Corporate Training By Zack Academy - Diagnostic Approaches to Weatherization

Why Should You Take This Diagnostic Approaches to Weatherization Course?

During this Diagnostic Approaches to Weatherization course, participants will learn principles of air leakage, how houses perform as influenced by pressure differences caused by increase air tightening, mechanical exhaust devices, moisture movement, etc. Methods for determining cost effective air sealing guidelines and minimum ventilation requirements for occupants are also discussed. Participants will learn how to use a blower door to test air leakage and guide air sealing efforts.

Course Format:  This is a lecture-lab course in which topics are presented by the instructor utilizing handouts, presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Following instructor lecture and demonstrations, students will be monitored while performing skills and procedures in the shop.

Course Topics:

• Building Science
• Thermal Envelopes
• Blower Door Test
• Measuring Air Leakage
• Indoor Air Quality
• CAZ Test

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain principles of building science
• Define the driving forces that cause pressure differences in a home
• Set up and operate a blower door to measure air leakage
• Use the necessary tools and equipment to run a CAZ test
• Analyze the house as a system in regards to thermal envelope, moisture content, heating systems and ventilation

Evaluation and Grading:  To successfully complete the course and receive certification, the student must complete the written exam with a minimum score of 70% and pass the lab exam.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

• Safety Glasses must be worn at all times while in the shop area.
• Leather-type work shoe or boot must be worn. NO open-toed shoes or sandals!
• All students are responsible for properly cleaning up their area, properly storing parts, and returning all tools at the end of class.
• No cell phone use during class, cells phones may be checked during breaks only.
• This is a smoke free school zone; smoking is not permitted on school grounds.
• Refer to the enrollment packet for school wide policies.

Syllabus

Syllabus:

• Pre-test
• Basic concepts
• House as a system
• Health, safety, building integrity, comfort
• Energy efficiency
• Introduction to the blower door
• Blower door test procedures and demo (lab)
• Preparing the house
• Components
• Equipment set up
• Gauge use
• Conducting an air leakage test
• Measuring air leakage
• Blower door values and what they mean
• Taking the house measurements
• Determining the volume
• One point blower door testing
• Cannot reach 50 factor
• Principles of air movement & air leakage
• Intentional leaks and unintentional leaks
• Types and relative importance of leaks
• Defining the thermal envelope
• Blower door and equipment practice (lab)
• Introduction to indoor air quality & moisture issues
• Pollution sources
• Moisture problems
• Moisture movement
• Building tightness limits
• Devising an air sealing strategy (classroom and lab)
• Solutions, techniques, materials
• Air leakage as a function of construction type
• Student lab exercises
• Blower door and CAZ equipment practice (lab)
• Review Q&A
• Post test