Tag Archives: National

Reducing energy consumption with exterior sheathing

With the ever-increasing demand for efficiency in new buildings, as well as the retrofitting of existing facilities, exterior sheathing plays an integral role in reducing energy consumption and the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. (This article deals with insulating, not structural, sheathing). Exterior insulation, continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges (other than fasteners and service openings), is the most thermally effective way to insulate a building. The sheathing’s thickness depends on the climate zone.

+ Read More

Understanding formaldehyde emissions and health

The Canadian and U.S. economies are inextricably linked—trade between the two countries is the equivalent of $1.6 billion daily, while almost 300,000 people cross the border every 24 hours, according to U.S. Department of State statistics released in June 2012. Due to the interconnected economies, legislators, regulators, and business leaders in both countries work co-operatively and closely on a range of issues of mutual concern, including matters such as environmental protection and sustainability.

+ Read More

Saving energy through air filtration

Indoor air quality (IAQ) technologies combining ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and gas-phase purification allow engineers and facility managers to reduce energy consumption while ensuring a safe environment for building occupants. Now, the latest approach is to combine these systems with photocatalytic oxidation (PCO)—a chemical reaction caused by shining UV light onto a reactive medium, usually titanium dioxide.

+ Read More

Expanding laminated glass performance

The capabilities of laminated glass performance have expanded thanks to the introduction of stiff, structural polymer interlayers. This means reduced overall pane thickness and weight, improved durability of exposed laminate edges in exterior applications, and better post-glass breakage performance in minimally supported glazing systems.

+ Read More

Roofing Shingle Warranties: Uncovering common misconceptions

Shingle manufacturers offer long-term warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, or even a lifetime. Roofing contractors, in most cases, recommend which shingle manufacturer to use and then the builder/property owner makes the decision primarily based on the product’s esthetics and the warranty information provided. Unfortunately, many building owners are confused or misled by the warranty details given, and assume the roof will last the term indicated on the package or the years as stated by the contractor. However, the warranty is generally not properly explained or fully disclosed, and it is based on manufacturing defects, not wear-life.

+ Read More

Preventing ice dams on steep-sloped roofs

Without a properly engineered ventilation system on the roof, ice-damming can threaten a building’s health. An ice dam is a ridge of ice forming at the eaves of a roof, cricket, or valley that prevents melting snow and water from draining off. The water backing up behind this obstruction can refreeze, creating an ice dam. These dams can be the cause of roof failures; once significant amounts of moisture enter the building, there is a high probability mould and other negative impacts can occur.

+ Read More

The Leaning Towers of Vegas: Engineering the Veer Towers

The Veer Towers are a pair of residential high-rises centred in the prestigious CityCenter development located between Bellagio and Monte Carlo on the Las Vegas Strip. With each leaning at opposing five-degree angles from the vertical, the twin towers house a total of 670 condominium units with rooftop amenity spaces and tall podium lobbies. The defining architectural characteristic of these 37-storey, 146-m (480-ft) tall towers, these leans required the sophisticated application of conventionally reinforced and post-tensioned concrete to the structural systems.

+ Read More