Topic outline

  • Coastal Construction: The Building Envelope

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides guidance on the design of building envelopes in a coastal environment. The building envelope comprises exterior doors, windows, skylights, exterior wall coverings, soffits, roof systems, and attic vents. In buildings elevated on open foundations, the floor is also considered as a part of the envelope.

    High winds are the predominant natural hazard in the coastal environment that can cause damage to the building envelope. Other natural hazards also exist in some localities such as wind-driven rain, salt-laden air, seismic events, hail, and wildfire. The vulnerability of the building envelope to these hazards are discussed with recommendations for mitigating them provided.

    Topics:

    • Floors in Elevated Buildings
    • Loads and Resistance for Exterior Doors, Siding, Walls
    • High Wind, Seismic, Rain, Sun, and Hail Criteria
    • Non-Load Bearing Walls, Wall Coverings, Soffits
    • Exterior Insulating Finishing System
    • Concrete, CMU and Breakaway walls
    • Flashings: Door, Window, Roof to Wall, Deck to Wall
    • Proper installation of Roofing Systems
    • Use of Shingles,Tiles, Metal, Slate, Wood Shake, Underlayments
    • Low-Slope Roof Systems
    • Attic Vents
    • Additional Environmental Considerations

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Coastal, Architectural, Structural, Construction, Civil, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of coastal construction applications and design procedures.
    Publication Source: US FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1