EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

This seven-hour series presents Designing Walls for Control, Overburdened and Underutilized, The Basics of SBS-Modified Bitumen, PVC Membranes and System Design, PMMA Technology, PMMA Used for Waterproofing, and Reusable Insulation Systems for Roofing and Waterproofing Applications, exploring the materials, system design, and specification strategies behind high-performance roofing, waterproofing, and wall enclosure systems. Through technical instruction and case-based examples, participants gain a deeper understanding of how proper material selection, substrate preparation, and integrated system design support long-term performance and occupant safety.

This presentation will provide basic information for two types of insulation–polyisocyanurate and lightweight insulated concrete (LWIC)–and single-ply membranes used for roofing systems. The benefits and limitations of polyiso, LWIC, and single-ply will be explored, as well as discussing the different types of LWIC and polyiso. The presentation will explain insulation system designs that optimize thermal performance and longevity of the roof assembly. LWIC application will be demonstrated, and single-ply system mockups will be provided. 

This presentation will explain performance intent of roof assembly design and specifications broken down into the roof component basics. New and Experienced designers need updated and refreshed information about performance and code changes in basic roofing design.     

This presentation provides insights into the basic chemistry of SBS-modified bitumen roofing membranes, the importance of raw material selection, the tests used to determine the quality of raw materials and membranes, and the impact of proper formulation and engineering that lead to long-term performance of SBS membranes.

This course will introduce you to another option available for high-traffic commercial environments, scuff-resistant paint. We will explain how it works, how it differs from other coatings developed for high-traffic commercial environments, and how it helps improve all-around performance.

Seismic design relies on building project requirements that provide life safety to occupants and maintain building function during and after an earthquake. Failure of these components in an earthquake has the potential to cause harm, block egress and impede rescue efforts and can disrupt the building’s function. The basic objectives of seismic design for nonstructural components are to provide life safety, minimize property loss and prevent functional loss. This course examines the history of seismic design, seismic design categories A-F, designing suspended ceiling systems, local/international building code requirements, and more.

This presentation will explain performance intent of LWIC and the effects it has on Acoustic performance in a roof assembly. The specifications are broken down into the roof component and studies on the performance will be presented. New and Experienced designers need updated and refreshed information about performance and code changes in basic roofing design as it pertains to acoustics. 

Interior designers are often left out of discussions around supply chain decarbonization and material circularity because so much focus is placed on the impact of structural and mass materials. The truth is that interior design has an enormous effect on climate when we consider the aggregate impact of the renovation cycle. For the interior practitioner, the primary way to mitigate that climate impact is through enhancing and deepening our perspective on circular design. This course will explore the opportunity interior designers have to create positive spaces for their clients by relying on circular economy principles for material selection, vendor partnership, and even integrated design collaboration. The course demonstrates how multiple approaches to extending the life of our products and the materials that make them can have a positive impact on both the interior and natural environments.

Materials used on exterior and interior surfaces need to withstand many elements, including water, scratched, high temperatures, UV, wind, etc. Choosing a material is certainly influenced by the ability to hold up over time but also by the available size and weight, maintenance, hygiene, bending properties, recyclability, VOC, not to mention the appearance and efficient and cost-effective installation. There is one new product category that will be the focus of this course, namely Sintered Compact Surfaces that can be used for a wide variety of application interior and exterior from countertops to curtain walls applications in both residential and commercial buildings.

The purpose of this course is to dive deeper into the here-to-stay multi-generational household and what it means to building, remodeling and other trade professionals.

This course introduces the fundamentals of sound transmission in buildings, exploring how walls and floor-ceiling assemblies are laboratory tested for airborne and impact sound performance, and how the resulting ratings are referenced in the IBC, LEED v4, and FGI healthcare guidelines to help protect building occupants from unwanted noise transfer. Participants will examine the assembly details that most influence acoustic performance, including framing type, insulation, and resilient channel selection, along with the differences between high performing and lower performing products on the market, and will close with field practices, such as proper sealing, fixture placement, and installation techniques, that help ensure project goals are achieved.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an extremely versatile resilient flooring product that is commonly used both residentially and commercially, specifically in educational, healthcare, and corporate settings where long lasting performance is key. This course will explore the performance benefits, design features, and applications for luxury vinyl tile where durability, low maintenance, versatility, sustainability, and affordability are desired or required.

The course provides a detailed exploration of the benefits and practical applications of metal in both interior and exterior commercial projects. Participants learn about the latest trends in metal ceiling and wall designs, including the diverse range of styles, shapes, and patterns available. The course covers critical aspects of the manufacturing process and offers insights into choosing metal elements that ensure durability and optimal building performance. Additionally, the course highlights how metal installations can enhance user comfort and align with environmental sustainability goals, promoting efficient energy use and responsible material sourcing.

This course explores the history and evolution of plumbing fixtures, focusing on key advancements that have shaped modern systems and their role in safeguarding public well-being. Participants will examine the significance of water codes and regulations in protecting the environment and public health. The course also highlights plumbing fixture innovations that enhance user experience, safety, accessibility, and promote water conservation.

Designing a high-performance building enclosure requires more than just surface-level protection; it demands a rigorous, performance-based mastery of below-grade water and gas mitigation. This discussion will provide an expert-level analysis of below-grade waterproofing within the comprehensive framework of the high-performance building enclosure. Participants will examine the fundamental physical forces — hydrostatic pressure, capillary action, and water table dynamics — that jeopardize structural longevity. Participants will evaluate the two most common below-grade application methods: positive-side and blindside (pre-applied) systems, with a focus on selecting successful product and system solutions for complex urban project conditions. We will also explore the key technical performance attributes of different product technologies and types of waterproofing membranes, as well as address passive and active gas-resistant membrane systems for contaminated sites. We will cover how to eliminate scope gaps and foster essential coordination between designers, manufacturers, and contractors to ensure a seamless, high-performance building enclosure. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped to mitigate the risk of common enclosure failures through evidence-based design and coordinated technical documentation.