Today we are going to look at three contemporary high-end materials: aluminum, glass and high gloss acrylic. First, we will review the inherent qualities of each, then we will look at how each might be incorporated into your designs. We will review the design options of each application and how to specify these materials...

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Element Designs
FREE |
Elite Crete Systems
This program will give the participant an understanding of the many options available with high performance resinous floor coatings. By knowing these flooring systems, you will then be able to choose the correct flooring systems to meet your clients’ needs and expectations for both durability and aesthetics. We will also...
FREE |
Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association
In this one-hour course, design professionals will learn about expanded metal, focusing on its manufacture, installation, and application. It will give in-depth knowledge of existing standards and manufacture tolerances as suggested by the Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association. By the end of this course, design profes...
FREE |
HB&G Building Products
In this one-hour course, we will review the history of columns to see how they have evolved from a means of solely providing physical support for buildings to adding light to a room or providing a timeless, contemporary piece of architecture with varied purposes. After investigating the different materials that columns a...
FREE |
Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association
Develop a basic understanding of fire test requirements and processes for obtaining ratings on fire rated doors and frames. Become familiar with the hardware requirements, as well as the various fire rated door and frame applications including requirements for glazing, transoms and other components.
FREE |
In this one-hour course, design professionals will learn important techniques to properly install and operate hollow metal doors and frames. It will discuss how to properly receive and store hollow metal doors and frames prior to installation, safely install hollow metal doors and frames in a variety of existing and new...
FREE |
Icynene-Lapolla
The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1 now require insulation that is continuous in wall assemblies, (i.e. not interrupted by studs, framing, etc.) in all eight climate zones within the United States. This push for continuous insulation in exterior wall assemblies is also reflected in green build...
FREE |
James Hardie
This course will better inform the designer on moisture management in the building envelope and related considerations. The designer will evaluate rainscreen and wall assembly options to gain a better understanding of how to incorporate rainscreens into their building envelope system. The designer will also gain an under...
FREE |
This course introduces new climate zoned cladding and illustrates panel cladding. Learn how this is helping designers meet emerging demands for contemporary commercial design aesthetics through a description on the benefits of fiber cement and the common selection criteria for siding options.
FREE |
NanaWall
This one-hour course provides an overview of how high performance opening glass walls offer design freedom, maximize daylighting, and are able to reconfigured as needed for various purposes. The designer will gain a further understanding of the many options and configurations on the market as well as understand how speci...
FREE |
National Gypsum
Analyze the different types of gypsum technologies in terms of composition, characteristics, and testing. Discover the benefits of impact resistant gypsum in terms of performance, application, and cost.
FREE |
In this course, we explore sound transmission and acoustical requirements in buildings. Codes, standards, and design considerations are thoroughly reviewed. Acoustically enhanced gypsum board assemblies are evaluated as a solution for improving acoustics in multiple indoor environments.
FREE |
This course will provide a brief overview of Low-Slope Roof Systems to provide the necessary background to discuss cover boards & thermal barriers. The various cover board types and reasons for their use will be described. Each board type will be discussed along with their primary features, benefits & challenge...
FREE |
Learn about the different levels of gypsum board finishes as well as when to specify each according to the needs of the project. Gain insight into the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in regard to sustainability, how to improve IAQ, and how gypsum board finishes impact IAQ.
FREE |
This course will focus on gypsum products manufactured with fiberglass facing, replacing the paper facing typically used on gypsum board. We will review the high performance characteristics and applications for the fiberglass faced gypsum panels to improve the health, safety and welfare of any project and associated occu...
FREE |
NCFI Polyurethanes
Define the basic properties of SPF and be able to list the general benefits of using ccSPF systems for masonry wall insulation, air barrier, and water sealing. Learn about the installation methods of ccSPF systems and be able to visualize the applications and projects of closed cell spray polyurethane foams.
FREE |
Trace back the history of SPF development, and be able identify the physical properties of SPF insulation. Learn about the advantages of SPF insulation and see examples of typical applications of both open-cell and closed-cell SPF.
FREE |
National One Coat Stucco Association
In this one-hour course, we will trace the evolution of stucco to more fully understand how the product has influenced both the exterior and interior construction of walls in today’s modern structures. We will also compare and contrast one coat stucco to three coat stucco to see the value that the one coat stucco system...
FREE |
Nystrom
This course will explain the functions and benefits of a well-designed entrance system and will provide application dependent guidelines that will aide in proper system design. Value and Benefit of an Entrance Flooring system. Industry standards, including ADA requirements and United States Green Council (USGBC) LEED cre...
FREE |
This one-hour course examines the need for photoluminescent lighting systems in stairways of buildings across the country to provide a safe pathway of exit during emergencies. The idea of finding a way to illuminate a safe path for building occupants has been tossed around for decades, but the main obstacle encountered i...
FREE |