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....
Discover the science of wind uplift; how it is changing. Learn how the changes are impacting codes and roof material choices. Learn about testing and specification techniques for metal roof options and accessories to improve wind uplift resistance providing a safer building at a lower cost....
As incidents involving active shooters and gun-related assaults continue to increase, more buildings are adopting ballistic-rated products to enhance occupant safety. This course explores various levels of ballistic protection, relevant product testing standards, available solutions, and best practices for designing buildings that mitigate ballistic threats and safeguard both people and property....
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
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....
There are now three distinct types of sustainable roof solutions: green, blue and white. Designers need to understand the relative benefits of eah approach to effectively select the appropriate system for the project. Understand the standards that are used as the basis for green roofs and their myriad benefits that can be reaped. Numerous case studied will be presented....
This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required, and design considerations necessary for compliance. Criteria in ASHRAE 90.1 for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers are reviewed and identified as contributors to the rise of NFPA 285 requirements. It addresses code compliance in light of recent material changes, code changes, and additional testing....
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....
The increase in building energy efficiency requirements has led to the use of exterior continuous insulation (CI) to improve the performance of the building envelope. This presentation reviews the benefits of polyiso continuous insulation and then examines in detail the NFPA 285 test standard and fire safety requirements of the 2021 International Building Code for the use of polyisocyanurate insulation in exterior walls of commercial buildings (Construction Types I–IV)....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what constitutes construction of cool roofs/walls and how they work, some rules of thumb for understanding cool metal roofing, roof slope impacts on performance, and codes, ratings, and standards that apply to designing cool roofs/walls....
This course covers the basics of cellular PVC for moulding and trim. It shows the learner the anatomy of window surrounds made of cellular PVC, how to install and maintain the material, and finally architectural moulding and trim mistakes to avoid....
This course aims to help architects, developers, colorists, and other specifiers understand which current popular exterior colors to continue using, which new colors to begin introducing, and what combinations will ensure successful palettes. The major design shifts in current U.S. regions as well as the cultural and consumer influences behind color trends will be referenced for the purpose of enhancing the knowledge course participants have regarding the color trends for the coming years....
This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, protection course and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s foundation applications. Along with an overview of various code and design requirements that mandate foundation waterproofing systems and applications....
Attic ventilation is an important component in proper structural design. By encouraging airflow, attic ventilation plays a key role in maintaining structural integrity, ensuring roof component durability, providing a healthy indoor environment, and minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, proper attic ventilation hinders or prevents mold growth, reduces interior pollutants, and acts as a pivotal fire prevention tool. This course looks at how attic ventilation systems work, the benefits they provide, and the associated building codes and regulations. ...
This course explains the design of adhered masonry wall systems typical of today’s best practices. It utilizes familiar masonry cavity wall design to show why proper ventilation and drainage typical in this wall type must also be used in adhered masonry veneer wall design, and explores the design differences and similarities between masonry cavity wall systems and adhered masonry veneer systems. It shows the results of improper wall design, common errors in adhered masonry installation techniques and product selection, and the correct techniques and products necessary for constructing sustainable, energy-efficient adhered masonry veneer walls that will remain free of water damage for the life of the building....
What roof type is ideal for photovoltaic (PV) system mounting? What about “solar zone,” roof orientation, environmental and collateral loads, system sizing, the building enclosure, and life-cycle cost analyses? All these factors affect the sustainability and financial pro forma of the roof and PV system. New technologies can be daunting. When it comes to PV design, small shifts in thinking can bring the things that matter into focus, producing huge savings and production efficiencies for improving the client’s overall ROI. This presentation will review and discuss the concepts of treating the roof and PV system as a single asset with supporting ROIs and IRR. Upon this review, participants will have a better understanding of the numbers regarding the ROI and IRR....
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....
Good acoustic environments are important to the general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of creating them with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. It includes many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options and sample installations....
An overview of Acoustics and Noise Control principals and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on looking at common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required....
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....
The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building and provides resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. As a thermal barrier, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers numerous opportunities to contribute to building envelope performance and indoor air quality in several project types. This course presents the sustainable aspects of SPF, SPF fire and strength testing, and the benefits of SPF in below- and above-grade and rooftop applications....
As energy codes continue to push building envelopes to higher R-value performance, architects and designers are challenged with also managing the moisture flow within the envelope to minimize the risk of condensation and the potential for mold and corrosion. Advanced testing and analysis demonstrate how specifiers can utilize mineral wool as an exterior continuous insulation, and significantly reduce the risk of condensation and subsequent mold/corrosion damage in all climate zones....
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....
As architects push the boundaries of design, materials that offer flexibility are essential; single-skin architectural metal wall panel systems provide such flexibility. Presented here are architectural metal wall panels, their fabrication process, design possibilities, and applications. Also discussed are the components and features of a perfect wall and a multicomponent wall assembly, the testing, safety, and installation of multicomponent metal wall panel systems, and how metal wall panels and their manufacturers can contribute to sustainability objectives....
Today’s buildings continue to push the envelope of architectural design, energy efficiency, construction timelines and cost reductions forcing building materials and application techniques to evolve. The evolution of products and applications to waterproof the entire building envelope (vertical and horizontal) throughout various construction materials has created a blend between established and newly developed waterproofing technologies. These blended technologies have the single purpose of integrating and creating a continuous system protecting the building from moisture and performing harmoniously. This presentation helps identify the challenges and opportunities to build an integrated waterproofing system addressing all six sides of the building envelope. While each type of installation will be reviewed separately, the platform will be set for successful integration at all of the transitions and changes within the building by the proper identification and specification of compatible products and materials....
ICF construction is cost effective and sustainable, and is a superior way to build stronger, quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient commercial structures. This course explores insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, describing the forms themselves and their construction, performance, and sustainable benefits. Also presented are design guidelines, the installation process, flooring systems, and commercial project applications....
