Cellular PVC cladding is delivering high performance characteristics in architectural applications that may not be available with other products. This course presents the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and focuses on high performance coatings, how they work, and how their design contributes to their durability and longevity. This along with the architectural design of pre-finished PVC trim system to accompany the cladding....
Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and discusses the many industrial and architectural products available to control noise in virtually any environment....
When structural stability and thermal continuity collide, structure has historically taken precedence necessitating tradeoffs such as increased insulation in other areas or acceptance of energy loss and potential moisture damage. The foundation transition from below grade to masonry ledge to masonry veneer wall is one such challenge. What if there was a solution? This presentation explores solutions for perimeter foundation insulation including information needed to specify and install correctly....
This course explores the critical aspects of fire-rated head-of-wall joint assemblies, providing design professionals with essential knowledge to enhance the safety and integrity of construction projects. Through an in-depth exploration of key concepts, participants will gain an understanding of fire-rated joint assembly components, the application of Steel Intumescent Fire Stops in diverse construction assemblies, and the standards essential for establishing UL-certified assemblies. Design considerations for specifying and detailing the protection of fire-rated perimeter joints will also be discussed....
Review the physics of building envelopes, including hygrothermal loads, control layers, climate zones and cladding functions. The importance of control layer continuity at wall, roof and slab connections is studied. We look at how IMPs perform the same functions as multi-component wall systems through the use of panels joints, sealants and an insulating core. Emphasis is placed on the concept of the Perfect/Universal Wall, and how utilizing the proper ordering of wall components can greatly simplify wall design in all climate zones. Energy codes are also touched on, including their impact on the use of Perfect/Universal Wall designs. This course reduces a relatively complex subject to a level that teaches practical concepts for the building designer....
Introduction to various types and options in the market place for Specialty siding materials....
This presentation will review the basics of spray polyurethane foam chemistry, application, safety, code compliance, and building performance. It discusses safety requirements during the foam application, how spray foam can contribute to improved indoor air quality by reducing air leakage, how spray foam creates a more comfortable environment, and improves a buildings energy efficiency leading to reduced energy consumption and lowering a buildings impact on the environment....
New technology and improvements in masonry veneer installation can help your team save time and money in the construction process while providing superior results. In this course, you'll learn how cutting-edge technology is helping masons move beyond traditional lath and scratch and be introduced to the principles behind enhanced masonry veneer installation systems (EMVIS). Learn how to create permanent, high-strength installations for residential, commercial, and industrial applications using EMVIS with fortified mortars and innovative waterproofing barrier membranes that protect against air and water penetration....
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....
Moisture and soil gas beneath concrete slabs can cause a myriad of problems in both residential and commercial applications. The causes and consequences of these problems are reviewed in this course, along with a discussion on the types and characteristics of under-slab water vapor and soil gas barriers....
An overview of Acoustics and Noise Control principals and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on looking at common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required....
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the science of sound, identify the potential problems associated with noise, and introduce the range of acoustic solutions formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) felt designed to provide sound-dampening benefits for busy commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities....
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As interest in cross laminated timber buildings grows, the market for building enclosure products, as a whole, has yet to fully provide the water-resistant barriers, vapor barriers, 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, floors and roofs. This comprehensive course fills the gap, 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, floors and roof of the enclosure....
This presentation explores exterior wall design performance; energy code requirements; influences of air, moisture, thermal, and vapor barriers; and actual project case studies are presented. This program will be an interactive session that encourages feedback and questions....
With the demand for sustainable power on the rise, building owners and homeowners alike are turning to solar power as a supplemental power generator. Choosing the right platform for the solar panels is a critical step in the design process and can have a significant impact on both initial and long-term costs. This course discusses the basics of photovoltaic systems, including the components and rooftop applications. Comparisons between traditional roofing and standing seam metal roofing platforms are examined, and the benefits of a nonpenetrating clamping system are discussed....
Presented by a subject matter expert on behalf of CENTRIA, a Nucor company. 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 presentation discusses the overall importance for below grade waterproofing systems as well as the other various types of systems. The Presentation also explores modes of failure and the negative impact of moisture infiltration into a structure....
The beautiful gray patina of zinc architectural metal has graced the rooftops of buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. This course examines the sustainable characteristics of zinc as a roofing material, including its 100% recyclability, zero VOC requirement, and low embodied energy production process. The life cycle analysis of zinc is examined, as is zinc’s long-term service life. Various types of roof and wall applications are also discussed....
This course explores the below-grade use of polyisocyanurate (POLYISO) insulation to meet energy code and maximize thermal performance of the building foundation. Let us help dispel the myths that have been created relative to POLYISO insulation while discussing its thermal performance, water absorption, and load capacity – the three primary characteristics for below grade insulation. In addition, we will discuss how the insulation can provide protection for the foundation waterproofing system....
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
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....
Rainscreens are a multicomponent system offering redundancy in resisting the weather; however, continuity of each component is critical. When an insulated metal panel (IMP) is used within the system, it can function as a number of these components, simplifying installation and improving performance. This course looks at IMPs acting as barrier walls behind various rainscreen systems, with a discussion on the performance characteristics for air, water, vapor, and thermal management....
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....
The ultimate replacement for natural cedar and the perfect accent for engineered wood and fiber cement....
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....
This course features an overview discussion on sustainability in the built environment, including common terminology and guidance on what tools/resources are used in designing for low embodied carbon green building projects. In addition, it reviews certification platforms and how to optimize product attributes with the many commercial roofing assemblies....
