Advances in technology are no longer confined to communications or transportation; they have spilled over into our homes, in appliances, fixtures, and water delivery. Today's water delivery innovations improve functionality, and are changing the way people interact with their faucets. This course addresses the types of water delivery solutions in the kitchen and bathroom, and outlines three design considerations for selecting a water delivery option.

Ventilation grilles influence HVAC system performance, but can pose aesthetic challenges for designers. Custom grilles made with modern fabrication techniques employ a variety of materials and finishes, to create solutions that enhance and fully integrate with architectural interiors. This course will discuss the basic mechanics of effective air distribution in buildings, performance characteristics of grilles, grille types, and custom design options.

A comprehensive lighting plan is critical to the success of any residential design project. Proper lighting is effective and efficient and contributes to the comfort and functionality of the home. This course explores lighting concepts, sources, and controls. It discusses using layers of light to achieve design goals, and how to incorporate energy efficiency into lighting designs.

Cooktops are manufactured and classified by construction type and method of heat energy transfer. This course reviews the operation, control, performance, and efficiency of induction cooktops in comparison to their gas and electric counterparts, and shows how induction cooktops can be incorporated into any kitchen design in residential and specialty-commercial applications such as marine, mobile, military, academic, institutional, and hospitality.

Water leaks and damage are some of the biggest problems encountered with masonry construction and cavity walls. The proper choice and installation of flexible through-wall flashing, however, can ensure that moisture is directed out of the wall cavity and the risk of potential damage is minimized.

Towel warmers/heated towel racks not only warm and dry damp towels but add a sense of comfort and luxury. This course explores towel warmers/heated towel racks and includes discussions on: the functions, benefits, and applications of towel warmers/heated towel racks; centrally heated, electric, and hydronic heating systems; materials and finishes; installation and care; and, design and accessory options.

Railing systems perform various functions, meeting safety requirements and serving as a key component of a building’s aesthetic. This course includes a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of aluminum and structural vinyl railing systems, how they are made, and how they are used in the building industry, including a detailed summary of how they meet various code requirements.

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

Waterproof roof and balcony membrane systems are designed to prevent building envelope failure and keep areas below the deck surface dry. Presented here are pedestrian (walkable) roof and balcony polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane systems, with discussions on their advantages and membrane construction, as well as waterproofing concepts and design considerations for integration into the building envelope.

Moisture infiltration through a building envelope can cause widespread damage to building elements and construction materials. In some cases, it can threaten or destroy a building’s structural integrity. The components of today’s waterproofing systems for floors and walls above- and below-grade, or plaza decks are designed to work together to provide tight, durable, and complete protection not just against water, but all other environmental contaminants. This course discusses the fundamentals of waterproofing design, the types of materials used, and the considerations for selecting a waterproofing system to meet the requirements of a building project.

Quartz surfacing is a man-made material, consisting of over 90% natural quartz crystal. In this course you will discover the other components behind the beauty, durability and flexibility of this surfacing material. You will see the composition, production and quality assurance processes that go into making the material and the resultant attributes, capabilities, and the installation basics of quartz surfacing materials.

Choosing a sink and countertop for kitchen and bathroom installations can be overwhelming with the array of choices in today’s marketplace. To facilitate the selection process, this course provides an overview of the different sink/countertop materials, sink configurations, and installation methods that are utilized in both residential and commercial applications with a focus on seamless integration design.

Provides an overview of the noise issues associated with floor/ceiling assemblies of multi-family dwellings, as well as the factors that affect acoustical performance. Also presented is a review of the acoustical solutions that are available with a focus on sound mats with poured underlayment (SMPU) systems.

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

The distinctive look and beauty of natural slate roofing cannot be denied, but it does have its shortcomings. This course explores the history of slate roofs and various slate roofing alternatives and includes discussions on the appearance, performance, and costs of various types of roofs that replicate natural slate, with a focus on composite slate tile roofing, its durability, specification, and installation.

Recently, custom showers have grown in popularity, offering homeowners an escape from the stresses of the outside world with new options providing the same sense of relaxation that was previously reserved for the bathtub. This course covers the trends in shower design, the benefits of hydrotherapy, and the components and technologies that are available to create a spa-like shower experience for today’s homeowners.

Steel lockers for K—12 applications come in five categories of construction to suit varying security, durability, ventilation, and maintenance requirements. The use of generic locker specifications can result in products that meet budgets but not the client’s specific performance needs. This course discusses the specifiable features of lockers for school applications and offers recommendations for appropriate choices.

The need for storage products is universal. Lockers are widely used in educational facilities, fitness centers, health care, commercial, and industrial locations. This course will outline the components of different types of lockers, describe the process of locker selection, and explain the benefits of a properly specified locker.

Comfortable indoor environments with enhanced air quality improve the health and well-being of the building’s occupants. The course examines fabric air dispersion systems, beginning with a comparison to traditional metal duct systems. It explores how the fabric options and suspension systems have evolved over time and moves on to discuss essential design considerations, including: shape, layout options, system dimensions, suspension systems, fittings, air dispersion design, fabric options, orifices/vents, and air pressure design.

An improperly ventilated house is susceptible to a range of problems, from mold growth and structural damage to increased energy costs. Achieving proper ventilation means understanding the flow of air into and out of the building envelope. This course discusses principles of proper ventilation in houses with steep-slope roofing—from the science behind moisture and airflow to the products used to assist ventilation through a structure.

Traditionally used for high-performance architectural applications, water-based PVDF coatings can now be applied to cellular PVC cladding materials, delivering high performance in a new application. This course presents the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and focuses on water-based PVDF coatings, how they work, and how their performance characteristics contribute to their durability.

There is a growing demand for affordable, sustainable, low-maintenance alternatives to wood trim and exterior products. Cellular PVC products offer an array of options and profiles, and deliver the benefits of wood but with a longer life and lower maintenance requirements. This course presents the applications, manufacturing, proper installation, painting, and advantages of cellular PVC trim products.

Artificial turf is essentially a flooring fabric made from a variety of materials and layers. Since its creation, the artificial turf industry has studied the behavior of natural grass and the safety and sustainability of artificial grass. This course examines today’s artificial grass systems and discusses how they are carefully planned, designed, and built to suit the specific needs of an outdoor residential or commercial landscape.

Aperçu des types de peintures, de finis, de préparations de surface et d’apprêts.

Whether in a home or hotel, the bathroom serves as both grooming station and refuge. The well-designed styling space saves us time and effort, as well as making the time we spend more enjoyable. This course discusses what constitutes the ideal styling space experience and recent technological innovations that help achieve it.

(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, paint finishes, surface preparation, and primers.

Building owners value daylighting and views, but face security and safety challenges with large amounts of glazing. Polycarbonate sheet products offer a variety of glazing solutions that resist security threats while providing transparency, strength, and durability. This course introduces the grades and characteristics of polycarbonate sheet products, and discusses how they meet the requirements for protection against forced entry, ballistics, and blasts.