The Details Part I

3.5 CPD Credits

This 3.5 Hour online session is entitled “The Details 1” and begins with a brief overview of the Step Code.  This session then expands on metrics for home energy performance and testing methods followed by coverage of current building methods as to why they don’t work right now and why they won’t work under the Step Code.  The discussion then leads to an overview of future construction practices and where the industry is going along with a review of air tightness methods and ventilation systems as a means of moisture and temperature control.  Murray then explains the roles and newfound importance of good knowledgeable CEA’s.  The explanation is followed by discussing air tightness, testing methods and ways of improving performance as well as vapor barrier, testing methods and ways of improving performance.


The Details Part II

3.5 CPD Points

This 3.5 Hour online session is entitled “The Details 2” and begins with a discussion on different types of soils and the land around the vhouse. There is an overview of their load bearing capacities and the likelihood of hydro static pressure, foundation draining and the definition of damp proofing. Murray then discusses basements and vapor control moving into full height or half height walls, and an overview of excavations for footings and foundations. This leads to a discussion regarding sealants and their application methods and how they relate to air tightness. Following that, there is a detailed discussion of different basement wall types and various methods of insulation, air barriers and vapor barriers.


The Details Part III

3.5 CPD Points

This 3.5 Hour online session is entitled “The Details 3” and begins with an overview of window types and installation methods, discussing directions that the window industry may have to go to meet future requirements. The overview is followed by a detailed discussion about walls above grade types and their construction methods for different levels of insulation.  The discussion is then lead to an overview of attic construction and insulation methods, vented VS unvented.  Murray provides an overview of door installation methods, inswing VS outswing, and how that applies to air tightness when properly sealed.  Following the overview there is a discussion regarding allowable deflection and how that affects rough openings for windows and windows once installed over the lifetime of the house and methods of sealing ICF windows.


The Details Part IV

3.5 CPD Points

This 3.5 Hour online session is entitled “The Details 4” and begins with a continuing discussion of ICF window installation methods.  The discussion then progresses to windows installation methods and how it relates to water penetration control with regards to how it relates to first and second plains of protection.  Finally, Murray reviews transitions and how they affect continuity of barriers and energy performance.


The Details Part V 

3.5 CPD Credits

Details and considerations for roofs and penetrations at conditioned and unconditioned attics, building envelope detailing for various insulation and airtightness solutions, structural details for solar ready and solar panel installation, details for creating improved durability in roof assemblies including drained and vented capillary breaks under roofing materials, and details for including pot lights, mechanical devices, sprinkler lines and other ceiling elements.


The Details Part VI 

3.5 CPD Credits 

Alternate distribution and design details for mechanical devices and distribution services. Solutions for accommodating vertical and horizontal ducting, design alternates for reduced structural alteration during construction, and detail requirements for relocating mechanical devices outside of traditional mechanical rooms.