Continuous Insulation for Code-Compliant, High-Performance Exterior Walls May 15, 2012 J A N U A RY 2012 I N T E R FA C E • 1 3 INTRODUCTION National model energy codes are advancing the way in which we approach building commercial and residential exterior walls by emphasizing the use of continuous insulation (CI) systems, which provide a continuous insulation layer over an entire […] Read More
Sky-Facing Masonry Joints May 15, 2012 Sky-facing masonry joints have been problematic since at least the time of ancient Egypt and the pyramids. Horizontal joints between masonry units such as brick, cast stone, concrete, terra cotta, marble, granite, etc. have allowed water entry into the most prestigious buildings, not just those built on a budget. Over time, many methods have been […] Read More
The Daily Ritual: Common Practices For Maintaining a Watertight Roof During Installation May 15, 2012 “Tie-in,” “tie-off,” “water cutoff,” and “night seal” are some terms commonly used to denote the method for terminating the roof during installation at the end of a work day for purposes of “drying-in” the roof. As defined by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), tie-off is “usually temporary plies or transitional seals that are installed […] Read More
Job-Site Recycling: Asphalt Roofing Shingles May 15, 2012 J A N U A RY 2012 I N T E R FA C E • 2 5 Asphalt shingles are the roofing of choice for a majority of U.S. homes. And each year, in the process of manufacturing, installing, and eventually re – placing them, the construction industry produces an estimated 11 million tons […] Read More
Structural Masonry Done Right May 15, 2012 There is little debate over masonry’s beauty; its warmth, variety, and handcrafted appeal have never gone out of style. However, beyond its good looks, this type of wall assembly has long been a staple in the structural building market. Depending on the building’s configuration and function, masonry can be the primary structural system (load-bearing achieved […] Read More
Humidity “Gets High” on Medicinal Marijuana May 15, 2012 1 4 • I n t e r f a c e O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2 Medicinal marijuana is gaining professional acceptance as a treatment for many illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and more. In 17 states and Washington, DC, there are governmental regulations in place […] Read More
How to Deal with Unpleasant Low-VOC Adhesive and Sealant Fumes May 15, 2012 30 • I N T E R FA C E J A N U A RY 2012 In late 2008 and early 2009, new regulations to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions were announced. The Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) declared it was requiring VOCs to be reduced in 13 states at that time. The industry […] Read More
Measuring Moisture in Walls May 15, 2012 Excessive moisture in masonry or concrete walls at the time of sealing or painting can destroy the performance of coating systems by interfering with film formation, adhesion, and/or inhibiting the cure of the coating. Masonry and concrete surfaces may appear to be dry by sight and touch prior to coating application but still contain detrimental […] Read More
Forensic Processes For Water Intrusion Investigations May 15, 2012 While the word “forensic” has different meanings throughout North America, for this article, it is defined as “the puzzlesolving application of a broad spectrum of technical knowledge and expertise to answer questions of interest.” The purpose of the following case study is to consider nonlinear puzzle-solving processes used during an extended water intrusion investigation—not to […] Read More
Roof Point A New Dimension in Sustainable Roofing and Sustainable Roof Consulting May 15, 2012 J A N U A RY 2012 I N T E R FA C E • 1 9 When the U.S. Green Build ing Council initiated the Leadership in Energy and Environ – mental Design (LEED)® Green Building program in 2001, one of its primary objectives was to “transform the built environment.” Now, ten years […] Read More
