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Common Code Violations – Asphalt Shingled Roofs
When we visit a job site to inspect an asphalt-shingled roof, we often see the same typical code violations: Flashing must be installed in such a manner as to prevent moisture entering the wall through the joints in the coping, through moisture-permeable materials, at the intersections with the roof plane, or at parapet wall penetrations. […]
Attack of the Road Salts!
Parking garages in this region are attacked by road salts and water throughout much of the year. The cost to repair deteriorated concrete can be quite high and the project can cause significant inconvenience to garage users. So, as part of a parking garage restoration project, we recommend and our clients tend to include, application […]
This Is For The Birds!
Alfred Hitchcock had bird issues (especially seagulls), but in the Baltimore-Washington area, the most common pest birds are pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings. These birds are undesirable if they land, roost, and nest on or in our buildings because they bring unwanted noise, odor, and often disease. Plus, no one likes their deck, patio, lawn […]
Scientists Claim…Self-healing Coatings!
If scientists from South Korea have created a product that works as well as its advertisement says it does (and not many do), a new self-healing concrete coating may be on the market soon. They claim that it can automatically seal cracks and prevent water from entering concrete pavement. The new, high-tech coating is intended […]
Indoor Air Quality
During any construction or renovation project (interior or exterior) it’s important to consider Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), particularly air quality. Construction practices can introduce noxious fumes, dust, and other unhealthful contaminants. A key to maintaining good indoor air quality during construction is to implement an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan (IAQMP). The Sheet Metal and […]
Getting Started in Infrared
In order to detect concealed construction defects, intrusive (destructive) investigation is the most reliable methodology. However, that type of investigation is not always easily achievable due to difficult access, budgetary constraints, and inconvenience to building occupants. Fortunately, technology has come a long way and now we can detect a variety of construction defects with the […]
Prevent Flooring Failures
Moisture problems in concrete cause about $1 billion dollars in flooring failures every year. Prevention of such failures requires strict adherence to product specifications and ASTM procedures. Below are some key points to consider. The concrete slab needs proper curing time, and all lighting, heating, and cooling conditions need to be stabilized. Any curing compounds […]
Caring For Our Elderly (Structures)
The Baltimore-Washington area is rich with historic structures. These buildings are usually beautiful (or at least visually interesting) but, more importantly they’re reminiscent of our nation’s heritage and essential to understanding America’s culture. Realizing this, owners and managers of historic buildings, or any older structure really, must carefully consider all treatment options before deciding to […]
Arm Yourself Against Drain Flies!
Drain flies, also known as sewer flies or moth flies (not moths though), are about the size of gnats and can be quite annoying as they habitually show up in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. These fuzzy little pests get their name because they lay their eggs (up to 200 of them) in the hair, food, […]
Escaping the Hardship of Hardscapes
If you are contemplating laying a new concrete driveway or replacing an old asphalt parking lot, consider an environmentally friendly and potentially cost-saving option: permeable pavement. Traditional concrete and asphalt hardscapes are impervious, which means that storm water collects on the surface and runs to the storm drainage system. Standard hardscapes often lead to increased […]
No More “Fox Watching The Hen House”
Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act Beginning in July 2013, the State of Maryland will enforce The Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act, which will require all contractors that perform mold remediation on private homes (includes the interior, non-common areas, of Condominium units) must be licensed to perform mold remediation service by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission […]
Power(ful) Knowledge!
After the extensive power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy and the freak derecho storm in late June and with predictions of a rough winter, many people have purchased portable generators to keep the lights on and the beer cold in anticipation of the next big storm. Although generators are a great way to provide some […]