Review the physics of building envelopes, including hygrothermal loads, control layers, climate zones and cladding functions. The importance of control layer continuity at wall, roof and slab connections is studied. We look at how IMPs perform the same functions as multi-component wall systems through the use of panels joints, sealants and an insulating core. Emphasis is placed on the concept of the Perfect/Universal Wall, and how utilizing the proper ordering of wall components can greatly simplify wall design in all climate zones. Energy codes are also touched on, including their impact on the use of Perfect/Universal Wall designs. This course reduces a relatively complex subject to a level that teaches practical concepts for the building designer.

Thermally fused laminate (TFL), also known as melamine panels, has become the leader in durable realism in kitchens, closets, home offices, and organized storage, delivering great value, quality, and safety without sacrificing design. Presented here is the evolution and manufacture of TFL and its properties and performance attributes, the link between texture and perception and the role texture plays in the visual impact of a TFL panel, and finally, residential living trends that are forcing designers and manufacturers to innovate.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only increases usable square footage of the structure but also improves the energy efficiency and increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Additionally, roof top paver systems allow great access to the outdoors helping improve occupant comfort levels and encourage social interaction. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. As a result, many factors must be considered when designing and installing roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course.

This session will explore the most common issues that are alleged in construction defect cases. The presentation will guide the attendees through construction basics from the roof to the foundation. The most common defects in each area will be discussed, along with building code requirements, accepted industry standards, consequences and/or damages and repair recommendations.

This course defines the latest code and testing requirements for water, air, and fire considerations in exterior wall assemblies. Participants will learn the various options for water and air control while exploring various wall assembly designs. In addition, participants will be introduced to building science analysis tools to recognize the impact of various designs on long-term building performance.

This program is intended to give attendees a deeper understanding of air leakage, air barriers, and air barrier systems as a whole for commercial buildings. Participants will learn the main evaluations performed on air barriers and air barrier systems, as well as characteristics of fluid applied, mechanically fastened (wraps), rigid boardstock, and other air barrier systems. Presentation also addresses why air barrier continuity is critical for performance, and common installation mistakes and how to avoid them.

This course defines and explains building science behind the code for the four control layers of the building envelope: water, air, thermal, and vapor. Participants will then explore typical design principles as well as alternative system assembly approaches to exterior wall design. In addition, presentation covers common attachment strategies for various types of claddings, including masonry, rain screen veneers, and applied/adhered veneers.

Geosynthetics have been used for decades in pavement systems and can provide many benefits to permeable paver systems when properly applied. Geosynthetics can provide the following functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment. The most common geosynthetics used within permeable paver systems are geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geocells, and geocomposites. This presentation will provide an overview of each geosynthetic mentioned above and will discuss in-depth what functions each type performs and how and when to use each one.

Waterproofing goes beyond merely keeping a building dry; it's an essential strategy to safeguard the building's overall well-being, guarantee the comfort and safety of its inhabitants, and uphold the property's value over time. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the newest waterproofing technologies, their intricate interconnections, and critical considerations for devising superior waterproofing specifications.

As interest in cross laminated timber buildings grows, the market for building enclosure products, as a whole, has yet to fully provide the water-resistant barriers, vapor barriers, and air barriers to optimally support the unique characteristics of wood. Furthermore, there are few building enclosure design guides specific to detailing wood-framed walls, floors and roofs. This comprehensive course fills the gap, providing detailed information on mass timber, building enclosure issues, the vapor-permeable technology available to address wood’s unique moisture characteristics, and a how-to guide on detailing the walls, floors and roof of the enclosure.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Participants will experience presentation LVR200 with the added dimension of witnessing actual on-site louver testing sessions demonstrating live AMCA Still Air and Wind Driven rain testing. Extensive interaction with the test apparatus, louver engineers and hands on inspection of a variety of louver samples illustrating the various louver families available and inherent performance of each.

This course is an introduction to spray foam insulation in commercial construction. Presentation goes into detail on building code requirements, effect on indoor environment, the impact on a building's energy performance and a life cycle analysis of spray foam insulation.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This course is designed to teach the basic concepts of air, water, vapor and thermal management and how insulated metal panels perform these functions through a single component.

