In this focused one-hour session, gain a clear understanding of the design, specification, and installation processes for joint sealants in high-performance building enclosures. Learn how selecting the right sealants for vertical and horizontal joints can enhance durability, efficiency, and occupant safety. This course emphasizes the critical role of proper joint design and installation in improving building health and performance, ensuring a safer environment for occupants....
ICF construction is cost effective and sustainable, and is a superior way to build stronger, quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient commercial structures. This course explores insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, describing the forms themselves and their construction, performance, and sustainable benefits. Also presented are design guidelines, the installation process, flooring systems, and commercial project applications....
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....
The use of Adhered Veneer Masonry in commercial and multi-family residential markets has grown rapidly this past decade. However, Codes, installation details, and installer training have come at a slower pace. This program focuses on the architect’s role in designing and detailing code compliant adhered veneer 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....
Reducing noise between occupied spaces isn’t just needed for occupant comfort and productivity, it is sometimes required by building code. This presentation is an overview of noise control principals, construction composites, and design methodology for ceilings, floors, and partitions. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs requiring third party consultants....
Today, architects and designers need to give special consideration to building acoustics when developing plans for new and newly renovated construction projects. Excessive noise in any environment is considered a serious problem that can negatively impact occupant comfort, leading to learning difficulties, sleep deprivation, delayed recovery from illness, and lack of privacy. Sound basics are discussed in this course, and STC, IIC, and sound attenuation (reduction) techniques are explained. Various case studies are examined to develop further understanding of the performance of common sound abatement assemblies that are essential for occupant well-being and comfort....
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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....
How to Achieve Superior Building Envelope Performance in Rainscreen Wall Design explores rainscreen wall design theory, how rainscreen walls control hygrothermal loads, and shortcomings of today’s multi-component backup wall assemblies used in rainscreen wall construction. The course will compare and contrast the common multi-component backup wall assembly with the single-component insulated metal composite backup wall system, and demonstrate how the latter overcomes deficiencies of the former in creating a building envelope with superior performance as well as other key benefits....
Rough openings are holes in the building enclosure, fitted with fenestrations that leak or will leak. It is critical to properly direct those leaks out of the enclosure. Designs for rough opening specify; tapes, sealants or flashing materials that are water, air, water vapor tight or vapor open. When detailed and installed correctly, most of these materials prevent water from entering into the interstitial wall cavities, allow the “leaks” to drain out of the building enclosure. Tapes, sealants and flashing components can fail over time or are improperly installed allowing water intrusion, trapping the water is vapor impermeable. By utilizing vapor open systems for rough opening materials, water that once trapped by impermeable flashing systems can escape via vapor diffusive drying. This presentation will describe failures, correct installation and testing of rough opening flashing and address current research on vapor open rough opening systems and how permeability enhances rough opening assembly performance....
As architects push the boundaries of design, materials that offer flexibility are essential; single-skin architectural metal wall panel systems provide such flexibility. Presented here are architectural metal wall panels, their fabrication process, design possibilities, and applications. Also discussed are the components and features of a perfect wall and a multicomponent wall assembly, the testing, safety, and installation of multicomponent metal wall panel systems, and how metal wall panels and their manufacturers can contribute to sustainability objectives....
A discussion about cellular PVC trim products, applications, and manufacturing while looking deeper into synthetic trim materials and specific product examples....
For many years, preformed metal wall panels have been a top choice for building owners and architects, offering an excellent blend of cost effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, particularly in rainscreen and screen walls. This course examines the different materials, profiles, and finish options for these panels and dives into applications and best practices for design and installation....
Retrofitting and replacing roofing systems are essential aspects of the construction industry and offer opportunities to reduce a building's energy consumption. Sustainable retrofitting of roofs with durable, energy-efficient materials helps reduce waste and conserve resources while promoting eco-friendly building practices. This course gives an overview of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and innovative roofing systems that are designed to enhance building efficiency....
This presentation will address the benefits of specifying architectural stone veneer in your design projects, and also provide information on proper installation techniques. Topics include a breakdown of the innovative mold technology used by the industry’s leading manufacturers of architectural stone veneer and what to look for in a high-quality product. The presentation will also include an in-depth overview of installation techniques and evaluate alternative wall systems and regulations....
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....
The perimeter roof edge is the first line of defense against wind events and costly issues. Learn about why using a proper perimeter roof edge system is critical....
One of the most complex and least understood areas where fire can propagate is at the perimeter of a multistory building. Fire can spread not only from floor to floor via the edge-of-slab/curtain wall intersections but also along the exterior building enclosure where untested, combustible components are often installed. This program outlines best design practices for providing fire protection for building occupants per ASTM E2307 and ASTM E2874....
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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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Ensuring a building’s roof is waterproof, on top of being structurally sound, is critical to the success of any building project. This course examines rapid curing, polymeric liquid-applied waterproofing membranes for roofing and other demanding applications. Discussions include the history of PMMA, PMMA system components and characteristics, the installation process, and the versatility of PMMA products....
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. The course also addresses code compliance in light of recent material changes, code changes, and additional testing....
Our beautiful, soft daylighting not only helps to boost sales, but it also creates much more comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that customers, employees and building owners alike can all appreciate. Similarly, in corporate and professional office environments, balanced diffuse daylighting is preferred for its ability to enhance worker satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and boost staff productivity....
Green roof systems are designed on various roofing membranes and come with many different components depending on the many factors including the region, regulation, application, roof design to name a few. This presentation will review these assemblies and the value of options. Address key elements of green roof design, such as drainage, water storage, integration with membrane, and other considerations along with common problems to avoid. Finally, a discussion on construction sequencing and planning as well as solar integration to help the specifier better understand the technology around this segment of the building envelope to ensure greater success....
Topics discussed include daylighting strategies available through the integration of structural sandwich panels, energy conservation, enhancements, options, form, and aesthetics. The many benefits to health, productivity, safety, and sustainable design will be discussed, as well as the specialty applications including explosion venting, blast resistance, OSHA fall through protection, and hurricane resistance....
Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
