Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance....
The performance and durability of a roof are critical to the health, welfare, and safety of both building occupants and the building itself. This course examines the construction, materials, and best detailing practices that ensure the proper long-term performance of steep-pitch roofs. It describes and details layout options for assemblies of steep-pitch roofs and the key characteristics of roofing systems that help to prevent roof deterioration and damage. It then highlights best practices in detailing and constructing steep-pitch roof systems that mitigate water, ice, snow, fire, or wind damage to the roof....
This course outlines the dangers posed by Mother Nature and the science, codes, testing, and methods in which to build and combat these forces. In addition, this course addresses the value of continuous insulation to improve the conservation of energy in the building. We will also address how proper incorporation of materials, including continuous insulation and air and weather-barrier systems, will improve indoor air quality and contribute to environmental sustainability....
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Wall system applications are becoming more and more common in the building envelope industry today. Explore the science behind wall systems and the tangible benefits of incorporating this technology into building structures. There is an emphasis on the differences between air barriers that are impermeable to vapor drive and air barriers that are vapor permeable and which is the best in each climate and wall assembly....
To review the basics of sound, sound movement, and sound measurement to detail the comprehensive range of applications available to the designer to block unwanted noises, control the acoustics in large venues, and provide complete privacy where it is needed, and to discover how to improve the aesthetic appeal of each space as a result....
The impacts of noise on occupancy health and wellness must be taken seriously. By understanding the importance of good noise control, learners will be able to understand the link between acoustic control and health, well-being, learning and productivity. This course will describe different scenarios like healthcare facilities, schools and offices. The course will give you an insight into the different sound absorbing materials that can be used to improve room acoustics. In addition, we will discuss best practices using different solutions such as incorporating Melamine Foam as a sound absorbing material in different scenarios...
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....
This presentation discusses the overall importance for below grade waterproofing systems as well as the other various types of systems. The Presentation also explores modes of failure and the negative impact of moisture infiltration into a structure....
In designing successful interior building spaces that positively impact their occupants, it is critical to have knowledge of the principles of acoustics and noise control and link them to design methodology. This course explores these principles, with a special emphasis on common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required and noise can have detrimental effects on users, such as athletic facilities and performance spaces....
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When the asphalt fumes, open flame, and kettles that accompany hot-applied roofing are not permissible, cold-applied roofing is an option. There are a variety of types of cold-applied roofing that offer easy portability of materials to the roof, smaller roofing crews, ease of application, and a low-VOC option. In this course, we focus on the adhesive application of modified bitumen membranes using bituminous cold-process adhesives, the adhesive types, their components and characteristics, application methods, and design and use considerations....
Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Sports + Recreation projects. There are many reasons that Kalwall is such a natural fit for coaches, athletes, trainers and fans alike. Providing glare-free, full-spectrum light is ideal for videography, mental focus and visual acuity. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build a facility fit for champions....
Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. Choosing the right insulation and putting it in the right location is becoming one of the most important decisions in design, construction, and retrofit. Reviewed in this course are the features, benefits, and design and installation considerations related to mineral wool continuous insulation....
Waterproofing goes beyond merely keeping a building dry; it's an essential strategy to safeguard the building's overall well-being, guarantee the comfort and safety of its inhabitants, and uphold the property's value over time. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the newest waterproofing technologies, their intricate interconnections, and critical considerations for devising superior waterproofing specifications....
Standing seam metal roofing has been used successfully in the United States for centuries, and proper specification is key to realizing its intended performance. Examined here are: the factors driving the demand for standing seam metal roof and wall systems; standing seam panel basics; gauge and grade; oil canning; specification considerations; testing standards; and forming, delivery, storage, handling and warranty....
Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds....
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the importance of a properly designed Air and Water Resistive Barrier System. You will learn the importance of an air barrier system and how a properly designed system can contribute to the environment and improve indoor air quality. You will learn to identify the different types of air barrier systems and where each may be more appropriate. You will learn to design a system to properly control air and water vapor, and how this may differ from one area of the country to another. You will learn how to specify an air barrier system, including the performance criteria for and system, and the code requirements, testing criteria other governing factors....
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Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers....
Guided tour of a roofing system fabricating facility. Includes a summary of the manufacturing processes, quality checks, inspection procedures, and testing performed within the facility to conform to UL, FM, and regulatory codes....
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....
The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) fundamentally shifts how the thermal performance of building enclosures is designed and evaluated. In the 2024 IECC Chapter 4 Commercial Energy Efficiency, compliance now requires design teams to account for linear and point thermal bridging, as does ASHRAE 90.1-2022, which is incorporated by reference. This impact will notably change how design professionals consider typical building details like parapets, cladding attachments through continuous insulation, window perimeters, and more. Through a side-by-side review of previous and current requirements, this course will bolster design professionals’ understanding of the steps needed to address thermal bridges and how to incorporate these results in prescriptive path, performance path, and COMcheck compliance calculations. By examining the updated air leakage testing requirements codified in the 2024 IECC, professionals will learn to decipher whether whole-building air leakage is mandatory or if the air barrier design and verification approach will apply to their project. This course will explore the practical impacts of the new energy code requirements, reveal strategies for meeting compliance, and share tools that can help design professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing energy code landscape. This course welcomes both new and experienced design professionals alike. Those with a basic understanding of building enclosure-related heat transfer and fundamental calculation methods will benefit most from this course....
There are many kinds of resin-based coatings for metal. The type of resin used plays an important role in determining a coating's durability and physical properties. This course discusses these coatings and their application techniques. It also discusses why the coatings may deteriorate and how to measure the performance of the coatings. The role that resin-based coatings perform in cool roofs is explored along with the standards that measure the sustainability of cool roofs. This course provides the information one needs to ensure that the coated product will perform as expected and provide a durable, long-lasting finish....
For over 50 years, insulated metal panels (IMPs) have supported high-performance building enclosures by integrating thermal, air, vapor, and water control within a single system. This course reviews the building science and fire-safety principles that guide proper IMP use in the building envelope, ensuring occupant comfort and safety. Also examined are standardized test methods for evaluating enclosure performance and comparisons of IMPs with alternative wall and roof assemblies....
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 examines the material composition, reinforcement types, and testing standards associated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen membranes. It explains how fiberglass, polyester, and combination reinforcements affect membrane strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. The standards that establish testing methods for tensile strength, elongation, and long-term performance are covered in detail. The course also outlines how material selection and installation practices influence roof durability, moisture resistance, and occupant safety....
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...
