In most climate zones within the United States, a dedicated air barrier is required by code as part of the building enclosure to control and manage airflow between the conditioned interior and exterior environments.
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Can a waterproofing membrane leak if it has no holes? Unfortunately, yes, under fairly common circumstances. If drainage is absent or impeded, water can slowly migrate directly through the membrane.
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Selection of fenestration systems for specific wall assemblies is a process in which performance characteristics, such as structural capacity, the resistance to air infiltration, and water penetration, and thermal attributes are evaluated along with aesthetics and cost. However, the integration of the system(s) under consideration with the adjacent exterior...
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Selection of fenestration assemblies (utilizing both window and storefront systems) can be challenging due to the number of ancillary components/accessories available—materials with different performance characteristics compared to the main fenestration element.
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Coatings used with brick masonry should be breathable, especially in colder climates—they must allow moisture entering the wall system to escape. Failure of brick that has been covered by a non-breathable coating underscores the importance of selecting appropriate repairs when needed. If a coating does need to be applied,...
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To provide personalized temperature control, while maintaining low initial costs and simplified installation, hotels and dormitories often use packaged terminal air conditioning (PTAC) units. However, penetration of façade systems with PTAC units compromised by poor detail design and/or improper installation has led to water infiltration and moisture-related problems.
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The effects of cold on buildings are widely varied.* One of the more extreme examples of damage is cracking and spalling of masonry when water trapped within the pores of masonry units expands with cyclic freezing and thawing.
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The use of fully tempered (FT) glass is common in the building industry. While its increased strength (approximately four times stronger than annealed glass and twice as strong as heat strengthened) and distinctive breakage pattern that can reduce the potential for injury are regarded as benefits, its use should...
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On two different Midwestern projects, the surfaces of sealants exhibited gas-filled blisters, often referred to as bubbling, within a week of installation.
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While construction spending on industrial buildings remains low, there is a growing opportunity to renovate existing facilities. Failing window systems are one of the most visible signs of facilities in need of an update.
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