The Retrofit Lab: Mid-Construction Building Performance Testing & Air Sealing
In this 90-minute live instruction, builders Matt Kulp and Nicole Tysvaer will demonstrate the benefits of performing a pre-drywall blower door test to identify air leakage in the envelope of a home renovation and addition project. Participants will learn effective practices to prep the site for testing, building a temporary wall to isolate the testing area, using infrared cameras and smoke tracers to identify leaks, selecting appropriate sealants and foams to address leaks, and incorporating the existing house into testing parameters. Kulp and Tysvaer will also explain why meticulous air sealing is critical for improving comfort, energy efficiency, and resilience of homes, particularly for electrification projects and those converting to heat-pump technology. Course content will include pre-recorded video segments and photography from pre-drywall testing at a single-family demonstration project, followed by instructional slides and live discussions with webinar participants. This course will demonstrate how a short mid-construction intervention can have a significant impact on the quality, comfort, and efficiency of home remodeling projects.
Wed, July 22nd, 2026
6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Virtual
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance and benefits of air infiltration testing prior to drywall for residential substantial remodels and addition projects;
- Identify the site preparations and equipment needed to perform air infiltration testing during construction;
- Target the most common areas of air leakage with the appropriate sealing strategy.
Course Details
This is an introductory course with no pre-requisites.
Provider:Energy Shrink
Instructor:Matt Kulp and Nicole Tysvaer of Symbify LLC
Course Type:Virtual, Live Instruction
Course Dates:Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Registration Deadline:July 20, 2026 at 11:30pm
Time Commitment:1.5 hours
CEU:1.5 CEUs
Record of Completion:Certificate of Completion
All training and certification courses are offered at no cost to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the time commitment, registrants may not sign up for conflicting courses unless the conflicting course is self-paced. This course is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, tax, or legal advice. Participation in this course does not establish a professional relationship with the instructor or the DCSEU. Course content is subject to change, and we do not guarantee that it will perfectly match descriptions on our website or social media. We are not responsible for students' access to course materials, required products, or their ability to complete the course due to skill level, commitment, or other factors. No guarantees are made regarding earnings, success, or specific outcomes. Course participants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, and the DCSEU and presenters disclaims any liability for penalties or damages incurred due to non-compliance.