Insulating solid masonry for heritage projects

Many buildings with solid or load-bearing masonry walls employ interior insulation retrofit strategies as heritage significance precludes work from the exterior. However, adding insulation on the interior side of these solid walls may result in accelerated masonry freeze-thaw deterioration in addition to embedded metal corrosion (of lateral ties and supporting angles/structure) or wood joist rot.

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Specialty metal ceiling system improves Toronto subway station

As part of Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC’s) renovation of Islington Subway Station, a snap-in specialty metal ceiling assembly was selected to meet the performance, appearance, longevity, and ease of installation requirements. The master specification developed for the station serves as the basis for all ceiling replacement needs in TTC stations scheduled for renovation.

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Unlocking architectural hardware in Vancouver

At its luncheon meeting on Thursday, February 12, the Vancouver Chapter of CSC is hosting a technical presentation on door hardware. The discussion, led by Allegion Canada’s April Wells, DHI, CDC, TR AHC, will pose important questions that must be answered to ensure the proper materials are being specified for a project

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Do you have your OMS?

The time requirements, and likely the initial cost, are the main obstacles to firms having their own office master specifications (OMS). However, it need not be such a frightening endeavour. In this article, I would like to share my experience, and show how having your own master specs can be achieved in a manner relatively easier than one might expect.

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