Each On-Demand Course is presented in multiple sessions, each with a video, practice quiz, optional study assignments, and code references.  Once the sessions are completed in order, a completion exam wraps up the class.  Immediate access to each session is provided from the course homepage for easy reference.  Most courses include an infographic, downloadable handout.  Click on the video thumbnail for a demonstration of our On-Demand Courses.

Description: This course is the first of four parts in the Building Codes for Building Decks series and focuses on how a new deck will interact with an existing site and house.  Building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fuel-gas systems and codes must all be considered when designing a deck to effectively work with a home.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Know how to identify building systems and components located on the exterior of a typical home.
• Learn how to safely design a deck that will work with emergency escape and rescue windows.
• Understand the various ways an improperly designed deck can negatively and hazardously affect building systems of the existing structure.
• Realize how a deck can affect requirements for windows.

Course Approvals and Credits

• Exclusive, recommended education for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) Master Deck Professional-Code Certification
• 0.30 Preferred Provider CEU from the International Code Council (ICC)
• 3.0 HSW LU from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2021 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Code Administration
2. Research & Planning
3. Landings at Doors
4. Obstructions at Ledgers
5. Safety Glazing
6. Electrical Equipment
7. Escape & Rescue

Description: This updated 2021 IRC course begins by discussing loads and lumber provisions specific to deck construction. It’s followed by a creative look at cladding, water-resistive barrier, and flashing provisions. The course then takes a deep dive into all the specifics in the IRC regarding a ledger to band joist connection, including a graphical presentation of the required fastener spacing. Alternative ledger connections beyond what the code offers are also introduced. Finally, deck lateral live loads are discussed and presented like never before. Though the IRC provides a connection, this course invites professionals to look at the overall mechanics of lateral bracing and ask questions about the stability of the design, even when the IRC doesn’t.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the limitations of the IRC’s ledger connection provisions and how to work with them.
• Realize the interaction between the water-resistive barrier, flashing, and different cladding.
• Be introduced to the mechanics of deck lateral bracing and ideas for how to address it.
• Discover the history of how the ledger provisions began and have evolved.

Course Approvals and Credits

• Exclusive, recommended education for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) Master Deck Professional-Code Certification
• 0.30 Preferred Provider CEU from the International Code Council (ICC)
• 3.0 HSW LU from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2021 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Loads
2. Lumber
3. Flashing
4. Cladding
5. Ledger Attachment
6. Fastener Placement
7. Lateral Bracing
8. Lateral Connection
9. Alternative Ledgers

Description: From the decking to the foundation, this course covers, in detail, all segments of a deck load path (except for ledgers and lateral loads covered in course 2). New IRC tables specific to deck joist and beam spans are discussed in depth, including little known details that increase their design flexibility. Foundation and posts can now be sized using tributary area and provisions for their connections provide for many methods. This course reveals how the 2021 IRC is the most helpful yet in prescriptive deck design and construction.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the methodology of prescriptive deck foundation design.
• Learn how the code addresses single and multi-span decking.
• Realize the flexibility of the joist and beam span tables not obvious in the code provisions.
• Understand the changes to post sizing provisions and why the 2021 edition is so useful.

Course Approvals and Credits

• Exclusive, recommended education for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) Master Deck Professional-Code Certification
• 0.30 Preferred Provider CEU from the International Code Council (ICC)
• 3.0 HSW LU from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2021 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Decking
2. Joists
3. Joist Bearing
4. Beams
5. Beam Bearing
6. Posts
7. Foundations

Description:Decks contain many features typical inside a house, such as stairs, ramps, landings, guards, and handrails. These features, as well as common deck amenities, are explained in this course as they apply to decks. Photos and graphics provide a clear understanding of what’s required for the safe use and navigation of these features. Code provisions discussed in this class are useful in applications other than just decks.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the differences and similarities of guards and handrails.
• Learn the strict geometric requirements of various stairways, including straight, winder and spiral, and the uniformity required of their components.
• Realize the electrical and building provisions related to the location of a hot tub.
• Discover the new 2021 provisions related to deck guard connections.

Course Approvals and Credits

• Exclusive, recommended education for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) Master Deck Professional-Code Certification
• 0.30 Preferred Provider CEU from the International Code Council (ICC)
• 3.0 HSW LU from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2021 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Stairs & Ramps
2. Rise & Run
3. Lighting & Loading
4. Guards
5. Handrails
6. Guard & Rail Loads
7. Amenities

Description: Energy conservation isn’t all about insulation and the energy code. Choices made throughout the entire design and construction process can have an impact on the performance of the home.  The IRC provides a variety of options to meet code that can have different energy impacts.  Dimes add up to dollars and dollars add up to dinner, just the same, small gains in energy conservation can add up to lots of saved energy. Learn how to keep energy in mind through out the whole construction process, long before the insulation crew arrives.

