The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware standards with cycling, operational, strength, security, and finish test requirements. This course explores the performance standards and the certification program related to commercial architectural hardware....
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Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
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....
We will discuss how Polyiso Continuous Insulation will improve the thermal performance of walls of Steel Stud Construction. In addressing the advantages of continuous insulation, we will also address the disadvantages of using steel studs without continuous insulation. We will discuss what Sustainability is related to and how it is measured, including factors that are involved in addressing Building Longevity, and how these concepts impact making buildings more energy efficient. We will look at various types of products used to achieve code-compliant designs with a perspective that addresses sustainable construction. Looking towards the future we will discuss the actions being undertaken in conjunction with energy conservation and construction codes, building science organizations, and other groups in pushing proper building envelope design. We will also look at the history of Polyiso and how this product is produced from raw chemicals, creating a completed board stock product....
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
Attic ventilation is an important component in proper structural design. By encouraging airflow, attic ventilation plays a key role in maintaining structural integrity, ensuring roof component durability, providing a healthy indoor environment, and minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, proper attic ventilation hinders or prevents mold growth, reduces interior pollutants, and acts as a pivotal fire prevention tool. This course looks at how attic ventilation systems work, the benefits they provide, and the associated building codes and regulations....
Modular metal panels (MMPs) integrate advanced technology with modern aesthetics, providing high-performance building envelopes that enhance design and durability. This course explores the evolution of MMPs and what distinguishes them from other building products. You will examine the key components that make up the system and its fundamental principles and best practices. Finally, the course demonstrates how these elements combine in real-world applications, showcasing various design options....
This seminar will help you understand the impact of air leakage on building enclosure performance, current codes and standards for air leakage control with continuous air barriers and recent advances in implementing airtight buildings in practice. Air leakage can impact building energy performance, envelope durability and occupant's comfort. Air leakage control is generally addressed by energy codes. The US energy codes have only recently recognized the importance of air leakage. For example ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, ASHRAE 189.1, and IgCC have only recently introduced quantitative requirements for air barrier materials, assemblies or whole building airtightness. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently introduced an air barrier program for building enclosure airtightness, which requires blower door test for whole building airtightness. This seminar will provide examples of successful implementation of USACE program....
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In this course we will identify critical considerations for fire and smoke protection specific to vertical openings in a building. We will walk through keynotes, drawings, and details while diving into the codes and exploring implications and solutions surrounding design decisions for elevators and stairwells. Lastly, we will cover product selection and submittal requirements for your opening protection....
This course covers how to comply with the most stringent Energy Code requirements using pre-fabricated wall panels and components featuring next generation concrete masonry unit designs....
This course provides an introduction to code compliance requirements for low-slope roofing systems as it relates to Wind Uplift, Impact Resistance, and Fire Resistance. Participants will explore the relevant provisions of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), with emphasis on the referenced standards outlined in Chapters 15 and 16. Participants will review real-world documentation used to demonstrate compliance, enhancing their ability to specify and design roofing systems that meet regulatory standards....
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other necessary but unsightly equipment are common in today’s commercial industries. Rooftop and ground screening can provide a solution for meeting code requirements while improving building aesthetics. In addition, screens may improve a property’s safety and security and establish privacy boundaries. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
View the CityScapes Architectural Innovations Course Library
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other unsightly equipment are commonplace in today’s commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, screening can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. Screening offers not only a visual benefit but also helps to improve the safety and security of your property. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen for your project. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
View the CityScapes Architectural Innovations Course Library
Manufacturers, industry groups, architects, designers, and homeowners all share an expectation of safety in the buildings we occupy and use every day. This course discusses the key chapters where important exterior wall fire provisions can be found in the International Building Code® and examines many common features of global fire incidents. The course also describes the NFPA 285 fire test and discusses the new Annex B in the 2023 edition of NFPA 285. Finally, there is a discussion of the code compliance pathways when exterior walls are required by the IBC® to be tested and comply with NFPA 285....
View the North American Modern Building Alliance Course Library
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 exterior continuous insulation, and significantly reduce the risk of condensation and subsequent mold/corrosion damage in all climate zones....
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....
The facade is one of the most significant contributors to the energy consumption and comfort parameters of any building. This course explores high-performance building envelopes and the use of advanced insulated metal panel systems featuring integrated daylighting and ventilation components that combine to provide weathertightness and maximum thermal performance....
This course explores design choices to meet energy code and thermal insulation selection strategies to maximize long term building performance. Factors influencing the performance of an insulation in its application include production, R-values, moisture, temperature, aging, and quality of installation will be discussed....
