Session Topics

  • Master the concepts of heat, air, and moisture flow fundamentals. 
  • The physics of enclosure performance and how applying building science may improve your thermal, moisture management, occupant comfort, and decrease risk and warranty issues.
  • Identifying and understanding the role of control layers within wall, roof, and foundation systems. 
  • Understand, identify, and improve your building airtightness metrics. 

  • Ventilation, indoor air quality, and comfort fundamentals explained. 

  • Introduction to mechanical systems as part of whole-system home design. 

  • How emerging products, evolving homeowner expectations, and building science principles can catalyze continuous improvement within your company 

Course Objectives

  1. Understand how heat, air, and moisture impact building assemblies and apply these principles to enhance durability, comfort, and whole-home energy performance.

  2. Learn about constructing high-performance walls, roofs, and foundations by understanding the role of thermal and air control layers, advanced framing, and the house as a system framework.

  3. Identify the role of windows, WRBs, and cladding systems to manage water, air leakage, condensation, and reduce costly callbacks. 

  4. Apply building-science-based moisture and IAQ strategies, including ventilation, humidity control, and condensation mitigation across climate zones.

  5. Recognize the relationship between enclosure performance and mechanical systems, including air movement, comfort, ventilation, and equipment selection.

  6. Evaluate products, materials, and detailing options that improve durability, energy performance, and long-term reliability in modern homes.

  7. Engage with like-minded professionals in the residential construction industry in our collaborative classroom and lab facility. 

Who Should Attend? 

Ideal for professionals engaged in high-performance residential design and construction, including:

  • Builders, remodelers, and general contractors

  • Architects, designers, and engineers

  • HVAC professionals and mechanical contractors

  • Energy raters, code officials, and program staff

  • Manufacturers, suppliers, and product reps

  • Anyone looking to deepen their applied building science knowledge

Level: Intermediate 

Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic building science concepts (recommended)