Online anytime - 7-Hour Minnesota Weatherization / Renewable Energy Continuing Education Online Anytime

Weatherization: Students successfully completing this three hour portion will gain confidence in their ability to reduce building envelope failure using proven methods of construction. Building homes that are well protected from the weather is important for all building professionals. The majority of problems stem from improper procedures and workmanship. Sometimes a problem is found in the design of a home, adding to disputes over poor workmanship. The very best defense against moisture issues in a home is in training the workforce in how moisture enters into the internal structural areas of a home and what procedures to use in the many tasks involved to head off these problems.

Renewable Energy: Renewable energy is contributing more and more to the world"s ever-rising energy demands. Wind and solar energy generation systems are about to reach the level of affordability that will allow them to be considered equal to conventional power generation systems like fossil fuel plants and hydroelectric dams. Contractors should know what products are on the market, what rebates and incentives are available for their customers who want to take advantage of energy efficient resources and components.

Weatherization I

Objectives: 1) Understand cause and effect of weatherization problems within the construction industry. 2) Understand contractor responsibilities, what to avoid and what to embrace. 3) Recognize the cause of most below-grade moisture issues and the remedies that should be taken.

Why is There a Problem?

1. Rationale
2. Primary Warranty and Insurance Claims
3. Solutions
4. Experience
5. Contractor Responsibilities
6. Insurance Availability and Affordability

The Building Envelope System

1. Building Envelope System
2. Performance Objectives
3. Physical Components
4. Sources of Moisture Intrusion
5. Results of Failure

Foundation Construction

1. Thermal and Moisture Protection
2. Groundwater
3. Gutters
4. Crawl spaces
5. Damp proofing and Waterproofing
6. Girders and Beams

Assessment

Weatherization II

Objectives: 1) Recognize the causes of high humidity in homes and how housewraps and flashings work. 2) Describe some of the steps and terminology for installing flashings and code minimums. 3) Know how to prepare window and door openings for proper installation.

Wall Construction

1. Wall Framing
2. Vapor Diffusion Problems
3. Recommendations
4. House Wrap and Underlayment
5. Window and Door Openings
6. Flashing and Caulking
7. Siding

Roof Construction

1. Skylights
2. Moisture Penetration
3. Roof Valleys
4. Shingles and Shakes
5. Roof Sheathing
6. Repairs
7. Flashing

Window and Door Installation

1. Windows, Doors and Skylights
2. Proper Flashing
3. Door and Window Installation

Assessment

Weatherization III

Objectives: 1) Recognize the purpose of ventilation and ventilation requirements. 2) Understand how a capillary break works with other components to prevent moisture intrusion. 3) Be aware of consumer remedies and contractor responsibilities.

Ventilation System Installation and Requirements

1. Code
2. Attic Ventilation
3. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Building Envelope Best Practices

1. Moisture Retarding Construction
2. Capillary Breaks
3. House Wrap Installation
4. Window and Door Installation
5. Siding Installation
6. Roofing Best Practices

Consumer Remedies

1. Common Mistakes
2. Preventative Measures
3. Warranties
4. Complaints
5. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Assessment

Wind Power I

Objectives: 1) Be able to describe the history of harnessing the wind"s energy. 2) Identify the difference between wind energy and conventional energy production. 3) Appreciate some of the "Pro vs. Con" debates regarding Green Renewable Wind generated energy.

1. History
2. Products and Components
3. Sources of Energy Production
4. Offshore Production: Pros and Cons
5. Onshore Production: Pros and Cons

Assessment

Wind Power II

Objectives: 1) Understand what "distributed" wind power really means to home owners, communities and industry. 2) Appreciate some of the solutions addressing concerns over the harvesting of wind energy. 3) Recognize the concerns of the home owner or small business owner when deciding on whether or not to pursue wind energy.

1. Distributed wind power
2. Automation and Safety Factors
3. Grants and Incentives
4. Residential and Small Business Wind Generation

Assessment

Solar Energy Use I

Objectives: 1) Understand the difference between "passive" and "active" solar energy use. 2) Know what PV stands for, and how PV solar energy collection varies from traditional solar heat collection. 3) Gain an awareness of the benefits of solar energy: for residential and commercial use as well as how solar energy benefits the environment.

1. Solar Energy: Passive/Active
2. Solar Photo Voltaic
3. Industry Acronyms and Terms
4. Residential and Small Business Solar Use
5. Rebates and Incentives

Assessment

Solar Energy Use II

Objectives: 1) Understand some small business or home owner advantages. 2) Realize there is a price to pay for clean, green energy. 3) Recognize pros and cons when considering solar.

1. Small Business Systems
2. Residential Use
3. Solar Pros and Cons
4. Structural Considerations
5. Installation and Mounting Considerations

Assessment

Solar Energy Use III

Objectives: 1) Be aware of the history of man harnessing the sun"s energy. 2) Know the amount of solar energy versus conventional fuel produced energy in the United States. 3) Learn some new terms and gain an appreciation for what "green energy" really means.

1. Solar Harvesting
2. Solar Power Plants
3. Industry Acronyms and Terms

Assessment
Final Exam