(Canadian Version) Throughout history, our human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating colour was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of colour pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

Around the globe, companies and manufacturers are embracing socially responsible design, construction, and the development of sustainable products. This course provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint, independent testing methods and standards, categories of LEED®, and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.

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

(Canadian Version) Around the globe, companies and manufacturers are embracing socially responsible design, construction, and the development of sustainable products. This course provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint, independent testing methods and standards, categories of LEED®, and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.

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

Without light, an object, or a viewer, we do not have color. In fact, the way we perceive and view color is impacted by light, both natural and artificial. This course delves into the properties of color and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, color rendering index (CRI), and light reflectance value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

(Canadian Version) Without light, an object or a viewer, we do not have colour. In fact, the way we perceive and view colour is impacted by light, both natural and artificial. This course delves into the properties of colour and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, colour rendering index (CRI), and light reflectance value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

Paints provide a decorative and protective barrier on the surfaces and substrates they are applied to. Paint performance is influenced by the quality of the ingredients, and by specifying the correct product and finish for the application. This program discusses types of paint, components of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and a three-coat painting system.

(Canadian version) Paints provide a decorative and protective barrier on the surfaces and substrates they are applied to. Paint performance is influenced by the quality of the ingredients, and by specifying the correct product and finish for the application. This program discusses types of paint, components of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and a three-coat painting system.

Not only are we living longer, but senior citizens are the fastest growing segment of the world’s population. The aging population faces problems with declining vision related to disease as well as growing older. This course discusses changes in color perception among the elderly and explains how appropriate color use and application of low- or no-VOC, durable, high-quality paint facilitates quality of life in all environments for the aging.

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

Provides an overview of the new LEED v4 BD C New Construction credits to which paints and coatings may apply. It reviews credit intents, explains credit requirements, and describes where to find materials to meet the needs of the credits.

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

Restroom facilities should provide easy access and use for all users, regardless of ability. It is becoming increasingly important to know the tools needed to properly plan an accessible restroom that will meet the requirements of the ADA and other standards. This course will explore how accessibility standards accommodate a wide range of users, including how to design lavatories, toilet compartments, bathing facilities, and their accessories to meet accessibility requirements.

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

Comprehensive paint specifications define minimum quality levels and the materials and methods required to achieve them. This introductory course reviews paint specification types/formats, key performance and application standards, key variables addressed by paint specs, general product recommendations, and paint submittals.

Pigments serve many functions in paint other than supplying the color. Characteristics such as durability, hide, gloss, lightfastness, and paint film thickness are influenced by the choice of pigment. This course will discuss the ways your choice of color can significantly change the appearance and performance of architectural paint.

Over time a color pattern has developed through the historic events, society, arts, and technology that shape each decade. A correlation can be drawn between the happenings and the prevalent colors for every decade through periods of rest and periods of upheaval. This course illustrates how the use of color can express our individuality and culture, and how the past can inspire us with fresh ideas for using color in the present. Highlighting the prevalent colors of more than ten decades, this course also looks at the societal, political, technological, and cultural influences which impacted and defined the personality of each decade.

Vinyl is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, and therefore is the most widely used plastic for building and construction. This course presents vinyl flooring and its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its life span and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.

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

Although NFPA 285 has been part of the building code since 2000, there are still misunderstandings as to how materials and assemblies meet its requirements. This course reviews the types of continuous insulation (CI) options and discusses the advantages and challenges of several CI assemblies that pass NFPA 285.

Continuous insulation (ci) was introduced in the IBC (International Building Code) in 2006 as a new topic primarily in the northern tier climate zones. Over the course of the next two code cycles, continuous insulation has become part of the prescriptive path in all climate zones and for virtually all types of wall assemblies. This course examines different types of insulation materials commonly used as continuous insulation. Attributes that affect material use, installation, and performance within exterior wall assemblies are compared and discussed.

Properly designed ventilation is a key component of a heathy roof environment and exterior building envelope. A balanced intake and exhaust system will ensure the attic space is not retaining excess moisture that could result in damage to the roof decking material, excess mold and mildew growth, ice dams causing shingle damage, algae growth, and water or mold stains on the interior ceiling and walls. Additionally, proper ventilation in the exterior building envelope can help prevent premature deterioration of the siding and roof covering materials. This course explains the fundamentals of attic and envelope ventilation and highlights the importance of a balanced system, identifies the many venting options available, and discusses various ventilation case studies.

This course focuses on the changing energy codes and how they affect commercial wall assemblies. The new concept of continuous insulation (ci)—and how it is used throughout the codes—is discussed. The NFPA 285 fire test and its role in code-compliant wall assemblies is also discussed for commercial building types I–IV. The thermal performance, physical properties, and compliance attributes of polyisocyanurate insulation are explained, as well as how it compares with some of the other insulation options available.

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

Selection of a material for a railing or fence project requires considering its long-term performance, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics. Regardless of the railing application (commercial, residential, or industrial), the coating process makes a difference to the life of the project. This course evaluates the different coating technologies available for steel railing and fence systems and discusses the factors to consider when selecting a coating for a steel railing and fence system.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introduction

For the typical homeowner choosing exterior color can be a daunting task; however, there is guidance available to help choose color palettes that complement the exterior of the home. This course presents the FRESH approach: a strategic method used for the selection of colors for the exterior of buildings. The course focuses on both residential and commercial design considerations, and details the steps to follow in the color selection process to achieve a harmonious design.

Aesthetics, durability, and environmental performance are key considerations for architectural metal finishes. This course will help you identify long-lasting and sustainable aluminum extrusion coatings and includes discussions on the aluminum extrusion process; a comparison of powder and liquid coatings; an overview of the chrome and the chrome-free pretreatment processes; and the performance objectives of AAMA testing standards.

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

Phenolic architectural panels are designed to work as cladding with a rainscreen design in a ventilated facade system. This course uses case studies to highlight the testing standards, attributes, and physical properties of phenolic panels (including structural integrity, code compliance, and design flexibility) to illustrate why they are an excellent exterior facade option for new and retrofit construction.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

Railings are often one of the most important parts of a deck or stair project because of the safety and security they provide, but they can offer character, style, and beauty as well as functionality. Today's railing systems present many possibilities to create a unique design perfectly suited to the project needs. This course examines high-strength, powder-coated aluminum railings, from code considerations to installation and maintenance. It presents the versatile, mix-and-match capability of finishes, top rail styles, lighting, and infill options that offer long-lasting, easy-to-install solutions for residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

Cleaning is one of the higher continuous operational expenses faced by commercial building owners. Incorporating an entrance flooring system will reduce cleaning costs, improve safety, and provide an environmental benefit to the building users. This course reviews entrance flooring system design considerations including code, environmental, safety, and aesthetic considerations for high-traffic entrances.

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

Modern construction has come to understand that a façade, as part of an overall building envelope, is not only a visual statement, but also an important influencer in the protection of a wall’s structural components, the energy efficiency of the building, and the health of its occupants. This course explores a unique surfacing material known as ultracompact surfacing (UCS) and evaluates its mechanical properties, technical characteristics, and aesthetics to illustrate its endless design potential in exterior cladding, façade, and rainscreen applications.