Two critical aspects of sustainable construction are long-term durability and energy efficiency. The latter is a measure of whole building performance, which depends on the envelope as well as the building systems and occupant behavior.
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Efflorescence is one of the first signs of moisture problems for cementitious materials, especially masonry. A by-product of moisture combining with free salts, this phenomenon is not only just a cosmetic problem—left unchecked during freeze-thaw conditions, it can cause brick to weaken, spall, or crumble in some cases.
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With growing emphasis on environmental regulatory compliance, specifiers are discovering less is more when it comes to meeting requirements on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over the past decade, VOC content in waterborne and high-solids coatings has dramatically decreased while performance and durability of the solvent-based coatings they replace has...
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When dealing with efflorescence, there are a few simple rules to remember.
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Providing adequate rainwater management and control for air, vapor, and heat flow through the building enclosure is critical to long-term performance and durability. In contemporary wall assemblies with layered materials, the complexity of coordinating these various demands can be overwhelming.
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The new Anderson Center at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, welcomed students this September with a 167-m2 (1800-sf) vegetated green roof. This elevated ecosystem project is part of the building development that has become the official entrance to the campus.
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Ensuring architectural door hardware conforms to codes and standards has a close connection with the three essential issues in overall openings performance: accessibility, security, and life safety.
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The majority of large-scale design/ construction projects revolve around a single concept known as the owner’s project requirements (OPR). Developed throughout each project phase, these criteria essentially define the performance specifications for the building as a whole.
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An accelerated schedule for Little Big Horn College’s Health & Wellness Center in Crow Agency, Montana, required the project team to start construction before design completion.
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The exterior walls of ‘historic’ buildings are typically constructed of multi-wythe masonry, which controls rainwater by absorption and evaporation. This type of assembly does not have internal drainage and often lacks flashings at critical locations (e.g. window heads).
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