Buildings that Breathe: Thermal Protection, Moisture Proofing and Healthy Air

Moisture proofing and thermal protection depend upon well-engineered system design using new insulations, integrated flashings, and crystalline coatings, to create healthy buildings.
This course is no longer active
[ Page 2 of 9 ]  previous page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 next page
Sponsored by CertainTeed Gypsum, EIMA, Johns Manville, Mortar Net® USA, Ltd., PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, US Tile Company and Xypex Chemical Corp.
Celeste Novak, AIA, LEED AP, En\compass Architecture

According to the EPA, "A 1984 World Health Organization Committee report suggested that up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAIAQ). Often this condition is temporary, but some buildings have long-term problems.

Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities."2 Air quality tests are required to identify the chemical or biological contaminant or to evaluate the ventilation systems. The solutions are not inexpensive and may include the replacement of insulation, ductwork, and finishes.

Asbury Tower is getting a new face because the old one was falling off. Earl Bickett, General Manager of Mortar Net USA, comments: "Without longevity there?s no sustainability - no 'green.' "

Photo courtesy of Mortar Net® USA, Ltd.

Asbury Tower Facelift

Architect Kenneth H. Karle, AIA, PE, president of LANAN Associates, is principal−in−charge of the Asbury Tower re-cladding. This high-rise structure was tested and found still solid; however, the brick façade is being removed and replaced by the owner because it is falling off. This reconstruction includes mechanical upgrades as well as interior modifications. The designers tested several wall mock-ups before determining the best installation for new masonry cladding and flashing. Kenneth Karle reported that Asbury is on the New Jersey shoreline and so the system had to be able to weather strong storms and severe climate changes from summer to winter. In this location, the architect was very worried about moisture driving through the building façade, as well as the treacherous conditions of replacing brick and flashing while on a scaffold.

In order to re-flash this high−rise building, he chose an integrated flashing system which arrived at the site pre-assembled, with all of the components, including a termination bar, drainage matte for mortar-droppings, edge dams, no-clog weep tabs, stainless steel drip edge and clearly-marked lap-joints for precise placement even on tall scaffolding in this difficult climate. This flashing material provided manufactured consistency for moisture protection and helped speed up a tight schedule. During construction, it was discovered that the corners of the building were splayed at an angle, a problem solved by the prefabrication of special corner flashing. This recladding, which includes a complete air and moisture barrier, will add many more years to this senior housing and solve the rapid building deterioration caused by the poor construction of the original façade.

 

[ Page 2 of 9 ]  previous page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 next page
Originally published in GreenSource
Originally published in September 2008

Notice

Academies