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’...

Free Online Courses:
Organized by CSI Division
You have continuing education requirements, we have the free courses you need to help you maintain your credentials. To get started, just login or create a new account. Then browse through our list of free HSW credit courses below! All programs are organized by CSI division to help you find topics of interest quickly. You can even filter by a specific CSI division or profession to find what you want even faster. Complete a course, take the quiz and make an 80% or higher, and you’ll earn a certificate of completion. Are you an AIA member? Interior designer? Landscape architect? Or maybe you’re an engineer? We’ve got you covered! If the course you complete is registered with AIA, IDCEC, ASLA or RCEP, we’ll report your course credit to these organizations on your behalf. Just be sure to add your association member number to your RonBlank.com account.
(07) Thermal and Moisture Protection
FREE |
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...
FREE |
Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss how rooftop pipes move on the roof and how to properly support them to prevent damage to the pies and roofing system. Participants will learn about current practices, spacing considerations, and market issues, as well as differences between engineered and field fabricated pip...
FREE |
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.
FREE |
Roof Drainage Design will help specifiers and commercial roof designers and installers understand common drainage problems on commercial roofs. The course addresses the importance of proper drain design, the basics of water flow and the impact of a vortex, drain options for re-roofing and new construction applications, a...
FREE |
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...
FREE |
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.
FREE |
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.
FREE |
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.
FREE |
Exterior cladding is a vital component of any project—it not only protects the building envelope from environmental conditions, but it also sets the tone for the overall building design. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss architectural polymers, such as vinyl and polymeric siding, that help create a sustainabl...
FREE |
Energy efficiency is an important part of any building—starting with the building envelope. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss the "Shell System" ( “SS”) assembly, an innovative building envelope solution that is cost-effective and sustainable. Participants will learn about the many benefits of the “Shell Syst...
FREE |
Rigid insulations are available in many product and system configurations offering optimum performance for all types of building applications. In this one-hour course, various rigid insulation products will be discussed with an emphasis on molded polystyrene (EPS) and their specifications. Environmental factors and produ...
FREE |
In this one-hour course, we will review the process of electromagnetic induction to see how it is used in our world today. Then, we will discuss how that process has been adapted for use installing commercial roofing systems. In addition, we will review other installation methods and compare them to the electromagnetic i...
FREE |
This course introduces walkable thermoplastic deck and roofing membrane systems and describes the system advantages. Includes over a dozen membrane construction videos and illustrates design considerations for incorporation into the building envelope.
FREE |
In this one-hour course, the design professional will be exposed to the impact of roof deterioration throughout the US, and they will have an opportunity to explore a more cost-effective solution that can be used immediately to give new life to aging roofs in an effort to avoid spending millions of dollars replacing them...
FREE |
(08) Doors, Windows and Openings
This course expresses the reasons for concern regarding the environmental hazards that come with flooding and describes who is responsible when natural hazards and flooding occur. Learn what a Base Flood Elevation is, as well as the objectives of protection in order to employ this type of system.
FREE |
Operable walls offer the opportunity to maximize any space by implementing superior engineering, aesthetics and technology. Join us in this one-hour course as we dive into key understandings of operable partitions to address panel construction, suspension systems, sealing mechanisms, design options, automation, and safet...
FREE |
In this one hour course we will review compression-seal technology for high-performance window and door systems. Through a discussion that includes definitions and application examples, the design professional will be able to select the high-performance window or door system to best suit their design. We will conclude th...
FREE |
This course focuses on compliant designs for fire door assemblies, frames, and hardware. Learn basic fire door assembly requirements for a variety of enclosures and how those standards must be met. In addition, ensure your fire rated openings are compliant by learning about the applicable codes, requirements, and design...
FREE |
Develop a basic understanding of fire test requirements and processes for obtaining ratings on fire rated doors and frames. Become familiar with the hardware requirements, as well as the various fire rated door and frame applications including requirements for glazing, transoms and other components.
FREE |