It is important to take all environmental factors and design choices into consideration before choosing a particular type of flooring as resinous flooring is not a one size fits all product. For example, some resinous flooring finishes are inherently slip resistant while others need to be customized by the end user for slip resistance.
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When modified and/or accessorized properly, the same insulation board providing thermal resistance may serve as an air, weather, and/or vapour barrier. Select foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS) products merge all barriers and the wall sheathing into a single layer.
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Recent efforts in North America to reduce embodied carbon in concrete are similar to British solutions to eradicate cobras in colonial India. Simple solutions often create bigger problems than the complex ones they were trying to solve.
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Design professionals often work in isolation, with each discipline (architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical) doing their own thing and only getting together after they have completed most of their individual design contribution to co-ordinate dimensions. Crucial data is unintentionally missed, and this can significantly affect the structural design of roof systems.
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Mould growth in buildings can occur when mould spores, which are always present in buildings, are exposed to wet or humid conditions for a sufficient length of time and on an appropriate surface to support growth. Water sources can include plumbing leaks, spills, foundation seepage, roof or wall leaks, condensation on cool surfaces such as inside ductwork and on windowsills, etc. In the presence of wet or highly humid conditions, mould spores can germinate within 48 to 72 hours (about 3 days).
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Parking decks are costly to build, repair, and replace. Water is the major cause of concrete deterioration and steel corrosion; therefore its management is vital to ensure proper durability. Designing, installing, and testing specialized systems are key steps to ensure water is diverted away from the structural elements of the deck.
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When properly designed and installed, plumbing systems will provide many decades of problem-free service. Careful corrosion engineering management, including attention to details such as materials selection, fluid mechanics, water-chemistry control, protective coatings, cathodic protection, and suitable material corrosion allowance, should ensure these materials comfortably survive their design life. However, actions during the construction or renovation of a building can have unintended consequences that can dramatically reduce the service life of plumbing systems.
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Combining multiple esthetics is the standard rather than the exception in building exteriors. And since the days of monolithic design are long gone, architects are pushing the limits by integrating materials to create a modern, sophisticated look. At the same time, no designer can afford to sacrifice performance for an eye-catching look. Ever-evolving, stricter building codes, and heightened expectations from building owners now demand the right balance between beauty and durability.
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Thanks to the pioneering work of dedicated scientists, ornithologists, wildlife associations, and the glass industry, the future is looking brighter for the billions of birds which end up colliding with windows each year. While still in its infancy, the science of bird-safe glazing is emerging with creative new ideas and changing the way birds see and react to building glass.
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Smart buildings, and by extension smart cities, provide many benefits to end users and management alike. However, implementing interconnected systems into building design can be challenging and deciding which technologies to adopt presents its own difficulties as well.
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