Free Courses by CSI Division

This course will provide a brief overview of Low-Slope Roof Systems to provide the necessary background to discuss cover boards & thermal barriers.  The various cover board types and reasons for their use will be described. Each board type will be discussed along with their primary features, benefits & challenge...

This course introduces new climate zoned cladding and illustrates panel cladding. Learn how this is helping designers meet emerging demands for contemporary commercial design aesthetics through a description on the benefits of fiber cement and the common selection criteria for siding options.

This course will cover types of fasteners for rooftop applications. You will learn how to identify both roof decks and roof fasteners and the best practices for matching them together. You will discover key characteristics of fasteners and roofs to use in your everyday roof projects.

Explore different architectural cladding options. Discover how aluminum composite material (ACM) panels and metal composite material (MCM) panels have broadened architectural horizons, providing weatherability, fire resistance, long service life, and design flexibility.

This course encourages participants to think outside the box and consider using polymer cladding as a material to create aesthetic, enduring, and moisture resistant rainscreens that will better protect buildings and its occupants. We will discuss other more commonly used products and the issues faced with each. We will a...

Explore MCM and ACM panels along with the different types of paint finish systems that include solid colors, prismatic finishes, faux finishes, and more. With an emphasis on new fluoropolymer technology, gain insight into finish standards and testing as well as how the makeup and application of each finish type affects i...

Heavy snow, while perfect for skiing and snowball fights, is less than ideal when it glaciates and moves on roofs. Despite the many damages that snow and ice moving on roofs can cause to a building and its occupants, there are currently no codes or standards for snow retention systems in the United States or Canada. Join...

This course will explain the benefits of roof hatch & smoke vent design and life safety. The designer will have a better understanding of code regulations for life safety and will be able to properly size and place vents in accordance with these codes.

This course will help the designer to correctly determine the proper specification for building movement joints. Selecting, designing, detailing and specifying building joints is a complex task which can be simplified by following a logical process to first determine joint requirements, location and type. Once we know th...

Define the basic properties of SPF and be able to list the general benefits of using ccSPF systems for masonry wall insulation, air barrier, and water sealing. Learn about the installation methods of ccSPF systems and be able to visualize the applications and projects of closed cell spray polyurethane foams.

Rain is one of the most important things to control in wall construction for both a building’s structural integrity and the occupants’ health. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss the basic building science of moisture management and sustainable rainscreen systems. Participants will gain a new understanding of p...

The timeless, elegant look of wood is a popular design choice. However, wood isn’t always the best option for exterior cladding. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss different types of exterior cladding used to achieve a wood-like finish and explore how testing methods and new technology can ensure your project’...

Stucco assemblies are a popular choice but require proper detailing to avoid problems that can arise from water infiltration. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss the new IBC 2021 25.10.1 and 25.10.2 Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) and drainage mat requirement, including how to evaluate a project’s environment to...

Did you know that the key to maintaining a comfortable temperature is to reduce the heat transfer out of the building in the winter and into the building in the summer? Learn about reflective insulation, radiant barriers, and control coatings that will affect a buildings ability to reduce heating and cooling loads.

This one-hour course provides a framework for understanding the importance of rooftop equipment securement. We’ll review current methods that are no longer code compliant and explore modern innovative solutions that properly secure all rooftop equipment and accessories. We will examine the critical need for application a...

During this one-hour presentation, we explore the rusting process and how it relates to structural integrity, life-cycle, and safety. We review rust prevention strategies, surface, preparation, and specific coating types.

In this course, you will learn about how snow build-up on a low slope roof can be very damaging and you will learn about solutions to contain fallen and packed snow on top of the roof and keep it from falling below causing possible injury and property damage.

In this one-hour course the history of SPF will be discussed. The physical properties of SPF insulation will be examined as well as the advantages of using SPF in the built environment. Typical applications of both open-cell and closed-cell SPF will be reviewed.