Press
Blog
View All Blog Postings
EIFS – Not So Pretty
On a recent project, we discovered a “scary” sight – an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) that was not installed properly. The exposed wall revealed channelized white foam insulation, an inconsistently placed liquid waterproofing membrane applied on the sheathing, several different brands of materials, and incompatible asphaltic flashing to cover the building facade. The […]
Timber Retaining Walls
Preservative (pressure) treated wood is among the most common materials used in the construction of retaining walls. Ground-contact rated is standard for that use, but a GC label doesn’t tell the entire story. The important factor is preservative retention – the amount of chemical that remains in the wood after treatment, usually expressed as pounds […]
Inadequate Drainage
Fall weather has revealed many areaways that have inadequate drainage because the drain grate clogs easily. It often takes just a leaf of two to slow down the flow on these small grates. Provide more margin against rising water and flooding interiors by installing larger drains. Not only will the larger drain remove water faster, […]
Designing for Hurricane Wind Forces
Amid the 2017 hurricane season, we marvel at the images of the damage these forces of nature can inflict on our buildings and infrastructure. Wind speeds not only define the intensity of a tropical storm but also are one of the primary causes of damage to people and property. Taking a closer look at some […]
New OSHA Requirements Regarding Silica Dust
Dust clouds created while mixing concrete, jackhammering or cutting concrete sidewalks, tuckpointing, and sawing masonry blocks will soon be a thing of the past. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will begin enforcing new regulations concerning worker’s exposure to silica dust on September 23, 2017. Silica dust is commonly produced when working with concrete, […]
Wood Construction Trends
Wood construction is no longer constrained to low rise buildings and single-family homes. New uses are emerging resulting from an expanded interest in wood with new trends impacting construction. Tall wood construction has resulted in multiple high-rise wood buildings around the world from the 14 story Treet Building in Norway to the 18 story Brock […]
Keeping Our Boatswain Chair Inspectors SAFE!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) has issued new regulations regarding “Walking and Working Surfaces, and Fall Protection Systems” that have changed the requirements and responsibilities for many building owners. Building owners are impacted if they employ individuals or service providers that utilize rope descent systems that are typically called boatswain chairs and most often […]
Solving Parking Problems
Perhaps the nicest looking parking lot in the county just opened at our client’s apartment community. We helped add about 90 sorely needed parking spaces to solve a parking crisis at an early 1960’s vintage property. An old swimming pool had to be removed to make way for the new lot, which is complete with […]
!! Public Service Announcement !!
If you have windows that look like this and are planning to replace them, check the caulk and glazing compound for asbestos. We have found hazardous materials in these instances and adding abatement of the asbestos can complicate a relatively simple window replacement project.
Scaling Concrete Surfaces
Is your concrete peeling or flaking in localized areas? Are you noticing rough, aggregate surfaces in your concrete that haven’t been there before, particularly after the latest round of winter weather? If so, your concrete may be experiencing a condition called scaling. Scaling occurs when a thin layer of the concrete surface flakes, or scales, […]
Hold the Vacuum! (Dusting Concrete Surfaces)
Have you noticed dry, powdery deposits on the concrete elements in your community? Or have you walked across concrete and had a white, dust-like powder follow you? If so, your concrete may be experiencing a condition called dusting. Dusting occurs when the surface of concrete disintegrates, resulting in a loose, chalk-like powder. A list of […]
Achieving The Sound of Silence
A common deterrent to personal enjoyment in multi-family buildings is sound transmission. Often determining what is too loud is subjective and measured by the sensitivity of our ears. The Building Code requires that walls and ceilings meet an STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating of 50 and an IIC (Impact Insulation Class) of 50. STC is […]