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 purpose of this session will focus on what an engineered façade system should provide. Project teams are seeking a complete single-source system from the studs to exterior finish. We will discuss types of testing and approvals Façade systems offer to meet national and international building codes such as FM, NFPA, and others. Further discussion will be on performance warranties for leakage, system integrity, material performance similar to a roofing warranty. From the designer’s role, where you place the insulation and how do you attach the cladding can be the most critical decision when working with a building façade. We will explore both questions from a building science perspective to give clarity and certainty this is done properly.

This course compares exterior wall metal cladding systems and takes an in-depth look at the design options, testing, specifications, environmental implications, and the detailing of single-skin metal panel systems as used in a pressure-equalized rainscreen (PER) application.

Learn how Fox Blocks ICFs are becoming mainstream in the construction industry, offering protection against Hurricanes, Tornados, and Wildfires. During this presentation, you will receive an introduction to ICFs, learn about the design benefits, and discover the numerous advantages of using Fox Blocks in new construction. ICFs are a valuable, self-performing system that operates 24/7, providing the best in comfort, value, and resiliency—regardless of what nature brings to the structure.

This course is an overview of the advantages and design considerations, of utilizing insulated metal panels as part of a high performance building envelope strategy for cold storage projects and those in which a temperature controlled environment is vital. In addition to providing superior thermal performance and air tightness, insulated metal panels can accelerate speed of build and allow for greater design flexibility. As well, Insulated metal doors can play a huge role in the success of your project; this course examines the benefits associated with both insulated metal panels and various types of insulated doors.

With this course, participants will be able to: Describe Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and its components, identifying how these contribute to a durable, safe, energy-efficient, and sustainable building practices List the financial, environmental, and sustainable benefits of ICF construction and how ICF can contribute to LEED® points earned on a building project Explain how involving engineers and architects early in the design process contributes to a safe, structurally sound, cost-efficient building project Describe the ICF installation process, including two critical elements of field installation.

This course examines the benefits of ICF walls, including materials, components, design flexibility, plus, building science characteristics and construction advantages that contribute to project success.

The materials we use have a big impact on the environment, our communities and our health. To select materials wisely, we have to know what's in them and what effects they have before, during and after their use. This course will focus on the key drivers in the market on material health and disclosure, types or reporting tools and what the differences are between them.

Our learning objectives for this course all surround the core value & concepts of metal panel. We briefly Identify market sectors for architectural insulated metal panels. Understand the thermal performance advantages of insulated panels along with the basics of panel installation including wall framing requirements. Discuss how IMPs perform the necessary envelope control functions through a single component systems while accelerate speed of build. This course will also describe the aesthetics, design flexibility and integrated accessories available with architectural insulated metal panels.

Understanding building physics is critical to proper building envelope design. Examined here are practical concepts for the building designer, including how cladding systems perform across different climate zones and applications. Environmental control layers and hygrothermal loads are reviewed, as is the concept of perfect/universal wall design. The course focuses on how single-component insulated metal panels (IMPs) function as a perfect/universal wall, simplifying wall system design and installation.

Understanding how insulated metal panels comply with fire safety regulations under the code are critical to their proper use in creating highly energy efficient and sustainable buildings. This course takes a relatively complex subject and addresses the most important fire safety related aspects to allow building designers to make an informed decision on the use of these popular cladding systems. We will review how these products have been addressed in the development of the International Building Code, including their applications in both combustible and noncombustible structures as well as single and multi-story construction. The program will conclude with a look at the various third-party product listings, evaluation reports, and engineering judgements used to evidence compliance with the International Building Code.

How to Achieve Superior Building Envelope Performance in Rainscreen Wall Design explores rainscreen wall design theory, how rainscreen walls control hygrothermal loads, and shortcomings of today’s multi-component backup wall assemblies used in rainscreen wall construction. The course will compare and contrast the common multi-component backup wall assembly with the single-component insulated metal composite backup wall system, and demonstrate how the latter overcomes deficiencies of the former in creating a building envelope with superior performance as well as other key benefits.