Training Type: Comprehensive

Weatherization 101

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ None​

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

This one-day course will cover principles and theories of building science, as well as basic techniques and strategies used in weatherization.  Training will focus on the house as a system concept and discuss how the measures we install affect the home’s pressure, moisture, and temperature, and the overall big picture as it relates to building science.  Further, we will cover the importance of performing diagnostic testing and understanding baseload, ventilation, weatherproofing, and mechanical measures.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand possible interactions of different home elements
  • Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
  • Locate and recognize the thermal and pressure boundaries
  • Describe how driving forces affect home performance
  • Illustrate the link between air leakage, energy waste, and moisture problems
  • Explain the principle behind the blower door and other diagnostic tools
  • Convey the need for ventilation and the related options and guidelines
  • Define the need for weatherproofing any created building penetrations
  • Identify the importance of combustion safety throughout the work scope
  • Outline the impact of baseloads with regard to energy-saving potential

Identify program fenestration repair and replacement perspective.

Register

Air Sealing

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

Training Type: Comprehensive (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

Air Sealing is a one-day course emphasizing the importance of effective air sealing within the Weatherization Assistance Program. Focusing on effective  techniques we will discuss and implement how to detect air sealing opportunities, common leakage sites, determine appropriate tools and materials needed for air sealing. We will discuss air sealing guidance and best practices along with verifying that an effective air barrier has been established. This course is a combination of classroom and lab, using air-sealing props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the function and location of pressure and thermal boundaries.
  • Summarize the basic concepts, theory, and principles of air leakage.
  • Identify access to specific air sealing work areas.
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home.
  • Recognize signals of compromised pressure and thermal boundaries.
  • Characterize common air sealing tools, materials and material characteristics.
  • Categorize air sealing opportunities and common leakage sites.
  • Explain basic blower door functionality to verify an effective air barrier has been established.
  • Describe treatment options for walk-up attics and other unique air sealing details.
Register

Weatherization 101

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ None​

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

This one-day course will cover principles and theories of building science, as well as basic techniques and strategies used in weatherization.  Training will focus on the house as a system concept and discuss how the measures we install affect the home’s pressure, moisture, and temperature, and the overall big picture as it relates to building science.  Further, we will cover the importance of performing diagnostic testing and understanding baseload, ventilation, weatherproofing, and mechanical measures.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand possible interactions of different home elements
  • Recognize possible effects of changes made during weatherization
  • Locate and recognize the thermal and pressure boundaries
  • Describe how driving forces affect home performance
  • Illustrate the link between air leakage, energy waste, and moisture problems
  • Explain the principle behind the blower door and other diagnostic tools
  • Convey the need for ventilation and the related options and guidelines
  • Define the need for weatherproofing any created building penetrations
  • Identify the importance of combustion safety throughout the work scope
  • Outline the impact of baseloads with regard to energy-saving potential

Identify program fenestration repair and replacement perspective.

Register

Dense Pack Wall Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Retrofit Installer and Crew Leader JTAs.

Description:

Dense Pack Wall Insulation is an in-depth, one-day course intended to cover the principles behind dense pack wall insulation. This class will examine proper equipment set up and maintenance along with the necessary tools needed for optimal uniformity, target density, workflow and production. We will explore the guidance, best practices, and filling techniques related to dense pack insulation. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using dense pack wall props.

 Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify access to specific dense pack insulation work areas
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home
  • Explain the importance of achieving uniform density within the cavity
  • Select necessary dense pack tools, and materials (including safety equipment)
  • Identify insulation equipment setup and maintenance protocols
  • Reference dense pack related guidance and techniques
  • Demonstrate dense pack filling techniques
  • Illustrate methods to verify proper density has been achieved
Register

NEAT/MHEA Data Entry

BPI CEUs: 13.0

Prerequisites: None

Intended Audience: JTA= Energy Auditor

Description:

This two-day course will instruct users on data entry and evaluation of energy conservation measures using Weatherization Assistant (WAweb). We will review audit forms and discuss methodology behind data entry. Class participants will individually model a sample home and create a Measures Report for evaluation.

 Please bring a computer (a tablet will not work).

