Spring brings the outset of the construction season in most parts of the country. The smell of flowers blooming is often accompanied by the sounds of hammers pounding steel. Designers should take this opportunity to visit projects and observe how their designs are being constructed. It is a good time to interact with applicators and gain insightful feedback as to what details work and which ones should be removed from your canned detail file.

Project experience is critical in roof and waterproofing design. Designers that rely heavily on manufacturer guides, specifications and details will often incur design issues in the field. When problems arise, the manufacturers are the first to point out that their documents are nothing more than guidelines.

So on the next sunny day this week, skip lunch and go inspect one of your projects. It might be the best lunch you have all week.