With the coming of the 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC), insulating sheathing has played a growing role in the drive to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable for their occupants. The pressure is on for builders, home designers, and architects to find cost-effective construction methods and materials to meet these ever-growing performance standards. Educating one’s self and remaining current on building science trends, technologies and materials has proven to be a powerful measure of success in today’s residential construction markets. The following presentation “Why Use Insulating Sheathing”, aims to educate attendees on the flexibility of using foam sheathing in various Type V construction assemblies in order to meet stricter energy code minimums. Additional learning takeaways from this presentation include investigating common faults in Type V wood-framed walls from a framing, moisture, thermal bridging, and air sealing perspective; and how insulating sheathing can help correct these faults. Attendees will walk away with a thorough understanding of the advantages of using insulating sheathing in residential walls and be able to effectively communicate these advantages to their customers. Additionally, attendees will also leave with a solid understanding of the basic science behind any insulating material and how to better utilize these materials in various environments....
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When considering the building enclosure, fire safety is an important design factor and needs to be considered hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. The NFPA 285 “Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components” is a critical consideration with modern building assemblies incorporating combustible materials in non-combustible construction. This presentation will review the history and scope of the NFPA 285 test standard, and its adoption within the International Building Code (IBC). It will outline the criteria for compliance, as well as identify triggers and contributors under the standard. The presentation will review how the selection building components such as insulation, air/water resistive barriers and claddings, can affect the fire performance of an assembly, and identify solutions and common paths for compliance....
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Sound abatement products are not just a building owner and occupant preference; minimum sound abatement ratings are required by many local building codes for multi-story residential, commercial, and multi-purpose buildings. Following an introduction to the basics of sound, this course presents a summary of the most common sound control methods, with a focus on the options available for floor underlayment....
Newer energy codes require that homes be sealed and tested to 3-5 air changes per hour. Good home design and the right spec’s go along way to making that happen. Proper air sealing saves energy and reduces moisture and mold problems. In this advanced session 1 hour session building science expert Steve Easley uses pictures from the real world examples to illustrate what works and what doesn’t. Trying to fix a home that does meet these requirements is costly and time consuming, and improper sealing techniques can also lead to serious mold and moisture problems. Learn how to do it right the first time at the lowest cost, how to achieve the ”biggest bang for the buck" when prioritizing labor, and the best methods and materials to meet the newer code requirements....
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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....
Stairs are often a prominent feature or even the focal point of an architectural design project and play a vital role in creating an aesthetically pleasing interior atmosphere, or an exterior welcoming point to a residential, commercial, or industrial building. This course provides an overview of the many benefits of installing precast concrete stair treads and landings, how to detail and specify them, and how to address related building code, design, and construction requirements....
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Architectural railing systems offer safety, durability, strength, and design flexibility for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. This course provides an overview of the important factors that need to be considered when selecting and specifying a railing system for a commercial or residential building project. Topics include materials and finishes, fabrication and installation, and relevant building codes and standards....
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Maximizing Envelope Performance with IMP-Integrated Components explores an advanced insulated metal composite panel building envelope system, components that have been engineered to integrate with the system - including windows, daylighting panels, sunshades, and louvers - and how the IMP system and integrated components combine to create a high-performance building envelope....
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....
This is a condensed version of the 2-hour course ECH-BIM-1901: Masonry Solutions for BIM. Masonry construction presents a myriad of challenges for specifiers – especially those who are less familiar with masonry construction methods, performance standards and assembly detailing. A new wave of BIM modeling tools seeks to bridge the gap between these challenges and the extensive benefits of masonry construction, including resiliency, energy performance and unique aesthetics. This presentation provides a condensed overview of BIM and its impact on the construction industry, with a particular focus on new software tools that are changing the way masonry is designed, specified, ordered, manufactured, shipped, installed and maintained. Additionally, this course will delve into masonry building codes – with a particular focus on energy codes – and how they work together with masonry materials to deliver safer, healthier and higher-performing buildings for occupants....
