Clarify the trends towards alternative materials used for cladding in the building materials industry today. This presentation will list the key similarities and differences between vertical siding and trim made from cellular PVC and other cladding materials; demonstrate how to specify the various types of cellular PVC vertical siding (e.g., shiplap, channel rustic, board and batten, etc.) for a variety of design/construction challenges and describe the standards for installing cellular PVC vertical siding and trim on a variety of design/construction challenges.

Clarify the trends towards alternative materials used for cladding in the building materials industry today. This presentation will identify differences between shingle options with particular emphasis on profiles and performance expectations; demonstrate the ability to specify cellular PVC shingles and shingle panels for any given side wall design/construction challenge; incorporate new and previously installed trimboard, as appropriate and describe standards for the successful installation of cellular PVC shingles and shingle panels for any given design/construction challenge.

Clarify the trends towards alternative materials used for cladding in the building materials industry today. Describe the five most commonly used cladding materials;providing information about the profiles and performance expectations of each option. Specify each of the components of the leading cellular PVC clapboard system and how the system can be used to address a variety of exterior design/construction challenges. Describe standards for the successful installation of cellular PVC clapboard and trim.

Today's architects and designers have hundreds of choices when it comes to architectural glass for interior and exterior applications. Architects, designers, and owners are continually looking for ways to make their buildings stand out and be distinct. Architectural decorative glass continues to lead the way in architectural design. Glass entrances and facades, glass floors and ceilings, frameless glass walls, glass balustrades for staircases, glass entrances, glass telephone kiosks and bus shelters, shower doors and partitions in sports arenas. All of these are examples of areas where architectural decorative glass can play a major design role without sacrificing performance. This course will examine the use of architectural decorative glass in both interior and exterior applications. Addressing how the performance, safety, and sustainable design can be incorporated by the choice of decorative glass.

This presentation will review and discuss how and why have insulation materials evolved over time; sustainability attributes of various types of “ci” products; major Factors that impact installation of “ci”; Air and water performance compare for fibrous vs foam insulation and new ideas for simplified design of exterior walls.

This one hour facility tour will provide designers with an understanding of what “HARD” surfacing materials are available and how they have evolved. This live course will provide a visual walking tour where participants can interact with the raw materials and see how they are transformed into finished products and the Integration of key sustainable concepts such as water conservation, life cycle analysis indoor air quality and sustainable materials certifications. This course will compare and contrast both the aesthetic and physical properties of the various materials with other hard surfacing materials and illustrate how these attributes can greatly affect the end user, the project, and the environmental impact.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the importance of a properly designed Air and Water Resistive Barrier System. You will learn the importance of an air barrier system and how a properly designed system can contribute to the environment and improve indoor air quality. You will learn to identify the different types of air barrier systems and where each may be more appropriate. You will learn to design a system to properly control air and water vapor, and how this may differ from one area of the country to another. You will learn how to specify an air barrier system, including the performance criteria for and system, and the code requirements, testing criteria other governing factors.

This course is aimed to define what exactly continuous insulation is, and the key benefits of using it. The course will also show participants how continuous insulation complies with building and energy code requirements within that field.

Green building is about architectural and human performance creating spaces to enhance the experience and LEED v4 and other green programs can drive market transformation. This course demonstrates how LEED requirements are changing to increasingly emphasize materials and health, and how new credits with higher standards for health and performance are raising the bar for project teams and the sustainable buildings they design. Case studies where insulation products were used in green buildings will be discussed as well as documentation resources, and insights on how architects access them.

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.

Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. When designing exterior wall assemblies, the type and placement of insulation is critical. To address thermal performance, wall systems almost always feature insulation batts — friction fit between framing members. Depending on climate zone and construction type, though, insulation batts alone may not provide enough thermal resistivity. Continuous insulation is increasingly used in conjunction with insulation batts to optimize thermal performance. Join us for this session to explore the implications for AEC professionals.

This course describes roof system concepts vital to “mission critical” building design. Today’s world is highly technology and process reliant. High value research and processes that cannot be interrupted are conducted daily in education, scientific laboratories, government and industry. Communication is vital in national security, education, business and financial markets. Continuity in production of commercial goods and public utilities is vital to the economy. Financial records, medical information, intel data, archival resources, and much more must be continuous and accessible through connectivity. The vital importance of such functions has given rise to “mission critical” building design.

