Archives

Archives

• Prioritizing Your Building Enclosure Needs

  2022, Vol 39 N 2

  New! Web-based version available. With roof leaks, drafty windows, and concerning cracks vying for attention, it can be tough to know which building enclosure problem to tackle first. Safety concerns are always top priority, but other considerations demand attention, from meeting new codes to upgrading underperforming components. Balancing urgent demands with long-term goals can guide owners in making the best choices for their building and budget. (Download PDF 4.1 MB)

• Should You Replace Your Low-Slope Roof? Understanding Recover and Replacement Options

  2022, Vol 39 N 1

  New! Web-based version available. Recovering a low-slope roof tends to be less expensive than full replacement and, for some owners, is a logical starting point when the roof nears the end of its lifespan. But buyer beware: recover projects have many potential pitfalls. And while it may seem straightforward to replace the roof in kind, new technologies, new code requirements, and new needs may make other options a better fit. (Download PDF 7.8 MB)

• Choosing the Right Paver System for Rooftop Amenity Spaces

  2021, Vol 38 N 2

  New! Web-based version available. COVID-19 laid bare shortcomings that many city-dwellers face, as stay-at-home guidelines confined people to apartments, often without access to safe outdoor spaces. A priority that will outlast the pandemic, converting rooftops into tenant amenities has become top-of-mind for building owners seeking cost-effective, desirable building upgrades. (Download PDF 4.2 MB)

• Restoring and Maintaining Archaic Concrete Floor Systems

  2021, Vol 38 N 1

  New! Web-based version available. Before the advent of reinforced concrete, floor slabs were composed primarily of brick or terra cotta, until innovators pioneered an array of novel concrete assemblies. With many still in service – often masquerading as standard concrete decks – it’s important to know how to recognize and restore them. (Download PDF 2.0 MB)

• Design Guide for Parapets: Safety, Continuity, and the Building Code

  2020, Vol 37 N 4

  New! Web-based version available. Often overlooked in the design of new structures and the maintenance of existing ones, parapet walls pose compound design challenges, as they bring together a wide range of materials in a relatively small space. (Download PDF 1.0 MB)

• Rehabilitation and Restoration at Secure Facilities

  2020, Vol37 N 3

  New! Web-based version available. Schools, airports, prisons, data centers, museums, government buildings: when restricted-access facilities succumb to time and weather, rehabilitation strategies must incorporate not only appropriate design, but also protocols for maintaining security. (Download PDF 1.1 MB)

• Performance Considerations for Historic Window Replacement and Repair

  2020, Vol 37 N 2

  New! Web-based version available. Developing a window strategy that balances aesthetics and historic integrity with contemporary performance standards can be challenging, particularly if windows are architecturally or historically significant. (Download PDF 1.8 MB)

• Roof Condition Surveys: What They Are and Why They Matter

  2020, Vol 37 N 1

  Implementing a program of regular roof inspection can identify emerging problems, guide maintenance and repair efforts that maximize roof lifespan, and aid in planning for eventual replacement. (Download PDF 1.7 MB)

• Restoration and Replacement of Glazed Curtain Wall Assemblies

  2019, Vol 36 N 4

  With so many rehabilitation and replacement options available to improve performance, building owners need not feel compelled to eliminate glass curtain walls in an effort to combat climate change. (Download PDF 1.8 MB)

• How to Assess Your Parking Garage

  2019, Vol 36 N 3

  Knowing how and why a parking facility is experiencing distress is valuable information. Knowing what to do about it is even more important. (Download PDF 1.6 MB)

• Plaza Design for Longevity and Maintainability

  2019, Vol 36 N 2

  Plaza upgrades are an opportunity to provide universal access, enhance amenities, and add dimension to an existing space, while improving performance and reducing maintenance costs. (Download PDF 1.7 MB)

• Myths and Misconceptions About Roofs

  2019, Vol 36 N 1

  Identifying oft-repeated roofing maxims that are doing more harm than good is the first step to improving the outcomes of reroofing projects. (Download PDF 1.6 MB)

