CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
Credit offered in: AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, LA, MS, NC, NH, NV, OK, TX, VA
Please contact assignments@keystoneexperts.com if you would like more information about any of the courses below.
Course: Burst Pipes – Investigating & Identifying Cause
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Investigating & identifying Cause is designed to inform insurance adjusters and other claims personnel what to look for when evaluating the cause of burst pipes.
Course: Identifying and Evaluating Cause & Extent of Residential Roof Damage
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Identifying and Evaluating Cause & Extent of Residential Roof Damage explains the functionality, composition, and installation standards of residential roof systems. Furthermore, it describes what to look for when determining the cause of damage to residential roof systems. Adjusters will learn what to look for when determining if the damage is related to: wind, hail, construction defect, typical wear and tear, poor maintenance, and intentional damage. This information will aid insurance adjusters in determining policy application and/or determining if subrogation is applicable.
Course: Identifying Structural Damage Related To Flood
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Identifying Structural Damage Related To Flood provides insurance adjusters with information pertaining to the evaluation of structural damage following a flood. We will discuss the various flood-related forces and how to identify damage to a structure caused by them
Course: Post Fire Structural Damage
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Post Fire Structural Damage will give an overview of the structural evaluation of property damage due to fire. It will include a discussion of repair options for wood, concrete and steel structural components. Upon completion of this course, attendees should have a basic understanding of typical structural damage to wood, concrete and steel as a result of fire events and of the investigative process required to determine the extent of structural repair required after a fire.
Course: Selecting and Using Experts – Ethics
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: “What REALLY Happened?’ Selecting and Utilizing Forensic Experts in Insurance Claims” is a continuing education course outlining how insurance adjusters should select, communicate with and compensate experts and/or consultants to ensure ethical standards are upheld. In particular, the program focuses on helping adjusters choose a qualified consultant and how to communicate effectively with that consultant to ensure an unbiased and untainted report of findings.
Course: Structural Evaluation Following a Hurricane
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Structural Evaluation Following a Hurricane assists adjusters in evaluating a structure for damage caused by a hurricane.
Course: Evaluating Wall Sheathing
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Evaluating Wall Sheathing is designed to inform insurance adjusters how to determine the cause of damage to residential wall sheathing, properly evaluate the extent of damage and become more familiar with proper repair methods.
Course: Identifying Wind vs. Surge
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Identifying Wind vs. Surge is a course designed to inform insurance adjusters how to identify and classify structural damage following a catastrophic event in which multiple perils were involved.
Course: Repair vs. Replace
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Repair vs. Replace is a one-hour course designed to inform insurance adjusters an overview for the determination of repairability of a building including condition of the structure, code considerations, and economic considerations.
Course: Windows & Doors
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Windows and Doors is a one-hour course designed to teach adjusters about windows and doors and what to look for in the field when assessing windows and doors post tropical storm.
Course: Flood 101: Introduction to Flooding
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Flood 101 is a one-hour class that will give an overview of the National Flood Insurance program and discuss areas of high flooding potential based on national FEMA statistics. Various types of flooding will be identified and an overview of selecting and reviewing a FEMA Flood Risk Insurance Map will be shown with a discussion of terms such as base flood elevation, elevation certificate, etc. A basic overview of different typical residential foundation types will be included as well as typical effects that may be seen after a flood event to the foundation elements. Various case studies will be reviewed discussing flood damage and discerning between it and frost heave as well as foundation movement from expansive soils. Case studies from various parts of the US will be reviewed and audience participation is encouraged throughout the presentation.
Course: Evaluation of Water Damage
Credit Hours: 1hr
Objective: Evaluation of Water Damage is a one-hour course designed to provide insight on how to categorize the source and extent of water damage, review repairs or remediation tactics, and review common issues related to water damage during a Hurricane.
Course: Ceramic Tile Flooring: Installation, Failures, and Flood Damage
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: Ceramic Tile Flooring covers the history and manufacturing process of ceramic tile flooring in the US, emphasizing proper installation techniques based on Tile Council of North America and ANSI standards. It includes detailed discussions on movement joints, examining their application in building plans and real-world installations. The course also reviews installation considerations on concrete slabs and wood framing, highlighting common oversights that can lead to flooring failures. Additionally, it features case studies on flooring failures and discusses recent research by Mr. Moore on fungal sampling under flooded and non-flooded tiled surfaces in Alberta, Canada, providing insights into post-flood maintenance decisions for tile flooring. Audience participation is encouraged throughout the session.
Course: Roofing Damage Assessment- What is up there?
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: This course, Roofing Damage Assessment: What is Up There?, aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of various roof styles, construction methods, and common roof surfaces. Through this training, attendees will learn to identify different types of roof damage caused by wind, hail, and structural failures. Additionally, the course will cover less common roof surfaces, damage assessment techniques, and the role of engineers in evaluating roof integrity. The course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assess and document roofing damage, ensuring safety and proper remediation practices.
Course: Tile Roof Damage Assessment
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: Tile Roof Damage Assessment presents the adjuster with a short background on the manufacturing of tile roof systems and the history of their usage before discussing the application and installation of the roof system in detail. Typical attachment methods are covered along with industry standard flashing applications for typically encountered roof penetrations and valleys. The tile roof system’s interaction with wind is described and typical damage profiles are examined. Case studies presented encourage class discussion on what is considered damage to the roof system due to high wind exposure particularly after the passing of Hurricane Irma. After completion of the class, the student should be confident to adequately assess tile roofing for damage due to wind and be able to traverse the roof in a safe manner without breaking tiles.
Course: Wind vs. Water
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: Wind vs. Water will detail wind damage by examining basic fluid mechanics of air pressure and how flowing air interacts with obstructions i.e. structures. Basic equations are derived to examine air pressure vs. water pressure to show the comparison of small amounts of water equal to the Enhanced Fujita scale of tornado classification. Basic flood characteristics are reviewed and common wave terminology is introduced to look at water waves and their interaction with land. Finally damage profiles are examined for both wind and water events. Numerous case studies of both are examined and discussed in detail by the class. At the conclusion of the class, the student should be confident to examine structures and make basic determinations of wind vs water damage.
Course: Building Construction: the Basics-From Planning to Move-in
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: Building Construction will give the attendee an introduction to residential building construction from the initial planning stages and permitting through obtaining the certificate of completion/occupancy and move-in. A basic overview of three different typical residential foundation types will be discussed as well as typical house framing, cladding, and windows. The class will touch on electrical, mechanical, and plumbing from rough-in through completion and interior finishes. Attendees will be familiar with typical basic terminology of construction and house framing. Audience participation is encouraged throughout the presentation.
Course: Commercial Construction: the Basics-From Planning to Occupancy
Credit Hours: 2hr
Objective: Commercial Construction will give the attendee an introduction to commercial building construction from the initial planning stages and permitting through obtaining the certificate of completion/occupancy and opening. A basic overview of different typical foundation types will be discussed as well as typical CMU block construction, cladding, and storefront windows. The class will touch on electrical, mechanical, and plumbing from rough-in through completion and interior finishes. Attendees will be familiar with typical basic terminology of construction. Audience participation is encouraged throughout the presentation.