home > Rain Screen Building Method

For Centuries, the Norwegians intuitively used, without any scientific systematic foundation what later has become known as the Rain Screen Principle, in their building construction. They called this the “open-jointed barn technique”.

The MEG Panel, by ABET Laminati, is applied with the Rain Screen Building Principle. The basic configuration of the Rain Screen is an outer open layer with a waterproof inner wall separated by an air chamber.

The advantage of the Rain Screen Principle is that it addresses, minimizes and helps eliminate the five forces that cause water to penetrate the building’s envelope leading to water problems: Air Pressure Differences, Gravity, Kinetic Energy, Capillary Action, and Surface Tension.

Eliminating the need for sealants, the Rain Screen principle (Dry Joint) aids in the longevity of the building and also helps to lower maintenance costs for the building’s owner.

The Dry Joint system of the Rain Screen and the cavity that is created, allow for the movement of air helping to prevent mold growth, which can cause “Sick Building Syndrome” (a result of the presence of mold and mildew).

To learn more about this building principle regularly used in Europe, and to take advantage of the building practice, please schedule a date for a complementary AIA Continuing Education Lunch and Learn program on the Rain Screen Principle by emailing David Klein at dklein@abetlaminati.com.

High Pressure Decorative Laminate

HSW –Yes AIA only

This 1 credit hour, HSW approved AIA/CEU presentation on High Pressure Decorative Laminate examines what HPDL is, the different types of HPDL and how and why it should be used to produce aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe installations.

The learning objectives are: 

• To fully understand what HPDL is and how it was developed (a brief historical overview).
• To learn about the process and the raw materials used to produce HPDL.
• To learn techniques used to produce HPDL including silk-screening and digital print design.
• To learn how and where to fabricate/specify HPDL and how and where not to, therefore allowing a safer and better looking installation.

This is a 50 minute PowerPoint presentation with room for Q&A. To schedule a presentation please contact Tony Damiano at tdamiano@abetlaminati.com or call 800-228-2238 ext. 223. Luncheon presentations are suggested (ABET, Inc. will provide lunch for all participants).

High Pressure Decorative Laminate Flooring (Floating Floor System)

HSW –Yes AIA only

Description:

Every flooring product offers certain benefits to a project and also specific limitations. Each project may have unique requirements. This presentation is to aid the decision making process in determining the proper match of product benefits to project requirements. It will depict what type of project requirements are best fulfilled by a HPDL floating floor system. This AIA/CES presentation is 1 hour, 1 credit and HSW approved.

Learning Objectives 

• The raw material makeup of High Pressure Decorative Laminate Flooring.
• HPDL vs. Low Pressure Laminates & Direct Pressure Laminates.
• Wear, Stain, Fade and Impact Resistance.
• Floating Floor Systems, where they are helpful and where they are not.
• Expansion and Contraction issues and how they are addressed.
• Installation and Maintenance Summary.
• Glue VS. Mechanical Joint assemblies.
• HPDL Flooring Life Cycle Assessment, Off-gassing.
• Benefit and Limitation analysis, fulfilling the project’s flooring requirements.

This is a 50 minute PowerPoint presentation with room for Q&A. To schedule a presentation please contact Anthony Riggi at ariggi@abetlaminati.com or call 800-228-2238. Luncheon presentations are suggested (ABET, Inc. will provide lunch for all participants).

Interior Wall System

HSW –Yes AIA only      SD – YES AIA only

Description:

An examination of what a High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPDL) interior wall system is, and how and why it should be used to produce aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe installations. This AIA/CES presentation is 1 hour, 1 credit and HSW and SD approved.

Learning Objectives:

• • To obtain a basic understanding of high pressure decorative laminate (HPDL).
• • To learn what a HPDL interior wall system is and benefits/reasons to specify it.
• • To illustrate how wall panels are installed.
• • To explain HPDL panels vs. direct pressure panels.
• • To understand the product life cycle assessment and sustainability.
• • To learn about cleaning and maintenance of the interior wall system.

This is a 50 minute PowerPoint presentation with room for Q&A. To schedule a presentation please contact sgregory@abetlaminati.com at or call 800-228-2238. Luncheon presentations are suggested (ABET, Inc. will provide lunch for all participants).