Installation: FRTW cannot be installed where it will be exposed to precipitation, either directly or through regular condensation. Cutting FRTW in the field after it is treated needs to be considered as well. