Window Receptors – Notes From the Field May 15, 2019 The popularity of condominium living in large metropolitan areas has engendered a well- established part of our cityscapes, with fierce competition to see who can deliver the best views, towering over adjacent buildings, boroughs, coastlines, and parks. Those with means can freely invest in housing with million-dollar views. Developers and builders, however, often used economical […] Read More
Reductions in VOC Limits for Commercial Roofing Adhesives and Sealants; SCAQMD Rule 1168 Update May 15, 2019 Read More
Fenestration Performance Testing Within the Building Envelope May 15, 2019 There are many factors to consider when incorporating fenestration products into a building envelope design. Aesthetics certainly play an important role in the design function for an architect or building owner, but building performance and appropriate installation play the critical roles. Improvements in codes and standards, as well as a greater focus on design principles, […] Read More
NIST Issues National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Strategic Report May 15, 2019 “The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) was established by Congress to achieve measurable reductions in the loss of life and property from windstorms through a coordinated federal effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, and the private sector, aimed at improving the understanding of windstorms and their impacts and developing and encouraging […] Read More
Thermal Enhancements for Aluminum-Frame Curtainwalls – A Practical Perspective and Some Nonthermal Considerations May 15, 2019 Aluminum-framed curtainwall systems have many positive traits, though historically they have been underachievers with respect to thermal performance (at least when compared to opaque wall systems that include several inches of insulation). Increasing energy costs and a greater industry focus on thermal performance, sustainability, and related topics have encouraged manufacturers to develop strategies for improved […] Read More
Reading Between the Contour Lines of the Wind Speed Maps: Giving Tornadoes Their Due May 15, 2019 INTRODUCTION In the United States, extreme wind events occur each year, causing substantial physical harm to people and damage to the buildings they occupy. This article will provide design and construction-related professionals with U.S. inland historical data and suggested design options via possible future wind speed maps. In the last 50 years, expenses related to […] Read More
New Options for Specifying Structural Air-Water Performance Requirements for Windows May 15, 2019 This article describes a set of optional structural air and water ratings available to users of the standard known as AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for Windows, Doors, and Skylights, also called NAFS since the 2008 edition. These optional ratings were introduced in the 2005 edition of the standard, which harmonized window, door, and […] Read More
Fenestrations Hurricane Codes Effective, but Irma Illuminates Room for Improvement May 15, 2019 A pril 2019 IIBEC Interface • 13 For the first time, 2017 saw three Category 4 hurricanes hit U.S. shores in one season (followed by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and others in 2018). According to the Insurance Journal, hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria combined caused approximately $265 billion in damage, with each hurricane joining Katrina and […] Read More
Evaluating the Compressive Strength of Hail and Its Relationship to Freezer Iceballs May 15, 2019 ABSTRACT Hail damage to building envelopes is clearly on the rise. This is confirmed by insurance companies reporting that 2017 was the first year that hail damage has been the most expensive insured peril for real property claims in the United States. The causes for this unprecedented hail damage cost include more frequent damaging hailstorms, […] Read More
