Keeping the Olympics on Schedule February 22, 2022 In anticipation of the 2002 Winter Games February 8 through 24, Salt Lake City, Utah erected buildings to host the various events. On every building, of course, is a roof—and that’s how one roofing systems manufacturer became involved with the Olympics. For the speed skating events, the city proposed to construct an Olympic Ice Oval, […] Read More
Construction and the Economy: Mass Layoff Events Surge in Construction Field January 22, 2022 On December 28, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of mass layoff events (50 or more workers) in construction soared in November to 312, involving 29,000 workers, compared to 241 events and 23,000 workers in November 2000. The agency said most were in the subsector called “heavy construction, except buildings.” For all […] Read More
Roof Decks A to Z – Part XIV: Structural Fiberboard Roof Deck Planks September 25, 2021 It is difficult to generically classify structural fiberboard planks as a form of roof deck. Often referred to as ‘wood fiber,’ the material can instead be manufactured from recycled, re-pulped newspaper. Both, of course, are derived from plant cellulose and contain lignin (the cell walls of plants) so, for our purposes, fiberboard should be distinguished […] Read More
Prefabricated Systems: Where Intention and Reality Collide September 25, 2021 Prefabricated building enclosure components provide a means to reduce construction costs, accelerate schedules, and improve quality control in modern construction. They also reduce environmental impact, increase safety, and allow better project cost controls. However, without proper design, coordination, and planning, these benefits can be undermined or unrealized altogether, and unforeseen consequences can result. This paper […] Read More
Considerations for Installation of Amenity Spaces on Existing Roofs September 25, 2021 Having an outdoor rooftop amenities space is changing from a luxury to a requirement for most buildings. To meet this need, a popular new trend is arising in the renovation and restoration of existing buildings: converting the traditional, unoccupied roof space into an amenity space for building occupants to share and enjoy. These amenities spaces […] Read More
Climate Benefits and Building Energy Efficiency Gains From Improved Roofing Insulation in Cold Climates September 21, 2021 The high thermal resistivity of polyisocyanurate insulation is attributed to its closedcell structure that is filled with low-thermal-conductivity blowing-agent vapor. However, existing polyisocyanurate products exhibit a decrease in their thermal-resistance values at lower temperatures due to the condensation of the blowing agent vapor. Because use of insulation with higher thermal resistivity can lead to improved […] Read More
Influencing I-codes: Demystifying the Process of Submitting Code-Change Proposals to the International Code Council’s Family of Codes September 21, 2021 If you have ever used a code or standard, you have probably had ideas about how the document could be improved. Many building enclosure consultants are familiar with the development of standards through organizations such as ASTM, AAMA, SPRI, and others. The International Code Council (ICC) does have a unique process for development of its […] Read More
Lesser-Known Code Provisions That Can Have A Big Impact on the Performance of Building Enclosures September 21, 2021 34 • IIBEC Interface June 2021 Building enclosure consultants are always seeking design and construction practices that improve the performance of building enclosures. In my practice, I have found that a few lesser-known code provisions can be of great benefit to the building enclosure. These code provisions are related to fluid-applied flashing in rough openings, […] Read More
Mid-Century Modern Heritage Conservation September 21, 2021 10 • IIBEC Interface July 2021 The Qube in Vancouver, BC, is a historic site listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.1 Currently a condominium building, the 12-story mid-century modern structure was designed by the architecture rm of Rhone and Iredale, with Bogue Babicki as structuralengineer, and constructed in 1968 and 1969 to serve […] Read More
Roof Decks A to Z – Part XV: Haydite and Nailcode September 21, 2021 30 • IIBEC Interface July 2021 SOME HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE While not limited to a specific era of construction, this older form of roof deck would be found mostly in pre-WWII buildings. It is best appreciated when some of its history is recognized. By the early 1900s, concrete had evolved to be recognized of great value […] Read More
