About this course

This course was originally presented at BuildingEnergy Boston 2020, a conference presented by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

Back in 2016, our team started a multiyear experiment, sponsored by Building America, on unvented roofs without spray foam or exterior rigid insulation, using an instrumented test hut with multiple test bays. The experiment examined cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation, interior vapor control membranes, diffusion vents at the ridge, interior humidification, inward vapor drive issues, and the effect of air barrier imperfections. Some preliminary results were presented at BuildingEnergy Boston in early 2018. After three winters of experimentation, this is the rest of the story. We will give our take on what works, what is too risky, and what you might be able to get away with some of the time.

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Learning Objectives

  • Explain the moisture risks inherent in unvented/compact roof assemblies with fibrous (air‐permeable) insulation
  • Define the roles that vapor diffusion and air leakage have on moisture levels in roofs
  • Explain the role that a vapor diffusion vent can have in ameliorating roof moisture risks
  • Describe the risks of inward vapor drive in unvented roof assemblies

Course outline

1 module • 4 assignments • 1:02 hours of video lectures

Module 1 • 2 assignments
Unvented Roofs without Spray Foam: The Rest of the Story

  • Unvented Roofs without Spray Foam: The Rest of the Story (01:02:57 hours)
  • OPTIONAL: Subscribe to NESEA Communications

Instructor

  • Kohta Ueno

    Building Science Corporation, Senior Associate
    View profile

    Kohta Ueno is a senior associate at Building Science Corporation, a building science consulting and architecture firm with offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Waterloo, Ontario. His responsibilities at Building Science Corporation include forensic field investigations, energy and hygrothermal modeling, building science research, and field testing. His undergraduate... Learn more

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your group.

Reviews

4.6
Based on 56 reviews
421
students have taken this course
01/27/2023

See above

Dave Mitchell
06/17/2022

As a builder, I found this easy to understand and an excellent way to continue the education process. Building is a constantly evolving discipline and the more tools we can add to our arsenal the better.

Jeremiah Sommer
05/17/2021

Good

SIVARAMKRISHNAN M

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