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....
At this time, there are no national or state codes relating to snow retention for roofing applications, even in the heaviest snow load areas. Consequently, it is very important for building professionals to take extra care when designing a snow retention system for installations in snowy environments. This course provides a review of the problems and solutions associated with roofing in cold climates, including a discussion on the proper engineering of snow retention devices. There are many dangers involved if the appropriate considerations are not made while building and maintaining a roof in an alpine region....
From line-of-sight protection to blast and fire performance, Kalwall offers a safe solution across markets. Learn more about all the powerful security features of our translucent panels and how to use them to create the safety and security we all value....
This course provides an introduction to code compliance requirements for low-slope roofing systems as it relates to Wind Uplift, Impact Resistance, and Fire Resistance. Participants will explore the relevant provisions of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), with emphasis on the referenced standards outlined in Chapters 15 and 16. Participants will review real-world documentation used to demonstrate compliance, enhancing their ability to specify and design roofing systems that meet regulatory standards....
Composite roofing materials have been available for over a decade, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional slate and shake roofing systems. In this course, design professionals can thoroughly explore the sustainable and versatile characteristics of composite roofing solutions. Also discussed are the benefits of composite roofing systems, such as their long life cycle, durability, and adaptability for various applications and environments....
A study of Aluminum cladding material used in architectural applications. The metal’s properties, aesthetics, technical aspects, manufacturing process, and appropriate design applications. An overview of the environmental aspects of aluminum completes the study....
As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options; and examines using single-skin metal panels with a single-component barrier wall to form a complete rainscreen assembly. This course is one of two identical courses titled Single-Skin Metal Panel Building Envelope Solutions . You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses. ...
This course provides an educational overview of incorporating cost-effective, design forward architectural building envelope solutions that utilize insulated metal wall and roof panels while reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings. Included is a comprehensive abstract of insulated metal panel solutions and outlines innovative cladding alternatives to address the issue of embodied carbon within construction materials, summarizing the environmentally friendly nature of insulated metal panels, and contributions to green building certifications....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on retrofit projects. The design challenges facing architects and builders when renovating older buildings are considerable, from increasing energy efficiency to navigating inherited structural and building code changes. Kalwall is a lightweight, rapidly installed and beautiful solution for bringing old buildings into the modern, daylit, era. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you accomplish a retrofit on budget and on schedule....
White roofs made of PVC (vinyl) can reflect three-quarters or more of the sun's rays and emit 70% or more of the solar radiation absorbed by the building envelope. Despite protecting and keeping buildings cool in all climates around the world for decades, misconceptions about the energy impact of cool roofs still exist. This course uses the fundamental science behind cool roofs to address alleged issues concerning the performance of cool roof products....
A rooftop solar photovoltaic system offers myriad benefits to both building owners and the environment; to maximize the benefits, however, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and effects of problems with rooftop installations. This course presents the issues to consider to prevent damaging the roof, voiding the roofing warranty, and incurring additional costs. Solar system mounting options are explored in terms of how they can help eliminate concerns around rooftop installations....
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®)....
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....
Protected roof membrane assemblies (PRMAs), and vegetative roof assemblies (VRAs) in particular, place extreme requirements on the components below the surface, from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each element must meet specific standards for energy efficiency and durability. This course reviews the benefits and design considerations of VRAs. It also describes the high-performance attributes of VRA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for optimal fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance....
This course explores the impact of construction materials and manufacturer transparency on health and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the architect’s role in influencing these outcomes through product specification. Health product declarations (HPDs), environmental product declarations (EPDs), and life-cycle assessments (LCAs) are examined for their contributions to informed decision-making and alignment with green building frameworks such as the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL™ Building Standard v2. A prefabricated fireproofing product serves as a real-world case study in documentation....
There are many kinds of resin-based coatings for metal. The type of resin used plays an important role in determining a coating's durability and physical properties. This course discusses these coatings and their application techniques. It also discusses why the coatings may deteriorate and how to measure the performance of the coatings. The role that resin-based coatings perform in cool roofs is explored along with the standards that measure the sustainability of cool roofs. This course provides the information one needs to ensure that the coated product will perform as expected and provide a durable, long-lasting finish....
This is a Product Spotlight Presentation Discover SOPREMA’s latest advancements in residential and commercial building solutions in this fast-paced 15-minute spotlight. From trusted RESISTO legacy products—including membranes, coatings, and accessories—to exciting new offerings like VPSA, Butyl Tapes, RX Roof Repair, Joist Guard, and Repair & Seal Tape Pro, this session will showcase the performance and versatility of SOPREMA’s product lineup. Join us for a quick yet informative look at how SOPREMA continues to set the standard in building protection and innovation....
One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, air quality issues, and failure of the building enclosure. This course examines the ways moisture can enter a structure and discusses the role of different moisture control layers that, when correctly placed and installed, can prevent unwanted moisture infiltration....
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....
Insulating concrete form (ICF) products use a cost-effective and robust structural material option (reinforced concrete) to turn a building envelope into a high-performing thermal, moisture, and air enclosure with disaster resistance and built-in compliance with energy code requirements. As a result of ICF performance, building owners can complete a whole structure with ICFs and reinforced concrete, including intermediate suspended floors, rooftops, and multistory designs. This course examines the advancements in ICF technology and discusses the potential contribution of ICFs to supporting improved sustainability and resilience....
This course provides specifiers of masonry veneer walls the description of a complete high performance wall system that meets the wall systems requirements ASTM E2357 (Air Leakage), ASTM E331 (Water Penetration), and NFPA 285 (Fire Propagation). The wall components associated with moisture management and interactions with other system components are highlighted. Additionally, an effective and efficient means to specify such walls is presented....
This course is a targeted course of instruction and professional development for engineering firms engaged in the design of chemical, industrial, and environmental projects such as secondary containment of hazardous waste, industrial wastewater, ozone contactors, and others. The course is technical in nature and describes the role of waterstops in fluid-proofing concrete joints, chemical resistant polymers and steels, and state and federal regulations of compliance....
“Designing A Sustainable Masonry Cavity Wall Building Envelope” provides the characteristics of sustainable design as defined by the AIA, especially as it relates to masonry cavity walls. It explains typical problems in masonry cavity walls and how both improper design and construction can cause these problems, and it provides examples of excellent cavity wall design and the proper materials that should be specified to create a sustainable masonry cavity wall. At the end of the program, the attendees will have a much better understanding of how to design and specify masonry cavity walls that not only meet the AIA’s definition of sustainability, but which will also perform well over the life of the building....
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....
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....
