This program is registered with the AIA for 1 CEH hour and with the NAHB for 1 hour; it covers the basics of cellular PVC for moulding and trim. It shows the learner the anatomy of window surrounds made of cellular PVC, how to install and maintain the material, and finally architectural moulding and trim mistakes to avoid. Take the course.
- Posted:
- May 2012
- Subject(s):
- Molding Millwork and Trim
- Sponsor:
- Royal Building Products
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For the first time, the Remodeling Show in-person sessions were recorded and are now archived on the Remodeling Training Institute. The Virtual Remodeling Show offers seminars packed with advice on how to reduce costs, increase profits and save time. Over 25 hours of training is available, including two business skills boot camps. Choose from themes such as estimating, team building, branding, marketing, profit, growth and management. Everything you need to take your first step towards being more profitable is available here. Take the course.
- Posted:
- April 2012
- Subject(s):
- Hiring, Job-Costing, Markup, Net Profit, Overhead, Sales Leads
1 LU AIAThis article is registered for 1 HSW hour with AIA and was originally published in the 2012 march-april print and digital editions of residential architect magazine. If you don't receive the print edition you can visit www.residentialarchitect.com to find the march-april 2012 digital edition. Over the next 20 years the majority of the U.S. population will be over age 55. As we age we need to re-evaluate our physical and mental capacities, and our ability to live independently. Homes outfitted to suit needs at age 45 could be significantly different than what is needed at age 65 and older. This article shows that successful aging in place requires careful planning and that home environments should provide continued enjoyment and stimulation, but should also accommodate changing needs and enhance the quality of life. Universal Design strategies will help you reshape the homes, and lives, of independent individuals who want to age in their homes, where they are most comfortable. Take the course.
- Posted:
- April 2012
- Subject(s):
- Universal Design
- Sponsor:
- Milgard Windows & Doors

PVC 101: The Benefits and Uses of Cellular PVC Trim
This course is registered for 1 HSW hour with AIA and will look at the different types of PVC and their use and properties within the building industry. It will also look at the best design practices for the following materials: beaded ceiling, pre-fabricated corners, fabricated column wraps, window surrounds, skirting for homes, pergolas, soffit system, railing applications, fastening methods, painting PVC trim products and thermal expansion joint design. It will look at each of the markets where PVC can be used, ranging from residential jobs to historic preservation. Finally, the course will look at the different green properties of PVC.
- Posted:
- April 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding
- Sponsor:
- Versatex
1 LU AIAThis course is registered with AIA for 1 CEH. Vinyl siding products are the preferred exterior cladding material, in both new construction and remodeling projects because they have numerous advantages over other siding materials. Design preferences have increased the number of profiles and color choices. The sustainability of vinyl has proven significant, with products that include recycled content and environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures. Combine that with remarkable technical advances, and you have a product that looks great, is low-maintenance, and holds up to the elements. The extensive range of products, from wider profiles to vinyl siding with insulation to polypropylene-based injected molded shingles, has taken vinyl from a product associated with starter homes to the luxury home market. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Siding, Exteriors
- Sponsor:
- Mastic
- Certification(s):
- AIA
1 LU HSW/SD/AIACombined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, as the name implies, serve dual purposes. First, they use a propane or natural gas generator to create electricity. The electricity produced from the generator is used by the home, reducing energy costs. If more electricity is generated than is consumed, the power can be sold back to the grid through net metering available in most states. Simultaneously, the heat from the engine is captured and used to warm the building or create hot water, further reducing energy costs. CHP units have been used in Europe for years and are now becoming more popular in the U.S. This courses is registered for the following education credits: 1 HSW/SD hour, AIA; 1 NAHB hour, 1 NARI hour. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Performance, HVAC, Energy Efficiency
- Sponsor:
- Propane Education & Research Council
- Certification(s):
- NAHB, NARI
Building tastes reflect our times. When developers and designers plan to recreate the look of an historic home or neighborhood, or design distinctive homes in a contemporary, new way, traditionally-styled siding, trim, shutters and roofing styles can help bring the vision to life and preserve local character. You want the products you specify and/or install to be more sustainable than other products you might choose. Your challenge — and the focus of this educational unit — is to find materials that satisfy these three criteria — charming, durable and green — and specify those into projects from the ground up, including siding, shutters and roofing. This program is registered with AIA for 1 HSW/SD hour; with NAHB for 1 hour and with NARI for .1 CEU. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Sustainability, Building Envelope
- Sponsor:
- The Tapco Group
This course is registered with AIA for 1 HSW hour and will focus on the use of fiberglass composite windows in multi-family housing, with an emphasis on Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and HUD have rigid standards for window construction and installation, such as fiberglass cladding colors, water-repellent millwork, air leakage, water penetration, structural loading, weather stripping and sealed insulating glass. We will discuss how the minimum property standards can be met by using appropriate technologies. We will review several multi-family case studies and how fiberglass composite windows were applied in each of these projects. This course will cover trends in the multi-family housing industry, FHA window standards, fiberglass composite and other enhanced window technologies, as well as the case studies demonstrating how fiberglass composite windows can be incorporated into multi-family housing projects. Take the course.
- Posted:
- March 2012
- Subject(s):
- Windows, Codes and Standards
- Sponsor:
- Integrity from Marvin Windows & Doors
1 LU AIAThis learning unit is registered for one hour with AIA and NAHB and will address the benefits home builders and architects attain when choosing brick cladding as the primary exterior siding on homes. Brick, when compared to other exterior cladding options such as vinyl siding, fiber cement, stucco, and manufactured stone, is proven to be a superior choice for minimizing the potential for water intrusion and moisture issues. Also, brick has a long history of not only increasing curb appeal with aesthetic appeal, but also providing superior impact resistance and fire protection that are unmatched by other materials. 1 HSW hour, AIA; 1 NAHB hour. Take the course.
- Posted:
- February 2012
- Subject(s):
- Building Envelope, Masonry Construction
- Sponsor:
- Brick Industry Association
This course takes an in-depth look at the “house as a system” approach and will focus on how that construction approach can make a more comfortable and healthy environment for the occupants. This course will look to define the components that make up a door frame assembly, and then continue to discuss potential weaknesses that they all have. The course then looks at examples of door frame failure and shows some problems that can follow. This program is intended for builders and is not registered for continuing education credit. Take the course.
- Posted:
- January 2012
- Subject(s):
- Doors, Building Envelope
- Sponsor:
- Endura