Summer 2021

Building Enclosure

The Summer 2021 edition of Building Enclosure features a look at several trends demonstrating how rainscreens are emerging as a preferred solution—their ability to eliminate complexity, achieve cost savings and deliver on curb appeal. We also discuss how designers and construction specifiers should look closely at opportunities to streamline both the production process and quality control of their wall assemblies.

CEU: Moisture Durability, Roofing and Green Standards

Benjamin Meyer

April 1, 2021

No Comments

The requirements in green standards alone, such as LEED, Green Globes and IgCC may lack comprehensive measures to address resiliency related to the long-term performance of the building enclosure

Preventing Radon Infiltration in Commercial Facilities

Six Steps to Using Closed Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam

Maxime Duzyk

December 18, 2020

One Comment

Despite the risk of Radon accumulation in commercial and institutional buildings, there are solutions available to both test for, and to prevent the infiltration of, Radon in these structures

Rising Trends in Ventilated Rainscreen Systems

Aesthetics, Reduced Complexity Driving New Paradigm

Ryan Tolle

March 10, 2021

One Comment

For a building of any kind, the first line of defense protecting its occupants from the elements is the external cladding

Preventing Modular Building Mold and Moisture Problems in the Warm and Humid Southeast

February 10, 2021

The emergence of modular construction as an option for new construction is becoming mainstream. While the reasons why have been reported on extensively, what has not been reported is that the modular construction industry has been plagued by mold and moisture problems, especially on projects located in warm and humid climates like the Southeast U.S.

Glass is Essential to a Building’s Energy Efficiency

Sean Hamlin

March 2, 2021

No Comments

Understanding the importance of energy efficiency in glass design and selection as a primary component of the glazing system recognizes that the performance values of the glass are specifically affected by the actual system it is being installed into

Integrated WRB/AB Sheathing Builds Confidence into Simplified Building Envelopes

Combining Necessary Control Layer Continuity with Valuable Construction Efficiencies

John Chamberlin

March 8, 2021

No Comments

Designers and construction specifiers should look closely at opportunities to streamline both the production process and quality control of their wall assemblies

Navigating Fenestration U-Factors

Properly Calculating Fenestration U-Factors is Important to Building Enclosure Design

Scott A. Tomlinson, P.E. Mary Arntzen, P.E.

March 11, 2021

One Comment

Understanding the energy code requirements and how to properly calculate the fenestration U-factors is an important skill to develop to inform the building-enclosure design

Benefits of Tracking and Reporting Embodied Carbon

Daniel Overbey

March 3, 2021

13 Comments

It is time for building design professionals to track and report the embodied carbon of their projects. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport, and construction of buildings materials, together with end-of-life emissions

The Future of Trade Shows Post COVID-19

Lindsay Lewis

April 27, 2021

No Comments

With the push to go virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one has to wonder. Are virtual trade shows here to stay?

Roofing Code: Structural Metal Panel Roof Systems

Section 1504.3.2

July 24, 2018

No Comments

Structural standing-seam metal panel roof systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E1592 or FM 4474

Waterproofing Code: Basis of Investigation

Section 1803.3

July 17, 2018

No Comments

Soil classification shall be based on observation and any necessary tests of the materials disclosed by borings, test pits or other subsurface exploration made in appropriate locations.