With limited exceptions, the International Building Code® (IBC®) requires testing and compliance with NFPA 285 for exterior wall assemblies of buildings of Types I, II, III, and IV construction containing foam plastic insulation. This course examines three methods for demonstrating that an exterior wall assembly design complies with NFPA 285, including engineering analysis. The course also discusses how and where to locate NFPA 285 information for each compliance method....
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By design, automatic pedestrian doors provide easier, more convenient access than manual doors for a wide variety of building types, and their popularity in commercial design continues to grow. Reviewed in this course are the available options of automatic door solutions, including sliding, swinging, ICC/CCU, and revolving door systems. Also discussed are the code requirements and considerations relating to automatic doors for proper specification....
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Gain an overall understanding of how wind and wind codes affect overhead doors and how these codes help to ensure the health, safety, & welfare of building occupants....
Modular metal panel (MMP) wall systems allow for an array of different exterior and interior building designs due to their wide range of panel sizes, planes, and layout configurations. This course covers the attributes of MMPs, including the available substrates, their fabrication and ease of installation, and their ability to deliver a simple, constructible concealed-fastener rainscreen system....
Learn about how Wood Look Aluminum is a strong and durable yet environmentally friendly choice as an alternative to wood building materials. Find out how Wood Look Aluminum is made and how every step of the process is approached with methods that are eco-friendly with a low carbon footprint. Understand the codes and standards that are met to provide this reliable, long lasting, building material that is green enough to qualify for LEED points....
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other unsightly equipment are commonplace in today’s commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, screening can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. Screening offers not only a visual benefit but also helps to improve the safety and security of your property. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen for your project. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
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The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware standards with cycling, operational, strength, security, and finish test requirements. This course explores the performance standards and the certification program related to commercial architectural hardware....
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Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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....
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When designing the building enclosure from the substrate to the cladding, architects and designers face a host of challenges, from energy code and NFPA 285 fire testing compliance, to ensuring aesthetically pleasing façade design. This course, featuring a panel of four different industry experts, explains design trade-off complexities and strategies to maximize flexibility while maintaining code compliance—and ultimately build a dependable, robust building façade. First, experts will review the challenges of choosing and placing an air and weather barrier. Secondly, codes and thermal bridging will be analyzed to determine insulation and thermal spacer selection. Finally, we will explore critical challenges associated with continuous insulation and the requirements of a rainscreen cladding system....
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....
The trend toward building with mass timber across the US and beyond is accelerating, requiring design professionals to understand the why, when, and how of designing a mass timber structure. The industry is dynamic and evolving along with the building codes that dictate mass timber system requirements and limits. This course identifies the considerations a designer should review before starting a mass timber project, including feasibility, trade partnering, material selection, building codes, logistics, and their overall impact on creating a successful mass timber project....
Fire safety and suppression are essential design features for building projects. This course explores how innovative water mist fire suppression systems can enhance occupant safety in homes while preserving aesthetics and minimizing water damage. Key design principles of electronically controlled water mist systems are examined, and their installation and maintenance are described. Also discussed is guidance for dealing with code officials when using these systems as an alternative to traditional fire sprinklers....
The planet is currently in a water scarcity crisis, which is significantly affected by toilet water usage. This course examines the current plumbing codes, standards, and regulations that address toilet water usage, the need for and benefits of going beyond current standards, and the goals of a variety of beyond-the-code voluntary standards and rating systems, such as LEED v4 BD+C and ICC 700 National Green Building Standard®. It explains the various types of low-flow and ultra-low-flow toilets, their pros and cons, and their selection criteria. It concludes with a sampling of successful cost- and water-saving installations....
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Manufacturers, industry groups, architects, designers, and homeowners all share an expectation of safety in the buildings we occupy and use every day. This course discusses the key chapters where important exterior wall fire provisions can be found in the International Building Code® and examines many common features of global fire incidents. The course also describes the NFPA 285 fire test and discusses the new Annex B in the 2023 edition of NFPA 285. Finally, there is a discussion of the code compliance pathways when exterior walls are required by the IBC® to be tested and comply with NFPA 285....
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