Conflict is Not a Four-Letter Word December 10, 2019 Imagine sitting at a large table in a small conference room, and the tension is building around you (Figure 1). The roofing subcontractor on your project has just revealed an unforeseen condition that is going to require a Request for Information (RFI). As photos of the issue are passed around, the shift in body language […] Read More
Specifying to Reduce Risk and Improve Performance of Perimeter Edge Metal Systems December 10, 2019 Matthew, Irma, Maria, Katrina, Dorian. These and other devastating and costly storms of the 21st century, and the subsequent storm damage forensics, have taught the architectural and engineering (A/E) community and construction industries many valuable lessons. But it does not take a hurricane. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), global natural catastrophes […] Read More
Value Engineering Gone Bad: A Refresher on How to Avoid Problems December 10, 2019 DeceECEmBEr 2019 IIBEC • 15 As a forensic engineer who investigates buildings that have problems, this author’s experience is admittedly skewed to include examples of what not to do when it comes to construction projects. This experience has included numerous examples of processes that were reported to be “value engineering” (VE). However, upon further examination, […] Read More
When is No. 30 Asphalt Felt NOT No. 30 Asphalt Felt? November 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION For quite some time, it has been fairly widely known that 15-lb. and 30-lb. asphalt-saturated organic felts do not really weigh 15 and 30 pounds per square,1 respectively. They weigh somewhat less. In fact, to avoid confusion, the nomenclature of the product changed to “No. 15 asphalt felt” and “No. 30 asphalt felt” sometime […] Read More
From Hurricanes Andrew to Michael: Lessons Learned for Residential Roofing November 10, 2019 OVERVIEW Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Michael (2018) left wide paths of destruction, especially in Florida, where Irma crossed directly over the Florida Keys and Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle. The storms combined to account for property losses of more than $100 billion, which were partly attributed to damaged roof systems and accessories and […] Read More
Design Principles for Tower and Steeple Restoration November 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION The contemporary tectonics of analyzing and designing the restoration or construction of architectural towers and steeples can both inspire and confound contemporary design professionals. The effective design of steeples, bell towers, spires, and clock towers requires a multidisciplinary synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and engineering requirements that are unique to tower architecture. While the design […] Read More
Attic Ventilation 101 November 10, 2019 Many may not realize that residential attic ventilation was a requirement in the very first edition of the Building Officials Conference of America’s (BOCA’s) model building code published in 1948. And of course, attic ventilation is still addressed in model building codes today. But considering attic ventilation has been required for over 70 years, it […] Read More
Why Does My Roof Pond? October 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION In evaluating building enclosure problems, the author has encountered many newly constructed, wood-framed, low-slope roofs and exterior balconies and decks that exhibit excessive/sustained ponding of water (Figure 1). These conditions can lead to interior water damage through premature deterioration of roof coverings and/or excessive deflection of roof framing members. The ponding (and associated creep […] Read More
Overview of Water-Intrusion-Related Deficiencies in Mid-Rise Wood Frame Construction – An Exterior Building Enclosure Perspective October 10, 2019 The purpose of the design professional’s instruments of service (drawings and specifications) is to convey design intent. Their exterior enclosure designs are intended to perform under anticipated natural and potential man-made conditions. Building codes and industry standards establish specific performance requirements for the exterior enclosure, including structural loading, weather protection (wind-driven rain), fire resistance, acoustical […] Read More
Why We Need to Rethink the Business of Mid-Rise Wood Frame Student Housing October 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION The increase in the frequency and intensity of weather events, along with their massive disruption in building operations and loss of revenue, has clearly contributed to the resiliency conversation and eventually led many government and non-government agencies and trade associations to reach a consensus supporting the resiliency movement. Building resiliency had been defined as […] Read More
