Low-Rise Foam – Notes From The Field May 15, 2012 1 4 • I n t e r f a c e N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 The not-so-recent widespread acceptance of low-rise foam as a viable means to bond insulation to varied substrates has gained appreciable market share as evidenced by the sheer number of product manufacturers […] Read More
Plastics and Their Contributions to “Green Buildings” May 15, 2012 8 • IN T E R FA C E J A N U A RY 2012 Plastics and thermoplastics are part of our daily lives–from the alarm clocks that wake us up in the morning, to the helmets our children wear while riding their bikes, to the blood bags used to help save lives. A […] Read More
Daylighting: Thermal Loss vs. Electrical Savings May 15, 2012 2 6 • I n t e r f a c e J u l y 2 0 1 2 Daylighting is the use of natural light as a main illumination source from a myriad of glazing devices in both vertical and horizontal positions within a building. The use of daylighting stems from the beginning […] Read More
Infrared Thermography in Today’s Roofing World May 15, 2012 Infrared thermographic technology has been used effectively for many years for performing moisture surveys to detect entrapped moisture within roof substrate materials. Infrared cameras can be used for detecting moisture within most types of roof construction consisting of various membranes/coverings and insulation types that are in place and currently being constructed. The purpose of this […] Read More
Codes, Standards, Rating Systems, and the Roofing Industry May 15, 2012 Based on the number and type of questions received at the RCI office, there appears to be some confusion regarding “insulation above-deck” re – quirements in the various standards and codes. Questions asked are, “What are the current requirements?” and “When can I expect to see changes?” “What is driving these changes?” and “How can […] Read More
Commercial Skylights: Overcoming The Objections May 15, 2012 8 • I n t e r f a c e J u l y 2 0 1 2 Daylighting a commercial building with a welldesigned skylight system is a very cost-effective way to save on energy expenses and reduce a building’s carbon footprint. It is a strategy that supports the 2007 Economic Independence and […] Read More
The Oast of the Town May 15, 2012 Developers in southeast England are now building “bespoken” (custom- made) homes that mimic the vernacular oast structures once common throughout that region. Oasts1 were buildings used to dry or kiln fresh hops before they were sent to breweries to flavor beers. Freshly picked hops had a high moisture content of approximately 80%, which was reduced […] Read More
Heating it Up! New ASTM Requirements for TPO Roofing Membranes May 15, 2012 Given the recent economic conditions, it seems as though every politician has a sure-fire solution to pull the country out of any sustained or repetitive recessionary period. Suggestions about how to revitalize the flagging economy abound, from cutting corporate taxes to further stimulus packages. Any economist would certainly agree there is no one right answer […] Read More
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for Single-Ply Roofing Membranes in the Context of European Standardization May 15, 2012 EU Stand ards for Constr ucti on Products With the foundation of the European Union (EU), an explicit goal was to remove trade barriers and therefore to ensure a free, unhindered exchange of goods among the member states. The numerous national standards were regarded as such barriers. Mandates were issued by the European Commission to […] Read More
SPRI Tackles the Latest Single-Ply Issues: Water-Based Adhesives and Moisture Under Membranes May 15, 2012 Single-ply roofing membrane systems have been used successfully to waterproof lowsloped roofs worldwide for more than 40 years. These systems include thermoset (EPDM), thermoplastic (PVC, PVC/Elvaloy, TPO), and modified-bituminous membranes. SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, reports that in the past five years alone, there have been […] Read More
