Course Synopsis
Exterior Finishes and FlashingsCourse

• Description: This session is a two hours course which introduces participants to the various aspects of exterior finish and flashing including inspection scope and limitations, criteria for inspecting and inspection reporting requirements. This class is applicable to anyone desiring to learn about existing residential exterior inspections per the industry standard.
  
• Participant Profile: This course is primarily intended for home inspectors who wish to enhance their knowledge of exterior finish component inspection requirements and the process. Other participants could include homeowners and contractors who are interested in inspection and who want to know basic criteria for evaluating exteriors of existing homes. The primary goal is to help inspectors know: what to look for at exteriors and penetrations; understand “the why” of an issue and improve how they communicate the importance of their findings and the effects on the home.
  
• Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion, participants should know:
  (1) common exterior finishes and flashing methods,
  (2) basic principles of exterior inspection and potential issues,
  (3) exterior inspection protocols and sequence,
  (4) wear and tear issues; defects and component installation,
  (5) deteriorated and damaged components,
  (6) when probing may be required,
  (5) criteria for gauging the seriousness of conditions and where to find them, and
  (6) inspection reporting requirements.
  
• Books/Handouts: PowerPoint presentation by The Bellman Group. Slides of many of the issues will be help inspectors to identify components and conditions in the field.
  
• Assessment: Class participation. Quiz successful completion where required by state.

Class Schedule – 2-hours

1. Accessory Fixture Mounting Blocks 5 mins
   
2. Vinyl Head Flashing 5 mins
   
3. Vinyl J Channels 5 mins
   
4. Typical exterior finish clearances to grade 5 mins
   
5. Wood Rot and probing 10 mins
   
6. Poor siding materials and their history, typical defects 20 mins
   
7. Sealant techniques 10 mins
   
8. Brick issues. 15 mins
   
9. Vegetation and drainage issues 10 mins
   
10. EIFS 20 mins
    
11. Case study 15 mins
    

Abstract: "Exterior Finishes and Flashings” - This two hour session is presented by Charles Bellefontaine, will cover the concept of waterproofing and proper integration into typical exterior finishes such as stucco, vinyl, wood and EIFS as well as typical defects. Several case studies will be presented to demonstrate how each issue manifests itself and the significance of each issue will be discussed. The instructor will spend the last part of the session explaining what home inspectors will see in as-built homes and how to report these issues.

Summary Instructor Biography: Charles Bellefontaine
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Charles M. Bellefontaine - A leader in the home inspection field since 1991. He personally completed over 3,000 Home Inspections ranging from Executive Homes to Public Housing Units of the CHA. Charles is a past officer and director of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), past president of the Illinois Society of Professional Home Inspectors, and has held numerous other leadership positions in the home inspection field. He has been quoted by numerous national and local news agencies as an expert in the home inspection profession. He is one of the owners and developers of BellmanGroups Learning Management System, InspectorSites, and MyReportWriter. Charles is also a professional firefighter since 1984, and is very interested in safety conditions in the home.

Sincerely,
Charles M. Bellefontaine
Vice President of Program Development Bellman Group, Inc.

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