How to Meet Building Codes with High-Performance Assemblies

The 2021 International Residential Code requires the highest insulating standards our industry has ever seen. Consequently, this puts new pressure on architects and builders to change their design and construction methods. This intensive home insulation course, taught by sustainable building expert Brian Pontolilo, will teach you how to interpret the new code. Furthermore, you will learn how to select the right insulation for your project based on budget and performance goals. Ultimately, the aim is to design and build efficient, healthy, and durable homes.

Earn Professional Development Credits:

• 5 AIA Approved HSW/LU Credits

What’s Included in This In-Depth Home Insulation Course?

• Over 3 Hours of Expert Instruction: A comprehensive curriculum covering every critical aspect of modern home insulation.
• Digital Construction Graphics: Detailed visuals to help you understand complex concepts and building assemblies.
• Downloadable Resources: Get tools, templates, and documents to support your design and build process.

Learn to Build Better Homes: Codes, Products, and Details

This training is built on three core pillars to give you all the information you need:

1. Codes

First, you will understand the new R-value and continuous insulation requirements for your specific climate zone.

2. Products

Next, you will learn to choose the right insulation based on budget, building science, and environmental impact.

3. Details

Finally, you will learn to design proven building details for efficient foundations, walls, and roof assemblies that work in the real world.

Course Outline: A Complete Guide to High-Performance Insulation

– How to Choose Insulation:

• The Four Control Layers (Water, Air, Vapor, Thermal)
• What the Building Codes Have to Say
• Six Criteria for Choosing Insulation
• Common Insulation Products at a Glance with FAQs

–  Insulating Slabs, Crawlspaces, and Basements:

• Options for Insulated Slabs
• Vented vs. Conditioned Crawlspaces
• Basement Insulation: Inside or Outside
• Getting Rim Joist Insulation Right
• Insulating Floors

– Insulating Walls:

• Understanding Thermal Bridging and the “Perfect Wall” Concept
• Cavity-Only Insulation Options
• Exterior Continuous Insulation Strategies
• High-Performance Double-Stud Walls

– Attics and Roofs:

• Air Sealing Options for Attic Insulation
• The Benefit of Raised-Heel Trusses
• Vented vs. Unvented Insulated Roofs
• Options for Insulating the Roofline

Meet Your Instructor: Brian Pontolilo

Brian Pontolilo is a sustainable home building expert. In fact, he has spent the better part of the last 20 years as a journalist, writer, and editor covering residential design and construction at the highly-respected Fine Homebuilding magazine and GreenBuildingAdvisor.com.

Brian has a degree in professional writing and has also worked as a carpenter. These unique experiences have been harnessed to educate and train professionals. Most recently, for example, he has put all he has learned into practice by designing and building his own practical zero-energy ready home.

Ready to Master High-Performance Insulation?

Whether you’re an architect seeking HSW credits or a builder adapting to new codes, this home insulation course provides the critical knowledge you need. Therefore, enroll today to design and build more efficient, healthy, and durable homes.

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