Picture This!
1 AIA LU/HSW; *1 ADA State Accessibility/Barrier-Free; 0.1 ICC CEU; 0.1 IACET CEU*; AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines; AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.; MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.; This course can be self-reported to the NSAA; NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; OAA 1 Learning Hour; SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss how signage has evolved to create more welcoming spaces in support of occupant well-being.
- Identify the latest signage material and manufacturing processes and their impact on occupant safety.
- Describe the liability exposure building owners face for noncompliance with ADA.
- Explain how ADA compliance leads to healthier, safer, and more welcoming environments.
This course is part of the ADA Academy
Preventing Damage to Extend Design Life with Architectural Products
Door and wall protection products serve as preventative “medicine” to keep facilities looking good, long after the grand opening. A list of architectural products that provide door and wall protection can be found in CSI MasterFormat Division 10 26 00 – Wall and Door Protection:
- Corner Guards
- Bumper Guards/Wall Guards
- Bumper Rails
- Protective Corridor Handrails
- Protective Wall Covering – rigid polymer sheet, solid surface wall cladding, flexible protective wall covering
- Door and Frame Protection – kickplates, door frame guards
Specifying Rigid Sheet Wall Protection
Placement, material type, and finishes are critical elements of wall protection selection.
Protective wall coverings are engineered with rigid sheet wall protection to endure the toughest commercial damage. When beginning a new construction or renovation project, it is wise to engage in predictive planning. Predictive planning specifically identifies the potential causes and levels of abuse, and then matches the targeted wall protection based on its size, impact absorption, weight bearing, and desired aesthetic.
- Selecting the right material. What level of impact resistance is needed? What type of material makes up the wall? Does the material need to be non-porous, or have the ability to endure frequent, stringent cleaning protocols without fading, warping, or staining
- Sheets versus rolls. Sheets allow for higher levels of impact resistance. Rolls can accommodate half-wall or wainscot applications and provide a significant reduction in seams, which gives a smoother, less-interrupted finish.
- Finishing touches. When deciding between a trim versus caulk finish, trim provides a more highly finished look to the installation but is more expensive to furnish and install. Caulks finish the seam only.
- Adding imagery, woodgrain, colors, or pattern to the protective elements.
- Ensuring proper installation. Smooth and proper adhesive installation is critical. As with all wall coverings, proper surface preparation and adhesive is critical to prevent mold behind wall cladding.
Starting with the Right Materials
With the right materials, occupants and staff can enjoy both a striking design and signifcant savings by stopping damage before it starts. The colors, material, textures, and impact-resistance levels of these products offer designers and facility staff limitless options to enhance the aesthetics of a facility’s interior, while delivering much-needed protection. Thanks to innovations in technology, designers no longer have to compromise their visions by using drab institutional products, nor do they have to sacrifice durability for aesthetics.
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Amanda C Voss, MPP, is an author, editor, and policy analyst. Writing for multiple publications, she has also served as the managing editor for Energy Design Update.