While maintaining continuity of the dedicated control layers of the building enclosure is generally understood by the design profession, transitional components incorporated into the enclosure assembly are often overlooked.

In late 2023, the DOE set a new rule requiring most residential gas furnaces to achieve 95% efficiency by 2028. This will drive adoption of condensing technology, which captures more heat from combustion gases.

Failed or severely deflected wood structural framing members at the perimeter of floor openings are often encountered during renovations and assessments of older buildings.

Not all bricks are created equal, and not all bricks are even created from the same material. While most bricks are made of fired clay, calcium silicate (or sand-lime) bricks are made by mixing lime with silica sand, which is then pressed into the desired shape. The molded units are then cured in a steam autoclave. Calcium silicate bricks are defined under ASTM C73, Standard Specification for Calcium Silicate Brick (Sand-Lime Brick).

Calcium silicate bricks … Continue reading Another brick in the wall