Although built-up roofs are the oldest type of low-slope roofing systems, gaining an understanding of the advantages and characteristics of modified bitumen membranes will help you select the asphalt roofing system that improves performance and saves on installation costs over traditional asphalt roofs. Learn how “mod bit” roofs, whether APP or SBS, provide improved durability with stronger reinforcements, resist hail and traffic damage, and provide factory-controlled quality manufacturing.

This course explains and illustrates how high-performance, fully composite insulated sandwich wall panels can be detailed to achieve continuous insulation. It explores the pros, cons, and attributes of wythe connectors such as carbon fiber trusses as well as panel insulation options, manufacturing and testing procedures, and installation methods. It concludes by providing a comprehensive set of sample installations to illustrate the broad range of building types and appearances that can be created with insulated sandwich wall systems.

The triple bottom line approach to sustainability requires thinking of the world as an interconnected system of economic, environmental, and social well-being. Choices can be made to select home furnishings made from durable, recycled, recyclable, rapidly renewable, and/or reclaimed materials from companies who work to improve the lives and livelihoods of others. This course looks at recycled copper, glass, sustainably made concrete, and reclaimed wood used in bath fixtures and furniture handmade by skilled artisans.

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

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) has the ability to create solid, strong surfaces for pedestrians and a range of vehicular uses; it can help maintain a site’s existing natural hydrologic function and reduce the overall impact of development. This course discusses the components of a PICP system and how they work together to manage stormwater in a variety of applications. Also addressed are hydrological and structural factors to consider when designing with PICP and how PICP contributes to sustainable building goals and projects.

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

In this course, you will learn about strategies for supplying lab vacuum in STEM facilities. Relative strengths and weaknesses are considered. Emphasis is placed on the specification, design, and installation of local vacuum networks. Brief case studies are used to demonstrate the suitability of local vacuum networks for a wide range of project types—renovation and new construction; teaching labs and research labs; and single labs to entire lab buildings.

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

Problems associated with moisture in construction are common and wide-ranging—from mold and rot, to corrosion and degradation, to leakage and staining—and affect not just the durability, appearance, and functioning of the building, but also the health of the building’s occupants. This course addresses the materials and techniques that help to manage moisture in exterior walls and includes examples of common mistakes that lead to failures.

Glass doors, windows, and storefronts are among the most vulnerable points of entry in the building envelope, and with episodes of riots, smash-and-grab crime, forced entry, and active shooters on the rise, the need for security glazing is growing. This course provides an understanding of the physical security needs of the built environment and what requirements should be met by threat mitigation products for existing storefront and building glazing. The course focus is on a new generation of clear, retrofit security “over-glaze” systems, utilizing heavy-gauge, architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing designed to resist forced entry and ballistic attacks.

Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

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

Recent changes in commercial wall assembly design have resulted in increased energy efficiency but also present new challenges to meeting building code fire safety provisions. The focus of this course is on air barrier membranes and the proper integration of these materials into fire-safe wall assemblies.

Currently, there are no national or state codes relating to snow retention for roofing applications. Consequently, it is very important for building professionals to take extra care when designing a snow retention system for installations in snowy environments. This course provides a review of the problems and solutions associated with roofing in cold climates, including a discussion on the proper engineering of snow retention devices.

Insulated vinyl siding, known as insulated siding, is an exterior cladding that combines the protection and low maintenance of traditional vinyl siding with the energy efficiency of EPS foam. The composite results in an improvement in performance and aesthetics. This course discusses the benefits associated with installing insulated siding on new and renovation residential construction projects, and the range of architectural styles that can be achieved with the breadth of design and color options available.

A Pattern Map evaluates a pattern on two key elements: structure and nature. This course explains why these two elements affect how we recognize and respond to pattern and examines ways to bridge architecture and nature by using architectural panel systems with patterned openings, and provide a sense of space, privacy, shade, or camouflage with cladding, screens, or railings.

The acoustical comfort level in the workplace is a key measure of the quality of the indoor environment for building occupants. This course explores key concepts and characteristics of sound, as well as speech intelligibility and privacy and their associated acoustical remedies. Also presented is the use of sound absorbers and diffusers as acoustical solutions to noise problems.

Creating a quieter, more comfortable building starts with a focus on windows and doors, the weakest links in the building envelope for sound transmission. This course covers the elements of sound, the metrics used to measure sound attenuation, and the glazing and installation options best suited for an effective sound control strategy.

Manufacturing companies are seeing an increased demand for product transparency. This course discusses what sustainability and Design for Environment are, how transparency documents are created, how they contribute to green building certification, and how investing in sustainability can produce process and operational efficiencies that benefit people, planet, and business.

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

Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

Dumpsters, concrete dividing walls, and rooftop HVAC equipment are commonplace in today's commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, dumpster enclosures, wall screens, and unit-attached rooftop HVAC screens can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. This course examines the various types of ground-level screens including enclosures, walls screens, and trellis systems and offers an in-depth discussion of HVAC equipment and unit-attached rooftop screening systems. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional roof-mounted screening methods versus unit-attached screening methods are also discussed.

Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized in the design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course reviews the construction of basic types of roof systems and the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.

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

Louvers are an essential part of every HVAC system, but their selection and sizing is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this course, we’ll take a thorough look at louver components, types, options, accessories, appropriate selection, and proper sizing for a variety of climates, including wind-driven rain and hurricane areas.

Trash, recycling, and linen chutes must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet the 2019 NFPA 82 standard. This course addresses trash, recycling, and linen chutes and includes discussions on system components, accessory components, compactors and sorters, and meeting NFPA 82 requirements. The program also guides you through a typical installation of a chute system.

Infrared patio heaters are the best method of increasing comfort for outdoor entertaining areas of any size. There are many variables in creating ambient warmth, as both the effectiveness and the cost of heating an outdoor space greatly depend on the heating option that is selected and the way it is designed. This course looks at the outdoor heating options that are available with a focus on the types, color choices, mounting methods, and control options of electric infrared heaters, including a review of the steps that are required to select the best solution.

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

Structural laminated decking allows the beauty of the wood structure to be exposed, creating a unique architectural experience for its occupants. Aesthetics, strength, and durability are combined in one engineered product. Structural laminated wood decking is an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to solid timber and other roof systems. This course discusses the characteristics of laminated wood decking and reviews recommended design, specification, and installation practices.

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

Exterior wall systems are the dividing line between the exterior and the interior and must address several fundamental performance goals of the building envelope. This course reviews traditional rainscreen design and examines why, with its single-component construction, an insulated composite backup wall system is a vast improvement over traditional multicomponent building technology.

There is no blanket approach to warranties for metal panel roofing. It is a misconception that the standard warranty holds the manufacturer responsible for defects in installation. This course discusses three types of warranties typically seen in metal roof design specifications, and to show how warranties work, what is covered, and what is excluded, some of the key issues associated with the installation of metal panel roofing are presented.

Outdoor cooking has come a long way in recent years, from simple stone or brick “grills” to luxury outdoor kitchens that allow families to entertain and cook with the comfort and convenience of the indoor kitchen. This course discusses the fundamental design and planning strategies for outdoor kitchens, environmental and construction considerations, and an overview of the outdoor kitchen products available on the market today. The course concludes with a short question and answer section.