Steel transfers heat amazingly fast – up to 300 times faster than wood studs and reduces the effective R-value of metal stud wall designs by 40–60%. The ASHRAE prescriptive continuous insulation requirements for steel-framed, above-grade walls recognize this phenomenon, and in most climate zones, call for a layer of continuous insulation (ci) t...
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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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As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options;...
Window opening air and water leakage has been a difficult problem for the construction industry. This course evaluates building failures, conventional construction approaches, and new developments in waterproofing techniques to show a path forward for designers seeking higher-performing wall assemblies....
The presentation reviews a brief history of architectural IMP’s, current trends with comparisons to other materials and explores developments which will lead to future aesthetic possibilities and performance enhancements....
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 speci...
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...
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Do fasteners matter? Accepted practices for thermal performance evaluations negate fasteners. But with the advent of exterior insulation, fasteners and cladding attachment systems now serve as the primary bridging elements within typical clear fields. These components inherently disrupt the insulation layer, providing intermittent continuity with s...
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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 severa...
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 ov...
An overview of existing masonry and stone façade instability issues, the cause and recognition of these problems, and the cost-effective re-anchoring solutions for repair involving various masonry wall construction techniques. A detailed look into the different types of retrofit anchoring systems available to stabilize existing masonry and stone f...
An overview of the effects of water on masonry architecture. Types of masonry water repellents are compared and contrasted. Application methods are discussed. The program ends with a look at treatments for protecting masonry against non-water threats such as oil and graffiti....
This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, water retention, and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s green roof applications. Along with an overview of soil options and vegetation that it can support....
This course focused on the design considerations of Data Centers and incorporation of insulated metal panels to achieve superior building performance. Topics include supporting structure design including allowable spans, environmental control layers (air, water vapor, and thermal) code requirements, and fire safety building regulations. How insulat...
Underslab moisture is something that designers need to take into consideration in both the design and construction phases of a building project. It can cause many problems for the building and the health of its occupants over the course of its life span; however, if properly addressed during design and construction, many of these issues can be miti...
Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course loo...
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 fundame...
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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 chan...
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The purpose of this session will focus on what an engineered façade system should provide. Project teams are seeking a complete single-source system from the studs to exterior finish. We will discuss types of testing and approvals Façade systems offer to meet national and international building codes such as FM, NFPA, and others. Further discussi...
A comprehensive look at the tools and techniques of cleaning historic architecture. "Restoration Cleaning" categorizes types of contaminants. It compares and contrasts abrasive, water and chemical cleaning. The program concludes with 10 "must know" tips for successful restoration cleaning....
Mitigating thermal bridges in building envelopes is a major new thrust for improving the thermal performance of buildings. This presentation explains the types of thermal bridges, their impacts, how to account for them, and practical ways to address them with efficient detailing and insulation strategies, including continuous insulation. ...
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This presentation will review the basics of spray polyurethane foam chemistry, application, safety, code compliance, and building performance. It discusses safety requirements during the foam application, how spray foam can contribute to improved indoor air quality by reducing air leakage, how spray foam creates a more comfortable environment, a...
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 mana...
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 ...
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
Exploring the utilization of translucent/diffused daylighting in order to earn LEED credits and aid in the implementation of Sustainable Design. Topics discussed include translucent daylighting techniques, energy conservation and the aesthetics aspects of building envelope design. Also discussed will be computerized Daylighting modeling EPD heat ...