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 t...
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal...
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to desi...
History and development of SBS-modified bitumen waterproofing systems, including addition of FR additives impacting sheet performance in catastrophic fire events allowing protection for building occupants. Modified bitumen sheet anatomy, incorporating discussion of self-adhesive and sanded sheet cold adhesive sheet installations and their impact on...
This presentation focuses on Florida's wind design requirements for commercial low-slope roofing. The presentation covers new building code requirements, ASCE 7, future tornado wind design requirements and agency approvals for wind uplift resistance for low-slope roofing....
Roofing technologies have come a long way from labor-intensive systems that achieved water tightness through redundancy. Today’s single-ply thermoplastic membrane systems are lightweight, consistently manufactured, and efficient to install. This course focuses on thermoplastic single-plies, particularly those that are PVC based, and explores thei...
As the number and volatility of threats to facility security and safety continue to escalate, protection is becoming paramount in the scope of today’s facility design. Whether it’s high-level protection from ballistics, blast, storm impact or forced entry, this course reviews the various protection levels, testing standards, best practices and ...
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
For building energy efficiency, durability, natural beauty, cost effectiveness, and adaptability, green facades offer the design community a substantial asset. This course examines the required considerations for successful green façade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/own...
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 ...
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.
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...
White roofs made of PVC (vinyl) can reflect three-quarters or more of the sun's rays and emit 70% or more of the solar radiation absorbed by the building envelope. Despite protecting and keeping buildings cool in all climates around the world for decades, misconceptions about the energy impact of cool roofs still exist. This course uses the fundame...
View the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association Course Library
Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations in recent years address the impacts of embodied carbon and other attributes of sustainable construction design. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF chemistries, and how the sustainability benefits of spray polyurethane foam (also known as SPF), con...
Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly speci...
While natural stone veneer has a timeless popularity in commercial and residential applications, its cost, weight, and availability can make it prohibitive for some projects. Natural-looking manufactured stone veneer alleviates those concerns but still requires time and experience in mortared stone installation. This course explores these options a...
The use of sustainable materials and products during building design will become the standard within the construction industry, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) help architects and owners make informed decisions for their projects. Insulated metal panels— a prime example of a sustainable product...
The building envelope must withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course explores rainscreen wall design and the control of hygrothermal loads. The traditional multicomponent backup wall assembly is compared with the single-component, insulated metal composite backup wall system, outlining key differences in design and co...
Manufactured stone veneer is an inspirational design element, born from innovative technology and creative solutions. Also known as MSV, manufactured stone veneer is lightweight, non-load bearing building material used as a decorative wall covering for exterior or interior surfaces in both residential and commercial construction. Manufactured stone...
As the market continues to transform the way sustainable buildings are designed, single-skin metal roof and siding products are at the forefront of contributing to healthier built environments. This course breaks down the material inputs and sustainable attributes of single-skin metal roof and siding panels and includes an overview of how the panel...
An examination and comparison of categories within the exterior trim market, focusing on category specific attributes relating to installation, sustainability, durability and maintenance....
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation is one of North America’s most widely used, readily available, and cost-effective insulation products. While polyiso is currently most commonly known for its use on roofs and walls, this course focuses on the many benefits of using it in below-grade installations in order to meet energy codes, maximize the bu...
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
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 strategi...
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Education projects. Students and teachers deserve bright, healthily lit spaces. The benefits of properly daylighting an educational space can be seen in improved productivity, reduced sick days and lowered utility bills. Learn how Kalwall can help you build beautifully daylit spaces....
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 pho...
This presentation will discuss the importance of a properly prepared substrate for floor covering installation. Accurate floor preparation helps keep floors leveled, sealed, durable and long-lasting, which can reduce cost and material consumption in construction. The presentation provides an overview of the history of gypsum, best floor installatio...