As interest in mass timber building design grows, there are new protection strategies that must be employed for a successful installation to ensure occupant long-term health and safety. This presentation will explain moisture protection strategies by providing in-depth test results on mass timber wetting and drying studies, methods to protect during each construction phase, and the vapor-permeable protection technology available to address wood’s unique moisture characteristics. All in an effort to create a sustainable, stable structure and preserve the beauty of the mass timber building....
Residential solar power generates clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, protects against rising electricity rates, and protects property from outages, but it is only effective during daylight hours. Adding battery storage to a solar system—called solar plus storage—removes this limitation and moves a home closer to energy independence. In this course, we will review the components of a solar-plus-storage system, including selection considerations for residential rooftop solar and DC-coupled solar batteries. The course also reviews the extended system of monitoring and DC charging....
Architects and other design professionals have a critical role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through building design and product selection. The urgent need to reduce both operational and embodied carbon means that building designers must be familiar with transparency documents that facilitate low-carbon product selection. In this course, we review the types of carbon of concern, transparency documents that provide critical information, and tools for sourcing embodied carbon information. We also look at the contribution of insulated metal panels to both low embodied and low operational carbon buildings....
Stormwater management is a critical component in any municipality to retain and infiltrate increased runoff volumes and flow rates from developed land that creates increased impervious cover (roofs and pavements). The course discusses the hydrologic and structural design fundamentals of permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) and why it is an excellent choice to help meet stormwater management goals. Discussions include the benefits of using PICP, components of PICP, design and construction considerations and how use of PICP can help earn LEED® credits....
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Learn how Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation can be safely used in California residential construction to optimize cost efficiency while complying with Title 24 energy code and improving comfort, durability, and strength of homes and buildings....
Retrofitting and replacing roofing 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 eco-friendly building practices. This course gives an overview of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and innovative roofing systems that are designed to enhance building efficiency....
This course explores how the use of color and coil and extrusion coated metal building products can help you make a big visual impact on your next facade design....
Urban warming negatively impacts human health and quality of life, energy use, air quality, social equity, and economic prosperity. This course describes how solar reflective cool roof and wall materials help protect individuals and communities from the impacts of extreme heat and discusses the factors that influence energy savings and performance. The course also notes various climate resilience initiatives, green building programs, and energy codes that require or promote the use of cool roofs or walls and concludes by explaining the important role of third-party product ratings and the educational resources available online....
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....
This course focuses on design considerations when using insulated metal roof panels. Panel characteristics, paint finishes and roof geometry options are reviewed. Support structure requirements (ex: purlins, joists, decking) including steel alignment/tolerances, panel spans and roof diaphragm considerations are studied. Functional aspects including environmental control layers (air, vapor, water and thermal) are examined. A full color animated video provides guidance on the step by step process of how IMP roofs are installed. Code compliance including air/water, thermal, fire safety and wind uplift is addressed. The program concludes with product and installation warranties, including paint, corrosion and weather tightness....
According to building professionals, the solution to achieving an energy-efficient building envelope is to focus more on the roof. Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies deliver thermal efficiency and can play a valuable role in a sustainable design strategy. Presented in this course is a review of the components, advantages, ballast options, and design and installation considerations of PMR assemblies....
Equipment vibration that becomes structure borne can break out directly below or as is often the case far from the source. This presentation will cover the different types of isolation needed under machinal systems. Selection criteria of different isolation media will be offered for chillers, boilers, cooling towers. As important as the proper restraint of isolated equipment; the design and types of seismic and wind restraints will be presented....
Most designers are aware that many room types require acoustic treatment. Some are aware of acoustic terms such as NRC. This presentation will take that knowledge to the next level. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of room acoustics design standards with this overview of theory and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs. Strategies for different project types will be presented....
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....
Off-site construction practices for commercial projects are growing in popularity because of their ability to combat persistent industry challenges such as weather delays, skilled labor shortages, material availability issues, and price increases. While the benefits to off-site construction are undeniable, the upfront efforts required from the project team can cause apprehension. This learning will take participants on an off-site construction journey leveraging case studies to share firsthand experiences of successful projects that have been able to turn the upfront effort into a wealth of benefits....
Stucco is a popular and durable finishing material that offers many benefits, combining safety and affordability while satisfying aesthetic needs. It can be applied to various surfaces using a lath system, which provides support for stucco. However, the quality of the stucco lath embedment can greatly affect its performance. This course covers the proper technique for achieving lath embedment, the different types of metal lath and their various applications, and regional material preferences....
This course offers a comprehensive guide to the sustainability of cold-formed steel framing (CFSF). By understanding the nuances of embodied carbon, sustainable steel production, and specification strategies, professionals can leverage CFSF's environmental benefits for a competitive edge and contribute to a healthier planet. Embodied carbon, a significant contributor to global emissions, is a growing concern in the construction industry. This course delves into its complexities, explores the role of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mills in producing low embodied carbon steel, and examines the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in verifying the sustainability of steel products. The course also provides practical strategies for reducing embodied carbon in CFSF construction. Participants will learn how to specify LEC steel and optimize their designs to minimize material usage without compromising on strength, thus achieving significant carbon reductions and contributing to a more sustainable built environment....
This is a Product SpotLight Presentation. SOPRANATURE TOUNDRA BOX combines all the necessary components of a green roofing system into a modular tray. Each tray includes built in drainage slots, filter fabric, growing medium and pre-grown plants protected by a removable retention frame. Suitable for both small and large surfaces, these lightweight, easy-to-carry trays are easily assembled in minutes to create an instant green roof....
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....
An examination and comparison of categories within the exterior trim market, focusing on category specific attributes relating to installation, sustainability, durability and maintenance....
Learn key aspects of design and structural components of today's exterior shutters . Have an understanding of the codes as they relate to shutters. Learn keys for proper installation. Learn keys for proper installation...
Studies show that a breathable self-adhering roofing underlayment has the ability to: Provide drying Ease installation Extend the life of the roof assembly This course investigates current knowledge of breathable, vapor-open (permeable) roofing underlayments and their ability to mitigate water intrusion, reduce long-term exposure to wetted substrates, and enhance the drying capacity of the roof assembly — extending the life of the roofing...
Commercial roofing systems are quite varied. As such, their performance expectations are varied, and their suitability for different applications vary. Certain types of high performance roofing systems require specific components, and performance standards to achieve energy efficient and durable life cycle performance. This course describes the high-performance attributes of extruded polystyrene (XPS) and cellular glass insulations in commercial roofing applications including PRMA (plaza deck, vegetative roofs, and split slabs), unprotected roof membranes, architectural metal and asphalt pavement systems for which cellular glass and XPS are uniquely suited. It defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for those systems. Further, it compares various insulation types, how they are manufactured, and how the manufacturing process affects the physical properties and performance of each type of insulation....
As more companies invest in solar to generate clean power for their operations, meet environmental goals, or save money on electrical bills, architects and building owners may need to be prepared to accommodate rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in both existing and new buildings. This course provides an introduction to rooftop PV systems, including a discussion of modules, components, and attachments, and best practices for a durable roof and PV system....
Critical to concrete waterproofing are the products used in combination to create a system that ensures complete control of moisture migration. Presented here are effective concrete waterproofing technologies and how they improve the durability and lifespan of structures. Discussions include water penetration, system selection, membrane protection, and cementitious waterproofing....
