Residential Deck, Porch and Sunroom Design and Construction
Agenda
Webinar instructions will be emailed 24-48 business hours before the date of the webinar.
Please log into the webinar 10-15 minutes before start time.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT
Agenda:
Presented by Don Sivigny
History of and Applications
- History of exterior living spaces
- Decks vs. porches
- Sunrooms
- Development of modern residential and commercial decks, porches and sunrooms
Structural Requirements
- Complying with codes and standards:
- International Building Code, International Residential Code and accessibility standards
- Structural loads
- Egress requirements
Safety and Accessibility
- Changes in elevation
- Stairs
- Ramps
- Railings and handrails
Adding Fixtures and Structures
- Options for shade and shelter
- Outdoor enclosures
- Built-in seating
- Exterior heating/cooling options
- Sound and lighting
Materials, Components and Sustainability
- Decking
- Finishes
- Reusing material
- Sustainability
- Case studies
Covering and Enclosing
- Purposes for enclosing
- Codes and standards
- Materials and process
- Sunrooms
- AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100
- Fenestration requirements
- Required ventilation
Webinar Instructions
All attendees must log-on through their own email – attendees may not watch together if they wish to earn continuing education credit. HalfMoon Education Inc. must be able to prove attendance if either the attendee or HalfMoon Education Inc. is audited.
Certificates of completion can be downloaded in PDF form upon passing a short quiz. A link to the quiz will be sent to each qualifying attendee immediately after the webinar. The certificate can be downloaded from the Results page of the quiz upon scoring 80% or higher.
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Credits
Engineers
6.0 PDHs
Architects
6.0 HSW CE Hours
AIA - American Institute of Architects
6.0 HSW LUs
ICC - International Code Council
0.6 CEUs (Building)
Continuing Education Information
This webinar is open to the public and is designed to qualify for 6.0 PDHs for professional engineers and 6.0 HSW continuing education hours for licensed architects in all states that allow this learning method. Please refer to specific state rules to determine eligibility.
HalfMoon Education is an approved continuing education sponsor for engineers in Florida (Provider License No: CEA362), Indiana (License No. CE21700059), Maryland, and New Jersey (Approval No. 24GP00049300). HalfMoon Education is deemed an approved continuing education sponsor for New York engineers and architects via its registration with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (Regulations of the Commissioner §68.14(i)(2) and §69.6(i)(2)). Other states do not preapprove continuing education providers or courses.
The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.0 HSW LUs (Sponsor No. J885). Only full participation is reportable to the AIA/CES.
The International Code Council has approved this event for .6 CEUs in the specialty area of Building (Preferred Provider No. 1232).
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the webinar for those who attend the entire course and score a minimum 80% on the quiz that follows the course (multiple attempts allowed).
*On-Demand Credits*
The preceding credit information only applies to the live presentation. This course in an on-demand format is not pre-approved by any licensing boards and may not qualify for the same credits; please consult your licensing board(s) to ensure that a structured, asynchronous learning format is appropriate. The following pre-approvals may be available for the on-demand format upon request:
6.0 HSW LUs (AIA)
Speakers
Don Sivigny
Certified Building Inspector / Building Official / Energy and Building Durability / Resiliency Specialist Builder / Construction Manager with Minnesota Department of Labor and IndustryMr. Sivigny has over 32 years of work experience in enforcement of the Minnesota Building Codes in both rural and metropolitan settings. He has spent many years in the industry as a code official and a construction manager. Mr. Sivigny is known nationally for his work in residential building codes, building durability issues, building science, air quality control, radon, energy and green building issues. He has traveled the country teaching these topics and has often been a featured speaker both locally and nationally on these topics as well.
AIA Info
AIA Provider Statement:
HalfMoon Education Inc. is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number J885. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Course Title: Residential Deck, Porch and Sunroom Design and Construction
Delivery Method: Live Online
Course Description: This six-hour course examines the design and construction of residential decks, porches, and sunrooms, with a focus on structural requirements, safety, accessibility, and code compliance. The course explores material selection, sustainability, and the integration of specific features and fixtures, including stairs, ramps, handrails, built-in seating, and exterior heating/cooling options.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective 1: Learners will be able to describe the history and applications of residential decks, porches, and sunrooms.
Learning Objective 2: Learners will be able to utilize proper stair, ramp, and handrail designs that enhance safety and accessibility.
Learning Objective 3: Learners will be able to identify and comply with structural requirements related to codes, standards, loads, and egress.
Learning Objective 4: Learners will be able to integrate various fixtures and structures into residential deck design, including shade/coverings, enclosures, built-in seating, outdoor heating/cooling, lighting and more.
LUs: 6.0
LU Type: LU|HSWs
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Course Expiration Date: 04/09/2029
Complaint Resolution Policy:
Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to fchapman@halfmoonseminars.org or by calling (715) 835-5900. A HalfMoon Education representative will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund. Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.