Insulation Course

Lesson 1 • Key Insulation Terminology

Introduces R-value, U-value, thermal bridging, and vapour diffusion. Precise vocabulary enables accurate specification reading and field communication.

Lesson 2 • Why Buildings Lose Energy

Examines the building envelope as a system and identifies common energy loss pathways. Connects heat transfer theory to real construction deficiencies.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Performance Standards

Surveys minimum thermal performance requirements and energy codes used in construction. Students learn to read performance tables and compliance thresholds.

Lesson 1 • Fibrous Insulation Materials

Covers fibreglass batts, mineral wool, and cellulose in terms of composition and thermal performance. Establishes the baseline material category used most widely in construction.

Lesson 2 • Specialty and Emerging Materials

Introduces aerogel blankets, vacuum insulation panels, and bio-based materials. Prepares students to evaluate new products entering the market.

Lesson 3 • Foam and Rigid Board Insulation

Examines expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate boards. Highlights high R-value per inch and moisture resistance advantages.

Lesson 4 • Reflective and Radiant Barriers

Covers foil-faced products and radiant barrier sheathing that reduce radiant heat gain. Clarifies when reflective products complement or replace mass insulation.

Lesson 1 • Worksite Safety Practices

Covers fall protection, confined space awareness, and fire watch during SPF work. Safe site organisation prevents accidents and regulatory violations.

Lesson 2 • Hazard Communication and SDS

Teaches workers to read Safety Data Sheets and understand chemical hazard labels. Regulatory hazard communication requirements apply to all insulation chemicals.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools for Insulation Work

Covers knives, straightedges, rods, and staple guns used in daily insulation tasks. Proper tool selection reduces waste and improves installation quality.

Lesson 4 • Personal Protective Equipment

Details respiratory protection, eye protection, gloves, and coveralls for each material type. Matching PPE to the specific hazard prevents occupational illness.

Lesson 1 • Reading Construction Drawings

Teaches interpretation of architectural and detail drawings for insulation scope. Accurate drawing reading prevents missed areas and incorrect material placement.

Lesson 2 • Wall Assembly Types

Examines wood-frame, steel-frame, and mass masonry walls and their insulation strategies. Each framing type creates unique thermal bridging challenges requiring specific solutions.

Lesson 3 • Roof and Attic Assemblies

Covers vented attics, unvented conditioned attics, and low-slope roofing insulation. Ventilation strategy determines whether insulation goes at the ceiling or roof deck.

Lesson 1 • Hygrothermal Analysis Basics

Introduces dew point calculations and condensation risk assessment within assemblies. Students use simple tools to verify that proposed assemblies are moisture-safe.

Lesson 2 • Vapour Retarder Classes and Placement

Explains Class I, II, and III vapour retarders and their correct placement by climate zone. Wrong vapour retarder placement traps moisture and causes structural damage.

Lesson 3 • Sealing Penetrations and Transitions

Covers techniques for sealing around pipes, wires, ducts, and structural transitions. Penetration sealing is the most labour-intensive part of achieving a continuous air barrier.

Lesson 4 • Air Barrier Materials and Systems

Covers housewraps, self-adhered membranes, fluid-applied coatings, and SPF as air barriers. Each material has specific continuity and attachment requirements.

Lesson 1 • Batt and Roll Insulation Installation

Covers cutting, fitting, and fastening fibreglass and mineral wool batts in cavities. Proper fit without compression or gaps is essential to achieving rated R-value.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control and Inspection

Introduces visual inspection checklists, density testing, and thermal imaging for installed insulation. Systematic QC catches defects before they are covered by finish materials.

Lesson 3 • Spray Foam Application Technique

Covers substrate preparation, pass thickness limits, and gun movement for SPF. Consistent lift thickness prevents exothermic overheating and ensures full cure.

Lesson 4 • Rigid Board Cutting and Fastening

Teaches scoring, snapping, and routing rigid foam boards for precise fits. Correct fastening and taping prevent thermal bypass at board edges and joints.

Lesson 1 • Equipment and Tank Insulation

Covers insulating water heaters, storage tanks, and air handling units. Reducing standby losses on equipment improves overall system efficiency significantly.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Insulation Fundamentals

Details pre-formed pipe insulation sizing, fitting covers, and vapour barrier jacketing. Correct pipe insulation prevents heat loss, condensation, and freeze damage.

Lesson 3 • Condensation Control on Cold Surfaces

Explains vapour drive toward cold pipes and how insulation thickness prevents surface condensation. Incorrect vapour barrier placement on cold systems causes chronic moisture damage.

Lesson 1 • Blower Door Testing and Analysis

Covers blower door setup, pressurisation protocol, and result interpretation. Test results quantify air leakage and guide targeted air sealing priorities.

Lesson 2 • Retrofit Assessment and Prioritisation

Covers existing building audits, thermal envelope mapping, and upgrade sequencing. Prioritising measures by cost-effectiveness maximises return on insulation investment.

Lesson 3 • Performance Verification and Commissioning

Details post-installation testing, commissioning checklists, and occupant handover documentation. Verified performance closes the gap between design intent and actual building operation.

Lesson 4 • Infrared Thermography for Diagnostics

Teaches thermal camera operation, image interpretation, and reporting for insulation defects. IR imaging reveals missing insulation, thermal bridges, and moisture intrusion invisibly.