A summary of performance characteristics of thermoplastic roofing systems and review of results from infrared case studies done on reflective roofing products. Emphasizes thermoplastic roofing as a component of sustainable high performance buildings and highlights some of the areas where they may help with LEED certification. Provides a sample calculation of cool roofing energy savings utilizing an on-line calculator....
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....
Good acoustic and aesthetic environments are important to the health, safety, comfort, satisfaction, productivity, and general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of and methodologies for simultaneously creating both with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. The highly illustrated course includes detailed descriptions of the many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options available, as well as sample installations....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Standing seam metal roofing has been used successfully in the United States for centuries, and proper specification is key to realizing its intended performance. Examined here are: the factors driving the demand for standing seam metal roof and wall systems; standing seam panel basics; gauge and grade; oil canning; specification considerations; testing standards; and forming, delivery, storage, handling and warranty....
Protected roof membrane assemblies (PRMAs), and vegetative roof assemblies (VRAs) in particular, place extreme requirements on the components below the surface, from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each element must meet specific standards for energy efficiency and durability. This course reviews the benefits and design considerations of VRAs. It also describes the high-performance attributes of VRA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for optimal fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance....
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the importance of a properly designed Air and Water Resistive Barrier System. You will learn the importance of an air barrier system and how a properly designed system can contribute to the environment and improve indoor air quality. You will learn to identify the different types of air barrier systems and where each may be more appropriate. You will learn to design a system to properly control air and water vapor, and how this may differ from one area of the country to another. You will learn how to specify an air barrier system, including the performance criteria for and system, and the code requirements, testing criteria other governing factors....
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
Insulated vinyl siding, known as insulated siding, is an exterior cladding that combines the protection and low maintenance of traditional vinyl siding with the energy efficiency of EPS foam. The composite results in an improvement in performance and aesthetics. This course discusses the benefits associated with installing insulated siding on new and renovation residential construction projects, and the range of architectural styles that can be achieved with the breadth of design and color options available....
This is a Product SpotLight Presentation. SOPRANATURE TOUNDRA BOX combines all the necessary components of a green roofing system into a modular tray. Each tray includes built in drainage slots, filter fabric, growing medium and pre-grown plants protected by a removable retention frame. Suitable for both small and large surfaces, these lightweight, easy-to-carry trays are easily assembled in minutes to create an instant green roof....
Attic ventilation is an important component in proper structural design. By encouraging airflow, attic ventilation plays a key role in maintaining structural integrity, ensuring roof component durability, providing a healthy indoor environment, and minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, proper attic ventilation hinders or prevents mold growth, reduces interior pollutants, and acts as a pivotal fire prevention tool. This course looks at how attic ventilation systems work, the benefits they provide, and the associated building codes and regulations. ...
This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required, and design considerations necessary for compliance. Criteria in ASHRAE 90.1 for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers are reviewed and identified as contributors to the rise of NFPA 285 requirements. It addresses code compliance in light of recent material changes, code changes, and additional testing....
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 course is one of two identical courses titled Single-Skin Metal Panel Building Envelope Solutions . You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses. ...
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....
What are you doing to address the urban heat island effect? This hot topic in the design industry has led to local governments following LEED and amending their building codes to combat the effect of traditional roofing materials. In this session, you'll discover materials and techniques that will help you bring sustainable roofing into your practice - meeting both the latest building codes and the demands of increasingly eco-conscious clients. Discover how "cool roofing" and "green roofing" can help elevate sustainability while also maintaining performance and controlling costs....
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....
When the asphalt fumes, open flame, and kettles that accompany hot-applied roofing are not permissible, cold-applied roofing is an option. There are a variety of types of cold-applied roofing that offer easy portability of materials to the roof, smaller roofing crews, ease of application, and a low-VOC option. In this course, we focus on the adhesive application of modified bitumen membranes using bituminous cold-process adhesives, the adhesive types, their components and characteristics, application methods, and design and use considerations....
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....
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...
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
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....
When designing noise control measures for a building, it is critical to look beyond the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings in order to create an ideal environment that promotes occupant well-being, protects their hearing, and fulfills the project’s needs. This course provides an overview of noise control principles, construction composites, and design methodologies that reduce noise, with an emphasis on performance-oriented designs requiring third-party acoustical consultants....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Understand the basics of standing seam metal roof and wall systems. Identify grade vs. gauge and their importance for standing seam metal roofs and walls. Discuss oil canning and why it is prevalent with some metals but not others. Describe how to achieve greatest energy efficiency with metal roofs and walls. Describe storage, handling, onsite vs. controlled environment manufacturing, and how to obtain the right warranty for the product and application....
Roof-top amenity spaces are transforming modern building design, offering innovative ways to boost property value, attract and retain tenants and employees, and enhance overall building efficiency. These dynamic spaces not only create inviting environments with greenery and thoughtful landscaping but also contribute to sustainable practices. Selecting the right roof-top system and strategically placing it is a critical decision in both new construction and retrofits. This course explores the features, benefits, and key design and installation considerations for roof-top amenity systems....
Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants....
Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. Choosing the right insulation and putting it in the right location is becoming one of the most important decisions in design, construction, and retrofit. Reviewed in this course are the features, benefits, and design and installation considerations related to mineral wool continuous insulation....
Over time urban parks and other open landscaped areas are being lost to development. One solution to mitigate this issue is to reconsider undeveloped areas such as building roofs to create green amenity spaces. Amenity decks can provide some alleviation of lost green space, while affording developers the potential to monetize unutilized spaces in their buildings and provide an advantage over older buildings to attract tenants....
Guided tour of a Duro-Last roofing installation in progress. Includes demonstrations of deck sheet, insulation, flashing, and accessory installations on a rooftop....
