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 construction and their overall effect on installation and performance....
A naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is a silent danger to our health. Colorless and odorless, it enters homes and structures through openings in the foundation and below-grade walls, becoming trapped in basements and other poorly ventilated areas. This course looks at methods of controlling radon, how it is addressed in building codes, the advantages of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) over other insulation materials, and proper installation techniques....
In designing successful interior building spaces that positively impact their occupants, it is critical to have knowledge of the principles of acoustics and noise control and link them to design methodology. This course explores these principles, with a special emphasis on common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required and noise can have detrimental effects on users, such as athletic facilities and performance spaces....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system....
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—are one of the most cost-effective solutions to reduce energy and greenhouse gases....
We invite you to join us for our webinar series with a focus on healthcare projects. How we design the buildings where people go to receive care has never been more important. Patients, doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers deserve a thoughtfully constructed environment. Proper daylighting with Kalwall is proven to increase mood, boost energy levels, and help maintain circadian rhythms for overall improved body function. This is just the beginning. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build healthy environments for hospitals, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities....
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 design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered....
This one-hour course will study the rainscreen principle for implementation in your architectural designs. We will examine conventional wall systems and introduce two types of methods utilizing the rainscreen principle. Through a series of application examples we will consider a variety of design strategies and best practices based on climate conditions....
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....
Designers increasingly focus on creating environments that improve the health, welfare, and productivity of occupants. This includes providing the benefits of daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. This course explores how retractable roofs can extend the use of outdoor spaces year-round by converting them to daylit indoor spaces seasonally or with sudden weather changes. It explains the economic benefits, structure, and operation of various retractable roof types and how they can be customized to suit multiple site sizes and types, including rooftops. The course concludes with a series of case studies....
Assesses the urban environmental issues of stormwater runoff and heat islands and describes how their damaging impacts can be mitigated by blue, white, and green roofs. The considerations and additional benefits of each roof type are also discussed....
As interest in mass timber building design grows, there are new protection strategies that must be employed for a successful installation to ensure occupant long-term health and safety. This presentation will explain moisture protection strategies by providing in-depth test results on mass timber wetting and drying studies, methods to protect during each construction phase, and the vapor-permeable protection technology available to address wood’s unique moisture characteristics. All in an effort to create a sustainable, stable structure and preserve the beauty of the mass timber building....
High rise fires are not new to us. In fact, we have seen an increase in fire incidents in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in the last 5-10 years that have amplified awareness on fire safety performance of taller structures. High rise buildings present a greater risk with an increased number of occupants that have a limited means of escape in the event of a fire. That is why the time element for containing a fire is so critical. Also, as we have seen in actual fires, vertical fire spread at the exterior façade can rapidly overwhelm fire fighters means of interceding the fire from ground level. As the fire accelerates and upward spread progresses, it often reaches a height beyond the reach of fire services water streams. That is why containing a fire and preventing if from spreading vertically is so critical for both occupant and first responder safety....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Sports + Recreation projects. There are many reasons that Kalwall is such a natural fit for coaches, athletes, trainers and fans alike. Providing glare-free, full-spectrum light is ideal for videography, mental focus and visual acuity. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build a facility fit for champions....
This course provides a comprehensive overview of green roof systems, focusing on the critical roles of drainage devices, root barriers, and water retention layers. Participants will explore the three primary types of green roofs—extensive, intensive, and semi-intensive—and gain insights into the two main installation methods: modular systems, which utilize pre-planted trays or mats, and loose-laid (built-up) systems, where components are assembled on-site....
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....
View the Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course features a broad discussion on Vegetated Roof Systems, including their history, the variety of types, and the various components that comprise these systems, as well as their numerous benefits....
A strong connection between the roof and wall is critical for building enclosure integrity, energy efficiency, and durability. This course will examine an innovative approach to the roof to wall connection utilizing a simplified parapet cap. Construction of these is generally fabricated in the field with wood that can warp, twist, and make this connection tricky. This course will explore a prefabricated option featuring high-strength material for a stable and sustainable parapet cap solution that can be used on any type of wall structure. This Engineered Framing System provides a plethora of installation benefits for commercial construction....
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....
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....
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....
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....
Having an up to date specification starts with understanding what is in the building code. This course reviews the requirements that steel framing must meet to be compliant to IBC 2021. It covers the standards for manufacturing tolerances, minimum thickness and protective coatings. Participants will also review fire-rated partitions...
Roofing technologies have come a long way from labor-intensive BUR systems that achieved watertightness through redundancy. Today’s single-ply membranes are thin, light and reliable, and installation is safe and efficient. This course focuses on thermoplastic single-plies, particularly those that are PVC based, and explores their benefits and limitations as well as the important factors to consider when selecting a roof system, ranging from fastening techniques to warranties to sustainability....
Residential solar power generates clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, protects against rising electricity rates, and protects property from outages, but it is only effective during daylight hours. Adding battery storage to a solar system—called solar plus storage—removes this limitation and moves a home closer to energy independence. In this course, we will review the components of a solar-plus-storage system, including selection considerations for residential rooftop solar and DC-coupled solar batteries. The course also reviews the extended system of monitoring and DC charging....
