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....
Good acoustic environments are important to the general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of creating them with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. It includes many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options and sample installations....
With growing concerns about blast threats—whether from human actions or nearby industrial facilities—buildings are increasingly incorporating blast protection into their design. This course offers guidance on evaluating appropriate blast load protection levels, understanding industry standards, and assessing key factors such as standoff distance and blast load, which are critical in determining the level of threat and the necessary protective measures for a building....
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
This course focused on the design considerations of Data Centers and incorporation of insulated metal panels to achieve superior building performance. Topics include supporting structure design including allowable spans, environmental control layers (air, water vapor, and thermal) code requirements, and fire safety building regulations. How insulated metal panels (IMPs) are used in the HVAC design and function as a "Perfect/Universal" wall system throughout the building....
Cellular PVC cladding is delivering high performance characteristics in architectural applications that may not be available with other products. This course presents the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and focuses on high performance coatings, how they work, and how their design contributes to their durability and longevity. This along with the architectural design of pre-finished PVC trim system to accompany the cladding....
Thermally controlled environments such as cold storage freezers and coolers, and food processing and packaging facilities take many different forms. Their performance and functionality depend on their project-specific requirements and can be affected by the conditions the materials and systems are subjected to. This course discusses how insulated metal panels (IMPs) perform the necessary functions to provide an effective energy-efficient building envelope and why they are suitable for use within temperature-controlled hygienic environments—where performance is critical....
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer higher thermal resistance per unit thickness than traditional insulation materials. This means a building envelope can meet the effective R-values for enclosures required by the energy codes without having to increase the thickness of the walls, roof, or floors. This course discusses how VIPs work, why they are effective, and the impact the properties of the materials used to construct a VIP can have on its performance. VIP installations and the latest developments in VIP technology are reviewed to illustrate the advantages of using VIPs as thermal insulation in the design of energy-efficient buildings....
View the Panasonic Industrial Devices, Building Materials Group Course Library
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....
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....
Exterior wall systems are the dividing line between the exterior and the interior and must address several fundamental performance goals of the building envelope. This course reviews traditional rainscreen design and examines why, with its single-component construction, an insulated composite backup wall system is a vast improvement over traditional multicomponent building technology....
Acoustical doors are vital in managing sound transmission in various architectural and industrial settings. This course discusses evaluating, specifying, and integrating acoustical doors into projects that demand effective noise control, speech privacy, and occupant comfort. It also examines how acoustical doors may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Compliance with fire safety codes and SCIF specifications is 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....
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....
When designing noise control measures for a building, it is critical to look beyond the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings in order to create an ideal environment that promotes occupant well-being, protects their hearing, and fulfills the project’s needs. This course provides an overview of noise control principles, construction composites, and design methodologies that reduce noise, with an emphasis on performance-oriented designs requiring third-party acoustical consultants....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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 Chemical Fabrics and Film Association Course Library
Chemical Fabrics and Film Association
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Multiwall polycarbonate is an extremely versatile glazing material with high impact strength, excellent thermal insulation, and long-term light transmission. Compared to glass, it is much lighter and easier to handle, offering considerable savings in transportation, labor, and building costs. This course examines how multiwall polycarbonate systems can improve thermal energy efficiency and increase daylighting within a space, enhancing occupant productivity, health, and well-being....
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....
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....
Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions....
This course explores the role of motorized pergolas in shaping contemporary outdoor spaces that balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and architectural design. Participants will learn how these systems support sustainable performance goals, discover key considerations for successful integration, and review best practices for specifying louvered roof solutions in both residential and commercial projects....
Concrete-faced insulated products are composite prefinished panels that are used to construct walls and roofing assemblies to maximize the energy efficiency, durability, and performance of a building envelope. This course discusses the design criteria used in designing energy-efficient buildings using concrete-faced continuous insulation systems for low-slope roofing, walls, and foundations. The functional and physical features of protective membrane roof (PMR) systems, concrete-faced insulated panels for walls and foundations, and concrete structural insulated panels (CSIPs) are evaluated....
This course examines the principles associated with carbon emissions over the life of a building. The carbon footprint of a building does not begin when the building becomes operational but rather during design and continues through demolition or deconstruction. The role that design and construction professionals play in regard to product transparency will also be discussed....
Rough openings will leak - learn how to properly sequence rough opening installation materials and allow the “leaks” to drain out and away from the building structure....
Discover the art and science of snow control on roofs and its effects. Examine the liabilities of improper or no snow retention. Learn how to properly engineer snow guards, minimize hazards and increase safety. Reveal critical considerations when choosing a snow guard system. Review specification techniques to limit liability....
