Coloured glass stages a comeback

For more than 700 years, stained glass has added a colourful glow in structures around the world. From the windows of centuries-old European cathedrals to the Tiffany-coloured creations found in some of North America’s most iconic structures, stained glass has had a rich architectural history.

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Metal’s winning ceilings

Metal ceiling systems are gaining popularity in commercial ceiling markets because they not only conceal, but also attract attention with dramatic designs and decorative flourishes. The systems meet rigorous performance requirements for acoustics, wind loads, humidity, fire, earthquakes, and sustainability; they also provide access to mechanical systems and low-maintenance reliability.

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Sprayed Polyurethane Foam: Controlling airflow and water movement

Energy use, indoor air quality (IAQ), comfort, moisture intrusion, and durability are important considerations for design/construction professionals. To create a healthy, energy-efficient living space, a facility must be able to control airflow and water movement through the building envelope. The phrase “build tight, ventilate right” is used by building science experts to express the recommended building approach. One way to help address these concerns is through the use of sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation or other materials with similar properties.

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Understanding Canada’s VOC regulations

For years, the phrase ‘volatile organic compounds (VOCs)’ has been associated with issues such as smog, greenhouse gases (GHGs), air pollution, and ozone layer depletion. Still, many Canadian design professionals are not overly familiar with the specific regulations limiting VOC release into the atmosphere. Even more problematically, many are not sure how these rules have an impact on common building products.

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Specs overrule drawings… no, really?!

Many specifiers have been called into an uncomfortable meeting with a request to clarify exactly what was intended by the written words in the project manual. One can often be left with the feeling the only reason he or she is there is to take the blame when a satisfactory conclusion has not otherwise come to fruition.

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Selecting and achieving the proper air barrier

Air barriers have been a requirement of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for many years, but not all design professionals fully understand what is involved in specifying one. An air barrier may be a material of many functions and the choice of one over another should reflect the needs of the particular project. Historically, the requirements for airtightness have been found under NBC Part 5, “Environmental Separation.”

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