How to Achieve Superior Building Envelope Performance in Rainscreen Wall Design explores rainscreen wall design theory, how rainscreen walls control hygrothermal loads, and shortcomings of today’s multi-component backup wall assemblies used in rainscreen wall construction. The course will compare and contrast the common multi-component backup wall assembly with the single-component insulated metal composite backup wall system, and demonstrate how the latter overcomes deficiencies of the former in creating a building envelope with superior performance as well as other key benefits....
The construction industry has seen a substantial increase in moisture-related issues in exterior walls. This presentation will discuss how a rainscreen wall system prevents moisture build-up within walls by providing a means for drainage and ventilation. The presentation provides an overview of rainscreen principles and explains how to incorporate a rainscreen system in a variety of applications including stucco, manufactured stone, siding, and masonry cavity walls. This course will explore the critical role of rainscreen systems and proper ventilation in building construction. These elements not only protect against water damage but also contribute to a healthier, more energy-efficient living environment. Learn how integrating these features can extend the lifespan of your walls, improve indoor air quality, and ultimately save you money in the long run....
There are many kinds of resin-based coatings for metal. The type of resin used plays an important role in determining a coating's durability and physical properties. This course discusses these coatings and their application techniques. It also discusses why the coatings may deteriorate and how to measure the performance of the coatings. The role that resin-based coatings perform in cool roofs is explored along with the standards that measure the sustainability of cool roofs. This course provides the information one needs to ensure that the coated product will perform as expected and provide a durable, long-lasting finish....
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....
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.
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and modern lifestyle, have resulted in isolation of humans from our experiences within nature. Early research has shown that psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence in the well-being and health such as focus, information retention, productivity and creativity. In this course, we will identify these potential problems and the effects of them; as well as outline different corrective actions to mitigate/lessen the issues....
In this one-hour course, design professionals will take an in-depth look at the sustainable, and versatile attributes of composite roofing solutions. The advantages of composite roofing systems will be examined, including long life-cycle, durability, and its ability to be specified in a wide array of applications and environments....
Rough openings are holes in the building enclosure, fitted with fenestrations that leak or will leak. It is critical to properly direct those leaks out of the enclosure. Designs for rough opening specify; tapes, sealants or flashing materials that are water, air, water vapor tight or vapor open. When detailed and installed correctly, most of these materials prevent water from entering into the interstitial wall cavities, allow the “leaks” to drain out of the building enclosure. Tapes, sealants and flashing components can fail over time or are improperly installed allowing water intrusion, trapping the water is vapor impermeable. By utilizing vapor open systems for rough opening materials, water that once trapped by impermeable flashing systems can escape via vapor diffusive drying. This presentation will describe failures, correct installation and testing of rough opening flashing and address current research on vapor open rough opening systems and how permeability enhances rough opening assembly performance....
Due to their durability, low operational cost, and sustainability, metal roofs are gaining popularity in both commercial and residential markets. Owner expectations for this product family have increased as well and now include heightened aesthetics and long-term performance. While metal roofing systems are certainly up to these challenges, when they fail, the results are costly. Consequently, it is imperative designers have full knowledge of metal roof design and detailing. This course covers the top ten problems metal roof designers face and describes how these problems can be prevented through proper design....
This short version course introduces attendees to the basic materials and equipment used to create spray polyurethane foam. It will also discuss the safety aspect related to spray foam in terms of its application as well as its proper use to ensure code compliance. Lastly, it discusses the different kinds of spray foam commonly used and which material works best in different areas of a building....
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 that are impermeable to vapor drive and air barriers that are vapor permeable and which is the best in each climate and wall assembly....
Guided Manufacturing Plant Tour of Kemper System America's West Seneca, NY Facility. Tour includes a review of plant safety criteria (5 mins); QC & R&D labs (30 mins) introduction into various equipment used for ASTM and product testing; Warehouse tour (5 mins) including discussion of building design for containing potential spills to protect surrounding wildlife area; Distribution center (5 mins) discussions including QC process for incoming raw materials and outgoing products; Manufacturing overview (15 mins) showing machinery and processes for creating various liquid resins, primer, topcoats, & coatings....
This course introduces expanded polystyrene (EPS) underslab insulation and examines its role in energy performance, moisture management, thermal control, vapor management, radon mitigation, and hydronic heating in residential and commercial buildings. The course supports project teams working toward LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) or Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) requirements by outlining how underslab insulation decisions influence compliance with thermal envelope provisions, energy modeling pathways, and material considerations within the rating systems....
Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and discusses the many industrial and architectural products available to control noise in virtually any environment....
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....
Asphaltic-rubber membranes play a crucial role in the successful implementation of below-grade foundation waterproofing by forming a monolithic, flexible layer that protects the foundation and supports its long-term structural integrity. Presented is an overview of dampproofing and waterproofing, preparation requirements for foundation design, hydrostatic pressure, and positive- and negative-side waterproofing. Also discussed are the design of below-grade, vertical foundation waterproofing applications and guidelines for proper specifications. The course compares waterproofing membrane technologies and addresses insulation, drainage, and backfill requirements....
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....
This course is focused on the essential aspects of below-grade waterproofing. It offers a comprehensive overview of the most prevalent technologies and innovative solutions designed for these critical applications. We'll uncover the common causes of membrane failures and share proven risk mitigation strategies to ensure the longevity and integrity of your projects. Enhance your expertise and learn best practices that can significantly impact your next project....
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....
This course reviews the definition of sustainability, and how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) are being used to address product transparency needs. We will review how IMPs provide all environmental control layers and how their use contributes to sustainable design. LCAs form the backbone of EPDs, and this course walks through the creation of EPDs as well as the environmental factors evaluated. HPDs are the latest tool used to study building product toxicity, and we will provide a complete review of how these important documents are prepared and used by owners, architects, designers and manufacturers. We finish up by studying how EPDs and HPDs are used in environmental rating systems such as LEED, Green Globes and Living Building Challenge....
Stucco is a popular and durable finishing material that offers many benefits, combining safety and affordability while satisfying aesthetic needs. It can be applied to various surfaces using a lath system, which provides support for stucco. However, the quality of the stucco lath embedment can greatly affect its performance. This course covers the proper technique for achieving lath embedment, the different types of metal lath and their various applications, and regional material preferences....
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.
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....
This presentation will review the basics of spray polyurethane foam chemistry, application, safety, code compliance, and building performance. It discusses safety requirements during the foam application, how spray foam can contribute to improved indoor air quality by reducing air leakage, how spray foam creates a more comfortable environment, and improves a buildings energy efficiency leading to reduced energy consumption and lowering a buildings impact on the environment....
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....
