A new study revealed that U.S. emissions from the built environment have increased by 3 percent in the last decade - a trend that looks set to continue. Research by 3Keel and Kingspan found that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings are reversing in the U.S.
To efficiently future-proof the building envelope in light of the new climate reality, taking both into consideration is critical. One vital tool in this effort, though often overlooked, is air and water-resistive barriers (AWBs).
Two commonly cited solutions are lightning protection systems and surge suppression. While they both address issues related to lightning, they serve distinctly different purposes.
Efficiency and durability are also major contributing factors to a building’s sustainability. The roof and exterior building envelope systems are the first line of defense when looking to reduce carbon emissions and energy use, as well as ensure a building can stand the test of time.
Enclosure materials influence embodied carbon goals. This means that selecting and designing for low-carbon enclosure materials is important for reducing the overall embodied carbon impact of the building. It is important to note that using heavier enclosure assemblies may require additional structural support, increasing the embodied carbon associated with the building structure.
Insulated metal panels are increasingly the preferred building envelope solution for these plants because of their versatility that includes thermal efficiency, temperature control, design flexibility, safety, ease of installation, durability and more.
This article will illuminate a few critical design considerations, including substrate selection; use of proper joining methods, flashings, solder, and sealants; natural weathering and other finishes; and staining and corrosion control and prevention.
Transparent glazing, whether window assemblies or full curtain wall assemblies, can help designers achieve a complex set of performance criteria with one product, eliminating redundant systems and streamlining construction.
Fire codes help owners protect their buildings from property-destroying blazes. Those codes, however, are often set to a minimum standard for fire safety and are not always representative of best practices. One of those instances surrounds codes related to fire-rated floor doors.
With questions of coating compatibility, sealing strategies, abatement procedures, and maintainability not seen in framed walls or masonry facades, the task of refurbishing these structures is a rapidly developing field in restoration technology.