Education & Events

Price: Member: Free / Non-Member $50

Location: Online via Zoom.

1 CE credit for General and Adjuster licenses

Construction Basics: Exterior Finishes builds from the structure and roofing courses to provide a practical overview of exterior finishes in residential construction. The course emphasizes the importance of managing surface and groundwater to avoid water ingress, erosion, and structural damage through proper grading and drainage including perimeter drains, sump pumps, gutters, and downspouts.

The course then explores exterior wall construction, detailing the role of house wrap as a moisture barrier and the importance of proper installation of flashing and rainscreen systems.

Windows are covered next, including their components, types, and R-values. The course also reviews various cladding materials—brick, stucco, vinyl, cement board, cedar, and metal—discussing their benefits, installation concerns, and maintenance needs.

The session concludes with an overview of the restoration process following damage, outlining emergency mitigation and repair phases typical in most claim processes.

Topics covered:

• Exterior Grading
• Gutters, Downspouts & Window Wells
• Exterior Wall Structure and House Wrap
• Avoiding Condensation
• Windows Types and R-Value
• Types of Exterior Cladding
• The Restoration Process

After finishing participants will be able to:

• Provide property and casualty insurance professionals with an overview of common materials and practices used in finishing the exterior of a home.
• Understand the basics of exterior finishes, including water management, house wrap, windows, and exterior cladding
• Clarify terminology and concepts relevant to exterior construction.
• Explain how exterior finishes can impact insurance underwriting and claims.
• Understand initial considerations in the claims process when a roof is compromised.

Brokers will gain a deeper understanding of the materials and practices used in finishing the exterior of a home, such as grading, house wrap, windows, and cladding, which work together to ensure a water-tight house. This knowledge will inform their interactions with underwriters as well as with clients throughout the sales process and in claims support, when needed.

Instructor/Facilitator | Brian Bessey

Brian Bessey knows restoration from about every angle. He started in the industry as a carpenter and technician and served as a project manager before moving into business development and general management. This first-hand knowledge of the practices, technology and state of the industry informs the continuing education courses he has now taught to thousands of insurance professionals. Brian now serves as the Director of National Accounts at ServiceMaster Restore of Canada to support their 73 locations across Canada, including seven locations in Alberta.