Building Envelope in Coastal Areas

The Building Envelope in Coastal Areas online PDH course is a part of the Building Design category of courses. This course provides technical guidance and recommendations on design, construction and maintenance of building envelope elements: siding, roof, windows and doors, flashing and other components of the systems in coastal areas. The envelope is the first line of defense for the building and the occupants. It could be subjected to very high wind loads, with increased magnitude due to local wind pressures at corners.

Special consideration is given to connections between various system components as they are critical to satisfactory performance of the building envelope in times of extreme wind conditions.

This course is based on FEMA “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction”, Technical Fact Sheet Series, FEMA P-499.

This course is intended for use by architects, civil  and structural engineers, design and construction professionals, owners, facility managers, students and others interested in learning about building envelopes in coastal areas.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

• explain the function of housewrap, examine its attributes, and address common problems associated with its use
• explain the importance of proper roof and deck flashing, and to provide typical and enhanced flashing techniques for coastal homes
• provide basic design and installation tips for various types of siding that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions
• recommend practices for installing brick veneer that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions
• describe flashing detail concepts for window and door openings
• describe process of selection and installation of storm shutters and impact-resistant glazing and other types of opening protection in windborne debris regions
• describe proper roof sheathing installation, emphasize its importance in coastal construction, and illustrate fastening methods that will enhance the durability of a building in a high-wind area
• advise on recommended practices for use of roofing underlayment as an enhanced secondary water barrier in coastal environments
• recommend practices for installing asphalt roof shingles that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind, coastal regions
• provide recommended practices for designing and installing extruded concrete and clay tiles that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind areas
• describe practices for minimizing water intrusion through roof vent systems that can lead to interior damage and mold growth in high-wind regions
• describe practices for designing and installing metal roof systems that will enhance wind resistance in high-wind regions