20,000 Gallons vs. 9 Ducks: Effective Communication in Reports, on the Roof and on the Stand

Course Description
Effective communication—both written and verbal—is essential in the building enclosure industry. Written reports are often a significant product of our services. Frequently, these reports are the sole deliverable to our clients. Reports need to be clear and articulate, and they should present accurate facts. This presentation will discuss the role of guidelines such as the IIBEC Manual of Practice and ASTM D7186 standards in observation and reporting. Additionally, we will review report formatting, creative and liberal use of adverbs, provision of facts, and maintenance of third-party impartiality. On project sites, contractors, architects/engineers, and owners use different vernacular and methods of communication to effectively relate with each party. We will explore real-life situations where communication in the field is modified relative to the party engaged in the discussion while ensuring consistent information is communicated with all parties. Further, serving as an expert witness in a litigious scenario requires different communication when discussing litigious items with an attorney, client, jury, or judge. Depositions and testimony can be stressful when opposing parties attempt to discredit and undermine experts’ findings, with each side advocating for their client. In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of the expert witness to remain composed, impartial, and confident in their findings—regardless of the accusations.

The course includes the following components:

• Video presentation
• Summative assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions.

• Course evaluation survey

 Recommended Prerequisite Knowledge

• A basic understanding of ASTM E2018 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments, ASTM D7186 Standard Practice of Quality Assurance Observation of Roof Construction and Repair would be beneficial.
• This presentation will expand the basics of the ASTM standards specifically for the building enclosure industry.

IIBEC Core Competency Tag(s): Roofing

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Credit Start Date:    June 12, 2026

Credit Expiration Date:  June 12, 2029

Course Access: This course is accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of course start.

Speaker
Aaron Nelson, RBEC, RRC, RWC, RRO, REWC
President Roofing Technical Services

Moderator
Samir Ibrahim, F-IIBEC, AIA, CSI
JSI global Envelope Consulting
IIBEC Education Advisor

Course Author
Aaron Nelson, RBEC, RRC, RWC, RRO, REWC
President Roofing Technical Services

Course Assessment Author
Samir Ibrahim, F-IIBEC, AIA, CSI
JSI global Envelope Consulting
IIBEC Education Advisor

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.  

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.5 IIBEC CEH.
This course is approved for 1.5 AIA LU/Elective
AIA Program Number:   20G9D_2026_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024  

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment.  Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.

• After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion. 
• Participants are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: cehs@iibec.org
• If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.

AIA CES Statement

IBEC is a registered provided of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G024.  All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs.  Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@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 project.  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.