This course provides specifiers of masonry veneer walls the description of a complete high performance wall system that meets the wall systems requirements ASTM E2357 (Air Leakage), ASTM E331 (Water Penetration), and NFPA 285 (Fire Propagation). The wall components associated with moisture management and interactions with other system components are highlighted. Additionally, an effective and efficient means to specify such walls is presented....
With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system....
This course examines the principles associated with carbon emissions over the life of a building. The carbon footprint of a building does not begin when the building becomes operational but rather during design and continues through demolition or deconstruction. The role that design and construction professionals play in regard to product transparency will also be discussed....
The teaching points will be on Closed cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) and the commercial building enveloped. Subject matter will contain discussions on safety with SPF use, SPF and NFPA 285 as well a review of the basic chemistry and some basic details....
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, and water—within a single component, delivering superior thermal performance and high-end design....
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....
Provides an overview of the performance characteristics and benefits of using multi-layer, cellular PVC decking—a durable decking material that replicates the unique beauty of exotic hardwood....
From fashion to function, the shower space of the bathroom is a focal point, offering a place of quiet respite for rejuvenation. Shower spaces should be built to last, using durable materials combined with sound installation practices in order to reduce life cycle and replacement costs. This course outlines the criteria used in designing water management systems for shower pans and walls and includes discussions on traditional and modern methods of waterproofing shower floors and walls, new methods of construction, and the innovative design options that are available for curbless shower pans....
This presentation focuses on Florida's wind design requirements for commercial low-slope roofing. The presentation covers new building code requirements, ASCE 7, future tornado wind design requirements and agency approvals for wind uplift resistance for low-slope roofing....
As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector has an immense opportunity to play a role in the efforts to mitigate climate change. This course will give an overview of the global move toward a more sustainable future. We will explore the latest state of knowledge on climate change, the targets, goals, and regulations set to mitigate its worst effects, and what you, as an architect, can do to help. You will also learn about the science behind embodied carbon and why it is important, as well as other tools and resources available to advance the overall sustainability of the built environment....
Reducing noise between occupied spaces isn’t just needed for occupant comfort and productivity, it is sometimes required by building code. This presentation is an overview of noise control principals, construction composites, and design methodology for ceilings, floors, and partitions. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs requiring third party consultants....
From pitched to low slope roofing a myriad of designs are possible. Conventional roofing with the waterproofing membrane located weather-side and Protected Membrane roofing with the waterproofing membrane located at the deck can be used on buildings of various end-use, be low or high albedo surfaced (solar gain). Add to this vegetative roof assemblies (green roofs), roofs with solar arrays, blue roofs (stormwater management), - and no two roofs are alike. Join us to review the modern roof taxonomies and associated benefits and drawbacks, learn about latest options in roof construction, and reflect on performance differences....
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In this focused one-hour session, gain a clear understanding of the design, specification, and installation processes for joint sealants in high-performance building enclosures. Learn how selecting the right sealants for vertical and horizontal joints can enhance durability, efficiency, and occupant safety. This course emphasizes the critical role of proper joint design and installation in improving building health and performance, ensuring a safer environment for occupants....
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 materials for building envelopes in all building types....
Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology....
This course provides a general overview of air barriers- their role in building performance, the material options, and design considerations. Building code requirements and verification testing will be reviewed for an understanding of how to meet or exceed today’s performance requirements. General considerations will also be discussed to aid in selecting the best system and installation methods for specific projects....
Green roof systems are designed on various roofing membranes and come with many different components depending on the many factors including the region, regulation, application, roof design to name a few. This presentation will review these assemblies and the value of options. Address key elements of green roof design, such as drainage, water storage, integration with membrane, and other considerations along with common problems to avoid. Finally, a discussion on construction sequencing and planning as well as solar integration to help the specifier better understand the technology around this segment of the building envelope to ensure greater success....
Thermally controlled environments such as cold storage freezers and coolers, and food processing and packaging facilities take many different forms. Their performance and functionality depend on their project-specific requirements and can be affected by the conditions the materials and systems are subjected to. This course discusses how insulated metal panels (IMPs) perform the necessary functions to provide an effective energy-efficient building envelope and why they are suitable for use within temperature-controlled hygienic environments—where performance is critical....
From performing arts centers and music schools to museums and Native American centers, Kalwall is proud to be a part of cultural facilities around the world. Culture is at the heart of our communities, and it’s our job to shine a light on the things that matter most. With natural, diffuse daylight improving visual acuity and boosting mood, there’s no better way to help people embrace culture....
Residential building envelope assemblies need to deliver a wide range of benefits – from reducing energy waste to maintaining occupant comfort to providing critical shelter during severe weather events. 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 as part of residential envelope assemblies. This includes serving as the insulation layer in steep slope roofs, above grade walls, and below grade foundation assemblies. Topics include designing building and energy code-compliant residential envelope assemblies, solving performance challenges like reducing thermal-bridging and managing the threat of moisture intrusion, as well as 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
This course reviews the definition of sustainability, and how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) are being used to address product transparency needs. We will review how IMPs provide all environmental control layers and how their use contributes to sustainable design. LCAs form the backbone of EPDs, and this course walks through the creation of EPDs as well as the environmental factors evaluated. HPDs are the latest tool used to study building product toxicity, and we will provide a complete review of how these important documents are prepared and used by owners, architects, designers and manufacturers. We finish up by studying how EPDs and HPDs are used in environmental rating systems such as LEED, Green Globes and Living Building Challenge....
Protected Membrane Roofing (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as the Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly or Upside Down / Inverted Roof, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This simple design change provides several advantages over conventional roof assemblies that have their waterproof membrane fully exposed at the top surface. For architects, PMR assemblies present many opportunities to create innovative, sustainable, and efficient buildings. The most significant advantage is that PMR assemblies offer superior protection against water penetration, which reduces the likelihood of leaks and extends the lifespan of the roofing system. They also offer enhanced energy efficiency, from the strategic insulation layer placed above the waterproofing membrane. This course will also show how PMR assemblies provide ample opportunities for sustainable design integration. They allow for the creation of green roofs or Blue Roof systems, which provide environmental benefits like rainwater harvesting. With its proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing option...
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One of the most complex and least understood areas where fire can propagate is at the perimeter of a multi-story building. Not only can fire spread from floor-to-floor via the edge-of-slab/curtain wall intersections but also along the exterior building enclosure where untested, combustible components are often installed. This program outlines best design practices for providing fire protection for building occupants per ASTM E2307 and E2874....
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....
Mineral wool core panels provide an excellent alternative to foam core insulated metal panels and other traditional materials where the wall assembly need to be fire resistive. Ratings of up to three hours can be achieved by this product. These panels also provide all necessary control layers in a single component: air, vapor, water and thermal. Acoustic properties of the product are also evaluated. Product configurations including sizes, profiles and metal facings are studied. Code compliance and generic details are reviewed. Mineral wool core panels and their contribution to LEED credits are also studied....
