Design and Construction vs. Weather May 15, 2005 Weather conditions affect the design, construction, and performance of buildings. The intent of this article, while presenting the cause and effect of weather, is to improve the understanding of how varying weather conditions can affect construction projects. Armed with this information, building professionals can take measures to eliminate (or at least reduce) the impact of […] Read More
Finding a Better Measure of Fenestrations Performance: An Analysis of the AAMA Condensation Resistance Factor May 15, 2005 INTRODUCTION As architectural products become more advanced, making comparisons between them becomes more difficult for designers. This is especially true in the case of fenestration products (e.g., windows, skylights, and curtain walls). The significant variety of commercially available fenestration products has created a great challenge for designers and specifiers. The days of specifying an “aluminum-framed […] Read More
The Challenges of Retrofit Plaza Deck waterproofing May 15, 2005 Creating a leak-free building is one of the greatest challenges in our industry. Fixing leaks after the fact is even more challenging, especially on plaza decks. Plaza decks incorporate extensive overburden systems, depending on their use. If there is a leak, the waterproofing membrane may be buried under tons of reinforced concrete, heavy pavers or […] Read More
Withstanding Hurricane Ivan May 15, 2005 Of the four hurricanes that battered Florida between August and September of 2004, Ivan was estimated to have been the most powerful and destructive. Although it had weakened as it approached the Gulf Coast, Ivan was still a Category Three hurricane (winds of 110 to 130 mph) on the Saffir- Simpson scale when it came […] Read More
Essential Elements of Durable Exterior Masonry Walls May 15, 2005 INTRODUCTION Masonry materials have been used by mankind for thousands of years. Typically defined as relatively small units of substantial material bonded together, masonry is one of civilization’s oldest construction systems. It has evolved from the very simple prehistoric stone and mud wall, to today’s high-performance, pressure-equalized rain screen. Throughout its history, masonry has proven […] Read More
Waterproofing Under Green (Garden) Roofs – Part 2 of 2 May 15, 2005 This is part two of a two-part series on waterproofing membranes under green (garden) roofs. The first part, published last month, traced the history of waterproofing membranes under plazas and earth-covered, below-grade spaces, and discussed the various types of waterproofing systems currently marketed and their advantages and disadvantages for use under green roof systems. This part covers the attributes of candidate membranes and offers a list of minimum physical properties proposed to satisfy the specific needs for those membranes exposed to continuous moist environments, aggressive chemicals, root invasion, and abusive maintenance. Additionally, it discusses failures and offers case studies to illustrate them. Read More
Codes and Roof Snow Retention May 15, 2005 Picture three feet of snow and ice sitting on the roof above your front porch. The sun is out heating the frozen snow, and your four-year-old son is riding the brand new bike he got for Christmas. The codes that were followed when the roofing contractor installed the snow retention on your roof will protect […] Read More
