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Peeling Back A Mystery
Recently, we were asked to investigate a building where mold was growing in the walls. During the investigation, we came across a product that we had not encountered before. It was a sheetrock panel with a shiny aluminum backing. These panels are made by laminating special kraft-backed aluminum foil to the back surface of regular […]
Special Inspections
Over the last two years, we have found that local jurisdictions are more frequently requiring that concrete repairs, as well as other building restoration or retaining wall projects, are being classified as critical structures and/or needing special inspections. Special inspections have been included in the Building Code for a while, so this is not something […]
High Standards in Lumber
Wood, unlike other common building materials, relies on nature to develop its structural properties. Because timber is a natural material, it routinely undergoes testing to ensure that design values remain accurate. Earlier this year the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) approve new, reduced design values for southern pine lumber that are set to go into […]
Lending A Hand(rail)
According to the 2009 International Building Code, a handrail is a “horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support”. We see these along common area stairways, ramps, and stair landings. They are often attached to guards (see previous posting on guards) to aid in day-to-day use, as well as […]
Railing Connections
Guards are generally vital elements that perform a life safety role. We see them along balconies, retaining walls, walkways, stairs, and terraces. Often these items are mistakenly called guardrails, but the Code calls them guards because the entire assembly and not just the top rail is what is intended to prevent a fall. Guards are […]
Appliance Maintenance, Part Two
Clothes washers are usually connected to water supplies through hoses that will degrade with time and failure of the hose or connector union can result. Rates of degradation and vulnerability to union failure vary with hose composition and quality. Failure of a washer hose can introduce several hundred gallons of water per hour and cause […]
Household Appliances (Part One)
Over the next couple of postings we’ll present some general guidelines for the operation and maintenance of various household appliances. For the most part, it will be basic information, much of which will already be known to many. That said, there may be nuggets of new, useful stuff or reminders of good practices that will […]
Corrosion Protection Plan
An effective corrosion protection plan is an essential aspect of the design, repair or maintenance of reinforced concrete structures such as parking garages and balconies or steel building frames wrapped in masonry, which are exposed to the elements. Severe corrosion of the embedded steel must be avoided so that the structure maintains its full strength. […]
Avoiding Contract Liability
Anytime that a property retains a contractor to perform repairs or maintenance, the parties involved (typically the Building Owner and the Contractor) have certain responsibilities. Under most contracts, like those of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), it is required that the Contractor be solely and totally responsible for: Supervision of the work and the […]
SEEKING ANSWERS!
Concrete can degrade and fail due many causes and sometimes the reason is not quite evident. We often use sounding techniques such as tapping with a hammer or chain dragging as well as chemical analysis or electrical measurements to diagnose concrete problems. When these simple tests prove inconclusive, we can send a concrete sample from […]
Setting the Mood With Color
Color affects our perceptions of our surroundings, particularly indoor environments. As designers, we can use color to set the mood for a particular space. For example, the use of warm colors like red, yellow, and orange can bring about feelings of excitement, motion, and imagination. This is particularly beneficial in spaces for children, entertainment, and […]
Important (Behind the Scene) Components
While there is no one “most” important component of any given building envelope system, flashings are certainly critical parts. Whether it be roofing (flat or sloped), exterior cladding (brick, siding, EIFS, etc.) or windows and doors, flashings play a key role in the success of these systems. Flashings can consist of metal, sheet materials, or […]