• Design Strategies for Metal Wall and Roof Systems

  2018, Vol 35 N 4

  Given the complexities of building enclosure assemblies and increasingly stringent code requirements governing their performance, selecting the right materials, finishes, and type of system demands familiarity with a variety of metal cladding options. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Preventing Winter Damage

  2018, Vol 35 N 3

  Managing the impact of winter storms on the building enclosure begins long before the weather turns cold. Problems from ice dams to deicing chemical damage demand consideration of not only symptoms, but also possible causes. (Download PDF 1.8 MB)

• Roof Drainage Systems

  2018, Vol 35 N 2

  Often an afterthought in a reroofing or new construction project, roof drainage tends to be given little attention – until it fails. Resolving problems proactively keeps storm water under control and extends the life of the roof. (Download PDF 1.6 MB)

• Storefront Rehabilitation and Design

  2018, Vol 35 N 1

  Options and regulations for storefront systems can be surprisingly nuanced. Balancing building code requirements, aesthetic considerations, resiliency, and performance requires thoughtful evaluation. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Accommodating Movement in Building Envelope Materials

  2017, Vol 34 N 4

  The building enclosure must provide for differing, and often opposing, movement of adjoining elements. By anticipating materials’ tendency to expand or shrink, as well as environmental factors that contribute to dimensional changes, designers can allow for movement without compromising building integrity. (Download PDF 1.4 MB)

• Meeting the Demand for High-Efficiency Facades

  2017, Vol 34 N 3

  To meet challenging energy mandates, building owners and design professionals should examine not only the code requirements for energy-efficient design, but also the science behind those standards and the process involved in achieving energy performance goals. (Download PDF 1.4 MB)

• How Safe Is Your Sidewalk Vault?

  2017, Vol 32 N 2

  Most people on city sidewalks don’t realize what they’re walking on is not solid ground, but likely the roof of an underground vault. Only once someone falls into the sidewalk do we recognize that the terrain we take for granted as sturdy and reliable may be anything but. (Download PDF 1.6 MB)

• Balcony and Roof Railings and the Code: Maintain, Repair, or Replace?

  2017, Vol 34 N 1

  While the combination of building and occupational safety codes has the effect of making roofs and balconies more secure, those lacking familiarity with current regulations may find their exterior envelope project bogged down in a confusing tangle of railing stipulations. (Download PDF 1.3 MB)

• Guide to Campus-Wide Building Envelope Assessment

  2016, Vol 33 N 4

  Tailored to facility management objectives, an effective building envelope study guides rehabilitation planning, with long-range projections for the best use of resources at different points in time. (Download PDF 1.7 MB)

• Energy Efficiency Considerations in Window Replacement Projects

  2016, Vol 33 N 3

  Though not often a precipitating factor in the decision to replace aging windows, energy efficiency soon becomes a key consideration, as new energy codes dictate higher performance standards. (Download PDF 1.3 MB)

• Best Practices for Architectural Coatings

  2016, Vol 33 N 2

  The expense of rehabilitating an ill-conceived or poorly executed coating project can far outweigh the cost of appropriately specified, designed, and applied paints and coatings. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• Preventing and Treating Distress in Brick Veneer Cavity Walls

  2016, Vol 33 N 1

  To treat persistent problems and prevent new ones from emerging, it is important to understand the basics of brick cavity wall construction and to recognize the symptoms of distress and failure. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• Green Options in Roof Replacement

  2015, Vol 32 N 3

  With new technologies driven by more stringent energy codes, reroofing presents the opportunity for increased efficiency, reduced heating and cooling demands, improved durability, and enhanced appearance. (Download PDF 993.7 kB)

• What Went Wrong? Diagnosing Building Envelope Distress

  2015, Vol 32 N 2

  With so many components contributing to facade, roof, plaza, and parking garage assemblies, it can be challenging to determine the likely cause of a failure. (Download PDF 1.1 MB)

• Caring for Glazed Architectural Terra Cotta

  2015, Vol 32 N 1

  When properly maintained, glazed architectural terra cotta is a resilient, low-maintenance material; most problems are due to inappropriate repairs, lack of maintenance, or both. (Download PDF 1.0 MB)

