EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

Protected membrane roof (PMR) systems offer many benefits to building owners and provide architects with design options that can maximize the energy efficiency, durability, and performance of a building envelope. This course compares the functional and physical features of PMR systems to conventional low-slope roofing applications and discusses the standard ASCE 7 and its impact on wind uplift design.

Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as inverted or upside-down roofs, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This course explores how PMR assemblies provide several advantages over conventional roof assemblies, offering superior protection against water penetration and enhanced energy efficiency. The course also shows how PMR assemblies allow for the creation of green roofs or blue roof systems. With a proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing options.

Identify key fenestration design criteria that will fortify buildings against ballistic, blast, forced entry, and environmental threats.

Window frames offer many important benefits for buildings, especially when it comes to energy and environmental performance, and frame material selection is a critical aspect of the design process. This course discusses pultruded fiberglass window systems and compares them with traditional wood, aluminum, and PVC window systems across a wide variety of performance attributes.

Selecting a countertop surface today, whether for a break lounge or a reception desk, means weighing the relative sustainability of the choices while considering whether the material meets the design objectives of the space. This course will help you decide whether quartz surfacing does that. We will review its performance characteristics and environmental and human health impacts, compare it to other options, and guide selection and design. 

This course provides a comprehensive overview of quartz surfacing as a sustainable material in contemporary design. It examines the environmental impact, safety standards, and wide-ranging applications of quartz surfacing. The course focuses on manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and the material’s contribution to sustainability, equipping participants with the knowledge to effectively utilize quartz surfacing in residential and commercial projects.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively.

A naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is a silent danger to our health. Colorless and odorless, it enters homes and structures through openings in the foundation and below-grade walls, becoming trapped in basements and other poorly ventilated areas. This course looks at methods of controlling radon, how it is addressed in building codes, the advantages of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) over other insulation materials, and proper installation techniques. 

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.

The construction industry has experienced a significant increase in moisture-related problems in exterior walls. This presentation explains how a rainscreen wall system prevents moisture accumulation within walls by providing a means for drainage and ventilation, thereby prolonging the life of buildings. Discussion topics include air and moisture movement in the building envelope, building code and water-resistive barriers, and stucco and thin veneers in rainscreen systems.

Rainscreens are a multicomponent system offering redundancy in resisting the weather; however, continuity of each component is critical. When an insulated metal panel (IMP) is used within the system, it can function as a number of these components, simplifying installation and improving performance. This course looks at IMPs acting as barrier walls behind various rainscreen systems, with a discussion on the performance characteristics for air, water, vapor, and thermal management. 

Fixed access ladders are a part of almost all commercial buildings, and yet their design and installation is often ignored or forgotten until the last stage of building inspection. An improperly designed and installed ladder can lead to safety concerns for the building’s occupants. This course reviews different types of fixed access ladders and the corresponding safety codes and standards that ensure users’ welfare. Ladder design features and materials required for safe fabrication and installation are discussed and various case studies are examined.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Bollards are a cost-effective means of protecting people and infrastructure from damage and injury. This course examines rebounding bollards and includes discussions on the various types of bollards, the benefits of using rebounding bollards in various applications, the components of bollards, and design considerations.

Identifying, salvaging, and reusing stone and brick is a multifaceted strategy that benefits the environment, economy, and society. It represents a practical and visionary approach to building and design that respects the past, enhances the present, and prepares for a more sustainable future. This course reviews the impact of stone and brick reclamation by examining case studies focusing on modern American architecture and interior and exterior design. The course discusses how material repurposing benefits a society increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability.

ONGOING - FREE

Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines.