Tag Archives: National

Lessons learned in masonry

Specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors, installers, and craftworkers all have something valuable to offer to the conversation when it comes to creating high-performing building enclosures. While people have to be sensitive to contractual relationships, they should also strive to create an environment that encourages open dialogue between all parties.

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Top 10 video security design trends

In the grand scheme of architecture design, video security systems have often been treated as one of the least important parts. Over the last decade or so, this author has seen an increased number of tender specifications for sophisticated security, meaning a state-of-the-art system can now be a project’s biggest selling point. However, video security is not just about getting the bad guys anymore.

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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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