Summer 2020 Issue | Building Enclosure

Planning Acoustics in Commercial Construction

What Happens When You Get it Right, and the Risks of Getting it Wrong

November 13, 2019

We know more today than ever before about the importance of building structures that are energy-efficient, safe and comfortable for occupants

A Higher Level of Protection for “Mission Critical” Roofs

Material Matters

Tiffany Coppock

March 4, 2020

No Comments

Cellular glass insulation is getting renewed attention from many architects and designers, particularly for mission critical buildings

CEU: Parapets—Continuity of Control Layers

Parapet continuity of detailing required to manage moisture, air, vapor and thermal performance, as well as wind resistance requirements at the critical wall-to-roof interface.

Benjamin Meyer

February 3, 2020

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The parapet is so much more than the intersection of roof and wall

Smart Coatings Bring High-Performance Enclosures to the Next Level

Karine Galla

March 6, 2020

One Comment

Responsive façade coatings technology boosts performance, sustainability and long-term value of building assemblies

When the Building Envelope Fails

Selecting the Right Interior Finishes Can Minimize the Consequences

Steven H. Miller

March 9, 2020

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How far into the interior does the building envelope go? We design around questions of how far daylight, views, and heat will penetrate, but how far will failure penetrate

Making Transitions to Fenestration

Air and Water Control Layers are Fundamental to Building Enclosure Performance

Julie Szabo

Jason Sanchez

March 23, 2020

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Within many commonly used exterior opaque wall assemblies, the air and water control layers are provided by a single material with a combined function, indicated as an air and water barrier

Retrofitting Building Envelopes Can Improve Energy Efficiency

Some Improvements Consists of Energy Savings and Aesthetic Appeal

Michael Smalley

March 13, 2020

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With many commercial buildings aiming to reduce their energy footprint, retrofitting a building enclosure can deliver energy savings, as well as an improvement on the building’s appearance

New Report Reveals Dramatic Energy Efficiency Impacts

Rebecca Price

March 20, 2020

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The Alliance to Save Energy joined with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy to release the Energy Efficiency Impact Report—a first-of-its-kind publication that uses reams of data and intuitive graphics to tell the comprehensive story of energy efficiency’s impact on the U.S. economy, environment and society

Virtual Roundtable: How "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Affects the Industry

Lindsay Lewis

April 1, 2020

No Comments

The webinar shed some light on how architects and various AEC firms, even outside of Michigan, are currently being impacted by COVID-19

Waterproofing Code: Foundation Drain

Section 1807.4.2

June 5, 2018

No Comments

This section provides the requirements for foundation drain placement. The section is precise in the requirements and provides a basis for design.

Roofing Code: Scuppers

Section 1503.4.2

June 12, 2018

No Comments

This code implies that scuppers are an acceptable form of roof drainage.

Roofing Detail: Options for Base Securement

June 12, 2018

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We'll look at seven different options that the Western States Roofing Contractors Association suggests using.

Updating Building Codes

Working From The Outside In

Keith Poettker Dave Lammers

November 15, 2019

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Building codes change over time as new and improved methods of construction are developed to satisfy the stringent requirements for safety, health and accessibility of buildings