The selection of a wall system for a building envelope involves several key considerations. In this course, we evaluate the characteristics of pre-cast concrete, tilt-up concrete panels, insulated concrete forms, lightweight metal frame, pre-insulated masonry, and conventional masonry. We compare the performance of these wall systems on these considerations: (1) cost, (2) resilience, (3) sustainability (particularly global warming potential), (4) energy conservation, and (5) long term operating costs and environmental impacts....
The trend toward more sustainable, healthy, and 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 delve into the science behind current practices and explore the role of building envelopes, optimal wall assemblies, and enclosures in vapor, water, air, and thermal control....
Retrofitting and replacing roof systems are essential aspects of the construction industry and offer opportunities to reduce a building’s energy consumption. Sustainable retrofitting of roofs with durable, energy-efficient materials helps reduce waste and conserve resources while promoting ecofriendly building practices. This course gives an overview of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and innovative roof systems that are designed to enhance building efficiency....
New building materials don’t come around very often, and in some cases, an early high-profile stumble can shape perceptions of an otherwise valuable technology. Learning from those mistakes, however, is a fundamental element of driving technical innovation, and real, robust solutions to known issues can ultimately produce the highest level of performance. Magnesium oxide-based composite panels have been used as exterior wall sheathing for several decades due to a number of highly desirable properties, including resistance to fire, dimensional stability, high strength, and other attributes. Early iterations of boards were found to have issues related to moisture and chemical stability, leading to premature failure of the building façade but also teaching the industry specific factors that needed to be improved in future generations of board. Now, as a maturing product category, the enabling technology of how to make consistent, high-quality boards is well known, even if not universally practiced. In this presentation, we review the basics of MgO chemistry, how boards incorporating MgO cement have evolved over time to address early issues in board performance, and how this technology can be incorporated into building exterior wall systems with many favorable attributes....
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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. See first-hand through the process cycle how quality panels lend to create a building envelope able to withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. All this while striving to be part of the safest metal handling companies in the world....
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, including engineering analysis. The course also discusses how and where to locate NFPA 285 information for each compliance method....
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This course will provide attendees with valuable information and context endeavoring to help improve a practical understanding of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and its implications on the uses of certain combustible building materials in the building envelope. The course will discuss how the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) is designed and structured to supplement other I-Codes (e.g., the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC)) as opposed to exist as a stand-alone code. Course content will include helpful background and theory behind the wildfire hazards the IWUIC is intended to mitigate. Most importantly, the course will provide attendees with understanding and examples of how combustible building materials and assemblies are suitable, viable options for use in construction under the IWUIC and capable of complying with the applicable requirements....
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This presentation was designed to bring awareness to the rise of ASTM C-595 Blended Hydraulic Cements, specifically Type 1L Cement. It highlights what it is, how it differs from its predecessors and how to best prep, protect and maintain this cement given its different chemical properties....
The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building and provides resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. As a thermal barrier, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers numerous opportunities to contribute to building envelope performance and indoor air quality in several project types. This course presents the sustainable aspects of SPF, SPF fire and strength testing, and the benefits of SPF in below- and above-grade and rooftop applications....
A roof is a defining feature of a building, but today’s roofs are asked to provide much more than a simple enclosure. Modern roof systems may 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 roof system has an important role to play, including the insulation layer. This presentation introduces the key benefits and attributes of polyiso roof insulation products. Topics covered include designing building and energy code-compliant roof assemblies, solving performance challenges like ponding water, and reducing the environmental impacts of buildings with roof systems that contain polyiso insulation products....
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PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
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....
This course defines and explains building science behind the code for the four control layers of the building envelope: water, thermal, air and vapor. There will be a detailed overview of air leakage, why it matters in a sustainable envelope and why air barrier continuity is critical to building performance. Participants will be asked to explore typical design principles for addressing the four control layers within the wall assembly. Finally, there will be an in-depth discussion of the critical interfaces, how to detail them and test them to ensure continuity of the control layers for the entire building....
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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....
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....
This course explains the design of adhered masonry wall systems typical of today’s best practices. It utilizes familiar masonry cavity wall design to show why proper ventilation and drainage typical in this wall type must also be used in adhered masonry veneer wall design, and explores the design differences and similarities between masonry cavity wall systems and adhered masonry veneer systems. It shows the results of improper wall design, common errors in adhered masonry installation techniques and product selection, and the correct techniques and products necessary for constructing sustainable, energy-efficient adhered masonry veneer walls that will remain free of water damage for the life of the building....
With energy codes calling for continuous insulation and a substantial increase of architects and builders using insulated concrete sandwich panels in many diverse applications, we would like to present a course that defines not just what an insulated concrete sandwich panel is but review load bearing and non-load bearing panels as well as composite and non-composite wall panels. The course would also go into depth on the importance of choosing the right way the connector, insulation and the energy saving advantages of using low or non-conductive connections in the panels. Lastly we would be reviewing the overall sustainability of insulated concrete structures....
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This short version course introduces attendees to the basic materials and equipment used to create spray polyurethane foam. It will also discuss the safety aspect related to spray foam in terms of its application as well as its proper use to ensure code compliance. Lastly, it discusses the different kinds of spray foam commonly used and which material works best in different areas of a building....
This course presents and explains commercial building energy code and building code requirements that are inter-related and vary across US climate zones for building thermal envelopes. The course focuses on coordinating building code vapor control requirements and energy code insulation requirements with a particular focus on optimizing the value of continuous insulation on frame wall assemblies by leveraging the multi-functional capabilities of foam plastic insulating sheathing. Practical technical resources and useful design tools also will be shared to help efficiently optimize walls for code compliance and performance....
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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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A sound building envelope should be sustainable and provide fire resistance, good thermal performance, and protection from the elements. Mineral wool, fire rated insulated metal panels (IMPs) can improve building performance and contribute to a sustainable design strategy. Included in this course are discussions on mineral wool IMP characteristics and design options, performance advantages, and installation considerations. The course details how fire resistance is specified in the International Building Code and provides examples of fire wall and fire partition construction assemblies....
As interest in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings grows, the market for building enclosure products as a whole has yet to fully provide the water-resistant barriers, vapor retarders, 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 and roofs. This comprehensive course fills the gaps, 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 and roof of the enclosure....
Curious to challenge yourself and your views? This session is intended for green building practitioners who would like to gain a new perspective, develop a deeper understanding of what outputs of the LCA process can be used to effectively communicate the value of environmental product information into product specifications for a sustainable built environment....
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Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are lightweight composite exterior wall and roof panels with metal skins and an insulating foam core. These panels have superior insulating properties, and their outstanding spanning capabilities and one-pass installation make them quick to install, saving costs compared to other wall assemblies. IMPs are available in a wide variety of colors, widths, profiles and finishes, enabling any aesthetic desired for walls and roofs. This session will be an excellent opportunity for contractors, engineers, and other members of the metal construction world to learn more about these products gaining a growing market share....
A depiction and analysis of unusual and problematic detailing conditions from specific projects that go beyond use of a manufacturer's standard details for common conditions. This shows how fluid-applied flashing and detailing products rather than peel & stick membranes can be successfully used to handle particularly challenging conditions and how designers can interact with manufacturers to obtain this detailing support....
This course provides an overview of impacts from natural disasters and identifies solutions for building back better. It discusses the use of closed-cell polyurethane foams as well as other performance materials for disaster durable construction applications, including responding to flood and wind events using approved methods and materials....
