This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, water retention, and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s green roof applications. Along with an overview of soil options and vegetation that it can support....
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 and vapor barriers and which is the best given climate and wall assembly....
This course provides a general overview of air barriers- their role in building performance, the material options, and design considerations. Building code requirements and verification testing will be reviewed for an understanding of how to meet or exceed today’s performance requirements. General considerations will also be discussed to aid in selecting the best system and installation methods for specific projects....
History of fully reinforced, cold-fluid applied, liquid resin waterproofing membranes. Technology - composite of resin and reinforcement. Understanding system components. Application process, performance benefits, range of applications. Project examples including detailing and various assemblies....
This course reviews the importance of weather-resistive barriers (WRBs): why they are critical and the technology considerations specifiers should use when evaluating WRB’s performance. It will also outline several of the most important building code and industry requirements related to air barriers and what they mean....
There is an extremely wide array of coated or composite fabrics available on the market, each type formulated for specific uses and with different levels of performance and quality. To assist in the decision-making process, standards have been developed to show product performance, facilitate quality control, and assure designers that the product they are specifying is suitable for normal commercial use. This course briefly outlines the history, properties, and uses of coated fabrics, the intent and content of one coated fabric standard, and the testing protocols that support it....
View the Coated Fabrics and Film Association Course Library
Coated Fabrics and Film Association
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course explores how an innovative, scalable, and economical cold-formed steel column and composite beam framing system addresses common primary framing challenges to reach the roof faster and deliver stronger, more cost-effective, and sustainable projects. This well-proven, ICC-compliant system reduces dependencies on multiple trades and minimizes the number of handoffs, supporting schedule compression, which then translates directly into earlier openings, faster revenue generation, and reduced labor costs. The system is applicable to a range of housing, hotel, and commercial mid-rise projects in all climates and geographies....
Learn key aspects of design and structural components of today's exterior shutters . Have an understanding of the codes as they relate to shutters. Learn keys for proper installation. Learn keys for proper installation...
The purpose of this program is to educate Architects on the differences between metal roofing products and how they compare to other steep slope roofing options. Upon Completion of this presentation architects will be able to Recognize the most common roof materials used in steep slope roofing and understand various types of metal roofing substrates. Identify different metal roofing configurations, coatings, and fastening applications. Analyze the importance of roof system components and testing standards along with assessing the development of design plans for regional impacts affecting metal roofing systems....
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF....
This course will go over how EPDs and HPDs play a valuable role in LEED v4.1 Materials and Resources and the importance of product transparency. It also discusses the changes made in LEED v4.1 under Materials and Resources category with guidelines for using credit substitutions. This presentation will also cover the supply chain, recycled content and benefits of building with steel....
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....
A strong and reliable connection between the roof and wall is essential for building enclosure integrity, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. This course introduces an innovative approach to roof-to-wall connections using a simplified, prefabricated parapet cap solution. Traditional parapet caps, often constructed in the field with wood, can warp, twist, and compromise the connection’s stability. In contrast, this course explores a high-strength, prefabricated option designed for stability, sustainability, and compatibility with any wall structure. Participants will learn how this Engineered Framing System streamlines installation, enhances structural performance, and delivers superior results for commercial construction projects....
With the rise in popularity of green roofing, many municipalities are adopting requirements for sustainable design from LEED and other sources. As this creates an increased frequency, design professionals require an increased level of knowledge as to how to create green roofs within the framework of waterproofing, thermal envelope, elevation limits, and other complex issues. This program will provide the attendees with a solid background to solve these problems....
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies and particularly Vegetative Roof Assemblies place extreme requirements on the components below the surface from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each component must meet specific standards to achieve energy efficiency and durability. This course describes the high-performance attributes of PRMA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices to meet fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance....
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, and water—within a single component, delivering superior thermal performance and high-end design....
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 is an overview of the advantages and design considerations, of utilizing insulated metal panels as part of a high performance building envelope strategy for cold storage projects and those in which a temperature controlled environment is vital. In addition to providing superior thermal performance and air tightness, insulated metal panels can accelerate speed of build and allow for greater design flexibility. As well, Insulated metal doors can play a huge role in the success of your project; this course examines the benefits associated with both insulated metal panels and various types of insulated doors....
Equipment vibration that becomes structure borne can break out directly below or as is often the case far from the source. This presentation will cover the different types of isolation needed under machinal systems. Selection criteria of different isolation media will be offered for chillers, boilers, cooling towers. As important as the proper restraint of isolated equipment; the design and types of seismic and wind restraints will be presented....
This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed....
Roof underlayments play a vital role in enhancing roof durability by preventing moisture intrusion and extending the life of the roofing system. This course compares traditional felt roof underlayments with modern synthetic roof underlayments across various parameters and discusses ASTM standards and material testing. The course examines the four critical performance factors that influence product selection and concludes with a checklist of items to address to ensure the appropriate underlayment is specified....
If you design, install, commission, maintain or repair metal roofing systems, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to do your job correctly and avoid problems. Upon completing this course, you will be able to identify the best solutions to your metal roofing issues, whether you're working on new construction, performing maintenance, or re-roofing....
This presentation will focus on the science of noise control, specifically covering full system principles, building philosophy, and the most overlooked component when assembling such systems. The course will also highlight the forces that create the need for noise control systems, and how those forces shape how we approach these systems....
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF....
