Concrete products such as precast pieces, pavers, and terrazzo have long provided builders with a flexible range of options for their projects. Beyond their versatility, these concrete products are highly sustainable, thanks to their ability to be recycled, low carbon footprint, and long life span....
Green facades can contribute to building energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic value, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in the performance of ecological system services. This course examines the considerations required for successful green facade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education....
Selecting energy-efficient fenestration products that promote comfort, daylighting and views, and natural ventilation while supporting environmental impact concerns can further discussions regarding resource efficiency, material manufacturing, waste reduction, and life-cycle impact. This course examines the attributes of thermally broken aluminum windows and doors and explains why they are energy-efficient, sustainable, fenestration products....
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 presentation will guide architects through the process of specifying and renewing worn resilient floors with an emphasis on creating monolithic hygienic surfaces, maintaining safe indoor air quality while avoiding the replacement of resilient floors....
Adding wood, stone, or masonry accents can dramatically change the look of a space, but time, cost, or even structural requirements can interfere. This course reviews the use of realistic, lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-install options for decorative faux elements. The performance, design options, and installation of high-density polyurethane panels, beams, truss systems, mantels, and column covers are examined....
View the Barron Designs Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Deck railing systems provide the finishing touch to an outdoor area, as well as safety and improved accessibility. Choosing a system that suits a deck project’s needs depends on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, style, customization, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. This course explores the many railing materials that are available, with a focus on aluminum, composite, and aluminum and composite railing systems, whose characteristics are ideal for most projects. ...
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Concrete products such as precast pieces, pavers, and terrazzo have long provided builders with a flexible range of options for their projects. Beyond their versatility, these concrete products are highly sustainable, thanks to their ability to be recycled, low carbon footprint, and long life span....
Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology....
View the FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation Course Library
FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
The ultimate replacement for natural cedar and the perfect accent for engineered wood and fiber cement....
Resin-mineral composite is an exceptional building material for exterior applications and embodies the enduring appeal of wood without its challenges. The composition, design options, and performance attributes of resin-mineral composite (RMC) decking and siding are explored. Also discussed are product and manufacturer sustainability, product evaluations, and the range of applications suitable for resin-mineral composite....
Redwood lumber and timbers from sustainably managed and harvested forests offer warmth, durability, and strength in indoor and outdoor projects. This course covers the performance characteristics, environmental benefits, and applications of Redwood, including several case studies that highlight the beauty and versatility of Redwood products. Details are presented on differentiating the grades of Redwood, specifying the right grade for the project type, and the specification resources that are available....
View the Humboldt Sawmill Company Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create adaptable, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide myriad environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. This course presents the three pillars of sustainability and how building products, materials, and systems can contribute to sustainable design. It outlines forest management objectives and practices and the responsible sourcing of wood for rooftop deck tiles. Case studies exemplify how rooftop deck systems can contribute to sustainable design objectives....
DuPont™ ArmorWall Plus Fire-Rated (FR) Structural Insulated Sheathing™ (SIS) is an ICC listed, high strength, fire-resistant exterior insulated wall sheathing product, commonly referred to as a Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS) panel. ArmorWall Plus FR SIS™ offers a factory applied, proprietary air and water-resistive barrier, the first coating specifically designed to be applied to Magnesium Oxide (MgO) board. ArmorWall Plus FR SIS™ incorporates no less than four traditional building enclosure systems into a single Cuts Like Wood. Burns Like Concrete....
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
Firestopping is more than installing sealant in an opening. It is a critical component of a building’s overall life-safety system. This course discusses how a properly installed firestop system not only protects property but, more importantly, also saves lives by inhibiting the spread of fire from compartment to compartment and buying valuable time for occupants to exit the structure in the event of a catastrophic fire....
Exterior trim plays a crucial role in both the function and appearance of a building, which in turn impacts occupant safety and well-being. This course provides an overview of exterior trim functions and common material options available today. Also discussed are product evaluation reports and their role in code compliance; sustainability considerations and embodied carbon; and key considerations for choosing the right trim. Finally, the course applies these concepts to several design scenarios and identifies the appropriate trim option for each....
Resin-mineral composite is an exceptional building material for exterior applications and embodies the enduring appeal of wood without its challenges. The composition, design options, and performance attributes of resin-mineral composite (RMC) decking and siding are explored. Also discussed are product and manufacturer sustainability, product evaluations, and the range of applications suitable for resin-mineral composite....
The thermal and dual modification of wood are processes used to improve wood’s profile in terms of durability, dimensional stability, overall performance, and inherent resilience and sustainability. The resulting products can be utilized in many building applications, from decking and siding to pergolas and nonstructural beams, as well as paneling, soffits, and interior trim applications. This course explores the science behind the thermal and dual modification of wood. Examples of modified wood and case studies are also reviewed. ...
This presentation provides an overview of sustainable materials for the bath, including production, performance, maintenance, and frameworks for assessment, and focuses on recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood....
View the Native Trails Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
The fireplace has always been a focal point in any home, providing warmth and a place for friends and family to gather. Today’s wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, and stoves have become increasingly efficient and clean burning. This course examines using wood as a fuel source and discusses the many characteristics that can affect heat production, efficiency, and burn time. New burning technologies that meet EPA certification requirements for released particulate matter are summarized, as are design and installation specifications....
View the Regency Fireplace Products Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
The popularity of thin gauged porcelain tile has soared because of its large slab size, beauty, durability, sustainability, and versatility. These tiles are suitable for many environments, especially hospitality, institutional, and office applications. This course explores their many uses, their economic and environmental benefits, and proper installation techniques....
This course examines key selection criteria for stage flooring, including fixed, sprung, and dynamic systems. It covers permanent and portable solutions, surface materials, and sustainability in material choice and life-cycle management. Case studies highlight the impact of flooring on performance quality, safety, and environmental factors. The course also addresses accessibility, installation, refurbishment, and related manufacturer services....
View the American Harlequin Corporation - Harlequin Floors Course Library
American Harlequin Corporation - Harlequin Floors
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
We all love wood. It gives any design a luxurious feel and the benefits of biophilic design can’t be denied. You can paint wood but then it is no different than plastic or stone. To truly embrace the beauty of wood grain you want a lower opacity coating or stain. Transparency makes everything more complicated and applying finish to a wood can make or break your design. This course explores the 5 key elements that will dictate your finished wood look and how to specify them to achieve your vision....
The versatility of polyurethane products is becoming more evident in more trim elements that were traditionally made of wood or stone. This transition of the millwork products, both interior and exterior to urethane-based products is evident in both residential and commercial structures. Known for its consistent detail quality as well as its ease of installation, polyurethane has become a dependable and aesthetic trim material. This course will review the history of polyurethane products, discuss performance properties, examine product types, and explore project solutions and examine its use within the building construction industry....
View the Manifest Collective by Fortune Brands Course Library
This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces....
