Learn about the design properties, performance, and installation of metal siding with a unique woodgrain look....
From performing arts centers and music schools to museums and Native American centers, Kalwall is proud to be a part of cultural facilities around the world. Culture is at the heart of our communities, and it’s our job to shine a light on the things that matter most. With natural, diffuse daylight improving visual acuity and boosting mood, there’s no better way to help people embrace culture....
This course features an overview discussion on the various types of roof coatings available for commercial construction projects, including the difference between acrylic, silicone, urethane and PMMA. It looks at how to correctly specify coatings for any type of project, including new construction, repair or remodel. It also reviews how reflective coatings contribute to sustainability efforts for both building owners and the overall environment....
Concrete is a very versatile and fundamental building material; however, because it is porous and wicks water through its matrix, concrete has water-related design challenges. This program examines the sustainable benefits of integral concrete waterproofing and analyzes traditional waterproofing methods as compared to integral methods in terms of performance, durability, risk, cost, and construction timeline....
Building a stronger connection with nature is critical for humans to maintain health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through applications including home outdoor rooms, roof gardens, healing spaces, and public boardwalks in green spaces....
The performance and durability of a roof are critical to the health, welfare, and safety of both building occupants and the building itself. This course examines the construction, materials, and best detailing practices that ensure the proper long-term performance of steep-pitch roofs. It describes and details layout options for assemblies of steep-pitch roofs and the key characteristics of roofing systems that help to prevent roof deterioration and damage. It then highlights best practices in detailing and constructing steep-pitch roof systems that mitigate water, ice, snow, fire, or wind damage to the roof....
Kalwall’s diffuse, full-spectrum natural daylighting delivers soft, serene natural light to places of worship, creating a spiritual setting that both soothes and inspires. Over the years, many designers have utilized Kalwall to great effect, often simulating stained glass windows with our colored inserts. Learn how you can incorporate Kalwall into your next church or religious space....
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other necessary but unsightly equipment are common in today’s commercial industries. Rooftop and ground screening can provide a solution for meeting code requirements while improving building aesthetics. In addition, screens may improve a property’s safety and security and establish privacy boundaries. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
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An educational session exploring innovative floor coating systems, their applications, and how they contribute to sustainability and durability in modern architecture. Attendees will learn about advancements in materials, the importance of proper installation methods, and the role of floor coatings in enhancing the functionality of commercial and residential spaces....
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....
This course discusses the unique considerations when installing pre-applied/blindside waterproofing for below grade waterproofing applications. It reviews the science behind any below grade waterproofing project but with a focus on pre-applied or “blindside” waterproofing best practices – including looking at the different product types and design considerations, as well as the pre-planning, decision making, and application techniques that these demanding waterproofing projects require....
Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. When designing exterior wall assemblies, the type and placement of insulation is critical. To address thermal performance, wall systems almost always feature insulation batts — friction fit between framing members. Depending on climate zone and construction type, though, insulation batts alone may not provide enough thermal resistivity. Continuous insulation is increasingly used in conjunction with insulation batts to optimize thermal performance....
This seminar, organized into 3 sections, will help you understand various aspects of the pitched slope residential roofing market. 1. The first section will review the history of roofing underlayments and their role in water management in the structure. This segment will explore the evolution of different kinds of underlayments under asphaltic shingles and the move towards synthetic underlayments. 2. The second section will review the types of synthetic roofing underlayments and common installation detail failures. This includes an overview of mechanically-fastened, self-adhered, and peel-and-stick roofing underlayments. 3. The third section will review ice damming and moisture intrusion resulting therein. This includes a review of how ice damming can occur, its effects, and strategies that can be employed to safeguard against it. 4. The last section will review the relevant performance criteria applicable to roofing underlayments. These include AC-188, QUV Accelerated Weathering Testing, EMMAQUA Testing, ASTM G154 Testing, and ASTM 4869...
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This presentation provides a comprehensive examination of the risks inherent in mid-rise construction and their direct impact on long-term building performance, safety, and occupant welfare. Participants will explore the shortcomings in current building codes that may allow for vulnerabilities and damages in these structures. The session will also address how natural movements within wood frame assemblies can compromise the integrity of the building envelope, creating pathways for moisture intrusion, structural stress, and premature material failure. In addition, the course will highlight the challenges of material compatibility at critical construction junctures—including parapets, balconies, roof-to-wall intersections, and transitions between dissimilar claddings—where failures frequently occur. Finally, attendees will gain insight into the external industry pressures, such as reduced budgets, accelerated schedules, and shifting market trends, that often undermine construction quality and limit the implementation of best practices. Through this exploration, architects, engineers, and construction professionals will gain strategies to recognize risk factors, improve design and detailing, and safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants."...
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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....
Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy. Roof top pavers provide a durable surface protecting the roofing system from thermal shock, UV degradation and impact. In addition to these benefits, roof top pavers also add the ability to increase the useable square footage of a structure by providing a durable pedestrian surface on roof decks....
Moisture related flooring failures cost the flooring industry and associated stakeholders billions of dollars annually. Understanding the issues provides a path for solutions related to floor covering choices, mitigation products, and industry standards. This course identifies the issues, outcomes, industry standards, and best solutions available for design professionals....
Designing beautiful, sustainable, high-performance buildings can help your structures leave a lasting impression and positive impact. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) accomplish that while providing innovative design possibilities for single or multistory projects. Learn about the features and advantages of building with ICFs designed as a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that offers substantial benefits over traditional construction methods....
At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what constitutes construction of cool roofs/walls and how they work, some rules of thumb for understanding cool metal roofing, roof slope impacts on performance, and codes, ratings, and standards that apply to designing cool roofs/walls....
Building science experts have acknowledged the need for both drainage and ventilation in exterior wall systems in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of buildings. This presentation reviews the concepts of rainscreen technology and the solutions for compliance with a focus on engineered rainscreen drainage and ventilation mats used in direct-applied and ventilated wall designs. Prerequisites: No Course Level: Introductory ...
As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector has an immense opportunity to play a role in the efforts to mitigate climate change. This course will give an overview of the global move toward a more sustainable future. We will explore the latest state of knowledge on climate change, the targets, goals, and regulations set to mitigate its worst effects, and what you, as an architect, can do to help. You will also learn about the science behind embodied carbon and why it is important, as well as other tools and resources available to advance the overall sustainability of the built environment....
The E107 Designing with Single Skin Metal Wall Panels program familiarizes the audience with metal wall panel design options. We will discuss the things to take into consideration to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing project by utilizing metal wall panels to meet the intended design. We will educate the proper way to design the wall panel assembly to make sure water is properly drained so it will not cause future concerns....
One of the most exciting developments in outdoor living is the arrival of ¾” thick porcelain outdoor pavers. The concept began to spark interest in 2012 and is continuing to grow in popularity. Outdoor porcelain pavers have the same benefits as regular porcelain –being frost-resistant, skid-resistant, durable and easy to clean – combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) creates the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Outdoor porcelain pavers can be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand – or onto terraces and roofs using raised supports – without grout, adhesives or specialized workers, making installation incredibly easy....
Lightweight, prefinished, and factory-fabricated insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer building owners a durable, cost-efficient, and easy-to-install roofing system that provides an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulation all in one product. This course discusses the characteristics of IMPs and the installation process and explains why IMPs are ideally suited for pre-engineered and structural steel buildings. The role of IMPs in a building’s hygrothermal control layers and IMP code compliance are reviewed....
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....