• Energy Codes: Challenges with Existing Buildings

  2014, Vol 31 N 4

  Rather than focus on improving the performance of new buildings as we build them, energy codes and standards have the potential for greater impact if they emphasize the energy efficiency of existing buildings. (Download PDF 1.1 MB)

• Treating Reinforcement Corrosion in Parking Structures

  2014, Vol 31 N 3

  Identifying early warning signs of corrosion and responding promptly can avoid or mitigate the costly, time-consuming repairs that typically result from unchecked parking structure deterioration. (Download PDF 935.1 kB)

• Historic Stone Masonry Restoration

  2014, Vol 31 N 2

  With thoughtful design and proficient execution, the right restoration program can preserve aesthetics, reestablish resiliency, and bring out the character of historic stone. (Download PDF 834.5 kB)

• The Existing Plaza: Considerations for Repair or Replacement

  2014, Vol 31 N 1

  A plaza is a valuable amenity. With the right design approach, a plaza project can create a functional and appealing outdoor space that acts as a showpiece for the property. (Download PDF 786.5 kB)

• New Construction Peer Review: Getting the Most out of Your Building Envelope Consultant

  2013, Vol 30 N 4

  Making the best use of a building envelope consultant’s services on a new construction project is important not only to controlling costs, but also to the energy efficiency, code compliance, sustainability, and longevity of the building. (Download PDF 710.3 kB)

• Tips for Success with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

  2013, Vol 30 N 3

  The subject of multiple class-action lawsuits, EIFS spent years recovering its good name. Redesigned with provisions for moisture control, modern EIFS aims to turn its reputation around as the economical answer to tighter energy codes. (Download PDF 616.3 kB)

• Copper Roofing: The Original Green Roof

  2013, Vol 30 N 2

  In the modern climate of green design, it can be easy to forget that one of the most environmentally sound roofing options is also one of the oldest. Where sustainability, durability, and longevity are priorities, copper emerges as a top contender. (Download PDF 584.4 kB)

• Water Testing: A Tool for Owners and Design Professionals

  2013, Vol 30 N 1

  Whether performed in a laboratory or administered in the field, water testing can provide useful information on the integrity and water-tightness of building envelope assemblies. (Download PDF 1.8 MB)

• The Rain Screen Approach

  2012, Vol 29 N 4

  Rain screen moisture control strategies can be used successfully for both new construction and rehabilitation. Explore the concepts behind rain screen design and learn how this approach can improve durability and longevity. (Download PDF 559.5 kB)

• Sealant Joint Solutions

  2012, Vol 29 N 3

  Although they may seem to require little more than a shot from a caulk gun, sealant joints demand considered attention to design, product selection, and installation if the building envelope is to perform as intended. (Download PDF 471.7 kB)

• Preventing and Treating Failure in Glazed Curtain Wall Systems

  2012, Vol 29 N 2

  Glazed curtain walls offer panoramic views and countless design options. They also have their shortcomings. To improve durability and performance, identify emerging problems early and take swift corrective action. (Download PDF 351.6 kB)

• Historic Window Rehabilitation

  2012, Vol 29 N 1

  It’s easy to lose sight of the significance of a historic window when its most salient features are peeling paint and broken glass.  But windows are too aesthetically important to make repair or replacement decisions lightly. (Download PDF 536.1 kB)

• A Reroofing Primer

  2011, Vol 28 N 4

  No one wants to be caught unprepared by sudden roof failure. Advance planning permits building owners to reflect on reroofing options and make the best choice for the available budget and for the building’s needs. (Download PDF 483.5 kB)

• When Modern Becomes Historic: Preserving the Modernist Building Envelope

  2011, Vol 28 N 3

  Modernist structures challenge standard preservation practices. As these structures cross the half-century mark, anticipating their restoration needs becomes central to maintaining functional relevance. (Download PDF 441.0 kB)

• Standard of Care: Evaluating Professional Conduct

  2011, Vol 28 N 2

  Standard of care can be confusing. But understanding the implications of professional practice standards is critical to managing risk, avoiding disputes, and successfully resolving claims. (Download PDF 535.1 kB)

• What’s Wrong with My Precast Concrete Parking Garage?

