Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers....
This presentation explores the principles and applications of helical masonry beaming, a reinforcement method that improves the stability and safety of masonry structures. It begins with an overview of common causes of masonry failures, such as bulging walls, cracking, and excessive moisture infiltration, while also summarizing common post-installed repair options. The discussion then shifts to supplemental horizontal joint reinforcing, highlighting its role in masonry retrofits and its various applications. A primary focus of the presentation is helical masonry beaming, a specialized form of horizontal joint reinforcing that allows masonry to span openings safely. This section covers where helical beaming is used, how it works, and proper installation techniques. Following the presentation, an in-person, hands-on training will typically be conducted, demonstrating the installation of both retrofit ties and helical beaming in a real-world setting....
A survey of types and causes of staining common to new masonry construction, with recommendations and guidelines for cleaning and product selection....
Understanding the performance of building materials in real-world conditions is key to a successful building design. Recent studies have shown that the commonly reported R-values of polyisocyanurate foams at room temperature may overstate their real-world performance in cooler temperatures. This decline in R-value is driven by complex phase change mechanisms, which modify the foam's insulation performance. Insulations not performing to the expected levels may result in gaps in designed building enclosure assembly performance and quality. In this course, through a theoretical framework and empirical data, it is shown that optimized polyisocyanurate foam insulation results in better insulation performance leading to improved energy savings and reduced potential for condensation. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative insulation materials, understand differences between them, and match optimal materials to specific applications, while meeting modern construction codes and regulations. By matching the right insulation materials to the application, architects can contribute to energy-efficient and cost-conscious construction practices, and help buildings reduce their impact on the environment...
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Do fasteners matter? Accepted practices for thermal performance evaluations negate fasteners. But with the advent of exterior insulation, fasteners and cladding attachment systems now serve as the primary bridging elements within typical clear fields. These components inherently disrupt the insulation layer, providing intermittent continuity with sheathing and studs. Furthermore, the ‘cladding attachment system’ has essentially morphed into the ‘cladding fastening system’ while also achieving de facto exclusion from thermal calculations. In other words, prescriptive R-values and alternative U-factors did not account for the ill effects of these thermal bridges. What ensued was a decade of under-achieving walls where effective R-vales were only marginally better than conventional framed assemblies. In this presentation, I offer clarity on the effects of fasteners and cladding attachment systems that vary in both material and form. My findings show that fasteners do matter and that certain fasteners warrant inclusion for thermal calculations and code compliance....
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The presentation reviews a brief history of architectural IMP’s, current trends with comparisons to other materials and explores developments which will lead to future aesthetic possibilities and performance enhancements....
An educational session exploring innovative floor coating systems, their applications, and how they contribute to sustainability and durability in modern architecture. Attendees will learn about advancements in materials, the importance of proper installation methods, and the role of floor coatings in enhancing the functionality of commercial and residential spaces....
This course is designed to help the commercial building designer to understand the new products being rapidly introduced into the market that assist in installation of multiple steps of a normal commercial exterior assembly control layers, such as: thermal, air, vapor, structure, and fire control into one or fewer steps that are traditionally used in many of today's building designs throughout the world....
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Uncorrected thermal bridging can account for 20–70% of heat flow through a building's envelope. Improving details to mitigate both point and linear thermal bridges will significantly improve energy performance. This course reviews types of thermal bridges, examines how they appear in codes and standards, and explores some mitigation concepts and principles. Calculation methods to account for thermal bridging in your projects are introduced, and a sample design project is used to demonstrate code compliance....
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This recorded webinar is the third of five sessions presented during the Building Science Master Summit held by DuPont Performance Building Solutions. This course dives into the topic of below-grade thermal performance and how to appropriately design for the long term. It explores heat loss patterns; energy code requirements and how they differ by region and building type; insulating best practices and benefits; and considerations for material selection....
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Choosing the right insulation for your roof can have lasting impacts on the building performance and energy conservation. This presentation explains the different types of commercial insulation, long-term performance and liabilities, re-usability and sustainable roof design approaches for long term owner, occupant and maintenance benefits....
