Terra cotta is generally durable, but when façade rehabilitation is planned, one of the most challenging questions is whether a distress condition that is observed requires repair or replacement of the unit, or can be left as is.
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Displaced, cracked, and out-of-plane brick units were observed at the brick façade of a parking garage in a Midwestern city. The façade of the garage consisted of brick masonry veneer installed over a concrete masonry unit (CMU) backup wall. Openings made during an investigation revealed light-gauge, corrugated brick ties...
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Since the directionality of wind-driven rain can change throughout a single storm, it is not always obvious what combination of environmental factors are contributing to water leakage in a building enclosure assembly.
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In mass wall construction, proper detailing is required so that the wall will shed bulk water. Key details include overhangs that protect the vertical wall below; drips at projecting features such as sills; and sloped skyward-facing surfaces to provide positive drainage.
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The recent rise in popularity of catalyzed resin roofing and waterproofing products has moved many specifiers and installers onto the steep part of the learning curve, collecting new experiences and learning new lessons about their installation.
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During a building renovation, new composite-deck balconies were installed. The exposed galvanized steel deck at the underside of each balcony was painted soon after installation.
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To meet performance demands for energy conservation, noise resistance, heat gain, and indoor comfort, designers often specify insulating glazing units (IGUs). Annealed, heat strengthened, and tempered glass are produced by suppliers and shipped to fabricators for assembly, to meet specified design criteria.
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Moisture-related problems are common at critical interface conditions in the building enclosure due to discontinuities in the air/moisture control layers. One such instance is where a parapet at a lower roof meets an exterior rising wall of an upper floor or another enclosure assembly.
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Two options can be considered when a new roof is needed on an existing building: completely remove and replace all existing roofing materials (replacement), or install a new one over the existing roof (re-cover).
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As noted in previous columns, successful long-term performance for repointing mortar joints in an existing masonry structure requires the development of an appropriate mortar mix, proper installation, and correct designation of the type and extent of work required.
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