How Much Testing is Required September 19, 2022 Performance testing of the building enclosure is a common requirement on new construction projects, especially larger projects in the commercial and government sectors. Testing is one of several ways to enact a quality control process to prevent or mitigate the potential for issues after the building is completed and occupied. One of the more common […] Read More
Steel Roof Decks and Flute-Span Capability September 19, 2022 The primary concern during the design and installation of a roof system is keeping water out of the building. Other common concerns (in no order of importance) include the fire resistance, wind resistance, impact resistance, and R-value of the installed system. The use of specific materials and system components raises additional concerns. For example, when […] Read More
Energy-RCI: A Web Tool for the Thermal Design of Commercial Roofs September 19, 2022 Energy-RCI is a National Research Council (NRC) Canada web application tool developed for the thermal design of commercial roofs. Available at https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research- development/products-services/software- applications/energy-rci, the aim of Energy-RCI version 1.0 is to provide design solutions for thermal bridging of mechanical fasteners in roof thermal performance. This paper seeks to briefly explain the functions and capabilities […] Read More
High-Performance Architectural Precast Concrete: Creative Aesthetic Possiblities September 19, 2022 36 • IIBEC Interface March 2022 When an exterior wall system is designed and specified, it typically must meet several criteria related to function and performance. Precast concrete can be easily designed to include high-performance structural attributes, and it also can be manufactured in a variety of colors and finishes. This article does not discuss […] Read More
Diary of a BECxP: Delegated Design Dilemmas September 19, 2022 org March 2022 IIBEC Interface • 25 Delegating the design of portions of the building enclosure to specialty contractors has become common practice. How can project participants take full advantage of the benefits of delegated design while minimizing risk and avoiding common pitfalls? This paper draws from both research and professional experience to assist designers, […] Read More
Construction Administration Tools Address Unusual Building Enclosure Conditions September 19, 2022 16 • IIBEC Interface March 2022 Successful termination of building veneers to roofing systems involving atypical conditions requires carefully detailed drawings. However, in the design development and construction documentation phase for a new building, architects and engineers typically have limited time to detail every condition necessary to properly communicate design intent, material usage, and the […] Read More
From Roofing to Waterproofing: How Components in the Building Enclosure Connect September 19, 2022 March 2022 IIBEC Interface • 11 Diagnosing issues (specifically leaks) is always exciting because every problem in every building is distinctive, and determining the causes of these problems can be tricky. That is why learning the fundamentals of waterproofing is essential. To successfully diagnose hard-to-solve leaks, the consultant or contractor must understand how the parts […] Read More
Thermal Bridging, Thermal Breaking: A Primer September 18, 2022 10 • IIBEC Interface April 2022 In addition to heat loss and greenhouse gas emissions, thermal bridging in balconies, which is the focus of this paper, causes other issues, such as cold floors opposite balconies and condensation adjacent to cold penetrations, possibly resulting in damage or mold at interior finishes. Thermal bridging can be defined […] Read More
Moisture and Durability in Green Standards September 18, 2022 18 • IIBEC Interface April 2022 ABSTRACT Recent changes in building model energy codes include enclosure criteria that minimize building enclosure thermal loads and, in turn, reduce a building’s energy consumption. These changes require modifications in traditional building enclosure designs to meet evolving energy code requirements. Unfortunately, some code-compliant energy-efficient designs may adversely impact a […] Read More
Roof Wind Load Design September 18, 2022 “Roof design” is a powerful concept that is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or applied incorrectly in today’s industry. When it comes to roof design, the big question is, “Who is responsible for the roof design, or who is the responsible party?” BUILDING CODE Determining wind uplift pressure resistance for roof assemblies is a requirement of the […] Read More
