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Courses/Engineering/General Construction

Evaluating Insulation Options

Discover the optimal insulation solutions for your projects, from foundational principles to advanced applications, ensuring energy efficiency and code compliance in every design.

Created byHalfMoon Educationworkspace_premium
5.0
(5 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Dec 4, 2025
Evaluating Insulation Options

What You'll Learn

check_circleDistinguish between R-values and U-values for insulation performance.
check_circleIdentify building code compliance for various insulation types.
check_circleCompare conventional fiberglass batt and cellulose insulation properties.
check_circleEvaluate spray foam insulation options: open-cell versus closed-cell.
check_circleAssess the characteristics and applications of wool insulation.
check_circleAnalyze polystyrene foam board (EPS and XPS) for different uses.

About This Course

This six‐hour course examines six types of insulation options for residential and commercial buildings, focusing on performance, cost, lifespan, installation, application, and compliance with building and energy codes. The course also demonstrates how to calculate R‐values and U‐values and identifies code requirements
for insulation and energy efficiency in the IBC, IRC, IEBC, and IECC.

Throughout this program, you will explore:

  • Insulation Basics: Understand R-values, U-values, and the critical role of insulation in building code compliance, history, and methods of heat transfer.

  • Conventional Bat and Cellulose Insulation: Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, cost implications, and specific applications of fiberglass bat and cellulose, including insights into faced vs. unfaced options.

  • Spray Foam Insulation: Delve into the world of open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, comparing their properties, installation nuances, associated costs, and fire safety considerations.

  • Wool Insulation: Discover the benefits and drawbacks of traditional sheep's wool and mineral wool (rock wool), focusing on their sustainability, acoustic properties, and fire resistance.

  • Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation: Distinguish between Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), examining their thermal performance, moisture resistance, and suitability for various applications, including below-grade and radiant slab scenarios.

  • Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Foam Board Insulation: Gain a deep understanding of Polyiso, its superior thermal resistance, diverse facer options, and crucial fire performance characteristics in both roofing and wall systems.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify the most suitable insulation materials for diverse project requirements and climate zones.
  • Interpret and apply building code regulations related to insulation and energy efficiency.
  • Analyze the cost-benefit ratio of different insulation options.
  • Recognize best practices for insulation installation and maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
  • Navigate complex topics such as thermal bridging, condensation management, and NFPA 285 compliance with confidence.

Whether you're developing high-rise commercial buildings, renovating residential homes, or seeking to optimize energy performance, this course provides the essential knowledge to make informed, impactful decisions that contribute to sustainable, comfortable, and compliant structures.

Your Instructors

HalfMoon Education
HalfMoon Education

Online Courses for Engineers

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star792 reviews

HalfMoon Education is a nonprofit continuing education provider offering live webinars and on-demand courses for engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, attorneys, paralegals, accountants and others. Since 1996, we’ve helped thousands of professionals nationwide stay current with industry standards and codes, earn CE hours, and advance their expertise through practical, expert-led learning experiences. Learn more about us at: www.halfmoonseminars.org

Matthew Stevens
Matthew Stevens

Associate AIA, CSI, CCPR, CDT, REWO

Mr. Stevens received his Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has over 25 years in the building industry. His experience includes architectural design, construction, consulting, as well as training and development roles. As a Building Envelope & Architectural Consultant at Sika he works directly with Architects, Contractors, Consultants and Specifiers to select the optimal insulation and envelope components for their projects while meeting applicable building codes. Mr. Stevens is an active member that serves on the boards of several CSI and BEC chapters in Texas. In addition to serving as chair of BEC Dallas, he also serves on the AIA Dallas COTE (Committee On The Environment). He is also a committee member on several RAiNA committees.

Credit Information

What Students Are Saying

5.0
Student's Choice
5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.