1 hour

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.

 1 hour

Learn how lighting technology impacts your color decision.

 1 hour

This course reviews the importance of integrating daylighting into a building's design and how it contributes to a healthier indoor environment. Participants will gain insight on testing and standards, and learn about different translucent technologies. The components of a successful daylighting strategy and what defines a high-performance daylighting system will also be discussed.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of mineral wool, its manufacturing process, use, and its contribution to sustainable buildings as a continuous insulation including rain screen principles, types of rain screen assemblies, why use continuous insulation, advantages of mineral wool, installation recommendations and mineral wool insulation LEED® contributions.

 1 hour

Still one of the most complex and least understood areas where fire can spread is at the perimeter of a building. The objective of this course is to provide a better understanding of why fire containment is important for the life safety of occupants in the building as well as the safety of emergency responders. Participants of this course will learn how to identify proper curtain wall design techniques that will provide fire safety in multi-story curtain wall applications.

 1 hour

Thermafiber® is a leading manufacturer of mineral (Slag and Rock) wool insulation and a strong proponent of life safety in multi-story buildings. While a division of the United States Gypsum company, Thermafiber pioneered curtain wall fire containment systems through 30 plus years of testing and documentation on fire protection of the perimeter joint at the exterior curtain wall. As a result, high-rise fires, as well as concerns regarding terrorist activities, have raised the building communities’ awareness on providing life safety through fire protective design and construction that allows occupants a safe egress out of a building. This course take a more in depth look into the proper design of perimeter fire containment systems. The two-hour presentation still covers the basics of perimeter fire barrier systems while discussing the actual design and specific curtain wall materials such as glass, aluminum and steel spandrels.

 1 hour

In today’s high performance building market, specifying materials that work together as a complete wall system is more critical than ever. Systems can help designers meet new energy codes, reduce costs, and improve building function and sustainability while making the design process faster and simpler. This course will educate participants on the functional components and system attributes of the most common exterior wall system, steel stud with masonry veneer. The course will detail key system components such as continuous and stud cavity insulation, air/water resistive barriers, air sealing practices, masonry wall ties and water drainage/management practices. Key codes and standards will be reviewed to define system interaction and key specification practices to insure wall system designs are consistent with recent advances in building analysis, new code requirements, revised test methods, and a comprehensive, systems approach to wall systems.

 1 hour

This course explains the differences in structure and performance of two forms of rigid foam insulation, Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Differences in the manufacturing processes are presented, explaining how they produce very different performance attributes, especially water absorption and R-value. The negative impact of water absorption on R-value and structural integrity is explained, providing an understanding of why codes and standards are sometimes very specific in requiring extruded polystyrene in applications where prolonged exposure to water occurs.

 1 hour

This course will focus on interior noise control and will present an introduction into each area of noise control (absorption, isolation, and blocking) as they relate to the building envelope. Each aspect will be explored with an emphasis on how energy behaves when it interacts with various noise control products. Practical applications of materials for each type will also be discussed. At the end of the course each participant will have an understanding of how absorption, isolation, and blocking can be used to effectively increase acoustic comfort in a building space.

 1.50 hour

This course explains the basics of shingle types and construction, roof terminology and testing for compliance with applicable codes. The course also covers specific code requirements, code referenced standards and related test protocols, and proper installation. Design practices will be improved by familiarizing attendees with information sources such as manufacturer design guides, proposed code changes, engineering analysis and the public database discussion.

 1 hour

This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required, and design considerations necessary to comply with it. The course explains the fire/life safety objective of NFPA 285. Selected sections of the International Building Code are reviewed to identify the types of construction and circumstances that require NFPA 285 compliance. The criteria in ASHRAE 90.1 for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers are reviewed and identified as contributors to the rise of NFPA 285 requirements. To understand the key wall assembly layers that determine compliance, the course reviews insulation, air/water resistive barriers, and exterior cladding options. Design practices will be improved by familiarizing attendees with information sources such as manufacturer design guides, proposed code changes, engineering analysis and the public database discussion.

 1 hour

This course explains the considerations to be addressed when using rigid foam plastic continuous insulation on steel stud/masonry veneer wall systems including designing for thermal efficiency, water, air and vapor management, masonry wall tie methods, and NFPA 285 fire testing.

