Green or vegetative roof systems have become an effective means to address aesthetic and environmental issues and provide energy savings for building owners, while at the same time providing protection for a building and its contents through the use of a high-performance waterproofing system. This program describes the basics of vegetative roof systems and outlines some cost and construction considerations for designers....
Today’s business environment presents significant challenges for commercial roofing systems. Shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, coupled with a diminishing labor force, have led to uncertainty, inflation, and scheduling difficulties for many projects. However, these challenges also open doors for innovative solutions. This course explores the financial and environmental advantages of using a PVC roofing system. It also highlights the benefits of choosing a roofing system from a single supplier....
A summary of thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems and a review of several alternative roofing systems. Highlights some of the characteristics of PVC membranes and describes the role of PVC roofing as a component in the design of sustainable high-performance buildings. Provides a review and discussion of some of the environmental aspects of PVC-based roofing products....
Building Envelopes are among the systems that can have the largest embodied carbon impact on a building. Traditionally envelope systems and materials are chosen for aesthetics, cost, and operational energy, but embodied carbon is equally important. Learn how carbon is broken out between operational and embodied, the basic concepts of an LCA and EPD’s, strategies for selecting and comparing insulation and cladding systems....
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 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....
Wind load can significantly impact buildings, affecting their structural integrity and safety. Perimeter roof edge systems are a primary safeguard during strong wind events. This course provides an overview of the types, features, and benefits of perimeter roof edge systems, system selection considerations, the impact of wind uplift on roofs, and the building codes and testing standards applicable to perimeter roof edge systems....
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....
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF....
The beaches and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean are some of the advantages of living in Florida. However, the extreme wind forces from hurricanes can easily damage even the strongest buildings and cause billions of dollars in property loss. As a result, certain areas of Florida―Miami-Dade and Broward Counties—have been designated High Velocity Hurricane Zones. The building products used in these zones must be laboratory tested to meet extreme wind and pressure performance standards. This course explains why a metal roof system designed to minimize the damage from hurricanes is important....
Wall system applications are becoming more and more common in the building envelope industry today. Explore the science behind wall systems and the tangible benefits of incorporating this technology into building structures. There is an emphasis on the differences between air barriers and vapor barriers and which is the best given climate and wall assembly....
While natural stone veneer has a timeless popularity in commercial and residential applications, its cost, weight, and availability can make it prohibitive for some projects. Natural-looking manufactured stone veneer alleviates those concerns but still requires time and experience in mortared stone installation. This course explores these options and then introduces the latest manufactured stone product, a panelized, mortarless veneer that installs with the ease, speed, and all-weather flexibility of siding. Application examples and case studies present the many options that offer a real stone aesthetic without the time, skill, and constraints required for mortared applications....
Architectural insulated metal panels are comprised of a steel skin and insulating foam core, which becomes the building envelope. These wall panels are known for their striking aesthetic capabilities and provide superior moisture resistance and thermal performance. This course will explore the fundamentals of architectural insulated metal panels, their performance benefits, and how insulated metal panels achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal control via a more advanced and cost-effective single component system that accelerates construction time. The course will also cover important design details to achieve your design intent and case studies that will showcase architectural insulated wall panels....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces adversely affect the learning and teaching processes. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation, and mental health can be profound and long lasting. This course examines the impact of different sound problems and presents solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning and engagement and teacher retention....
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The purpose of this program is to educate Architects on the differences between metal roofing products and how they compare to other steep slope roofing options. Upon Completion of this presentation architects will be able to Recognize the most common roof materials used in steep slope roofing and understand various types of metal roofing substrates. Identify different metal roofing configurations, coatings, and fastening applications. Analyze the importance of roof system components and testing standards along with assessing the development of design plans for regional impacts affecting metal roofing systems....
Wall system applications are becoming more and more common in the building envelope industry today. Explore the science behind wall systems and the tangible benefits of incorporating this technology into building structures. There is an emphasis on the differences between air barriers that are impermeable to vapor drive and air barriers that are vapor permeable and which is the best in each climate and wall assembly....
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....
With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system....
Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff....
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....
Roofing technologies have come a long way from labor-intensive systems that achieved water tightness through redundancy. Today’s single-ply thermoplastic membrane systems are lightweight, consistently manufactured, and efficient to install. This course focuses on thermoplastic single-plies, particularly those that are PVC based, and explores their benefits and limitations. It also identifies the important factors to consider when selecting a roof system, including fastening techniques, warranties, safety, and sustainability....
As the number and volatility of threats to facility security and safety continue to escalate, protection is becoming paramount in the scope of today’s facility design. Whether it’s high-level protection from ballistics, blast, storm impact or forced entry, this course reviews the various protection levels, testing standards, best practices and the fundamental fenestration solutions which will fortify your building to protect people and property....
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
Protected Membrane Roofing (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as the Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly or Upside Down / Inverted Roof, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This simple design change provides several advantages over conventional roof assemblies that have their waterproof membrane fully exposed at the top surface. For architects, PMR assemblies present many opportunities to create innovative, sustainable, and efficient buildings. The most significant advantage is that PMR assemblies offer superior protection against water penetration, which reduces the likelihood of leaks and extends the lifespan of the roofing system. They also offer enhanced energy efficiency, from the strategic insulation layer placed above the waterproofing membrane. This course will also show how PMR assemblies provide ample opportunities for sustainable design integration. They allow for the creation of green roofs or Blue Roof systems, which provide environmental benefits like rainwater harvesting. With its proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing option...
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Due to their durability, low operational cost, and sustainability, metal roofs are gaining popularity in both commercial and residential markets. Owner expectations for this product family have increased as well and now include heightened aesthetics and long-term performance. While metal roofing systems are certainly up to these challenges, when they fail, the results are costly. Consequently, it is imperative designers have full knowledge of metal roof design and detailing. This course covers the top ten problems metal roof designers face and describes how these problems can be prevented through proper design....
