The construction industry has experienced a significant increase in moisture-related problems in exterior walls. This presentation explains how a rainscreen wall system prevents moisture accumulation within walls by providing a means for drainage and ventilation, thereby prolonging the life of buildings. Discussion topics include air and moisture movement in the building envelope, building code and water-resistive barriers, and stucco and thin veneers in rainscreen systems....
Metal roofing is often preferred for retrofitting a low-slope roof due to its durability, ease of installation, energy efficiency, and water channeling capabilities. This course examines why metal roofs fail, the types of structural standing seam panels, and the pros and cons of different methods for recovering an existing low-slope roof....
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....
Interest in metal cladding is continually growing because of its sustainable features: durability, long life span, recyclability, and contribution to cool roofs. Manufacturers provide a wide range of panel profiles, materials, and colors to meet the increased demand. This course examines the performance characteristics and attributes of metal roofing and cladding, different aesthetic options, and best installation practices, as well as how they contribute to more energy-efficient buildings....
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....
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
A comprehensive plant tour at our Rmax Facility. Observe the insulation manufacturing process step by step from the initial order to the finished product by observing the raw material used, the manufacturer of the panels on the production line, panel cutting and stacking, panel wrapping and storage....
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
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....
This introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) 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, 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 indoor environment and the durability of the built environment....
The building envelope must withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course explores rainscreen wall design and the control of hygrothermal loads. The traditional multicomponent backup wall assembly is compared with the single-component, insulated metal composite backup wall system, outlining key differences in design and construction and their overall effect on installation and performance....
Continuous insulation is part of building standards and state and energy codes due to its ability to reduce thermal bridging and the associated heat loss and energy consumption. This course looks at the use of polyisocyanurate as a continuous insulation in Type V and residential construction and its use as a multifunctional envelope component—air barrier, weather-resistive barrier, and vapor retarder—by reviewing code requirements for the building envelope....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
This presentation introduces the fundamentals of living walls and their connection to biophilic design in architecture. We will explore how integrating greenery into building environments enhances aesthetics, improves air quality, and promotes well-being. This presentation provides architects and designers with practical insights on incorporating living walls into projects, ensuring both functionality and sustainability....
Provides an overview of pedestrian traffic decks, in particular tiled roof decks used in residential and light commercial projects. Topics discussed include: key principles of deck design, design considerations, how to specify outdoor tile systems in a roofing application and how to specify tiled pedestrian traffic decks....
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 features a broad discussion on Vegetated Roof Systems, including their history, the variety of types, and the various components that comprise these systems, as well as their numerous benefits....
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....
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....
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....
With the demand for sustainable power on the rise, building owners and homeowners alike are turning to solar power as a supplemental power generator. Choosing the right platform for the solar panels is a critical step in the design process and can have a significant impact on both initial and long-term costs. This course discusses the basics of photovoltaic systems, including the components and rooftop applications. Comparisons between traditional roofing and standing seam metal roofing platforms are examined, and the benefits of a nonpenetrating clamping system are discussed....
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....
Metal roofing offers longevity, durability, and visual appeal. Today, a range of color and finish options are available that afford specifiers broad design flexibility. This course explores key solar reflectance and sustainability considerations when evaluating metal roofing colors and how selection relates to requirements in codes and green building programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Case studies demonstrate how metal roofing colors have been used to meet design and sustainability objectives....
Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly specialized process and equipment used in the manufacturing process, insulated metal panels are a lightweight, durable, and sustainable building envelope solution....
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....
Acoustical design requirements are frequently based on laboratory test data. Floor/ceiling assemblies constructed in a lab for testing are built under ideal conditions and with high levels of precision. These assemblies also do not have any of the attachments or penetrations that are ubiquitous in real-world construction. Selecting a tested floor/ceiling design that meets an STC and/or IIC requirement is not enough to provide adequate sound isolation in the real-world. To achieve good sound isolation, it is imperative that designers understand how to treat the myriad of details that can compromise a floor/ceiling assembly's performance. These include: can lights, soffits, control joints, window shades, access panels, speakers, and wall/ceiling intersections. In this presentation we: discuss why a detail is important for noise control, provide the acoustical impact of poor detailing based on test data (when available), and provide acoustical best practices for the details....
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....
This course will investigate the history of exterior stucco to the most recent developments in stucco assemblies designed with innovative weather resistive air barrier membranes in a ventilated rainscreen wall assembly. Participants will identify drainage and venting requirements and understand the details of stucco wall systems. The course will explore case studies from failure to remediation, including successful projects utilizing the new innovative all-in-one drainage matrix and weather resistive air barrier technology....
