Building Knowledge and Connections
Displaying 1 - 25 of 189 results.
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https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1185216/www.aecdaily.com/course/1207815
Foam plastic insulation materials, such as spray foam and rigid foam board, gained popularity after the 1970s oil crisis as energy‑efficiency solutions. While energy efficiency remains central to building codes, expectations now also include reducing carbon emissions to support building decarbonization. This course examines the embodied carbon of insulation materials and their role in reducing operational energy use, enhancing building resilience, improving community well-being, and supporting sustainable, resource‑efficient design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2955/www.aecdaily.com/course/890369
An expansion joint is a structural gap designed to accommodate the movement of a building in a controlled manner, preventing damage to the building’s internal and external finishes. Expansion joints run throughout a building in walls, ceilings, and floors. Expansion joint covers provide a covered transition across an expansion opening and remain unaffected by the relative movement of the two surfaces either side of the joint. This course explains how to determine joint movement requirements and how to size a joint. It also discusses the performance of different expansion joint cover systems and the applicable fire protection and building codes.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18795/www.aecdaily.com/course/760575
Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2426/www.aecdaily.com/course/661015
Insulating concrete form (ICF) products use a cost-effective and robust structural material option (reinforced concrete) to turn a building envelope into a high-performing thermal, moisture, and air enclosure with disaster resistance and built-in compliance with energy code requirements. As a result of ICF performance, building owners can complete a whole structure with ICFs and reinforced concrete, including intermediate suspended floors, rooftops, and multistory designs. This course examines the advancements in ICF technology and discusses the potential contribution of ICFs to supporting improved sustainability and resilience.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1039189/www.aecdaily.com/course/1049844
Manufacturers, industry groups, architects, designers, and homeowners all share an expectation of safety in the buildings we occupy and use every day. This course discusses the key chapters where important exterior wall fire provisions can be found in the International Building Code® and examines many common features of global fire incidents. The course also describes the NFPA 285 fire test and discusses the new Annex B in the 2023 edition of NFPA 285. Finally, there is a discussion of the code compliance pathways when exterior walls are required by the IBC® to be tested and comply with NFPA 285.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1177978/www.aecdaily.com/course/1228773
Commercial roofs now serve as complex platforms that support an ever-growing array of equipment exposed to significant environmental and operational forces. This course examines the modern code framework governing rooftop equipment securement, including requirements for positive attachment and continuous load paths. Learners review common support practices and traditional attachment methods, as well as emerging engineered anchoring solutions that comply with code requirements and ensure proper equipment securement, ultimately enhancing the roof’s long-term reliability.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s379494/www.aecdaily.com/course/391748
Single-family attached residences (residences that share one or more walls between neighbors) are required to utilize area separation walls between units. A key design criterion of any firewall—besides its fire rating—is that it be structurally independent in a fire. This course evaluates two-hour fire-resistance-rated walls used in single-family attached and multifamily residential construction, the options available in today’s marketplace, firewall installation requirements, and fire-resistance testing.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1200670/www.aecdaily.com/course/1210640
Rain control is a critical aspect of building envelope construction, affecting a building’s structural integrity and occupant health. This course presents the rainscreen wall system as an effective strategy for moisture management, as reflected in the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Discussed are the fundamentals of moisture control in buildings, the history of rainscreens, rainscreen design principles, and cladding material selection, including potential contributions to credit achievement in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5147/www.aecdaily.com/course/1085664
Today’s business environment presents significant challenges for commercial roofing systems. Shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, coupled with a diminishing labor force, have led to uncertainty, inflation, and scheduling difficulties for many projects. However, these challenges also open doors for innovative solutions. This course explores the financial and environmental advantages of using a PVC roofing system. It also highlights the benefits of choosing a roofing system from a single supplier.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091539
Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as inverted or upside-down roofs, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This course explores how PMR assemblies provide several advantages over conventional roof assemblies, offering superior protection against water penetration and enhanced energy efficiency. The course also shows how PMR assemblies allow for the creation of green roofs or blue roof systems. With a proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing options.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1017501/www.aecdaily.com/course/1038779
