Enhancing Energy Performance with Balcony Thermal Breaks

This article examines how a building’s energy performance can be enhanced with structural thermal breaks for balcony connection. New engineered solutions can assist mid- and high-rise building project teams in complying with continuous insulation (ci) code requirements. These structural connections are especially important to address in multi-family specifications because thermal bridging for every residential unit in the structure can add up to significant heating and cooling loads.

Read More

Minimizing Risks with Solar Roofs

Commercial low-slope rooftops are an attractive platform for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity-producing systems. Nevertheless, a roof’s function is, first and foremost, to protect the building’s contents and people from the elements. In this regard, design professionals need to anticipate the potential risks associated with the installation of roof-mounted PV arrays. This sort of due diligence is particularly important when installing PV systems on existing warranted roofs.

Read More

To Test or Not to Test…? A guide to field quality control

When properly applied, tests can yield valuable insight into the installed performance of systems, aid investigators in determining the cause of a failure, or help to determine if a product is performing to its intended level. However, when improperly applied, many tests and standards can produce misleading results, improper conclusions, and lead to unnecessary repairs or remediation efforts. Within this context, the article takes an in-depth look at roofing assemblies, along with glazing, masonry, and air barrier assemblies.

Read More