How Modified Asphalt Tackles Extreme Weather Challenges May 15, 2015 Of the challenges a roof faces, hail is, in many ways, the most devastating. Storms bring in cold rains that thermally shock the roof; then, in this heightened state of stress, hail slams into the shingles. Each year, the National Weather Service’s (NWS’s) Annual Severe Weather Report records locations of hail with a diameter of […] Read More
Analyzing Building Failures: Tools and Methodologies May 15, 2015 BACKGROUND The science of analyzing building failures is often called building pathology. Pathology is defined as “any deviation from a healthy, normal, or efficient condition,” and the science of building pathology is defined by CIB1 Commission W86 as the “systematic treatment of building defects, its causes, its consequences, and its remedies.” Building pathology has been […] Read More
Introducing Siphonic Roof Drainage–Common in Europe, Now Gaining Traction Stateside May 15, 2015 All roofs are subject to the destructive effects of seasonal weather changes, environmental conditions, loading, and air pollutants. Alternate cycles of wetting, drying, freezing, and thawing caused by standing water on the roof lead to expansion, contraction, and rotting. This risks damage to the roof and even the building substructure. Drainage is a significant component […] Read More
Is it time for a Business Tune-Up? May 15, 2015 If you answered no to three or more of these questions, it’s time for a tune-up. It doesn’t matter if you own a small, medium-sized, or larger company; you can benefit from this process. Does your company hit on all cylinders? Are you in a stall? Do you experience difficulties with the following? • Growth […] Read More
Whetherability: How Do Architectural Design Students Consider the Building Envelope? May 15, 2015 Read More
Roof Decks A to Z Part VII: Cast-In-Place Structural Concrete May 15, 2015 Abstract: This is the seventh in a series of articles examining various deck types. Among the numerous considerations when selecting a roof system, the type of decking is among the most important. With the variety of decks to be encountered (both new and old), it is incumbent upon roofing experts to be the authority on […] Read More
The Fundamentals of Design for Proper Energy Conservation May 15, 2015 PROPER ENERGY CONSERVATION DESIGN Energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by designing more energyefficient building components. Reducing a building’s energy usage lowers utility bills, benefits the environment, and also makes occupants more comfortable. Many of these energy-efficient building components interface with the building envelope, requiring understanding of building envelope design and energy-engineering best practices. […] Read More