One of the most complex and least understood areas where fire can propagate is at the perimeter of a multi-story building. Not only can fire spread from floor-to-floor via the edge-of-slab/curtain wall intersections but also along the exterior building enclosure where untested, combustible components are often installed. This program outlines best design practices for providing fire protection for building occupants per ASTM E 2307 and E 2874

This class will introduce you into the wonderful world of Fireplace Xtrordinair and Custom DaVinci direct vent gas fireplaces. The material will cover builder models, premium models, and ultra custom models. The possibilities are a fireplace in every room.

Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered.

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.

Commercial roofing systems are quite varied. As such, their performance expectations are varied, and their suitability for different applications vary. Certain types of high performance roofing systems require specific components, and performance standards to achieve energy efficient and durable life cycle performance. This course describes the high-performance attributes of extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) in commercial roofing applications including PRMA (green/vegetated), mechanically attached, architectural metal and recover systems for which XPS is uniquely suited. It defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for those systems. Further, it compares various insulation types, how they are manufactured, and how the manufacturing process effects the physical properties and performance of each type of insulation.

As the demand for zero-energy buildings drives the need for better-insulated and airtight enclosures, moisture and hygrothermal performance become increasingly important considerations in the design process. In this course, learn from hygrothermal experts about the physics of heat and moisture transfer. Observe the technical application of cutting-edge tools for performing combined energy modeling and hygrothermal analysis.

In today’s high-performance building market specifying materials that have been specifically designed to work together as a complete wall system is more critical than ever. Systemization helps designers document compliance with everchanging building and energy codes, reduce costs and improve building function and sustainability while making the specification process more reliable, efficient and faster. This course describes the concept and benefits of systemization. To effectively specify systems, it is important to understand the building code and standards mandates that define system performance requirements and the components that are necessary to establish complete wall system performance. This course describes the specification strategies that can be employed to accomplish complete wall system performance.

This course provides an overview of wall layers; air control, moisture control, water drainage, and thermal performance. It discusses options for maintaining continuity at penetrations, transitions and terminations, considering sequencing, jobsite conditions, and installation methods. It reviews case studies of common field installation problems and provides solutions for creating the complete wall enclosure.

The demand for high performance, resilient, healthy, energy efficient buildings has changed building envelope designs that incorporate increased amounts of combustible material in cladding, insulation and water-resistive barriers (WRBs). Fire codes have become integral with updates to the International Building Code (IBC). Building science has focused on the "envelope" in response to the movement of air, water vapor and thermal conditions. Understanding how to DELIVER high-performance, code compliant buildings can be complex and confusing.

The course provides the “Inside Story of Insulated Metal Panels” and why they are an excellent option for building envelope construction. This presentation covers the design basics of IMP’s, current energy code requirements; the influence of air, moisture, thermal and vapor are discussed; and actual project performance details are reviewed. This program will be an interactive session that encourages feedback and questions.

This interactive program provides an in-depth overview of the purposes and benefits of using metal wall systems. Four metal construction projects will be featured to help participants understand the purposes of a wall system and how metal can meet these principles. The presentation will identify key wall considerations, including energy requirements, sustainability and cost as well as provide participants with an understanding of fire wall ratings, acoustics and moisture resistance. This program concludes with an explanation of how metal can help architects meet their design objectives and reach their overall project goals.

This program covers the history and attributes of Modular Metal Panels (MMP's). Participants will learn the advantages of MMP's and the wide availability of panel sizes, planes, and layout configurations. Manufacturing innovations will be discussed as well as, available substrates, ease of installation and comparisons to other products. The program ends with multiple projects, photographs and case studies to show customized design concepts.

Maximizing Envelope Performance with IMP-Integrated Components explores an advanced insulated metal composite panel building envelope system, components that have been engineered to integrate with the system – including windows, daylighting panels, sunshades, and louvers – and how the IMP system and integrated components combine to create a high-performance building envelope.