Preserving the Integrity of the American Front Porch
Understand the challenges of using traditional building materials for exterior living spaces and learn to create sustainable, iconic designs for various projects.
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Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 2pm EST.
This webinar will not be available on-demand.
1 AIA Health/Safety/Welfare Learning Unit
Speaker:
Thomas C. Tidwell (Chris), Vice President Sales and Marketing, Aeratis Porch Products
Thomas (Chris) Tidwell is Vice President of Building Products International, manufacturer of Aeratis exterior products. His knowledge of materials and methods, including his understanding of the performance and maintenance of wood products, has guided Chris to develop alternative, composite, durable exterior materials, like Aeratis Porch Flooring. Aeratis is a solid extruded PVC tongue and groove porch flooring which is historically authentic. It has an acrylic cap which is ADA slip compliant and scratch resistant. Chris Tidwell is a graduate of Florida University, Miami.
Description:
Gain an understanding of why traditional building materials seem to be failing more rapidly when used in creating exterior living space. Explore how to overcome the challenges of specifying, constructing, and maintaining porches, balconies, and exterior living space. Develop an understanding of how to create iconic, sustainable exterior living space to meet the demands for single family, multi-family, commercial and government projects.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss design and planning around the limitations of current material options and the flexibility high performance materials provide for the traditional tongue and groove porch floor.
- Identify how to add finishing touches to increase curb appeal and reduce/eliminate long-term maintenance.
- Compare and contrast challenges of traditional materials and the benefits of utilizing high performance synthetics in traditional porch applications.
- Describe the steps for framing and installation options for the different types of applications.
