The Awesome Wall: A Better Way to Build

Wall assembly details like corners, deck connections, fastening schedules, tapes, window bucks, furring strips and cladding attachment present challenges. Michael Anschel is a nationally recognized green design and building expert who set out to determine if there was a simple high-performance wall system to resolve these challenges in new construction, remodeling and retrofit situations. Learn the results of his extensive pursuit. Michael will walk through each layer of wall assembly and share lessons learned, as well as the strategies and materials behind this new approach he’s dubbed the “awesome wall.”

Course Outline

• Overview of traditional wall, control layers, and a few examples of other wall types
• Step by step walk through of the Awesome Wall, control layers identification, explanation of how each layer works in concert
• Methods of attachment for each layer, and important do’s and don’ts. Details on flashing components. Details on foundation to above grade wall. Details on deck attachment
• Performance data modeling, testing, user experience, observations, and final thoughts

Learner Objectives

As a result of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the role and placement of each control layer in the assembly (vapor, air, thermal, water)
• Recognize the method of assembly and attachment to the home and of individual parts
• Identify ventilation and flashing strategy.
• Effectively understand the challenges and risks involved and how to minimize them
• Learn the value of redundancies

Testimonial

"Michael is knowledgeable, down to earth and very much a straight shooter. Excellent delivery, it's obvious that Michael cares about what he is teaching." John Parranto, Delta Roofing

"Nice to learn a new approach from a new source. Michael did a fine job and I appreciate the course!" Jamie Panger, Northern Trends Building & Design

"Material that really works day by day." Mario Rodriguez, We Fix Everything

"I would say this is the best way to approach rigid exterior insulation." Andy Wallace, Andrew M Wallace Construction LLC

"Great comprehensive course." Michael Waring, MW Build LLC

"Michael Anschel has clearly studied this topic of creating a better (or "Awesome") wall assembly.  I think a lot of what he offers make a lot of practical sense and I plan to try and incorporate his details into my projects in the future, as opportunities and situations allow for it." Scott Stankey, Resonate Homes

"The way you currently build is (probably) bad!  Michael Anschel shows you how." Ryan Flanagan, RT Flanagan Construction

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz following the course. To pass the quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the quiz, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for one hour of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Energy credit, and one hour of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier CE by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from purchase date.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.