The Construction Specifier Express

June 7, 2022

Pearl Harbor museum control tower renovation elevates visitor experience

Sound Design Guide 2022 edition now available

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EcoPod pop-up educates Windy City on its air quality and climate impact

The green EcoPod trailer rolled through Chicago this past April and May, to engage communities with local climate data for awareness and resilience, as well as spark conversation on air quality within the city’s built environment.

Roofing industry sees shipping spike despite supply chain woes

A recent report from the Single-Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) identified a 12.2 percent increase in roof membrane shipments in 2021, suggesting supply chain woes may begin to clear up.

Connecticut architect honored for community building efforts

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Connecticut has honoured veteran architect Marissa Dionne Mead with the 2022 Women in Architecture Award, for her “potent and enduring commitment to creating welcoming environments” within community spaces.

Energy Star rating ends for roofing products due to obsolescence

After a four-year effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has retired the Energy Star specification for roof products.

Features

Considerations for anodized aluminum cladding

Anodizing protects and enhances aluminum cladding in exterior and interior applications. Installed on a building exterior, anodized wall panels must withstand continuous exposure to direct sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, precipitation including salt spray, and pollution and other climatic conditions of the project’s location.

Why fire sprinklers belong above suspended drop-out ceilings

A drop-out ceiling is, “a suspended ceiling system, which is installed below the [fire suppression] sprinklers, with listed translucent or opaque panels that are heat sensitive and fall from their setting when exposed to heat,” according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, §3.3.61.

DISCUSSIONS OF THE WEEK

IMPEDANCE MOISTURE SURVEY SPECIFICATION

I’m looking for a little assistance with some ongoing roof repair work related to storm damage throughout the region. We have many projects underway and would like to include a spec section which covers ASTM D7954 testing for existing roofs, but do not want to embed it into the roofing specifications themselves because we have many different types of roof materials and specification sections. MasterSpec provides a deep section number of 07 01 50.13 Roof Moisture Survey, which seems like a good spot for such a section to live; however, I’ve never seen an example of this being used. Has anyone in the community ever included something like this, which is essentially just a Reference Standard Specification? I’ve only ever referenced testing standards in the body of a specification and via the References paragraph.

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STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING COST IN CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS

In this market of continually increasing construction prices, what strategies could we use together as a team during the design phase to minimize the impact of rising costs due to inflation? Working with a construction manager from the project’s onset is already an advantage. Seeking design assisting opportunities through the project’s development through constructability reviews and assistance with cost determinations is always a huge help. What are some other strategies that have worked for you?

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