In response to the issues associated with the traditional lath and scratch method, new masonry veneer installation technologies have been developed that comprise polymer-modified adhesive mortars and innovative waterproofing air and water barrier membranes to deliver superior long-term performance for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This course reviews the traditional lath and scratch method and then discusses enhanced masonry veneer installation systems (EMVIS) that are engineered to provide a permanent, high-strength installation for thin brick manufactured stone and natural cut stone veneers.

Brick selection is essential to a project’s durability and appearance. Molded brick, with its rich textures, colors, and shapes, has a timeless appeal that enriches the exterior of commercial and residential buildings. In this presentation, molded brick is compared to extruded brick and the manufacturing process is outlined. ASTM standards, classifications, and specifications are discussed, as are molded brick shapes and the use of molded brick in wall details. Modern examples of molded brick use are provided.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

This course explores the use of coil and extrusion coatings (70% PVDF metal coatings) for protecting and enhancing exterior façades. It demonstrates how utilizing color and aesthetic attributes can further enhance a building’s impact and brand recognition. The coating application/treatment process is also discussed in detail. Sustainability benefits that 70% PVDF coating has to offer are outlined, and real-world case studies show the positive impact that 70% PVDF coatings can have on a project.

Masonry wall types have evolved from self-supporting mass walls to cavity walls and veneers that require wall ties or anchors. Over time, anchors can fail and masonry wall systems can become unstable and require repair. This course discusses how to recognize unstable façades, how retrofit anchors can be used to repair these instabilities, the different types of anchors available, and how to determine the proper repair procedure.

In commercial, industrial, and parking structures, it is important to use doors that can provide speed, safety, separation, and security. High-performance roll-up doors provide all these elements better than conventional doors. This course provides an in-depth discussion of the different types of high-performance doors—fabric, rigid, and rubber—along with their benefits and functions in different applications. The design and installation considerations for using these doors are also discussed.

Glass doors, windows, and storefronts are among the most vulnerable points of entry in the building envelope, and with episodes of riots, smash-and-grab crime, forced entry, and active shooters on the rise, the need for security glazing is growing. This course provides an understanding of the physical security needs of the built environment and what requirements should be met by threat mitigation products for existing storefront and building glazing. The course focus is on a new generation of clear, retrofit security “over-glaze” systems, utilizing heavy-gauge, architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing designed to resist forced entry and ballistic attacks.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

In food and beverage, food processing/distribution, and cold storage facilities, it is important to use doors that can provide speed, safety, separation, and security. High-speed, high-cycle, roll-up doors provide all these elements better than conventional doors. This course provides an in-depth discussion of the different types of high-performance doors—fabric, rigid, and rubber—along with their benefits and functions in different applications. The specification criteria, design, and installation considerations for high-performance doors are also discussed.

The enhanced need for water conservation and a decrease of harmful runoff resulting from lawn maintenance has pushed the demand for environmentally-friendly alternatives for landscaping and recreational areas. Explored in this course are the uses, benefits, and specification and installation considerations of artificial turf products that replicate a natural grass look and feel in any environment

Sound abatement products are not just a building owner and occupant preference; minimum sound abatement ratings are required by many local building codes for multistory residential, commercial, and multipurpose buildings. Following an introduction to the basics of sound, this course presents a summary of the most common sound control methods, with a focus on the options available for floor underlayment.

Glass wall and door systems endow architectural concepts with transparent elegance. This course covers the benefits of interior glass wall and door systems and includes discussions on types of glass walls and operable systems; door types, rails, headers, hardware, and applications; glass types; and access control. It presents design and code considerations and specification of glass assemblies.

Choosing the correct roofing materials is a critical first step for builders, architects, and designers as they construct a new building, and for facility managers who work with these professionals to remodel existing buildings. This program examines SBS modified bitumen roofing and underlayment systems and includes discussions on the properties of SBS modified bitumen membrane, applications, testing, codes and standards, and underlayments, and provides a comparison with other commercial roofing materials.

As populations in cities grow, natural ground cover is being replaced with impervious surface cover that, in turn, is causing an increase in stormwater runoff. The need to successfully manage and mitigate the harmful effects of stormwater runoff is becoming clear. This course discusses how permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) offers solutions for stormwater management, including mitigating runoff volumes, decreasing peak flow, reducing flooding potential, and decreasing stream bank erosion. Pavement components, design considerations, and pavement maintenance are also examined.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Various surveys indicate that up to 90% of Americans prefer showering over bathing. In addition, there are many for whom bathtubs are major hazards and who must use an accessible shower. As a result, showers are the new norm for the hospitality industry and are often a central design element in hospitality and multifamily units. They are also often the choice and focus of seniors modifying their homes to facilitate aging in place and homeowners updating their bathrooms to increase their property value. This illustrated course discusses the three basic types of contemporary shower enclosures, their installation requirements and specifications, the wide range of glazing options and appearances available, and applicable codes and standards that inform and/or regulate shower installations.

