Tag Archives: National

Wind Design For Roofing: Misconceptions and consequences

For the last few years, the media has highlighted roofing failures caused by wind. Although these problems sensationalize the effects of global warming, they are not new and have occurred since buildings were first constructed. The major contributing factor to many of these failures is the roof or perimeter flashing was not properly designed to meet the project requirements––such as location and occupancy type. Depending on its direction, wind acts on the building in different ways. As it collides with the structure, it travels up and over, increasing in speed––similar to the effects of an airfoil on a wing.

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Danger Overhead: Ensuring future access for the façade

It is safe to suggest there are many architects and building owners who do not like the ‘industrial look’ associated with the means of façade access. However, once a beautiful building is occupied, there must be a way for others to maintain, repair, and inspect the claddings and façades well above the ground. Early inclusion in a design may minimize the esthetic impact.

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Specifying service to ensure roof performance

By its nature, every roof is a unique and complex waterproofing system whose performance depends on design appropriateness, material quality, and installer craftsmanship. All three of these must be present for an assembly to achieve its anticipated lifespan. As a construction activity, roofing requires the same high level of diligence as other construction trades, such as mechanical and electrical systems.

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Windows Versus Walls: Debunking the energy myth

Canada’s climate is one of the more diverse on the planet. It varies based on geography, ranging from long, cold winters and sunless days in the Far North to four distinct seasons along the U.S. border, and typically mild winters in the B.C. Lower Mainland. Temperatures can climb to more than 40 C (104 F) in the summer and drop below –50 C (–58 F) in the winter.

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Thermal importance of windows

Of all the components of a building enclosure, windows can have the greatest impact on energy consumption. This can be disproportionate to the area of the enclosure the windows cover. Therefore, it is important architects and specifiers are aware of the significant impact of windows on the overall building enclosure’s thermal performance when designing, evaluating, and selecting enclosure assemblies for new buildings and retrofit projects.

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Nailing down a quality hardwood floor with OSB

Hardwood floors are popular for their striking grain patterns, rich colours, and natural beauty. Their eye-catching esthetic is not solely dependent on these surface characteristics, however, as what goes under a floor is often as important as the finish material itself.
As the support structure for the flooring, a sound subfloor provides stability underfoot and helps enable a high-quality finish. Excess moisture in the substrate can damage overlying hardwood flooring, potentially creating cupping, cracking, or other defects.

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