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Single-skin metal roofing systems combine structural efficiency with verified wind, fire, and energy performance. This course examines how panel profiles, substrate metals, coatings, and fastening methods contribute to building durability and environmental performance. Learners explore industry standards, testing protocols, and detailing strategies that support code compliance and optimize long-term results. The program also addresses fabrication quality, installation practices, and warranty provisions that influence life-cycle value and alignment with green building objectives under the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system....
This presentation will cover what civil engineers need to know when utilizing segmental retaining walls for grade separation in their site development plans. The presentation will introduce participants to the National Concrete Masonry Association’s Best Practices Guide for Segmental Retaining Walls focusing on recommendations relevant to Civil Engineers and discuss how they are applied to enhance the safety and longevity of structural segmental walls. Topics will include risks associated with using a “design by others” approach to segmental retaining walls and the importance of geotechnical engineering support. The presentation will address how building foundations, footers, pond applications, and fencing/guardrail codes impact the design and construction of segmental walls....
Vacuum insulation panels (VIP) offer higher thermal resistance per unit thickness than traditional insulation materials. This means a building envelope can meet the effective R Values for the enclosures required by the energy codes without having to increase the thickness of walls roofs or floors. This course discusses how VIPs work, why they are effective and the impact the properties of the materials used to construct a VIP can have on its performance. VIP installations and the latest developments in VIP technology are reviewed to illustrate the advantages of using VIP's as thermal insulation in the design of energy-efficient buildings...
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An expansion joint is a structural gap designed to accommodate the movement of a building in a controlled manner, preventing damage to the building’s internal and external finishes. Expansion joints run throughout a building in walls, ceilings, and floors. Expansion joint covers provide a covered transition across an expansion opening and remain unaffected by the relative movement of the two surfaces either side of the joint. This course explains how to determine joint movement requirements and how to size a joint. It also discusses the performance of different expansion joint cover systems and the applicable fire protection and building codes....
This is a condensed version of the 2-hour course ECH-BIM-1901: Masonry Solutions for BIM. Masonry construction presents a myriad of challenges for specifiers – especially those who are less familiar with masonry construction methods, performance standards and assembly detailing. A new wave of BIM modeling tools seeks to bridge the gap between these challenges and the extensive benefits of masonry construction, including resiliency, energy performance and unique aesthetics. This presentation provides a condensed overview of BIM and its impact on the construction industry, with a particular focus on new software tools that are changing the way masonry is designed, specified, ordered, manufactured, shipped, installed and maintained. Additionally, this course will delve into masonry building codes – with a particular focus on energy codes – and how they work together with masonry materials to deliver safer, healthier and higher-performing buildings for occupants....
Discover the correct selection, specification, engineering, and design process to create safe and permanent roof attachments for various needs. Learn how to properly identify rooftop thermal cycling and manage the correct installation process. Identify correct installation practices of any rooftop penetration to maintain weathertightness warranties. Learn how to meet local and national building code requirements and other safety specifications for various rooftop accessories. Discover the ease of installing rooftop safety equipment and accessories safely without voiding roof manufacturer warranties on metal roofs....
With the coming of the 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC), insulating sheathing has played a growing role in the drive to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable for their occupants. The pressure is on for builders, home designers, and architects to find cost-effective construction methods and materials to meet these ever-growing performance standards. Educating one’s self and remaining current on building science trends, technologies and materials has proven to be a powerful measure of success in today’s residential construction markets. The following presentation “Why Use Insulating Sheathing”, aims to educate attendees on the flexibility of using foam sheathing in various Type V construction assemblies in order to meet stricter energy code minimums. Additional learning takeaways from this presentation include investigating common faults in Type V wood-framed walls from a framing, moisture, thermal bridging, and air sealing perspective; and how insulating sheathing can help correct these faults. Attendees will walk away with a thorough understanding of the advantages of using insulating sheathing in residential walls and be able to effectively communicate these advantages to their customers. Additionally, attendees will also leave with a solid understanding of the basic science behind any insulating material and how to better utilize these materials in various environments....
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Restrooms and other plumbing applications must comply with accessibility regulations, but do you know exactly how to do that? This course is a handy reference that explains what codes and regulations you must satisfy, when those requirements apply to new construction and alterations, and how to select and install fixtures to meet accessibility standards and the requirements of the LEED® v5 for Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2....
View the Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
The use of automatic entrances and ICU/CCU doors helps solve the problems associated with both circulation and door openings in healthcare design while providing an aesthetically pleasing solution. Healthcare personnel, patients, security personnel, and visitors are constantly rushing and want instant access. Today people are very conscious of touching surfaces and prefer not to have contact with doors. Other issues that need to be addressed during design are movement of patients and equipment, ADA and building code compliance, security, energy conservation, and sustainability....