  2011, Vol 28 N 1

  Precast concrete parking structures can be resilient and economical.  Yet tens of thousands of precast garages exhibit some degree of structural distress.  Learn how to identify emerging problems—and prevent them. (Download PDF 494.9 kB)

• Thin Stone Marble Facade Systems

  2010, Vol 27 N 4

  Marble panels offer the aesthetic benefits of traditional load-bearing stone at a more affordable price.  But the thinness that makes veneers so economical also makes them fallible. (Download PDF 338.0 kB)

• Waterproofing Challenges

  2010, Vol 27 N 3

  With some thoughtful detective work and creative water management strategies, you can find the right resolution for even the most demanding waterproofing applications. (Download PDF 350.7 kB)

• Separating Fact from Fiction: Insurance Claims and Building Envelope Failure

  2010, Vol 27 N 2

  As a building’s shield against the elements, the exterior envelope is prone to extensive damage in a storm or flood.  For insurance claims, the task is to determine which problems are due to the event—and which are not. (Download PDF 1.0 MB)

• Regular Inspections Are Key to Building Envelope Integrity

  2010, Vol 27 N 1

  Because risks of deferred repairs carry a hefty price tag, it's worth investing a few hours on a regular basis to look for signs of trouble. This guide outlines common problems, in a practical checklist format. (Download PDF 767.3 kB)

• The Building Envelope: Energy Efficiency and Economics

  2009, Vol 26 N 4

  As the building's thermal barrier, the exterior envelope is critical to energy performance. Well-designed upgrades reduce HVAC costs, maximize component longevity, improve comfort, and increase property value. (Download PDF 1.0 MB)

• Deicing Chemicals: Why Not to Just Throw Down Salt

  2009, Vol 26 N 3 [excerpt]

  An excerpt from Vol 26 N 3, Winterizing Your Building, this comparison of common deicing products provides guidance in selecting and stocking chemicals for snow and ice removal. (Download PDF 40.6 kB)

• Winterizing Your Building

  2009, Vol 26 N 3

  With a modest expenditure of energy, you can stay a step ahead of the weather and avoid shelling out for serious repairs. Here's how to plan ahead. (Download PDF 600.0 kB)

• Fundamentals of Plaza Design

  2009, Vol 26 N 2

  A well-designed plaza or terrace not only reduces upkeep costs, it also attracts tenants, increases property value, and enhances outdoor space. Here’s how to do it right. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• The Greenest Building Is the One that Doesn’t Need Rebuilding

  2009, Vol 26 N 1

  “Good building practice” may not be buzzwords of the green building initiative, but failure to keep proper detailing at the forefront of any construction project can take a substantial toll on the environment. (Download PDF 696.6 kB)

• Care and Preservation of Slate Roofs

  2008, Vol 25 N 4

  Properly designed and maintained slate roofs can last upwards of a century.  Learn about inspecting, repairing, and replacing these historic assets, as well as about integrating new technologies into traditional roofing systems. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• Windows: An Integral Part of the Building Envelope

  2008, Vol 25 N 3

  Windows have a greater impact on occupant comfort than does any other building element. When evaluating windows and planning for rehabilitation, consider fenestration design in relationship to building envelope performance as a whole. (Download PDF 448.1 kB)

• Is That Traffic Coating Necessary? Surface Treatments and Parking Structure Protection

  2008, Vol 25 N 2

  Before investing in a costly, high-maintenance traffic-bearing membrane, review these options and criteria for selecting a surface treatment. A low-upkeep, quickly applied product may do the job—and save you money. (Download PDF 955.2 kB)

• New Options in Reroofing

  2008, Vol 25 N 1

  Facing a reroofing project can be a daunting prospect.  But with improved outcomes afforded by new technologies, roof rehabilitation need not be the headache it once was. (Download PDF 3.1 MB)

• Reroofing Green

  2007, Vol 24 N 2

  No longer just for the super-wealthy or super-environmental, green roofs are sprouting up across America’s cities.  This article discusses the benefits, design options, and concerns of installing a landscaped roof on your building. (Download PDF 750.8 kB)

