Building Knowledge and Connections
Building Knowledge and Connections
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 muc...
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal...
This seminar is a basic review of transport mechanisms for heat, air and moisture movement across the building enclosure. These movements affect the building performance, hence controlling heat, air and moisture flow represent critical functions of the building enclosure. The control strategies for achieving an energy efficient and durable building...
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The trend towards more sustainable, healthier, energy-conserving enclosures has brought building science and moisture management to the forefront of daily conversation for professionals in the construction industry. In this course, we will delve into the science behind the practice and explore the role of building envelopes, optimal wall assemblies...
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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Metal is a versatile building material, boasting both historical credentials and modern aesthetics. To earn the right to rise to the top as the material of choice, however, metal must also demonstrate cost efficiency, durability, and minimal environmental impact. In this course, we will examine the value of metal roofs and walls during initial cons...
PROSOCO has been cleaning and protecting masonry for nearly 85 years. We can help you develop solutions for cleaning the toughest masonry stains and identify treatments for long-term protection of masonry, concrete and other hard surfaces. Our field support, laboratory and customer care teams are ready to help you take on your next project....
Engineering analysis is a necessary tool to provide fire protection and safety for our buildings. The exponential number of wall assembly combinations and detailing of enclosure assemblies in the built environment prevent the opportunity to confirm fire performance through direct testing. This is especially true with the required investment of time...
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An overview of existing masonry and stone façade instability issues, the cause and recognition of these problems, and the cost-effective re-anchoring solutions for repair involving various masonry wall construction techniques. A detailed look into the different types of retrofit anchoring systems available to stabilize existing masonry and stone f...
This panel discussion explores building sustainable designs for energy efficiency, water efficiency and stormwater management starting from the roof. With urban heat island effect compounding the global warming from climate change, we are in urgent need of understanding how the roof can be very effective in delivering sustainable, high performance ...
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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 compre...
Tour a single-skin metal panel manufacturing facility to discover the ins and out of metal panel production. From attaining quality raw materials, assurance of a precise finish coat and measuring quality control specifications prior to being loaded for roll forming, metal breaking or bent into a modular metal panel by a completely autonomous line....
In the wake of the green movement, combined with rising energy costs, building sustainability has become an important topic. This course examines how foil-faced polyisocyanurate (polyiso) continuous insulation can function as a multiple control layer, providing a building with an air and water-resistive barrier and a thermal control layer. Addition...
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
From research to optimization, Kingspan explores the in and outs of real fire examples, insulation comparisons, the science of fire, and how to accurately test your design for fire safety. This course's broad view on the fire performance of insulation boards and the necessary steps needed to adhere to industry standards will give readers the genera...
Concrete Masonry has many advantages for building envelope construction. This course explains five key unexpected advantages that are not as widely known as they should be....
The materials we use have a significant impact on the environment, our communities, and our health. Consequently, material transparency—wherein manufacturers disclose vital sustainability information about their products—is an increasingly necessary element of modern life. This course examines the tools and resources that are available for both...
It is an expectation that today’s buildings have to be more than just aesthetically pleasing: they have to provide measurable environmental benefits. This course outlines how insulated concrete forms (ICFs) help meet sustainable design objectives and examines the advantages that ICFs and ICF technology have over conventional construction material...
As energy codes continue to push building envelopes to higher R-value performance, architects and designers are challenged with also managing the moisture flow within the envelope to minimize the risk of condensation and the potential for mold and corrosion. Advanced testing and analysis demonstrate how specifiers can utilize mineral wool as an ext...
Roofing is one of the most common renovation projects on commercial buildings. Upgrading a roof assembly to meet current building standards provides an opportunity to save energy and maintain the necessary fire and structural performance. This course reviews the code requirements for commercial reroofing and discusses how reroofing can improve a bu...
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
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 sheathi...
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Discover how ArmorWall™ enables fast, hassle-free cladding attachment—preserving R-value and simplifying installation. Learn how it supports multiple cladding types and the science-backed method for installing stucco over the system using ASTM 1063 and ArmorDry™...
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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 c...
Wall stabilization, seismic retrofits, and helical beaming are just a few of the topics covered. With engineers on staff, PROSOCO works hand-in-hand with engineering and design teams to develop custom anchoring solutions and strategies for both new construction and restoration projects....
Designers, owners, and occupants all value the appeal of natural brick and wood for exterior cladding and interior surfaces. But these natural materials come with drawbacks. Wood can split, warp, cup, mold, and attract insects. Brick is heavy and susceptible to efflorescence. Quality control is not assured. The fresh alternative is resin cast shape...
With limited exceptions, the International Building Code® (IBC®) requires testing and compliance with NFPA 285 for exterior wall assemblies of buildings of Types I, II, III, and IV construction containing foam plastic insulation. This course examines three methods for demonstrating that an exterior wall assembly design complies with NFPA 285, inc...
View the North American Modern Building Alliance Course Library