High-Performance Walls in Pennsylvania

Course Overview

A primary area where builders and designers can influence the energy performance of a home is through a climate zone-appropriate wall system. This course will provide an overview of common high-performance opaque wall systems that can work in Pennsylvania, including walls with continuous exterior insulation and extended plate and beam (EP&B) walls. Following this course, participants will have a better understanding of how to scale up current code-level wall systems to be prepared for future code changes or explore above-code performance standards, such as ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Home, and/or Passive House standards.

Learning Goals

What will you learn?

• Understand the building science principles behind the ‘perfect wall’ system to avoid moisture risks in wall system choices.
• Explore benefits and drawbacks of several common climate-zone appropriate wall systems per building science and constructability criteria.
• Understand applicability of various wall systems for above-code performance standards for enhanced building energy performance.
• Gain greater insight into environmental impacts of common wall materials to aid in wall system choices.

Available Continuing Education Credits

After watching the videos, completing knowledge checks, and passing a final assessment, you will be eligible for the following continuing education credits:

• 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour
• 1.0 PDH for licensed professional engineers in Pennsylvania
• 1.0 AIA LU|HSW
• 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)
• 1.0 NARI hour/CEU

Instructor

Sarah Klinetob Lowe
Former PHCR Housing Specialist
Penn State College of Engineering  

Who is this for?

• Architects, builders, engineers, remodelers, and other design professionals
• Code officials and government representatives
• Product manufacturers with a residential focus
• Educators focused on building trades and residential construction