• Brick Maintenance and Repair for Historic and Landmark Structures

  2007, Vol 24 N 1

  Remediating deteriorated masonry presents challenges in any building, but for historic structures, those issues are compounded by concerns about regulations, preservation, and compatibility. (Download PDF 622.3 kB)

• Concrete Solutions to Concrete Rehabilitation

  2006, Vol 23 N 2

  Concrete is one of the world’s most highly used construction materials. But nothing lasts forever, and concrete is no exception. Learn about maintenance and rehabilitation of this versatile and durable material. (Download PDF 309.4 kB)

• Curtain Walls: Not Just Another Pretty Facade

  2006, Vol 23 N 1

  The glass curtain wall has become synonymous with contemporary building design.  Whether leak remediation or a design overhaul, rehabilitation demands specialized solutions. (Download PDF 1.4 MB)

• Repair and Maintenance of Historic Marble and Limestone Structures

  2005, Vol 22 N 1

  With increasing urbanization and pollution, stone deteriorates more rapidly than in the past.  The solution?  A maintenance program that corrects minor problems before they become critical. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Exterior Brick Masonry Walls: Causes of and Solutions to Inevitable Deterioration

  2003, Vol 21 N 3

  Even the iconic brick wall succumbs to the forces of time and weather. The key to sustaining exterior brick masonry walls for as long as possible is preventative maintenance and repair. (Download PDF 703.7 kB)

• Sealant Joint Rehabilitation: More Than a Quick Fix

  2003, Vol 21 N 2

  Sealant failures threaten the longevity of a structure's exterior and so demand comprehensive solutions. Neglecting compromised sealant joints now could mean a costly and time-consuming remediation project later. (Download PDF 557.3 kB)

• Forecasting Building Envelope Reliability

  2003, Vol 21 N 1

  How to anticipate the useful life and performance of building envelope systems, then plan maintenance and repairs accordingly. (Download PDF 992.4 kB)

• Plazas: Form, Function & the Bottom Line

  2002, Vol 20 N 3

  Plazas, when well designed and maintained, improve the value of properties and attract tenants. When waterproofing and drainage problems go unchecked, a once attractive plaza can become an eyesore. (Download PDF 560.2 kB)

• Troubleshooting the Building Envelope: Addressing CAUSES, Not Symptoms

  2002, Vol 20 N 2

  An overview of early indicators of deterioration, and an action plan for fixing these trouble spots. (Download PDF 482.3 kB)

• Roof Maintenance Master Plan

  2002, Vol 20 N 1

  An effective roof maintenance master plan provides a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy for extending the life of a building’s roofing systems, and budgeting for their eventual replacement. (Download PDF 571.9 kB)

• Parking Structure Maintenance: Early Detection, Early Cure

  2001, Vol 19 N 2

  Addressing parking structure deterioration at the first sign of trouble allows for pro-active maintenance and repair programs that minimize disruption and maximize efficiency. (Download PDF 402.6 kB)

• Facade Cleaning: For More Than Appearance’s Sake

  2001, Vol 19 N 1

  While aesthetics is the obvious - and primary - reason for cleaning a building facade, the effort to expose the substrate for evaluation and repair runs a close second. (Download PDF 306.0 kB)

• Waterproofing Solutions 1 / Coatings: Friend or Foe?

  2000, Vol 18 N 2

  Gut instinct might be to block water entry quickly by coating over a crack.  But using a coating in the wrong situation or on the wrong material can actually make things worse. (Download PDF 393.7 kB)

• Keeping It Together: An Overview of Building Envelope Maintenance and Repair

  2000, Vol 18 N 1

  A look at how to prevent and repair the detrimental effects of forces ranging from weather and aging to poor installation and maintenance. (Download PDF 608.9 kB)

• Historic or Landmark Structure Rehabilitation: Understanding Your Options

  1999, Vol 17 N 1

  Through a well-designed program, a historic or landmark structure can be rehabilitated to withstand many more years’ weathering. (Download PDF 241.6 kB)

• Wish You Had a Crystal Ball? Projecting Your Building Envelope Maintenance Needs

