The application of coatings to dark roof 
surfaces is certainly not a new concept. Aluminum coatings have been long used to protect asphalt based roof systems against UV degradation. In recent years roof coatings have become increasingly popular as an attempt at retrofitting an existing roof system into an energy efficient “cool roof”.
Now is a great time to evaluate the condition of window mounted air conditioning units. Any residents\occupants that would be affected by the removal or adjustments to the units are les
s likely to cause friction when they know that they are not likely to need the unit for six months. Improperly secured window a\c unit’s create a potentially catastrophic unsafe condition, damage to the window frame and result in unnecessary air and water infiltration. The presence of snow and ice will only exacerbate these issues.
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On September 28, 2010, Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative announced that over the next 20 years they will invest $1.5 Billion to various 
efforts to reduce the glut on the NYC combined sanitary and storm water sewer system. One of the specific target areas discussed was the rooftop; through investments in “blue roofs” and “green roofs” (vegetative roofs).
As stated on the green roofs page of our website, storm water mitigation is one of the many public benefits realized by the installation of vegetative roofs. The absorptive nature of vegetative roofs decreases the quantity of storm water runoff as well as the rate at which the storm water enters the sewer system when compared to the previously impervious surface. In New York City, during rainfalls as little as 1/10 of an inch, the sewer system may become overloaded resulting in a discharge of sewage into outfall areas (i.e. rivers, streams, etc.). Blue roofs have similar storm water retention benefits; however they use storm water retention devices rather than vegetation to mitigate the flow of runoff. Read the full article…
As more and more building owners attempt to become more energy efficient and reduce monthly utility bills the topic of Rooftop Solar Panels
grows in popularity. The concept of harvesting a free and abundant resource, the Sun, and turning it into a source to save money or possibly make a profit, is certainly enticing. Additionally, the idea of providing a good use for the often under utilized roof space is also appealing.
To help jump start the rooftop solar panel industry several incentives are available to help offset some, if not all, of the costs of the installation of the Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Read the full article…
Labor Day has come and gone and Summer is officially over, the kids are back in school and traffic is back to a steady crawl. Why is this relevant in a building envelope newsletter? Because it’s time to perform some seasonal inspections and maintenance.
The following are a few suggestions to help minimize maintenance costs:
All roofs should be inspected on a regular basis, as well as, before and after, all major storms. If possible; walk the entire roof surface to see and feel any potential issues.
To paraphrase the classic “Help Me, Help You” line from the movie Jerry Maguire……Help Us, Help You.
During leak investigations, information provided by the Owner is often essential to a successful outcome. Facade leaks, in particular, can be costly to investigate and repair due to accessibility restrictions. Therefore by providing as much accurate information at the start of an investigation, Owners may be able to reduce, or eliminate, the need for expensive procedures, including probes, water tests and suspended scaffold installations. Read the full article…
In efforts to “reduce costs”; more and more building owners seem to be asking “Why hire a building envelope consultant?” In an effort to answer that question I have examined this topic thoroughly and will attempt to explain the ROI of using a Building Envelope Consultant (BEC).
Building envelope consultants are specially trained independent professional’s hired by the Owner (typically), to act as an expert adviser relative to all aspects of the building envelope. Qualified consultants combine vast experience with active membership in industry organizations and participation in continuing education seminars to maintain a level of expertise not feasible to those not solely focused on this area of practice on a daily basis. As a result they are up to date on the pros and cons of new materials and technologies that enter the market as well as those that are phased out. Since consultants are independent from manufacturers and contractors they are able to provide unbiased advice on material and repair options.
(In an attempt to maintain our goal of providing a helpful resource for industry professionals (not just a marketing tool) we will occasionally have guest authors from individuals in parallel industries that can provide information that we feel may be useful to our readers.)
How many times have you heard the story that the fire was around the corner, or the flood was the next town over?
Does your current disaster or contingency plan include “its not going to happen to me”? We often think that it’s NOT going to happen to us; however, in today’s world we all should be prepared in our personal and business life for any type of disaster.
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Just two years ago the term “apps” made me immediately think of fried calamari or buffalo wings now I reach for my iPhone. The improvements to smartphones and the development of the iPad have lead to an explosion in new application software or “apps”. It seems like every day there is a new app to “help” professionals be more efficient at work and the building industry is not immune to this trend. It’s nearly impossible to keep up by typing the word “construction” in the search window of the iTunes apps store returns 212 apps, and that’s just one source.
Paperless construction management. While that statement may seem like an oxymoron and is not likely realistic; the use of less paper in construction management may be attainable and beneficial. By combining new portable computers with new software the need for managers, superintendents and even Architects\Engineers to carry a briefcase (or two) full of documents could be eliminated. The mobile planroom by Construction Connect and construction field management software by Vela Systems allow professionals to access construction plans, field reports, punch lists and other important job related documents in the field and on demand.
As a result of the known risks associated with lead contamination OSHA, HUD and the EPA, among others, have guidelines in place governing testing for and renovation of facilities containing lead paint. On April 22, 2010 the federal EPA’s new rules for lead safe work practices became effective. These rules, which were issued in 2008, affect interior renovation greater than 6 square feet or exterior renovation greater than 20 square feet in all homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978. In addition to minimizing health risks abiding by these rules will also help decrease unnecessary financial risks. This rule gives the EPA authority to seek a civil fine of $32,500 per offense and an additional criminal fine of $32,500 plus jail time for a firm that knowingly and willfully violates the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule requirements.