Interest in metal cladding is continually growing because of its sustainable features: durability, long life span, recyclability, and contribution to cool roofs. Manufacturers provide a wide range of panel profiles, materials, and colors to meet the increased demand. This course examines the performance characteristics and attributes of metal roofing and cladding, different aesthetic options, and best installation practices, as well as how they contribute to more energy-efficient buildings.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s775747/www.aecdaily.com/course/794696
In applications where wood may be exposed to moisture, insects, or fungal organisms, preservative-treated wood can ensure a project’s durability. This course reviews: the manufacturing process for pressure-treated wood; types of preservative treatments and the required levels of retention as dictated by the end-use application, desired service life, and exposure conditions; American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) Use Category standards; current issues concerning preserved wood in residential and commercial construction; and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for aquatic uses.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s935649/www.aecdaily.com/course/960004
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13011/www.aecdaily.com/course/797126
A rooftop solar photovoltaic system offers myriad benefits to both building owners and the environment; to maximize the benefits, however, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and effects of problems with rooftop installations. This course presents the issues to consider to prevent damaging the roof, voiding the roofing warranty, and incurring additional costs. Solar system mounting options are explored in terms of how they can help eliminate concerns around rooftop installations.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s561226/www.aecdaily.com/course/1199796
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9525/www.aecdaily.com/course/946893
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9727/www.aecdaily.com/course/973831
In the fight against climate change, efforts intensify against the planet’s number one enemy—carbon dioxide. The building industry will play a significant role in these efforts. Embodied carbon—the global greenhouse gas emissions generated from sourcing raw material and processing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials—will be the target over the next decade. This course will define embodied carbon, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the construction industry's impact, and the methods and tools that building designers can employ to limit embodied carbon.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4732/www.aecdaily.com/course/1143570
The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building and provides resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. As a thermal barrier, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers numerous opportunities to contribute to building envelope performance and indoor air quality in several project types. This course presents the sustainable aspects of SPF, SPF fire and strength testing, and the benefits of SPF in below- and above-grade and rooftop applications.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1202072/www.aecdaily.com/course/1229155
Luxury‑grade custom fenestration systems combine architectural expression with exceptional building performance. Participants will learn how high‑quality craftsmanship, proprietary elements, and precision‑engineered components—including concealed drainage assemblies—lead to extraordinary durability and functionality. Also addressed are performance testing, accessibility, and sustainability, including how custom systems can contribute toward credit achievement in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system. Emphasis is placed on large‑scale systems that push size limits, allowing expansive openings and uninterrupted vistas while meeting demanding project requirements.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s17339/www.aecdaily.com/course/829062
Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s431992/www.aecdaily.com/course/1095678
Water and moisture intrusion can affect everything from a building’s structural durability to its indoor air quality. Understanding the material options, installation, and testing criteria for high-performing weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) can help specifiers manage present and future moisture concerns.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s692617/www.aecdaily.com/course/869237
In order to address tile installation difficulties effectively and avoid failures, designers and specifiers must maintain full awareness of current knowledge, practices, and products. This course reviews potentially problematic contemporary tile installation issues along with the industry guidance, methodologies, and products available to address them.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5147/www.aecdaily.com/course/853451
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s789181/www.aecdaily.com/course/990198
Concrete is an essential part of modern buildings. As net zero energy buildings become more common, it is crucial to find ways to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint without losing the performance characteristics that make it valuable to the building team. This course explains the sources of concrete’s carbon footprint and explores strategies for reducing embodied carbon and operational carbon in precast sandwich wall panels and insulated architectural cladding.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s356556/www.aecdaily.com/course/1042076
This introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) covers component chemistry, different types of SPF, and the proper use of SPF in construction applications. In addition, the course addresses code compliance related to SPF for residential and commercial construction, as well as safe SPF installation practices. Participants will come away with a strong knowledge of how the proper use and application of spray foam can improve the indoor environment and the durability of the built environment.
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