Advancements in hurricane building science, continuous code improvements, and the success of code-approved products have made it possible to design more resilient structures in hurricane zones. The widely acclaimed success of Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community 32 km (20 mi) inland from Ft. Myers, is a testament to how...
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A weathertight building enclosure is critical when it comes to preventing air leakage and water penetration. It also significantly impacts energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), and occupant comfort. Therefore, properly specifying and detailing the transitions between fenestration products and the surrounding wall conditions is extremely important.
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Many flooring products have historically been manufactured with chemicals such as ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that, when emitted from those products, can have adverse effects on human and environmental health and contribute to indoor air pollution.
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Woven on a loom just like other textiles, metal fabric is primarily composed of stainless-steel wire, but can be manufactured using other alloys such as bronze, aluminum, and copper. This highly technical material offers architects the ability to create dynamic, modern environments that can address numerous building challenges.
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Cooling towers and closed-circuit coolers are very different pieces of equipment, and while they typically look similar and accomplish the same result, they have distinctive advantages and drawbacks.
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Within commercial buildings, HVAC systems are responsible for 67 percent of the total emissions emitted. This presents a major challenge for facility managers, who balance the day-to-day operational demands of their buildings with the need to reduce carbon footprints and energy costs.
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Traditional thinking within the building enclosure industry may suggest the aesthetic and comfort features of interior spaces run counter to their safety and security capabilities. While they are not necessarily mutually exclusive, it can be challenging for architects and designers to consider certain tradeoffs for glazing and curtain walls....
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Many project teams are opting to specify delegated design mulled window systems that combine multiple windows into a single unit in a larger glazed opening. While these mulled systems have become increasingly popular, their mulling components can create potential performance issues, including air infiltration, water penetration, structural failure, and...
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Choosing finishes for commercial buildings’ aluminum-framed vertical fenestration assemblies—windows, curtain wall, storefront, and entrances—often begins by selecting a color. Specialty coatings also can enhance the visual and tactile effects of the finished appearance.
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An intumescent is a material which reacts and expands aggressively when exposed to heat or fire. Depending on the requirements of the application, the expansion rate can be up to 30 times the original size of the product. The pressure generated by the intumescent when expanding can be tailored...
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