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Modern building envelope assemblies need to deliver a wide range of benefits – from protecting against severe weather to reducing energy waste to improving occupant well-being and comfort. Each component of the envelope has an important role to play, including the insulation. This presentation introduces the key benefits and attributes of polyiso continuous insulation products used for above grade wall assemblies as well as below grade applications. Topics covered include designing building and energy code-compliant commercial envelope assemblies, solving performance challenges like thermal bridging and moisture barrier and air barrier requirements, and reducing the environmental impacts of buildings with assemblies that contain polyiso continuous insulation products....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
Wall system applications are becoming more and more common in the building envelope industry today. Explore the science behind wall systems and the tangible benefits of incorporating this technology into building structures. There is an emphasis on the differences between air barriers that are impermeable to vapor drive and air barriers that are vapor permeable and which is the best in each climate and wall assembly....
As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options; and examines using single-skin metal panels with a single-component barrier wall to form a complete rainscreen assembly. This course is one of two identical courses titled Single-Skin Metal Panel Building Envelope Solutions . You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses. ...
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act shines a light on how low-carbon building material selection is one of the keys to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the US. High-performance, sustainable products and thoughtful assemblies designed with the building life cycle in mind are critical to the future of our sustainable communities. This course provides a look at how low-carbon and sustainability considerations are activated from product to building design. Factors impacting a sustainable building life cycle are discussed to help architects and owners with building performance that meets the design intent not just on paper but also in use....
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We will explore the evolution of technology in low-slope roofing systems and its significance for buildings. Past low-slope roofing typically ignored air tightness, focusing on vapor restriction. This presentation will describe the importance of air tightness and vapor restriction to protect the building, your assets, and its occupants. Gain comprehensive insights into the anatomy of low-slope roofing assemblies and common low-slope roofing systems in the modern world or construction. We will provide the knowledge to make informed decisions about the usage of air/vapor retarders versus vapor barriers in low-slope roofing applications, enhancing your proficiency in creating resilient and sustainable building envelopes....
As some of the earliest building materials, masonry and concrete have been used for their durability and strength. However, masonry architecture, both historical and contemporary, has been left vulnerable to water—the single most damaging element to masonry in our environment. This course identifies common water-related problems for masonry and concrete, describes protective treatments that increase masonry durability, and explains the process for safely selecting and applying a protective treatment....
Low permeance vapor barriers, once thought to improve performance, may in fact increase interior condensation and trap moisture within the wall assembly. Due to the problems with impermeable water-resistive barrier (WRB) installation many architects are now incorporating highly vapor open WRB systems in their designs. But many still believe too much permeability is bad for a wall assembly. Studies show that highly permeable WRB systems increase substrate drying, reduce the wet time of absorptive claddings allowing permeable WRB membranes to enhance the wall assembly performance. This presentation investigates the current research on vapor open systems and discusses how more permeability enhances wall assembly performance....
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....
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Join us to explore how to select the right air barrier product solutions for your building envelope needs. Evaluate performance characteristics of various materials, including fluid-applied membranes, self-adhered sheets, mechanically fastened wraps, and factory applied solutions. Explore key selection criteria like ease of installation, application conditions, material compatibility, and sealability....
3M - Building Protection - Air Barrier, Fire Barrier, and Insulation Moisture Barrier/Jacketing
The look of wood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal to building designs that other materials, such as masonry, metals, and glass, cannot replicate. However, since natural wood may not be suitable for Class 1–3 commercial projects, innovative composite and synthetic materials have been developed to overcome the limitations of real wood. This course provides a comprehensive examination of eight wood-inspired design technologies that mimic the appearance of natural wood while meeting fire performance standards. The role of wood-plastic composite (WPC) hybrid products in fulfilling the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system is also reviewed....
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF....
This course details the benefits and selection process of Magnesium Oxide (MgO) sheathing in multifamily and commercial construction. MgO sheathing offers structural, fire, and other properties that enable architects and designers to simplify the design and installation of building enclosures. Comparisons of MgO sheathing versus traditional sheathing materials such as gypsum are included....
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Concrete-faced insulated products are composite prefinished panels that are used to construct walls and roofing assemblies to maximize the energy efficiency, durability, and performance of a building envelope. This course discusses the design criteria used in designing energy-efficient buildings using concrete-faced continuous insulation systems for low-slope roofing, walls, and foundations. The functional and physical features of protective membrane roof (PMR) systems, concrete-faced insulated panels for walls and foundations, and concrete structural insulated panels (CSIPs) are evaluated....
Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly specialized process and equipment used in the manufacturing process, insulated metal panels are a lightweight, durable, and sustainable building envelope solution....
