Waterproofing Challenge: World Trade Center Reflecting Absence Fountains May 15, 2015 3 2 • I n t e r f a c e F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 Waterproofing Challenge: Figure 1 – Overview of World Trade Center Memorial Park and Reflecting Absence fountains. By Nick Leuci World Trade Center Reflecting Absence Fountains When North America’s largest man-made waterfalls […] Read More
Impact of Windows on Overall Building Energy Performance: Using Science to Guide Building Thermal Performance Selections May 15, 2015 The assembly with the lowest thermal performance diminishes the effectiveness of all of the other thermally resistant assemblies in a building. Focus improvements here first. If a building has an R-40 roof, R-18 walls, and R-2 windows (pretty normal for many aluminum window types), then increasing the R-value of the windows from R-2 to R-3 […] Read More
Copper and Its Alloys: Exciting Options for Wall Cladding May 15, 2015 From ancient times to the modern day, copper and copper alloys have proven to be reliable building materials that can withstand the test of time. European cathedrals and Japanese temples built hundreds of years ago still have their original copper roofs. Even the nearly 200,000-pound coppercladded Statue of Liberty has remained intact despite over 100 […] Read More
Fluid-Applied WRB, Air Barriers, And Paint-On Flashings May 15, 2015 As a building envelope consultant, it pains me to visit a project only to see the water-resistive barrier (WRB) whipping in the breeze and self-adhesive flashings (SAFs) coming apart at the seams. I think, “That might become a leak issue, and there’s got to be a better way.” For some time, clever contractors, in an […] Read More
Protecting the Building Envelope May 15, 2015 1 8 • I n t e r f a c e A u g u s t 2 0 1 5 PROTECTING THE BUILDING ENVELOPE BY DEAN LEWIS This series of images shows a vane axial wind-generating device as described in AAMA 501.1. This is a field dynamic water penetration test. The blades of […] Read More
Project Profile: Vinyl Siding Exceeds Architect Expectations for New Medical Office Building May 15, 2015 Architect Derek Veilleux had never worked with vinyl siding until his firm was tapped in 2013 to design Southern Maine Health Care’s (SMHC’s) new Edward J. McGeachey Medical Office Building in Biddeford, Maine. What he found surprised him. Not only did the siding fit his client’s needs, it proved to be an exceptional element of […] Read More
Major Snow Load Safety Factors to Address Before the Flakes Fall May 15, 2015 2 8 • I n t e r f a c e Ma r c h 2 0 1 5 Major Snow Load Safety Factors to Address Before the Flakes Fall Editor’s Note: This article is meant to provide basic background information for building envelope consultants when confronting snow load issues. It is not intended […] Read More
A Systematic Approach To Evaluate Historical Wood Windows For Repair and Restoration May 15, 2015 ABSTRACT Historical windows are a key component of the fabric and character of a building. In many cases, the windows are neglected and left to deteriorate. The visible deterioration of historical wood and steel window systems, along with energy concerns, make these windows prime candidates for replacement with modern metal or plasticbased systems. This article […] Read More
