1 hour

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are both types of rigid foam plastic insulation; their different manufacturing processes produce wide-ranging performance attributes, especially in water absorption and R-value. This course discusses the negative impact of water absorption on R-value and structural integrity; explains why codes and standards are sometimes specific in requiring XPS in applications where prolonged exposure to water occurs; and concludes with a look at best specification practices for accurate bids.

 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

Course will describe Polyisocyanurate Insulation and it's associated applications in commercial low-slope roofing related to energy efficient design, fire resistance and code compliance

 1 hour

Since ancient times, concrete mixes and carved natural stone have combined to create substance, beauty, and longevity in our architecture. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) was created to ensure the attributes of concrete and stone continue to be enjoyed but with the efficiency in application that is expected in today’s world of design. This course covers the evolution of GFRC, its applications and how it is custom created, its advantages, and how GFRC compares to other types of architectural concrete

 1.0 hour

Clay bricks have been used for construction projects such as walls and pavement for thousands of years. Fired bricks are one of the strongest and longest-lasting building materials and offer many advantages. This course discusses the advantages of using clay permeable paving in a construction project and how a permeable pavement system mitigates the damaging effects of stormwater runoff, and presents an overview of the design process.

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

 1.5 hour

New and ancient sources of natural stone, along with advances in technology, make stone an attractive and appropriate material choice for many different applications. This course will provide you with an introduction to stone, an overview of the principles and drivers in the green/sustainability building movement, and descriptions of how stone makes an attractive and natural material design choice that will contribute to a holistic solution over the life cycle of a project.

 1 hour

The one-hour session will cover options on how to go beyond a manufacturer’s specification to incorporate durable products and roofing assemblies. A review of membranes, insulations, cover boards, and insulation attachments will all be considered. In addition, time will be spent discussing energy performance of the roof assembly and materials, a review of energy analysis comparing different roof assemblies and various color membranes associated to geographic locations, and the potential impact on the building performance.

 1 hour

Course will describe the effects of air movement and condensation issues in the roof system. It will also cover energy codes emerging and how air and vapor barriers fit into the new codes

 1 hour

The one-hour session will cover energy performance of the roof assembly and materials, a review of ASHRAE with a complete energy analysis comparing different roof assemblies and various color membranes associated to geographic locations, “Cool” roofing, and construction generated moisture. Included will be a discussion of benefits and concerns on the interfacing of roof garden and photovoltaic with the roofing assembly. The conference will focus on the role single-ply membrane plays in today’s roofing market and its impact on tomorrow’s roof system performance.

 1 hour

This program is designed to give participants an overview of the features, benefits and advantages of Insulated Concrete Forms as a better alternative for a building envelope. Such topics as thermal mass performance, fire resistance ratings, and sound attenuation performances are some of the key items discussed within this presentation. Additional discussions also covered are building types, environmental, design and construction benefits along with the basic installation techniques associated with this type of construction. Additionally, they will gain knowledge on various building codes and how ICF’s are incorporated into these codes across the country.

 1 hour

With the myriad of water-resistive barrier options available, determining the most suitable product for a project can be challenging. This course discusses water-resistive barriers, their history, types, and suitable applications. The features and benefits of manufactured rainscreens and drainable housewraps are examined, along with best practices for design and installation.

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

 1.0 hour

The construction of buildings that use less energy to operate and are long lived is a key part of sustainable design. Insulated concrete forms are one solution that provide the necessary U values, air tightness and durability. In this course, we will delve into the ICF wall, types and components and look at design considerations and construction.

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

 1 hour

A gas fireplace truly is a design focal point, adding ambience and warmth to any room of the home, and new technologies expand placement options. This course explores today’s factory-built gas fireplaces, including terminology, fireplace types, specialty fireplace options, design considerations, venting parameters, selection criteria, and key specification issues.

 1.5 hour

This course discusses all the elements that need to be considered to specify a steel stud masonry veneer wall as separate components, including air and weather barrier, drainage preservation, anchors and washers, and codes and standards and offers an alternative in the systemized wall.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the manufacturing, characteristics, and performance properties of cements and Supplementary Cementitious Materials in concrete and how they can enhance concrete performance, including a discussion on their role in sustainable construction.

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

 1 hour

Participants will learn the features and benefits of EPDM roofing solutions that have been proven to perform as well as advancements in technology that contribute to higher quality installations and long term service life.

 1 hour

A gas fireplace is ranked #1 as a homebuyer’s highly desired decorative and appearance home products. This course provides an overview of the three steps for builders, architects, and designers to facilitate fireplace design and selection that will increase homebuyer satisfaction, as well as a discussion on the current trends of indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the design principles of rainscreen wall design and its features and benefits.

 1 hour

In the industry there is a need to sort out the confusion between the building codes, uplift rated assemblies, and warranties by explaining what each offers and how they should be considered. To understand the building code, we need to review how uplift is determined and the industry accepted rating method of roofing assemblies for comparison. After understanding the code criteria, how a roofing warranty wind speed coverage is regarded by the industry and building code will be reviewed to assist in clarification.

 1.0 hour

As the demand for commercial zero-energy buildings drives the need for better-insulated and airtight enclosures, hygrothermal performance becomes an increasingly important consideration in the design process. This course explains the physics of heat and moisture transfer, with an application of hygrothermal analysis through the computer modeling tool WUFI® in order to design for durability.

 1 hour

This course will review the important role perimeter roof edge plays in roofing performance and the consequences incurred when it is not done according to code. Content will explain the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Approval Standard, testing protocols used, and what mandates a certified ES-1 system.

 1 hour

Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) can strengthen steep slopes, hold back soil in grade changes, create useable land, and enhance the aesthetics of any landscape. This course looks at the site and application factors that determine whether a segmental retaining wall must be engineered and soil reinforced, and provides technical information about the components and construction of an SRW.

 1 hour

TPO roofing membrane has now been part of the roofing industry for 20 years and has become the leading segment as far as total volume used on an annual basis. With almost 10 billion square feet installed around the world, TPO has proven that it is an effective roofing material providing building owners with a low-cost, highly reflective, energy efficient roof system. Participants will learn the advantages of TPO roofing membrane versus other materials and how the use of new technology has allowed TPO to become even more resistant to a wide range of rooftop conditions. There is a reason for the astronomical growth of this roofing membrane and the presenters will shed light on the reasons why.

 1.0 hour

In addition to enhancing building appearance, veneer usage has a number of benefits. This course provides an overview of the advantages and features of manufactured stone (and masonry) veneers (MSV) and a comparison between the dry-cast and wet-cast fabrication methods. It also reviews proper installation techniques for MSV in commercial and residential applications.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of problems water creates for masonry structures, and how water repellents can help to prevent those problems.

 1 hour

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.