The use of life safety dampers is driven by requirements in various building codes. There are many different applications for which fire, fire/smoke, smoke, and/or ceiling radiation dampers can be used, each having its own specific purpose and unique installation requirements. This course gives an in-depth look at the different types of dampers and explains how and where they're each used and installed....
View the Mestek Commercial Damper and Louver Group Course Library
Security entrance control is essential to manage the flow of visitor and authorized user traffic through secured or restricted areas. A wide range of products with multiple types of technologies are available, and a host of buzz words describing their operation abound in this industry. Join us as we journey through the range of products, their operation, the level of security they provide, and both building code and ADA compliance. Security entrance control enhances the safety and peace-of-mind for of employees, residents, passengers, customers, visitors, etc. by providing automatic security screening of those who try to enter and exit the secured space. This secured space may be a campus, an entire building, or designated area within the building. Security entrance control occurs at office and residential buildings, healthcare facilities, entertainment complexes, transportation facilities, campuses, shopping locations, and anywhere that people enter and exit. The security entrance combined with credentialing equipment and software that limits use to only authorized personnel, make for a seamless passage into a secure area. Not only do security entrances control access and/or egress, they provide a visual presence that serves as a deterrent. SECURITY IS A MUST IN TODAY’S WORLD....
Uncorrected thermal bridging can account for 20–70% of heat flow through a building's envelope. Improving details to mitigate both point and linear thermal bridges will significantly improve energy performance. This course reviews types of thermal bridges, examines how they appear in codes and standards, and explores some mitigation concepts and principles. Calculation methods to account for thermal bridging in your projects are introduced, and a sample design project is used to demonstrate code compliance....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions 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 course covers how to comply with the most stringent Energy Code requirements using pre-fabricated wall panels and components featuring next generation concrete masonry unit designs....
With the global rise in natural disasters and the increasing need for sustainable environments, resiliency has become a necessity in the design and building industries. This course provides an overview of resilient design, how it relates to building codes and standards, and the role it plays in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the built environment. It examines the role masonry construction plays in meeting resilient design goals and the inherent properties of masonry that make it resilient and provides examples and case studies of resilient design strategies....
View the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) Course Library
Masonry can be used for a variety of different applications. Because of its durable nature, and use of less embodied energy, it is a very environmentally friendly building product. Masonry offers a variety of different facial applications that can greatly enhance the decorative appearance of the building. This program will discuss the different ASTM specification classifications that the architect utilizes regarding masonry. The different types of masonry products are briefly discussed. Also, the IECC energy codes are discussed, as well as the environmental contribution that masonry offers the architect in the specification of building materials, including the prevention of mold in construction projects....
Lightweight, prefinished, and factory-fabricated insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer building owners a durable, cost-efficient, and easy-to-install roofing system that provides an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulation all in one product. This course discusses the characteristics of IMPs and the installation process and explains why IMPs are ideally suited for pre-engineered and structural steel buildings. The role of IMPs in a building’s hygrothermal control layers and IMP code compliance are reviewed....
A roof is a defining feature of a building, but today’s roofs are asked to provide much more than a simple enclosure. Modern roof systems may need to deliver a wide range of benefits – from protecting against severe weather to reducing energy waste to improving occupant well-being and comfort. Each component of the roof system has an important role to play, including the insulation layer. This presentation introduces the key benefits and attributes of polyiso roof insulation products. Topics covered include designing building and energy code-compliant roof assemblies, solving performance challenges like ponding water, and reducing the environmental impacts of buildings with roof systems that contain polyiso insulation products....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
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....
The use of automatic entrances and ICU/CCU doors helps solve the problems associated with both circulation and door openings in healthcare design while providing an aesthetically pleasing solution. Healthcare personnel, patients, security personnel, and visitors are constantly rushing and want instant access. Today people are very conscious of touching surfaces and prefer not to have contact with doors. Other issues that need to be addressed during design are movement of patients and equipment, ADA and building code compliance, security, energy conservation, and sustainability....
This course reviews the importance of weather-resistive barriers (WRBs): why they are critical and the technology considerations specifiers should use when evaluating WRB’s performance. It will also outline several of the most important building code and industry requirements related to air barriers and what they mean....
Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds....
