Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash Continuous insulation — insulation that provides a single, ongoing thermal barrier around the exterior walls of a building — can prevent moisture intrusion, reduce heat transfer, and improve energy efficiency. In fact, upgrading a building’s insulation has been found to result in energy savings of between 10% to 45%. Fortunately, the latest developments in insulative materials and technologies (such as, mineral wool, silica aerogel, and spray foam) are successfully being used to create comfortable living spaces with minimal risk of water abso ..read more

By Richard Hayden, GRP, ASLA Emeritus Photos courtesy of American Hydrotech Inc. Architects continue to push the boundaries of design and construction, and the roof is no exception. The roof was once the repository of HVAC equipment and other building utility equipment. No more. The value of the roof space is being recognized by architects and designers as a valuable spatial resource for a wider range of design expressions. Green roofs are often being used in these boundary-pushing projects. Green Roofs Follow Rooftop Configurations Green roofs are not new; the contemporary versions of g ..read more

By Emily Newton Photo courtesy of Rubber Polymer Company Managing moisture is one of the most persistent challenges in building foundations and basements. While many professionals opt for simple dampproofing in this sphere, it’s becoming increasingly common to go further. Opting for fluid-applied waterproofing instead can bring considerable value to a project. Why Conventional Dampproofing Falls Short Historically, full waterproofing was only necessary for foundations in particularly wet regions. However, climate shifts mean more projects fall under that umbrella than they used to. Heavy ..read more

By Vanessa Salvia Photos courtesy of CrawlSpace Depot For many homeowners, the crawlspace is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind area. However, leaving this space unchecked can lead to moisture problems, poor indoor air quality, and wasted energy. Properly enclosing the crawlspace is crucial for protecting your home’s health and efficiency. Billy Tesh, the president of CrawlSpace Depot, shares his insights on tackling this important home improvement project. “First thing you need to do is research the codes and specifications of your area,” says Tesh. “Most of them are pretty close to the same ..read more

By Gregory Fahrenbruch Photos courtesy of Gregory Fahrenbruch OSHA has requirements for what is considered “a competent person.” In this context, according to OSHA, a competent person means “one who is capable of identifying existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and selecting the appropriate control strategy for asbestos exposure” and “who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” A competent person, as defined, handles all aspects of the job when onsite. A competent person is trained to identify and respond to all safety issues and project design issu ..read more

Polyglass and Mapei Join Forces to Sponsor Festa della Repubblica in Miami Deerfield Beach, FL, – Polyglass USA, Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions, and Mapei, a global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and chemical products for the building industry, are proud to announce their joint sponsorship of the Festa della Repubbica (Republic Day) celebration organized by The Italian General Consulate in Miami. This event, hosted on May 30th, 2024, celebrated the Italian national holiday observed annually on June 2nd to commemorate the referendum of 1946 when It ..read more

Holcim Building Envelope Acquires ZinCo Holcim has acquired ZinCo, a leader in advanced green roofing systems based in Germany with global operations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With its integrated green and solar roofing systems, ZinCo is expanding Holcim’s specification selling approach. Working with partners across the value chain, ZinCo’s tailored solutions are able to bring more nature into cities, improving urban wellbeing from reducing heat island effects to improving air quality. With this acquisition, Holcim is advancing its goal of expanding its Solutions & Product ..read more

By Iko Commercial Images courtesy of Iko Commercial Ponding, or any standing water on a roof, can contribute to several different problems. Commercial buildings often have flat or low-sloped roofs that need special drainage solutions. This article will give you an overview of the types of drainage systems suitable for commercial buildings and the materials and components of those systems. Also, we’ll cover what kind of maintenance a flat roof drainage system requires. The Function and Importance of Drainage on Flat and Low-Slope Roofs The basic function of a roof is to protect the buildi ..read more

By Aaron King Photos courtesy of Aaron King EcoFinish is a highly durable and UV-stable thermoplastic powder coat. This method requires the most bespoke equipment and skill sets. In a world where ICFs (insulated concrete forms) have rapidly made their way into the mainstream from single-family homes to multistory commercial and schools, one area of huge growth has more potential than all the others, but that potential comes with many technical challenges: Pools. The pool market in general saw huge percentages of growth over the past three years. Low interest rates coupled with less abili ..read more

World of Concrete Exhibits: January 23-25 Education: January 22-25 Las Vegas Convention Center www.worldofconcrete.com When the new year rolls around, so does the trade show schedule. Trade shows can be overwhelming, with thousands of attendees and hundreds of events spread out over a large area. To make the most of in-person events, it helps to have a plan. Download the event’s app ahead of time and check out the website. Scout out the booths that relate to your industry or interest ahead of time and make a list. Take note if any of them are offering demonstrations or product giveaways and ..read more