Length: Approximately 5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand code provisions that reduce thermal bridges and increase insulation in the exterior envelope, such as single-ply and box headers, as well as single top plate construction and 24-inch-on-center wall spacing.
• Think outside the box about how various trades can enhance energy performance.
• Learn the complexities of providing certain air barriers and why they are essential to thermal performance.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.5 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Science
2. Walls
3. Headers
4. Rafters & Trusses
5. Attics
6. Air Barriers
7. M.E.P.

Description: This class is helpful for everyone in the construction industry, as it explores the reasoning and science behind many plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, and electrical code provisions.  Whether a contractor or inspector, cross training in these specialized trades offers a better understanding of the work performed and how they “work”.

Length: Approximately 5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Realize the old saying “$hit runs downhill” is completely false.
• Understand how natural draft venting works.
• Trust that there are sensible reasons for many seemingly arbitrary code provisions.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.5 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. P-Traps
2. Drains & Vents
3. Water Distribution
4. Gas Pipe Sizing
5. Combustion Air
6. Gas Venting
7. Electrical Systems

Description: This course uncovers how the code works and the people involved. It begins with some fun history leading up to the current International Codes, and follows with an enlightening explanation of how the code is developed and adopted into law.  Before applying the provisions, this course lays the foundation of how to navigate the code and how the code is administered as a minimum standard.  The course concludes with sessions about key players in the use of the code and offers perspective from each of them in hope for a team effort in applying the codes across our communities.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Be introduced to some of the history of codes and how they got to be what they are today.
• Learn how the code is developed, adopted, administered, and navigated.  Learn the rules of the rules.
• Gain perspective by seeing what it’s like working with code behind the plans examiner’s desk, through the inspector’s eyes, and in the contractor’s boots.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Code History
2. Code Development
3. Code Amendment & Adoption
4. Code Administration
5. Code Navigation
6. Plans Examiners & Permit Technicians
7. Inspectors
8. Contractors

Description: Furnace and water heater installations and replacements are ubiquitous in every house. Many new contractors and inspectors are often tasked with their installation and inspection, and many homeowners tackle these projects on their own. Not as simple as often believed, these appliances are connected to many systems of a house, including electrical, venting, gas, water and air distribution. This class explores, in depth, all the various code provisions regarding their installation.

Length: Approximately 4 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the large list of requirements for a water heater temperature and pressure relief valve.
• Learn the various venting methods: natural, induced, and forced.
• Gain a greater respect for the various complications regarding their installation and inspection.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.4 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Appliance location
2. Drafting
3. Vents and vent connectors
4. Combustion air
5. Temperature and pressure relief valve
6. Sealing, filters, and thermal expansion
7. Gas connections
8. Electrical connections
9. Drain pans and condensate

Description: Getting people out of buildings safely is a core objective of any building code, and that includes the path through a house to the exterior doors and emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows).  This course reviews all the code provisions related to movement through and out a house, including doors, halls, stairs, and escape windows, to include decks over windows and door landings on the exterior.

Length: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Learn all the details of emergency escape and rescue openings, including various methods for designing a deck over a below grade egress window.
• Understand the regulations related to stairways, doors and landings
• Be introduced to the various requirements related to the addition of an exit door to home.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.15 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Means of Egress
2. Emergency Path
3. Under the Deck

Description: Like decks, porch roofs are often considered easy construction and are typically attempted by new contractors or weekend warrior homeowners.  However, the truth is quite the contrary.  Porch roofs require significant evaluation depending on the extreme variety of their design.  This class reviews the code application of these projects from the rafters to the foundation.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the significant differences between constructing with a ridge board or a ridge beam.
• Learn the various ways to connect a porch roof to an existing house.
• Realize the limitations of prescriptive, structural design and when engineered design is necessary.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Shed Roofs
2. Gable Ridge Boards
3. Gable Ridge Beams
4. Bearing and Connections
5. Sheathing
6. Foundations

Description: Asphalt shingles are on the majority of homes across the county and thousands are replaced every day.  Though relatively simply, there are details in the code and the installation instructions that are critical to the success of the roof.  This course looks at many of the ways codes and inspections address roof installations and replacements and gives due respect to this important part of house construction.

Length: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Have a better understanding of how asphalt shingled roofs work.
• Be introduced to all types and conditions of flashing.
• Learn tips and techniques for inspecting and installing asphalt shingles.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.25 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Shingles & Underlayment
2. Flashing
3. Valleys & Crickets
4. Stuff on Roofs
5. Inspections

Description: There are a lot of different code provisions to evaluate when handling a basement finish, and this courses covers them all. Building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, and electrical codes are taught as they apply to the caveats of working in a basement. Based on the 2015 IRC, this course is provided in eight learning sessions, Design, Alarms, Emergency Escape & Rescue, Framing, Fireblocking, Mechanical, Electrical, and Drywall & Access.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand and identify the building components in the basement that need evaluation and consideration prior to concealment.
• Be introduced to code provisions that regulate the overall design of the finished space.
• Learn how emergency escape and rescue openings must be handled.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2015 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Design
2. Alarms
3. Emergency Escape and Rescue
4. Framing
5. Fireblocking
6. Mechanical systems
7. Electrical systems
8. Drywall and Access