  1998, Vol 16 N 2

  While no one can predict the full range of maintenance, repair and rehabilitation work a building or complex may need over time, a building envelope maintenance program can come close. (Download PDF 565.1 kB)

• Re-Roofing: Options and Limitations

  1998, Vol 16 N 1

  New technologies, constraints, and building codes have created more choices — and limitations — when it is time to resolve the problem of a deteriorating roof. (Download PDF 398.2 kB)

• Thin Stone Veneers Offer Unique Design and Performance Demands

  1997, Vol 15 N 3

  While thin stone veneers offer an excellent design opportunity at a cost lower than dimension stone, precise detailing is essential to prevent displacement, cracking, spalling, water intrusion, and, ultimately, failure. (Download PDF 352.5 kB)

• Design Principles for Plazas

  1997, Vol 15 N 2

  Whether used for outdoor dining, as an extension of the building interior, or as a landscaped pedestrian setting, plazas offer many benefits. But they also offer their fair share of repair nightmares. (Download PDF 535.6 kB)

• Copper Roofing: An Enduring Link Between Past and Future

  1997, Vol 15 N 1

  With proper detailing and carefully supervised installation, new and replacement copper roofs can provide a handsome return to building owners in both endurance and beauty. (Download PDF 816.3 kB)

• Concrete Repair: A Case of Weighing the Options

  1996, Vol 14 N 1

  Pinpointing the cause of deterioration requires expert knowledge and careful research. But the real challenge comes in choosing the repair solution that best satisfies the situation. (Download PDF 329.7 kB)

• A Primer on Deterioration of Building Envelopes *pdf only

  1995, Vol 13 N 1

  Owners and facility managers can best protect their building investment by understanding the potential of the building envelope and its risk of deterioration. (Download PDF 818.4 kB)

• Knowing Your Reroofing Options: Making Decisions for Economy and Endurance

  1994, Vol 12 N 3

  Long-term value is best achieved by selecting a re-roofing system with endurance and cost criteria that fit with the building's life cycle costs, owner expectations, and specific roofing needs. (Download PDF 802.2 kB)

• The Care and Preservation of Sealant Joints

  1994, Vol 12 N 2

  Sealant joints may appear to be a minor detail in the grand scale of a building project, but in fact have a vital impact on a building's life span. (Download PDF 813.8 kB)

• Preserving Parking Decks: A Guide to Surface Treatments

  1994, Vol 12 N 1

  Parking garages require regular, ongoing care, perhaps more than other building types. That's because these facilities suffer the lull force of the elements - inside and out - year-round. (Download PDF 783.5 kB)

• Solving Glazed Brick Deterioration Problems

  1993, Vol 11 N 1

  With proper care, glazed brick facades can last a lifetime, providing aesthetic delight as well as a sound, weather-tight enclosure. (Download PDF 825.7 kB)

• Avoiding Added Wear and Tear to Roofing

  1992, Vol 10 N 2

  The rooftop can be an ideal site for such secondary uses as equipment location and tenant access, and these uses should not be avoided out of fear of roof damage. The key is to plan ahead. (Download PDF 809.2 kB)

• Repair and Maintenance of Historic Limestone and Marble Structures

  1992, Vol 10 N 1

  For all their aura of permanence, limestone and marble structures can - and do - succumb to the ravages of time and wear. A thorough, ongoing maintenance program corrects minor problems before they become critical. (Download PDF 759.1 kB)

• Rx for Parking Garage Maintenance and Repair

  1991, Vol 9 N 2

  The best defense against extensive parking structure deterioration and the high costs of reconstruction is a comprehensive maintenance program designed to prevent problems before they occur. (Download PDF 663.3 kB)

• How to Retrofit a Terrace or Plaza

  1991, Vol 9 N 1

  As great an amenity as a terrace or plaza can be, when it becomes necessary to rehabilitate or retrofit the area, it can also present immense challenges. (Download PDF 841.7 kB)

• Reroofing Options / A Guide to Selecting the Right System

  1990, Vol 8 N 3

  Building owners and managers who need to replace an old roof have a wide range of systems from which to choose, from bituminous built-up assemblies to polymer-based thermoplastics. (Download PDF 728.4 kB)

• Have You Checked Your Mortar Joints Lately?

