1 LU AIAIdentify where air leaks occur in a home and describe the difference between infiltration and exfiltration. Describe how a blower door test can identify leaks in a home, how the test works, how and where to set it up to get consistent results. This program details how to properly use a digital gauge during the blower door test to view results. This program is registered with AIA for 1 CEH. Take the course.
- Posted:
- November 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Energy Efficiency, Building Science
- Sponsor:
- The Energy Conservatory

PVC 101: The Benefits and Uses of Cellular PVC Trim
This course is registered for 1 HSW hour with AIA and will look at the different types of PVC and their use and properties within the building industry. It will also look at the best design practices for the following materials: beaded ceiling, pre-fabricated corners, fabricated column wraps, window surrounds, skirting for homes, pergolas, soffit system, railing applications, fastening methods, painting PVC trim products and thermal expansion joint design. It will look at each of the markets where PVC can be used, ranging from residential jobs to historic preservation. Finally, the course will look at the different green properties of PVC.
- Posted:
- April 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding
- Sponsor:
- Versatex
1 LU AIAThis course is registered with AIA for 1 CEH. Vinyl siding products are the preferred exterior cladding material, in both new construction and remodeling projects because they have numerous advantages over other siding materials. Design preferences have increased the number of profiles and color choices. The sustainability of vinyl has proven significant, with products that include recycled content and environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures. Combine that with remarkable technical advances, and you have a product that looks great, is low-maintenance, and holds up to the elements. The extensive range of products, from wider profiles to vinyl siding with insulation to polypropylene-based injected molded shingles, has taken vinyl from a product associated with starter homes to the luxury home market. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding, Exteriors
- Sponsor:
- Mastic
- Certification(s):
- AIA
Building tastes reflect our times. When developers and designers plan to recreate the look of an historic home or neighborhood, or design distinctive homes in a contemporary, new way, traditionally-styled siding, trim, shutters and roofing styles can help bring the vision to life and preserve local character. You want the products you specify and/or install to be more sustainable than other products you might choose. Your challenge — and the focus of this educational unit — is to find materials that satisfy these three criteria — charming, durable and green — and specify those into projects from the ground up, including siding, shutters and roofing. This program is registered with AIA for 1 HSW/SD hour; with NAHB for 1 hour and with NARI for .1 CEU. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Sustainability, Building Envelope
- Sponsor:
- The Tapco Group
1 LU AIAThis learning unit is registered for one hour with AIA and NAHB and will address the benefits home builders and architects attain when choosing brick cladding as the primary exterior siding on homes. Brick, when compared to other exterior cladding options such as vinyl siding, fiber cement, stucco, and manufactured stone, is proven to be a superior choice for minimizing the potential for water intrusion and moisture issues. Also, brick has a long history of not only increasing curb appeal with aesthetic appeal, but also providing superior impact resistance and fire protection that are unmatched by other materials. 1 HSW hour, AIA; 1 NAHB hour. Take the course.
- Posted:
- February 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Masonry Construction
- Sponsor:
- Brick Industry Association
This course takes an in-depth look at the “house as a system” approach and will focus on how that construction approach can make a more comfortable and healthy environment for the occupants. This course will look to define the components that make up a door frame assembly, and then continue to discuss potential weaknesses that they all have. The course then looks at examples of door frame failure and shows some problems that can follow. This program is intended for builders and is not registered for continuing education credit. Take the course.
- Posted:
- January 2012
- Subject(s):
- Doors, Building Envelope
- Sponsor:
- Endura
This learning unit was developed for architects and will describe how a complete and well-sealed building envelope helps make the home more durable, sustainable, and healthy for the occupants. We will also continue to discuss how moisture enters the home and the significant issues this moisture can cause, such as poor indoor air quality, pests, and potential rot. This course will look specifically at how a traditional wood door frame system can be vulnerable to moisture issues and are not as successful as newer door frame types. It will wrap up by looking at composite materials used in door frame construction and their benefits. Take the course.
- Posted:
- January 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Doors
- Sponsor:
- Endura
This program is intended for builders and remodelers; it is not registered for AIA credit. You will be able to describe how a complete and well-sealed building envelope helps make the home more durable, sustainable, and healthy for the occupants. We will also continue to discuss how moisture enters the home and the significant issues this moisture can cause, such as poor indoor air quality, pests, and potential rot. This course will look specifically at how a traditional wood door frame system can be vulnerable to moisture issues and are not as successful as newer door frame types. It will wrap up by looking at composite materials used in door frame construction and their benefits. Take the course.
- Posted:
- December 2011
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Doors
- Sponsor:
- Endura
This program is registered with the AIA for 1 CEH. No matter what exterior cladding is selected, architects, designers and other building product specifiers want assurance that the homes they’re designing will look beautiful and are durable with the passage of time. Vinyl siding is the most popular exterior cladding in the United States and Canada for new construction and remodeling, as it is engineered for sustainability to meet today’s environmental challenges and new technologies allow vinyl and other polymeric siding to beautifully replicate woods, without wood’s maintenance issues or high cost. Options for profile design, colors, and architectural trim and accessories continue to grow so that vinyl and other polymeric siding can be used to achieve virtually any architectural style. Vinyl siding is the only exterior cladding with both third-party product certification and certified installer programs, both of which will be reviewed in this course. Take the course.
- Posted:
- December 2011
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding, Design
- Sponsor:
- Vinyl Siding Institute
By the end of this learning unit, you will be able to define sustainability and green building, and list ways vinyl siding can contribute to points in leading green building certification programs. You will also be able to identify the properties that make vinyl siding sustainable. Finally, you will be able to analyze the life cycle assessment of vinyl siding. Take the course.
- Posted:
- August 2011
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding, Green Materials, Exteriors
- Sponsor:
- Vinyl Siding Institute