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Select proper libraries in creation of an audit
  • Reinforce the importance of proper data entry
  • Input data in an appropriate manner for accurate calculation of SIR
  • Run a Measures Report with appropriate ECM’s specified
  • Ensure Itemized Measures are also documented in the report
Register

Crew Leader

BPI CEU’s: 13.0

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those following the Crew Leader JTA

Description:

This two-day course equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for supervising shell projects in the Weatherization Assistance Program. Topics include planning and managing the scope of work, job site preparation, project implementation, and completion. The class will cover building science principles, health and safety, program requirements, and effective collaboration with weatherization professionals—providing a comprehensive approach to ensure successful and productive project outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the requirements of persons in the role of weatherization crew leader
  • Express leadership skills for effectively managing a crew and problem solving
  • Locate and discuss all forms and documents required of a crew leader in the Michigan WAP
  • Elaborate on the actions of developing a plan to execute the scope of work
  • Indicate what is needed to prepare and maintain a job site
  • Identify the processes of implementing the scope of work
  • Plan what is required to manage the entire project
  • Describe the steps a crew leader takes in finalizing the job
  • Define the relationships with other weatherization staff
  • Illustrate the role of the crew leader in maintaining quality control
  • Associate the importance of safe work practices throughout the project
  • Calculate and anticipate the need for controlled ventilation
Register

Foundation Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Description:

This one-day course will cover techniques and best practices for insulating foundations in the Weatherization Assistance Program following the Michigan Field Guide (MFG) and Standard Work Specifications (SWS). We will cover the characteristics of foundations and how best to approach these sometimes- challenging installations. Included will be proper vapor/soil gas retarder installation, air sealing, worker safety, standards, and acceptable insulation application. The in-person course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using foundation props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of air sealing prior to insulation
  • Locate and verify access to specific work areas
  • Identify guidance and standards for acceptable installations
  • Organize equipment, tools, and materials necessary for proper installation
  • Recognize proper installation of vapor/soil gas retarder, insulation, and air sealing measures
  • Validate effectiveness of installed measures
Register

Mobile Home Weatherization

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites:​ Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Crew Leader or Retrofit Installer)

Description:

This one-day course provides an in-depth look at the unique characteristics of mobile home construction and offers practical guidance on installing energy-saving measures. Participants will learn the proper techniques for installing weatherization measures and explore proven strategies for successful mobile home weatherization. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using mobile home props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Observe aspects of mobile home construction and components
  • Recognize mobile home specific tools and requirements
  • Identify mobile home specific health and safety concerns
  • Review air sealing techniques specific to mobile homes
  • Address duct system sealing, repairs, and diagnostics
  • Determine appropriate mobile home retrofit insulation techniques and options
  • Exercise general mobile home best practices
Register

Air Sealing

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: Weatherization 101 preferred but not required

Training Type: Comprehensive (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Description:

Air Sealing is a one-day course emphasizing the importance of effective air sealing within the Weatherization Assistance Program. Focusing on effective  techniques we will discuss and implement how to detect air sealing opportunities, common leakage sites, determine appropriate tools and materials needed for air sealing. We will discuss air sealing guidance and best practices along with verifying that an effective air barrier has been established. This course is a combination of classroom and lab, using air-sealing props.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the function and location of pressure and thermal boundaries.
  • Summarize the basic concepts, theory, and principles of air leakage.
  • Identify access to specific air sealing work areas.
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home.
  • Recognize signals of compromised pressure and thermal boundaries.
  • Characterize common air sealing tools, materials and material characteristics.
  • Categorize air sealing opportunities and common leakage sites.
  • Explain basic blower door functionality to verify an effective air barrier has been established.
  • Describe treatment options for walk-up attics and other unique air sealing details.
Register

Dense Pack Wall Insulation

BPI CEU’s: 6.5

Prerequisites: None

Training Type: Comprehensive, (JTA = Retrofit Installer, Crew Leader)

Intended Audience: This class is intended for those in the Retrofit Installer and Crew Leader JTAs.

Description:

Dense Pack Wall Insulation is an in-depth, one-day course intended to cover the principles behind dense pack wall insulation. This class will examine proper equipment set up and maintenance along with the necessary tools needed for optimal uniformity, target density, workflow and production. We will explore the guidance, best practices, and filling techniques related to dense pack insulation. This course will be a combination of classroom and lab activities using dense pack wall props.

 Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify access to specific dense pack insulation work areas
  • Apply protective measures and cleaning practices while working on the home
  • Explain the importance of achieving uniform density within the cavity
  • Select necessary dense pack tools, and materials (including safety equipment)
  • Identify insulation equipment setup and maintenance protocols
  • Reference dense pack related guidance and techniques
  • Demonstrate dense pack filling techniques
  • Illustrate methods to verify proper density has been achieved
Register