimize hazards are also discussed....
Confused about the various types of lath available? Want to know the advantages of each and how they contribute to resilient, energy-efficient wall systems? What are the ASTM standards that each lath type is required to meet? What are some of the challenges of lath and plaster, and how are they mitigated? This course will answer these questions and review best practices and solutions....
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....
Acoustical doors are vital in managing sound transmission in various architectural and industrial settings. This course discusses evaluating, specifying, and integrating acoustical doors into projects that demand effective noise control, speech privacy, and occupant comfort. It also examines how acoustical doors may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Compliance with fire safety codes and SCIF specifications is also discussed....
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
An introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) that covers component chemistry, different types of SPF, and the proper use of SPF in construction applications. In addition, the course addresses code compliance related to SPF for residential and commercial construction across the US and Canada markets, as well as safe SPF installation practices. Participants will come away with a strong knowledge of how the proper use and application of spray foam can improve the efficiency, quality and durability of the built environment....
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....
The operation of mechanical equipment generates vibration and noise, which, if left untreated, can damage the building structure and the equipment itself and be a source of discomfort for building occupants. This course examines HVAC equipment vibration and the specification of isolation solutions. It provides discussions on each of the ASHRAE isolator and base types and describes some acoustical floor treatments....
Low permeance vapor barriers, once thought to improve performance, may in fact increase interior condensation and trap moisture within the wall assembly. Due to the problems with impermeable water-resistive barrier (WRB) installation many architects are now incorporating highly vapor open WRB systems in their designs. But many still believe too much permeability is bad for a wall assembly. Studies show that highly permeable WRB systems increase substrate drying, reduce the wet time of absorptive claddings allowing permeable WRB membranes to enhance the wall assembly performance. This presentation investigates the current research on vapor open systems and discusses how more permeability enhances wall assembly performance....
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....
Discuss IRC Egress Code and the possible Product choices, attributes and Factors which could effect performance Review the installation process, Egress window well design trends...
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....
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....
