Description: In the last century of construction and codes vapor control has gone from simply opening windows to various detailed assembles of ventilation, insulation and vapor retarders. In remodeling, you are faced with a variety of existing vapor control methods and are tasked to work with them, around them, or to replace them. In new construction there are a variety of design options to manage vapor in different assemblies and climate zones. Moisture damage from vapor condensation is likely to be exposed in remodels, but it can also be created by them. Take a journey through vapor control methods from the 1800’s to the upcoming 2024 IRC.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Realize the evolution of vapor control methods throughout the last 100 years of building codes.
• Understand how the IRC addresses the three variables of vapor management, air temperature, air humidity, and surface temperatures.
• Discover the choices the IRC provides in vapor control design.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 3 Hours.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Construction of single-family dwellings is quite a process.  From planning to application to execution to inspection, there are many steps along the way. Like a dance, a beautiful performance comes from smooth steps timed by everyone in the group.  Mutual understanding and respect for each professional involved and a good grasp of the choreography helps ensure no one trips up.  Learn the steps of building a new home in this unique class.  No formal wear required!
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Be immersed in a photographic journey through many aspects of house construction.
• Better understand the inspections required for new home construction.
• Realize the complexity of coordinating over 100 individual tradespeople involved in house construction.

Length: 6 hours.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Decking is the first structural element in a deck design, though it often doesn’t get the respect the joists and beams receive.  We just step all over it.  Bad puns aside, the decking does a lot more than may be realized.  Exterior wood decking was recognized in the code in 2015, to include 5/4 and 2x decking, including fastening provisions.  Sometimes simple things, like decking, can have details we may not know.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Identify the various forces that decking must resist and how it resists them.
• Learn how decking you’re not standing on is still supporting you.
• Hear the new 2021 IRC provision that already applied but weren’t known.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: The IRC provides two optional methods for resisting deck lateral loads pulling on a house, but they aren’t based on the actual design of the deck.  Though a good start to addressing something long overlooked, connections alone, are not a lateral load design.  Imagine a braced wall panel on a house with hold-down anchors but no bracing.  This course gets well outside the code to discuss deck lateral loads and help reveal what should be considered in design.  Learn what the code provides for deck lateral design and what it doesn’t.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Understand what brought deck lateral load connections into the 2009 IRC.
• Discover what’s missing in deck lateral load design and ideas to provide it.
• Be introduced to the fundamental concepts of deck lateral design and research that was conducted on the subject.
• Realize the need to evaluate the overall deck design when evaluating lateral load design.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Until recently, 4×4 posts were used to support decks with little thought to how much they carried or how tall they were.  The 2015 IRC shocked many with a maximum 8 ft. height and the 2018 continued the chaos with a limit that appeared to go down further down.  Finally, in the 2021 edition, the post sizing table is all grown up and ready to accurately size deck support posts based on the deck design.  Other new provisions were added for post connections, but they aren’t as precise as the code so specifically presents them to be.  Learn the details and the design behind the new 2021 post provisions.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Understand the evolution of the post sizing table from the 2015 IRC to the 2021 IRC.
• Be comfortable utilizing and approving the 2021 IRC for post sizing as an alternative to previous editions.
• Realize how the 2021 IRC can be used to size posts for two-level decks and porch roofs.
• Discover the reality behind the specific post-to-beam provisions in the IRC.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: In under a minute of looking at the 2021 IRC deck beam design table, you’ll probably think you have it all figured out, but you probably don’t.  The footnotes give you clues that there is much more to it, but don’t let the fine print fool you.  There are some huge implications to them, and ones designers and builders should want to hear.  They apply the same to the 2018 edition…but that edition failed to mention them.  As with all prescriptive design, there are load and design assumptions that limit the design choices provided.  However, with an understanding of what’s happening behind the scenes, building authorities can gain comfort in using a few tricks to maximize the use of the code for prescriptive design for their communities.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Understand the load assumptions used to derive the maximum beam spans and adjustments the 2021 IRC allows.
• Learn how to use the IRC in an alternative manner to design beams loaded from both sides.
• Understand the difficulty of providing pre-engineered beam design in the IRC due to variables in the load path.
• Realize the IRC provides methods to fine tune prescriptive design.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Whether installed before, with, or after a deck is built, hot tubs have a lot of building and electrical codes that have nothing to do with connecting it to power.  Does the electrician or electrical inspector understand safety glazing provisions in the building code.  Does the builder or building inspector know that metal guards near hot tubs are an electrical issue?  All four of these professionals, plus designers and even hot tub owners should understand the clearances required to lighting, receptacle outlets, switches, glass, service conductors, and more.  Learn the codes related to the hot tub placement and the deck around it, then let an electrician take it from there.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn the minimum and maximum distances and the exceptions regarding electrical equipment near hot tubs.
• Discover how metal guards and other metal features of the deck can become an electrical hazard near hot tubs.
• Understand the need for cross-training when designing hot tubs into decks.

