Unintended Consequences of Not Understanding Building Science

This course will give a basic overview of building science and then discuss projects where poor attention to building science has caused unintended consequences for the builder and the homeowner.

Course Outline

• Introduction of the Presenter
• Discuss the home as a system
• Discussion of the building envelope
• Discuss home ventilation, dewpoint, and stack effect
• Discussion of scope of work
• Project #1: Heat loss is the Enemy
  • Bathroom Soffits were missed in the air sealing and insulation project
• Project #2: Story and 1/2
  • Ice Dam Issues Story and 1/2
  • What are some options to solve the problem?
  • Start with defining the thermal and air barrier
  • Assess the project as a whole
• Project #3: Single level with crawl space
  • When the AC is turned on the house gets more humid.
  • Seal the Ductwork
  • Test the Ductwork
• Project #4: Attic Air Sealing Ice Dams/ Moisture Intrusion
• Wrap-up
  • Everyone who touches the project should have an understanding of basic building science and an understanding that the house is a system. If you change one part of the building, it has the ability to affect other parts.

Learner Objectives

• Learn basic building science in the construction of the building shell.
• Recognize the home as a system
• Explain how thinking of the project as a system will help avoid issues in the future and better the contractor’s scope of work

Testimonials

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Ross really understands the unique problems that remodelers face!" William Nichols, Cornerstone Design Build Inc. 

"Good course." Michael Waring, MW Build LLC

   

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 (includes the Energy credit) credits by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, and one hour of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and 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.