Cellulose insulation has been in use for hundreds of years, and it continues to be an ideal choice for comfortable, safe, energy-efficient buildings and homes. This course provides an overview of what modern cellulose insulation is and how it is made, followed by a detailed discussion of the performance characteristics of cellulose insulation and how it compares to other common insulation types, with a focus on sustainability, fire safety, and two-hour fire wall assemblies for multifamily structures. The course concludes with a look at modern cellulose insulation’s environmental impact and its application in a wide variety of projects.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Building systems can be enhanced by incorporating reflective insulation or radiant barriers into the building envelope. With effective insulation, heat transfer is reduced, resulting in less summer heat gain, and less winter heat loss. This course explains common and effective uses for reflective insulation and radiant barriers in a wide range of construction and building applications and demonstrates how these systems reduce energy usage, increase the lifespan of the mechanical equipment for heating and cooling, and reduce maintenance requirements and frequency of replacement.

“Sustainable” design isn’t just “environmental.” It’s design that works for and contributes to the health and welfare of all individuals as well as the planet, now and in the future. This course looks at hand dryers as part of sustainably designed restrooms and discusses how air knife hand dryers benefit the environment through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, and benefit all members of society by meeting ADA requirements and Universal Design principles.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

While the kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home, the bathroom is often thought of as a utilitarian space. However, by drawing inspiration from kitchen design principles, designers can create a bathroom that’s personalized, organized, and highly functional. Beyond serving basic needs, the bathroom is a space for relaxing, recharging, and preparing for the day ahead. This course discusses strategies for incorporating organization, ergonomics, personalization, and technology to create a streamlined styling space.

It’s imperative to have a dependable, well-designed fire protection system that helps save lives and property. This course is designed to advance awareness and understanding about the wide range of components, functionality, and benefits of today’s most innovative standpipe fire systems and how to select the optimal system for your design based on building type, codes, and other requirements.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Drying hands thoroughly is crucial for maintaining hygiene levels, and when a hand dryer is too slow, the result is many people give up trying to dry their hands and leave the bathroom with wet or damp hands. Research has shown that damp hands can transmit up to 1,000x more bacteria than dry hands. This course discusses hand-drying concepts and the advantages of hand dryers with air knife technology. It also reviews the impact the choice of hand-drying equipment has on public health, occupant comfort, facility operations, and our environment.

Textile air dispersion systems have come a long way from the days of cotton diffusers and duct socks. Today's systems are custom engineered and constructed from advanced polyester fabrics that offer features and capabilities not possible with other air distribution systems. This course examines the similarities and differences between metal and fabric systems and highlights the design, performance, efficiency, and sustainability characteristics unique to textile air dispersion. As well, the wide-ranging application possibilities for textile systems are explored.

Transitioning from employee to sole proprietor of an architecture firm is the dream of many architects, but it comes with a need to understand licensing laws more fully and have a good grasp of acceptable rules of conduct for the profession. This course examines the ethical and legal considerations involved when an architect sets out to establish their own practice. In particular, this course considers how legal requirements for soliciting work may vary between jurisdictions.

Want free access to this and other NCARB courses? The NCARB Continuum Education Program offers free HSW CE courses to licensure candidates and architects who hold a current NCARB Certificate, which can be accessed through their NCARB record. Renew your NCARB Certificate, or get NCARB Certified.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

 In order to download this course, a USD $25.00 fee must be paid.

Not only is standing seam metal roofing (SSMR) robust and durable, but the seam itself also provides a convenient anchorage point for the mounting of rooftop equipment. This course reviews the features and advantages of SSMR in terms of durability and sustainability, and the appropriate attachment solutions for mounting equipment. The course focuses on nonpenetrating roof seam clamps and design considerations for their use with snow retention and solar panel systems.

Incorporating bulletproof glass into any facility is a sizable investment; however, it is a small price to pay for the protection of human lives. This course illustrates how to maximize that investment by selecting and installing the appropriate system for the threat level and the functional needs of the client. Discussed are UL protection level ratings; types of bullet-resistant barrier systems and their components; planning, production, and installation of systems; security window film vs. bullet-resistant glass; and project security checklists.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

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.