The Awesome Wall: A Better Way to Build

Wall assembly details like corners, deck connections, fastening schedules, tapes, window bucks, furring strips and cladding attachment present challenges. Michael Anschel is a nationally recognized green design and building expert who set out to determine if there was a simple high-performance wall system to resolve these challenges in new construction, remodeling and retrofit situations. Join us to hear the results of his extensive pursuit. Michael will walk through each layer of wall assembly and share lessons learned, as well as the strategies and materials behind this new approach he’s dubbed the “awesome wall.”

• Overview of traditional wall, control layers, and a few examples of other wall types
• Step by step walk through of the Awesome Wall, control layers identification, explanation of how each layer works in concert
• Methods of attachment for each layer, and important do’s and don’ts. Details on flashing components. Details on foundation to above grade wall. Details on deck attachment
• Performance data modeling, testing, user experience, observations, and final thoughts

As a result of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the role and placement of each control layer in the assembly (vapor, air, thermal, water)
• Recognize the method of assembly and attachment to the home and of individual parts
• Identify ventilation and flashing strategy.
• Effectively understand the challenges and risks involved and how to minimize them
• Learn the value of redundancies

After the course, you will need to take a 10 question quiz. To pass the quiz, you will need to get a score of 70% or higher.

This course has been approved for one hour of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Energy credit, and one hour of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier CE by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services. If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 7 business days of course completion.

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from purchase date.

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.