Archives

Facades/Windows

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)