  1990, Vol 8 N 2

  Although loose or missing mortar means repairs, the good news is that it will cost a lot less to repair today than tomorrow. (Download PDF 803.4 kB)

• Waterproofing / A Roundtable Discussion

  1990, Vol 8 N 1

  Any attempt at waterproofing before the underlying cause has been found and the proper solution developed could result in wasted time, money and effort. (Download PDF 813.5 kB)

• Architectural Glazing Practices

  1989, Vol 7 N 3

  The design of a properly functioning curtain wall system requires specific consideration of the glass retaining system and glazing members. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• Why Roofs Fail *pdf only

  1989, Vol 7 N 2

  Complaints about roofing rank number one on most building owners' lists, according to several studies. A lack of practical information may be the culprit. (Download PDF 654.6 kB)

• Surface Preparation – The Key to Proper Sealant Adhesion *pdf only

  1989, Vol 7 N 1

  The key to the success of any sealant installation is the proper use of the product and attention to the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer. (Download PDF 755.4 kB)

• Preventing Reinforcement Corrosion in Parking Garages *pdf only

  1988, Vol 6 N 3

  The cost and inconvenience of preventing corrosion in a parking garage is far less than that of rehabilitating the garage when it fails. (Download PDF 809.9 kB)

• How to Spot Distress in Masonry Structures *pdf only

  1988, Vol 6 N 2

  The ability of any masonry wall to withstand deterioration is a function of the original design, the quality of construction, and continuing maintenance, especially for water problems. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Fundamentals of Roof Inspections *pdf only

  1988, Vol 6 N 1

  The economic burden of neglecting the roofing system is generally many times the cost of an ongoing roof maintenance program, especially if the program includes regular inspections. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Energy Management and Windows *pdf only

  1987, Vol 5 N 2

  How much money is literally going out the window? An engineer can prepare a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis for a specific application. (Download PDF 3.5 MB)

• Understanding Contract Administration *pdf only

  1987, Vol 5 N 1

  Administration of the Construction Contract is one of the most important and least understood aspects of the construction process. (Download PDF 1.4 MB)

• Coating Problems *pdf only

  1986, Vol 4 N 1

  A compendium of common paint and coating problems, their causes and cures. (Download PDF 1.3 MB)

• Replacement Windows *pdf only

  1985, Vol 3 N 2

  The rise in energy costs in the 1970s changed people's outlook on efficiency and conservation. Windows became one of the first items to look at in any program to reduce energy loss. (Download PDF 830.9 kB)

• Remedial Sealant Application *pdf only

  1985, Vol 3 N 1

  With careful analysis of the causes of leakage, appropriate sealant selection, and proper preparation and application, buildings can be maintained water-tight for many years to come. (Download PDF 1.3 MB)

• Concrete Deterioration *pdf only

  1984, Vol 2 N 3

  Concrete deterioration generally falls into one of several major categories: spalling, cracking, leaching, scaling, and joint deterioration. (Download PDF 791.6 kB)

• Built-Up Roofing: Inspection and Repair *pdf only

  1984, Vol 2 N 2

  With a regularly executed inspection and maintenance program, one can expect a well-designed and properly installed roof to last its anticipated lifespan with few problems. (Download PDF 1.5 MB)

• Masonry…Care & Treatment *pdf only

  1984, Vol 2 N 1

  There is no one way to fix every building. The objectivity of the consultant can help assure that money spent to repair masonry will not be spent again a few years later when the damage has compounded. (Download PDF 823.6 kB)

• Reconstruction Requires Ingenuity *pdf only

  1983, Vol 1 N 2

  The repair of existing structures, whether a day or a millenium old, is a vastly different prospect from planning and building new ones. (Download PDF 323.9 kB)

• Approaching Renovation – With Reasonable Precautions in Mind *pdf only

  1983, Vol 1 N 1

  For an existing building, actual conditions encountered during construction can vary. Unless the inherent risks are discussed, the owner may not realize that hidden conditions can affect the work in unforeseeable ways. (Download PDF 336.4 kB)