Code Edition: 2021 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: The International Residential Code is the “minimum” standard of construction.  A better understanding of this minimum allows for “above code” practices to be more well recognized, but it also allows for consumers on the lower end of budget to still safely enjoy their homes.  Learn some tips and tricks straight from the code that can keep basic deck construction affordable.  Do you really need all that metal hardware and double-ply beams?  Do you have to fill the entire hole with concrete?  Building to the minimum allows more people the chance for a backyard deck and summer barbecues, and there is nothing shameful about that.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Learn what metal hardware is optional.
• Recognize the value of affordable construction and how it equates with safety.
• Discover how to utilize joist and beam cantilevers to maximize area and minimize material.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: There are long-standing code provisions that have been long misunderstood and there are new ones that don’t seem to be catching on.  This course picks out ten common mistakes and explains in detail why they are important not to miss.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Understand the differences between fire blocking, firestopping, and draft stopping.
• Be or reminded of the nuances of stairs, guards, and handrails.
• Learn the differences between a ridge board and a ridge beam.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Hear the story of one jurisdiction’s long journey of implementing mandatory, single family dwelling fire sprinklers soon after the provisions were added to the IRC.  This is not a comprehensive class about sprinkler codes.  Rather, it casually shares the surprises, the bumps in the road, and the domino effect that you don’t learn reading the code.  Learn many lessons of implementation from an instructor who lived through the process and learned by mistake and oversight.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• be more prepared to implement residential fire sprinkler system requirements in their jurisdiction.
• understand issues that don’t reveal themselves on the sprinkler plans.
• realize the team effort required by the building plan reviewer, inspector, fire department, water department, contractor, and tradespeople.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: The first half of section 311 spells out the basic requirements for the path of egress from a home and is discussed in this session.  Complimenting those codes is section 312 for guards and window fall protection.  These subjects are intended to provide a safe walking path for occupants throughout a home, including when near the edge of a floor or at an upper floor window opening.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn the distinction between a guard and handrail and the various guard designs that can be code compliant.
• Discover the details that regulate the path of egress and the relationship access between rooms.
• Understand the specifics of guard design limitations and the freedoms within the limits.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Emergency escape and rescue is a critical passive safety concept for residential homes.  Section R310 and its many subsections lay out the design requirements necessary for this core life safety function.  Though the general requirement for “egress windows” is relatively understood, this session reveals the specific details that often are not.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn the minimum required sizes for escape and rescue openings.
• Discover the recent code modifications regarding existing and new basements.
• Understand how to handle below grade openings around decks.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Section 311 includes a wealth of provisions related to the path of people out of a home.  This session focuses on the subsections of 311 that regulate the design and construction of stairways and ramps.  These features are critical for safe egress from basements and upper floors, and thus from treads to landings and handrails to headroom, there are a lot of specifics to cover.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn the specific provisions related to graspable handrails.
• Discover the strict geometric requirements of stairway design.
• Understand the flexibilities permitted in landing designs.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: The IRC provides a number of passive fire protection requirements in section 302, such as limiting space between structures through fire separation distance, and limiting the rapid spread of fire through fireblocking, draft stops and firestopping. Also provided in Section R313 is the requirement for active fire suppression though the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Learn the difference between fireblocking, draft stopping and firestopping.
• Discover the various materials permitted for fireblocking.
• Understand the limitations of construction close to a property line.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: This is one of nine stand-alone webinars in a series that covers all 27 sections of Chapter 3 of the 2018 International Residential Code. PART 5: This session combines a number of different chapter 3 sections under two different titles. “Sizes” reveals the various design requirements related to ceiling height, bathrooms, and the use of mezzanines and habitable attics to add an additional habitable floor. “Services” combines together the various short sections related to features such as garages and elevators to pools and storm shelters. Sections 309, 319, 321, 323, 324, 326 and 327 are discussed.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn when a fourth floor isn’t a fourth story above grade plane.
• Review the unique clearances around bathroom fixtures.
• Discover the nuances of minimum ceiling height in various places.
• Discover the requirements for garages vs. carports.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: Windows are a necessity of every home but depending on where they are located can provide more than just natural light.  Glass located in “hazardous locations” are those areas where the probability of human contact is higher.  In these areas safety glazing is required to minimize injury.  Where are these hazardous locations and what is safety glazing?  Find out in this session that is jamb packed with glazing provisions.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Learn what safety glazing is and how to verify it is present.
• Discover the hazardous locations in the code where safety glazing is required.
• Understand the reasoning behind provisions related to glazing (glass)

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: This is one of nine stand-alone webinars in a series that covers all 27 sections of Chapter 3 of the 2018 International Residential Code.  Sections 303 and 306 provide the minimum requirements for the comfortable and sanitary environment within a dwelling. Provisions related to illumination, heating, and sanitation are discussed in depth. Also necessary for a safe environment is appropriate accessibility for those with mobility challenges, and this is discussed as provided in section 320.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Learn the minimum requirements for sanitation in a dwelling.
• Explore the various requirements for conditioned air through heating and ventilation.
• Discover the extent for which the IRC regulates accessibility of dwellings.
• Realize the minimum required lighting in the IRC.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: For the IRC to be useful across the US, chapter 3 provides a number of provisions that differentiate the various climatic and geographic conditions that buildings must endure.  Force of Nature lays out all the variables of the environment that affect code provisions.  Coupled with this are the two required alarms that protect us from poisons that can be present in any climate, smoke and carbon monoxide.  Sections 314 and 315 provide the necessary details for the proper installation and successful use of these critical alarms.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Discover the only two retroactive code requirements found in the IRC.
• Learn the details of proper smoke alarm installation.
• Understand how the IRC can apply to a variety of climates.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.

Description: A handful of sections in Chapter 3 regulate the use of wood and foam plastic materials.  317 and 318 spell out the requirements necessary to protect wood materials for a long service life against the degradation from decay and termites.  Section 316 is dedicated to foam plastics and the special consideration necessary with its use.

Objectives: Upon completion, attendees will…

• Discover the major recent changes related to ground contact rated materials.
• Learn the limits of minimum code requirements related to wood decay resistance.
• Be introduced to the various methods of termite resistance.

Code Edition: 2018 International Residential Code

Length: 90 minutes.

Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP.  Click here to learn more about Glenn.