PHRC Webinars

Building Science 101 for Residential Buildings [Archive]

2/11/2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Instructor: Sam Myers (Retrotec)

Handouts

Link to Webinar: http://bit.ly/PHRCWebinar_BuildingScience101

Description

In this presentation, we’ll break down residential building science by introducing the “house as a system” approach to construction. Here, we’ll show how each part of a home should work together with all other parts to create an effective and efficient design. When most people hear the term “home performance”, energy is what comes to mind. However, there are additional and often more important benefits that result from having a high-performance home. We’ll also cover the diagnostic testing involved that ensures building enclosures and duct systems are correctly installed and sealed. This includes a crash course on blower door and duct leakage testing using calibrated fans and high-precision manometers. We’ll show you the proper way to set up a house and include items to watch out for before starting a test.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the “house as a system” approach to residential construction.
  2. Understand the benefits of having a high-performance home in regards to durability and occupant comfort.
  3. Understand how a blower door and duct leakage test works to measure and expose air leaks. Air infiltration can come from several areas, some of which can introduce contaminated air.
  4. Demonstrate the relationship between air leakage and moisture behavior in buildings. High moisture can lead to deterioration of the structure and drastically reduce indoor air quality for the occupant.

Cost

Free to attend; $20 for continuing education credit in live webinar

Credit Hours

Live Webinar: 1.0 L&I Contact Hour, 1.0 PDH, 1.0 AIA LU|HSW, 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU), 1.0 NARI hour/CEU

Tags: Residential Structures and Building Code Requirements

 
 

About

The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center serves the home building industry and the residents of Pennsylvania by improving the quality and affordability of housing.

We conduct applied research, foster the development and commercialization of innovative technologies, and transfer appropriate technologies to the housing community.

Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

219 Sackett Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2341

Fax: 814-863-7304

E-mail: phrc@psu.edu