DOE Weatherization Installer,
Part 2 - Intermediate

Course Outline

Understand the difference between thermal and air barriers.
Know the proper location of thermal and air barriers.
Recognize common locations and signals of gaps in pressure and thermal barriers, and know how to repair these gaps.
Recognize typical construction details that lead to gaps in pressure and thermal boundaries and know how to treat them.
Understand treatment options for walk-up attics.
Recognize use of blower door pressure diagnostics to locate and evaluate air boundary.

Understand basic principles of air leakage.
Recognize typical air leakage sites in attics.
Be familiar with the various tools and materials used in air sealing and attic preparation.
Understand high-temperature issues and how to treat them.
Understand safety concerns related to wiring.
Know how to prepare an attic for air sealing and insulation.

Understand the importance of maintaining healthy IAQ and combustion air, and the role of mechanical ventilation.
Recognize that leaving homes leaky is not proper ventilation.
Recognize and be familiar with appropriate ASHRAE guidelines.
Understand how to calculate building volume.
Understand static pressure and how to account for it when sizing fans.
Be able to name guidelines of proper duct installation.

Learn the importance of following cost-effectiveness guidelines when insulating attics.
Recognize that proper attic treatment can save up to 20% of home heating and cooling bills.
Understand that, combined with air sealing, attic insulation reduces the likelihood of structural damage due to condensation on the roof deck.
Learn the process for insulating attics with blown-in cellulose.

Learn the importance of achieving uniform density at the targeted R-value throughout the cavity.
Become familiar with typical tools for the job, including safety equipment.
Become familiar with basic equipment maintenance protocols.
Learn the proper order of operations for blowing in dense-pack sidewall insulation.

Learn guidelines for dryer vent installation.
Become familiar with proper vent materials and connections.
Learn the importance of proper materials and installation as related to moisture and fire hazards.
Understand guidelines for exterior exhaust hoods.

Identify various foundation types.
Understand basement and crawl space moisture dynamics.
Learn criteria for placement of thermal and pressure boundaries.
Become aware of basement and crawl space retrofit options.
Identify techniques for basement and crawl space retrofits.
Identify diagnostic procedures associated with weatherizing basements and crawl spaces.

Gain an understanding of window terminology.
Understand how windows lose and gain heat.
Become aware of the savings-to-investment ratio for window and door replacement compared to other building shell retrofits.
Identify various methods and materials for window and door treatments.
Understand recommended window and door replacement criteria.
Identify methods and techniques for replacing windows and doors.