Live Courses
General 18 courses
NFPA 285: What We've Learned, What's Changed, and What We Thought We Knew
This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required, and design considerations necessary for compliance. Criteria in ASHRAE 90.1 for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers are reviewed and identified as contributors to…
Advanced Testing and Analysis Demonstrates the Design Flexibility of Mineral Wool Continuous Insulation
As energy codes continue to push building envelopes to higher R-value performance, architects and designers are challenged with also managing the moisture flow within the envelope to minimize the risk of condensation and the potential for mold and corrosion. Advanced…
Air Barriers: Science, Products & Systems
This course provides a general overview of air barriers- their role in building performance, the material options, and design considerations. Building code requirements and verification testing will be reviewed for an understanding of how to meet or exceed today’s performance…
Building Acoustics: Making Architects Visions a Reality
This course is designed to provide an introduction to acoustics and will highlight the link between acoustics and the architects vision for a space at the design phase. Understanding how sound travels in buildings is crucial to creating a smart…
Cellular Glass in High Performance Roofs: Reducing Risk By Design
High-performing commercial roofs must be resilient and designed to perform over the long run, without compromising on the client's commitment to sustainability. Cellular glass insulation delivers a portfolio of performance attributes including impermeability, non-combustibility, long-term thermal performance, compressive strength, and…
Complete Masonry Veneer Wall Systems
In today’s high performance building market, specifying materials that work together as a complete wall system is more critical than ever. Systems can help designers meet new energy codes, reduce costs and improve building function and sustainability while making the…
Complete Wall Systems, Maintaining Continuous Insulation and WRB's at Transitions
This course provides an overview of wall layers; air control, moisture control, water drainage, and thermal performance. It discusses options for maintaining continuity at penetrations, transitions and terminations, considering sequencing, job site conditions, and installation methods. It reviews case studies…
Continuous Insulation: The Basics and Beyond
This course is aimed to define what exactly continuous insulation is, and the key benefits of using it. The course will also show participants how continuous insulation complies with building and energy code requirements within that field. Learning Objectives: 1.…
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation in High Performance Commercial 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…
Fire Safety in High Rise Structures
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…
High Performance Insulation in Commercial Roof Assemblies
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…
Keeping the Lid On: Wind Resistance Design for PRMA Roofing Systems
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…
Perimeter Insulation: When Structure Conflicts with Thermal Performance
When structural stability and thermal continuity collide, structure has historically taken precedence necessitating tradeoffs such as increased insulation in other areas or acceptance of energy loss and potential moisture damage. The foundation transition from below grade to masonry ledge to…
Pre-Cast Concrete: Energy Efficiency and Quality Without Compromising Creativity
Pre-Cast Concrete assemblies are often the design solution to tight timelines and practical installation. With the addition of insulation and a toolkit of accessories, designers can improve efficiency, quality, and aesthetic often beyond stick-built options. How do you integrate continuous…
Surviving & Thriving: What is Resiliency and How Do We Design for It?
Key findings from a recent study conducted by AIA with support from Owens Corning demonstrate that resiliency is a value shared across the design team. However, the interpretation of what resiliency actually means varies greatly based on factors such as…
The Benefits of Mineral Wool as a Continuous Insulation Solution
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,…
Vegetative and Protective Membrane Roof Assemblies: What Lies Beneath
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies and particularly Vegetative Roof Assemblies place extreme requirements on the components below the surface from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each component must meet specific standards to achieve energy efficiency and durability. This course…
The State of Climate Action in The Building Sector: How Architects Can Make a Difference
As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector has an immense opportunity to play a role in the efforts to mitigate climate change. This course will give an overview of the global move toward a more…
