Lesson 1Expanded and extruded polystyrene (EPS/XPS): thermal performance, compression, moisture resistance, use in walls and floorsThis lesson reviews EPS and XPS features like heat performance, strength under load, water resistance, and lasting quality, with tips for using in walls, floors, and below-ground setups.
EPS vs XPS manufacturing and typesThermal resistance and aging effectsCompressive strength and creep limitsMoisture uptake and freeze–thawWalls, slabs, and below-grade detailsLesson 2Fire performance, VOCs, and indoor air quality considerations for insulation materialsThis lesson checks fire behaviour, smoke and toxins, chemical off-gassing, and effects on inside air quality, plus tests, labels, and designs to cut risks for people inside.
Fire tests, Euroclass, and NFPA ratingsSmoke toxicity and halogenated foamsVOC sources in insulation productsEmission labels and certification schemesVentilation and enclosure strategiesLesson 3Thermal bridge mitigation materials: insulated plasterboard, thermal breaks, continuous insulation principlesThis lesson covers materials and ways to cut heat bridges, like insulated plasterboard, structure breaks, and full outside insulation, with details for slabs, balconies, and openings.
Identifying linear and point bridgesInsulated plasterboard use and limitsStructural thermal break materialsContinuous exterior insulation conceptsDetailing at balconies and slab edgesLesson 4Mineral wool (glass and rock wool): thermal conductivity, sound absorption, fire behavior, typical applicationsThis lesson explains glass and rock wool makeup, heat conduction levels, sound soaking, and fire safety, matching these to common uses in walls, roofs, fronts, and service spaces.
Glass wool vs rock wool compositionThermal conductivity ranges and testingSound absorption and density selectionReaction to fire and Euroclass ratingsTypical wall, roof, and cavity usesLesson 5Reflective and radiant barriers: how they work, when to use in hot climates, compatibility with ventilation and air gapsThis lesson explains reflective barriers, their need for low shine and air spaces, best for hot areas like Zambia, roof fits, common errors, and links to airflow and damp control.
Radiant heat transfer fundamentalsLow-emissivity surfaces and agingRequired air gaps and orientationsUse in hot roofs and attic spacesVentilation, dust, and moisture issuesLesson 6Acoustic panels and resilient channels: absorption coefficients, decoupling methods, placing in partitions and ceilingsThis lesson explores sound panels, flexible channels, and separation systems, stressing soak rates, fitting conditions, side paths, and top methods for walls, ceilings, and upgrades.
Absorption coefficients and test methodsPorous vs panel absorber behaviorResilient channels and decoupling rulesControlling flanking transmission pathsPlacement in walls, ceilings, and studiosLesson 7Cellulose and natural fiber insulations: thermal/acoustic properties, hygroscopic behavior, ecological considerationsThis lesson covers cellulose, wood fibre, and natural insulations, noting heat and sound traits, damp buffering, fitting ways, strength, and green life-cycle benefits.
Types of natural fiber insulationsThermal performance and heat capacityAcoustic behavior in light assembliesMoisture buffering and mold controlLife-cycle, sourcing, and recyclingLesson 8Vapour barriers, vapour control layers, and breathable membranes: sd-values, placement strategies for cold and mixed climatesThis lesson clears up vapour barriers, control layers, and breathable sheets, focusing on sd-values, vapour spread vs air leaks, right spots in cool and mixed weathers, and failure spots.
Diffusion, permeability, and sd-valuesVapor barrier vs control layer rolesMembrane placement by climate zoneAirtightness, leaks, and drying pathsCase studies of moisture failuresLesson 9Polyurethane and PIR board: high R-value per thickness, flammability, vapor behavior, use in roofs and thin retrofit situationsThis lesson studies PUR and PIR boards for high insulation per thickness, sealed cells, fire and smoke risks, vapour hold, and details for roofs, walls, and slim inside upgrades.
Foam chemistry and blowing agentsR-value per thickness and agingFlammability, smoke, and fire codesVapor resistance and condensation riskRoof and retrofit detailing examples
