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....
White roofs made of PVC (vinyl) can reflect three-quarters or more of the sun's rays and emit 70% or more of the solar radiation absorbed by the building envelope. Despite protecting and keeping buildings cool in all climates around the world for decades, misconceptions about the energy impact of cool roofs still exist. This course uses the fundamental science behind cool roofs to address alleged issues concerning the performance of cool roof products....
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered....
Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces adversely affect the learning and teaching processes. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation, and mental health can be profound and long lasting. This course examines the impact of different sound problems and presents solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning and engagement and teacher retention....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
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Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specification details, and performance and design considerations....
We invite you to join us for our webinar series with a focus on healthcare projects. How we design the buildings where people go to receive care has never been more important. Patients, doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers deserve a thoughtfully constructed environment. Proper daylighting with Kalwall is proven to increase mood, boost energy levels, and help maintain circadian rhythms for overall improved body function. This is just the beginning. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build healthy environments for hospitals, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities....
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....
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....
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer higher thermal resistance per unit thickness than traditional insulation materials. This means a building envelope can meet the effective R-values for enclosures required by the energy codes without having to increase the thickness of the walls, roof, 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 VIPs as thermal insulation in the design of energy-efficient buildings....
View the Panasonic Industrial Devices, Building Materials Group Course Library
What roof type is ideal for photovoltaic (PV) system mounting? What about “solar zone,” roof orientation, environmental and collateral loads, system sizing, the building enclosure, and life-cycle cost analyses? All these factors affect the sustainability and financial pro forma of the roof and PV system. New technologies can be daunting. When it comes to PV design, small shifts in thinking can bring the things that matter into focus, producing huge savings and production efficiencies for improving the client’s overall ROI. This presentation will review and discuss the concepts of treating the roof and PV system as a single asset with supporting ROIs and IRR. Upon this review, participants will have a better understanding of the numbers regarding the ROI and IRR....
A summary of thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems and a review of several alternative roofing systems. Highlights some of the characteristics of PVC membranes and describes the role of PVC roofing as a component in the design of sustainable high-performance buildings. Provides a review and discussion of some of the environmental aspects of PVC-based roofing products....
Today’s business environment presents significant challenges for commercial roofing systems. Shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, coupled with a diminishing labor force, have led to uncertainty, inflation, and scheduling difficulties for many projects. However, these challenges also open doors for innovative solutions. This course explores the financial and environmental advantages of using a PVC roofing system. It also highlights the benefits of choosing a roofing system from a single supplier....
An overview of Acoustics and Noise Control principals and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on looking at common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required....
Stormwater management is critical in an era when severe storms and sewer overflows are increasing in many areas. In urban contexts where open space is at a premium, using on-structure bioretention planters can be the ideal approach. This course explores the benefits of bioretention and how bioretention planters reduce peak flows and improve water quality. The course also discusses how bioretention planters should be designed, can perform as amenities, and contribute to meeting the requirements of green building certification programs....
The course details the benefits of designing with natural metals such as zinc, stainless and copper in order to achieve a uniquely aesthetic style with complex curves and tapers of the metal panels for a roof or a wall application....
Rough openings are holes in the building enclosure, fitted with fenestrations that leak or will leak. It is critical to properly direct those leaks out of the enclosure. Designs for rough opening specify; tapes, sealants or flashing materials that are water, air, water vapor tight or vapor open. When detailed and installed correctly, most of these materials prevent water from entering into the interstitial wall cavities, allow the “leaks” to drain out of the building enclosure. Tapes, sealants and flashing components can fail over time or are improperly installed allowing water intrusion, trapping the water is vapor impermeable. By utilizing vapor open systems for rough opening materials, water that once trapped by impermeable flashing systems can escape via vapor diffusive drying. This presentation will describe failures, correct installation and testing of rough opening flashing and address current research on vapor open rough opening systems and how permeability enhances rough opening assembly performance....
Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. When designing exterior wall assemblies, the type and placement of insulation is critical. To address thermal performance, wall systems almost always feature insulation batts — friction fit between framing members. Depending on climate zone and construction type, though, insulation batts alone may not provide enough thermal resistivity. Continuous insulation is increasingly used in conjunction with insulation batts to optimize thermal performance....
Our beautiful, soft daylighting not only helps to boost sales, but it also creates much more comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that customers, employees and building owners alike can all appreciate. Similarly, in corporate and professional office environments, balanced diffuse daylighting is preferred for its ability to enhance worker satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and boost staff productivity....
In this one hour course, design professionals will take an in-depth look at the sustainable and versatile attributes of composite roofing solutions. The advantages of composite roofing systems will be examined, including long life-cycle, durability, and its ability to be specified in a wide array of applications and environments....
A study of Aluminum cladding material used in architectural applications. The metal’s properties, aesthetics, technical aspects, manufacturing process, and appropriate design applications. An overview of the environmental aspects of aluminum completes the study....
Building science experts have acknowledged the need for both drainage and ventilation in exterior wall systems in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of buildings. This presentation reviews the concepts of rainscreen technology and the solutions for compliance with a focus on engineered rainscreen drainage and ventilation mats used in direct-applied and ventilated wall designs. Prerequisites: No Course Level: Introductory ...
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 building’s energy efficiency....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
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...
View the Panasonic Industrial Devices, Building Materials Group Course Library
Acoustical design requirements are frequently based on laboratory test data. Walls constructed in a lab for testing are built under ideal conditions and with high levels of precision. These walls also do not have any of the attachments or penetrations that are ubiquitous in real-world construction. Selecting a tested wall design that meets an STC requirement is not enough to provide adequate sound isolation in the real-world. To achieve good sound isolation it is imperative that designers understand how to treat the myriad of details that can compromise a wall's performance. These include: electrical boxes, hanging cabinets, window mullions, control joints, intersections, and more. In this presentation we: discuss why a detail is important for noise control, provide the acoustical impact of poor detailing based on test data (when available), and provide acoustical best practices for the details...