 1 hour

Proves an overview of Mineral Wool Panel, with a focus on the performance properties of mineral wool core panels in terms of their green features and fire resistance ratings. Code requirements, design specifications, and environmental considerations are also discussed.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of insulated metal wall and roof panels (IMPs) in terms of their material, finish, and construction life cycle, designed with features and benefits to enhance building performance, conserve energy and contribute to the sustainable built environment.

 1 hour

Starting with an overview of the energy drivers in the market, and a preview of the coming code requirements, the presentation then examines polyamide strip technologies available for thermally breaking aluminum frames, and how this can reduce energy costs. Next up is the glass … various methods for improving the thermal performance of glass are discussed, plus improvement of insulating glass units through the use of warm edge spacers. The summary shows how a combination of these technologies can meet the market requirements for a sustainable and high-performing window system.

 1 hour

Recognize the need for entrapment protection on commercial and industrial doors to minimize the risk of injury to personnel and damage to products. Describe the functional and operational aspects of sensing edges for motorized doors. Identify relevant industry codes and standards, and discuss the future of safeguarding requirements for industrial and commercial motorized doors.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of rooftop support systems and includes discussions on: Learning the difference between traditional skylight manufacturing versus utilizing Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), manufacturing of skylights Consequences of inadequate support apparatuses How to properly manage dead weight on roofing systems without penetrating the roof, while allowing for increased load distribution and flexibility How support systems successfully manage loads, as well as thermal movement and vibration Selection of proper support components, assemblies and applications, and the importance of their overall performance to the roofing system Support system design and installation process

 1 hour

This course is for landscape architects seeking information about permeable pavement in commercial and residential applications. The course begins with basic information on what permeable pavement is, and how to identify it. Once that has been established, the instructor will teach correct installation methods, as well as proper maintenance for maximum permeability.

 1 hour

This presentation will inspire designers and specifiers to utilizing concrete pavers as the best solution for innovative design. Too often spaces, such as plazas, sidewalks, entries, drop-offs, courtyards and commons, default to less creative options such as scored, poured-in-place concrete. With many important factors to consider when designing spaces, this presentation will illustrate the basic principles of design with photos from projects that have successfully demonstrated innovative concrete paver solutions. Many of these solutions implemented several concrete paver characteristics, such as style, shape, texture, color and pattern. These characteristics, as well as the technical and functional aspects of a segmental, concrete paving system, will be examined. By applying the advantages and flexibility of pavers into a selection process will translate into great design.

 1 hour

This course is an introduction to reflective insulation and radiant barriers and the fundamentals of heat transfer. Explain the effective use of reflective insulation and radiant barriers, identify specific applications and types of reflective products and demonstrate basic installation methods for various applications.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of color basics, including terminology, color perception, the psychology of color, how light affects color, and current styles and color trends.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of pre-engineered metal egress stairs including discussions on advantages, types, class, fabricator vs. manufacturer, railings, stair flight and landing construction, connections, and building code requirements.

 1 hour

Participants will receive an overview of fire safety provisions in the2012 IBC to understand their overall scope and intent. The focus of this course is on air barrier membrane compliance with the fire safety provisions of IBC 2012. At the conclusion of the course, attendees will master the following learning objectives: List the 6 basic elements of fire safety. Know the five construction types. Understand the basics of ASTM E 119, ASTM E 84 and NFPA 285Understand how IBC 2012 affects requirements for air barrier burn performance. Know the basic requirements for specifying an air barrier membrane that complies with fire safety provisions of IBC 2012.

 1 hour

This one-hour presentation is an in-depth discussion of the use of polyiso foam for commercial exterior wall construction. Topics covered are material fundamentals, product track record in construction, advantages in wall construction and successful installation. Attendees of this course will master four learning objectives: 1) List the basic characteristics and important physical properties of polyiso foam board insulation.. 2) Describe the track record and market adoption of polyiso insulation in building construction applications: 3) Explain the benefits afforded by polyiso insulation when used in exterior wall assemblies: 4) List the important elements of successful installation of polyiso insulation in exterior wall assemblies. Finally, the attendee will learn about the important elements of good installation of polyiso foam board on a jobsite. Construction documents, coordination of work, mockups, testing and inspection are all discussed. Also discussed are the importance of partnering with a qualified, experience installer and a reliable insulation manufacturer.

 1 hour

The objective is to study the operation of a water source heat pump system that delivers the following benefits over traditional heat pump systems. Less electrical consumption, less heating costs (40% to 60% lower), lower sound levels, more LEED contribution, less maintenance, less installation costs. We will demonstrate how these benefits are acheievable by turning the heating compressors OFF.