This course reviews the evolution of accessible restrooms and the recent, sudden prominence of universal (or adult) changing tables. We’ll examine how new changes to both the International Building Code® and statewide legislation affect public restroom design, and the profound impact universal changing tables can have on the lives of people with disabilities and their caregivers....
Modular metal panels (MMPs) integrate advanced technology with modern aesthetics, providing high-performance building envelopes that enhance design and durability. This course explores the evolution of MMPs and what distinguishes them from other building products. You will examine the key components that make up the system and its fundamental principles and best practices. Finally, the course demonstrates how these elements combine in real-world applications, showcasing various design options....
This course explores design choices to meet energy code and thermal insulation selection strategies to maximize long term building performance. Factors influencing the performance of an insulation in its application include production, R-values, moisture, temperature, aging, and quality of installation will be discussed....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
This course reviews the evolution of accessible restrooms and the recent, sudden prominence of universal (or adult) changing tables. We’ll examine how new changes to both the International Building Code® and statewide legislation affect public restroom design, and the profound impact universal changing tables can have on the lives of people with disabilities and their caregivers....
Exterior wall systems are the dividing line between the exterior and the interior and must address several fundamental performance goals of the building envelope. This course reviews traditional rainscreen design and examines why, with its single-component construction, an insulated composite backup wall system is a vast improvement over traditional multicomponent building technology....
NFPA 285 is defined as: the Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components. NFPA 285 assembly tests are required when exterior non-combustible walls contain combustible components per the International Building Code (IBC). The scope of materials classified by the IBC requiring NFPA 285 testing is increasing. Combined with more stringent energy code requirements, the use of combustible materials is also growing in exterior walls. The most common contributing factors to non-compliance of designs requiring NFPA 285 assembly testing include: −Lack of understanding of applicability of test on exterior wall assemblies. −Recent building and energy code changes causing new triggers for the test. −Lack of understanding of assembly vs. product results for NFPA 285 tests. This seminar will discuss the impact of the NFPA 285 Test on buildings using IBC-2018, the parameters and history of NFPA 285, which building envelope components are combustible and require NFPA 285 testing per IBC, and the paths to NFPA 285 code compliance that a designer can take. These elements all combine to integrate NFPA 285 compliant assemblies into building envelope systems....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
This course covers two widely used acoustic metrics, the STC and IIC ratings. Although these ratings are required by building codes and frequently used, they are still often poorly understood and there are many myths and misconceptions around their use. This course looks “under the hood” of the STC and IIC ratings to get a better understanding of what they are, how they work, and what they do and don’t tell us. Importantly, this course covers shortcomings of the STC and IIC ratings that if not understood can lead to poor designs for noise control. In that vein, this course also looks at two new acoustic ratings, HIIC and LIIC, that provide a better insight into the impact-noise reduction provided by floor/ceiling assemblies. Finally, the course uses the knowledge gained about ratings to discuss general methods of improving the acoustic performance of floor/ceiling assemblies....
Roofing is one of the most common renovation projects on commercial buildings. Upgrading a roof assembly to meet current building standards provides an opportunity to save energy and maintain the necessary fire and structural performance. This course reviews the code requirements for commercial reroofing and discusses how reroofing can improve a building’s energy efficiency....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
Discover the correct selection, specification, engineering, and design process to create safe and permanent roof attachments for various needs. Learn how to properly identify rooftop thermal cycling and manage the correct installation process. Identify correct installation practices of any rooftop penetration to maintain weathertightness warranties. Learn how to meet local and national building code requirements and other safety specifications for various rooftop accessories. Discover the ease of installing rooftop safety equipment and accessories safely without voiding roof manufacturer warranties on metal roofs....
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....
Cable railings are a beautifully minimalist way to meet safety requirements without obstructing the view. Learn how to assemble a commercial-grade cable railing with sophisticated fittings engineered to simplify installation, comply with building codes, and reduce overall labor costs....
View the Feeney Inc. Course Library
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This course will discuss best practices to prevent the accumulation of wind driven rain and/or condensation behind exterior adhered masonry systems. We will review proper installation of metal lath, the importance of encapsulation and a wall system that includes a rigid drainage plane. Exterior finishes discussed will include stucco, thin brick, both man made and natural thin stone. When these materials are installed over framed walls moisture management is key to the long-term resiliency of a project. We will also review the expected changes in the 9th Edition of the Florida Building Code pertaining to thin veneer specification and installation....
