As interest in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings grows, the market for building enclosure products as a whole has yet to fully provide the water-resistant barriers, vapor retarders, and air barriers to optimally support the unique characteristics of wood. Furthermore, there are few building enclosure design guides specific to detailing wood-framed walls and roofs. This comprehensive course fills the gaps, providing detailed information on mass timber, building enclosure issues, the vapor-permeable technology available to address wood’s unique moisture characteristics, and a how-to guide on detailing the walls and roof of the enclosure....
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....
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....
This one-hour course will study the rainscreen principle for implementation in your architectural designs. We will examine conventional wall systems and introduce two types of methods utilizing the rainscreen principle. Through a series of application examples we will consider a variety of design strategies and best practices based on climate conditions....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Transportation projects. From airports to bus and train stations, Kalwall’s translucent systems are a perfect fit for keeping your project moving in the right direction. Travelers will benefit from visual privacy, enhanced security and easier way-finding due to brilliant natural daylight or soft backlighting. Facility managers can enjoy superior energy efficiency, easy cleaning and high visual acuity for inspection or repair workers....
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....
Introduction to various types and options in the market place for Specialty siding materials....
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....
Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. When designing exterior wall assemblies, the type and placement of insulation is critical. To address thermal performance, wall systems almost always feature insulation batts — friction fit between framing members. Depending on climate zone and construction type, though, insulation batts alone may not provide enough thermal resistivity. Continuous insulation is increasingly used in conjunction with insulation batts to optimize thermal performance....
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®)....
From pitched to low slope roofing a myriad of designs are possible. Conventional roofing with the waterproofing membrane located weather-side and Protected Membrane roofing with the waterproofing membrane located at the deck can be used on buildings of various end-use, be low or high albedo surfaced (solar gain). Add to this vegetative roof assemblies (green roofs), roofs with solar arrays, blue roofs (stormwater management), - and no two roofs are alike. Join us to review the modern roof taxonomies and associated benefits and drawbacks, learn about latest options in roof construction, and reflect on performance differences....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
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....
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....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Explore the technology, history and benefits of single ply roof systems, with a core focus on EPDM, PVC, and TPO...
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....
Guided tour of a Duro-Last roofing installation in progress. Includes demonstrations of deck sheet, insulation, flashing, and accessory installations on a rooftop....
This course provides a general overview of air barriers- their role in building performance, the material options, and design considerations. Building code requirements and verification testing will be reviewed for an understanding of how to meet or exceed today’s performance requirements. General considerations will also be discussed to aid in selecting the best system and installation methods for specific projects....
The course details the benefits of designing with natural metals such as zinc, stainless and copper in order to achieve a uniquely aesthetic style with complex curves and tapers of the metal panels for a roof or a wall application....
Vinyl membrane decking can prolong the life cycle of various building components; however, performance and durability depend on vinyl membrane selection, specification, and installation. Fortunately, vinyl membrane manufacturers can support architects, contractors, and specifiers through all phases of the project to ensure a successful outcome. This course examines walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems and includes discussions on system characteristics, design considerations, and how to properly specify roof deck membrane systems. ...
View the Duradek/Durarail Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is designed to provide an introduction to acoustics and will highlight the link between acoustics and the architects vision for a space at the design phase. Understanding how sound travels in buildings is crucial to creating a smart and acoustically sound environment. Architects and building owners invest heavily into designing aesthetics and functionality into a building that represents their vision for its use. However, poor acoustics can disrupt and distract occupants from the architects’ vision for a space. Understanding how sound travels in buildings and how it interacts with various surfaces will provide the knowledge needed to avoid acoustical issues when designing a space. In the event that the building is already experiencing issues, strategies for remediating the issues will also be discussed....
This course is focused on the essential aspects of below-grade waterproofing. It offers a comprehensive overview of the most prevalent technologies and innovative solutions designed for these critical applications. We'll uncover the common causes of membrane failures and share proven risk mitigation strategies to ensure the longevity and integrity of your projects. Enhance your expertise and learn best practices that can significantly impact your next project....
Architectural metal panels (AMPs) provide exceptional design versatility, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of a building. This course explores different types of panels, their applications, finishes, key design and specification considerations, and best practices to ensure the durability and performance of the panel system. Additionally, several project examples are presented to showcase the creative applications of AMP systems....
The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) fundamentally shifts how the thermal performance of building enclosures is designed and evaluated. In the 2024 IECC Chapter 4 Commercial Energy Efficiency, compliance now requires design teams to account for linear and point thermal bridging, as does ASHRAE 90.1-2022, which is incorporated by reference. This impact will notably change how design professionals consider typical building details like parapets, cladding attachments through continuous insulation, window perimeters, and more. Through a side-by-side review of previous and current requirements, this course will bolster design professionals’ understanding of the steps needed to address thermal bridges and how to incorporate these results in prescriptive path, performance path, and COMcheck compliance calculations. By examining the updated air leakage testing requirements codified in the 2024 IECC, professionals will learn to decipher whether whole-building air leakage is mandatory or if the air barrier design and verification approach will apply to their project. This course will explore the practical impacts of the new energy code requirements, reveal strategies for meeting compliance, and share tools that can help design professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing energy code landscape. This course welcomes both new and experienced design professionals alike. Those with a basic understanding of building enclosure-related heat transfer and fundamental calculation methods will benefit most from this course....
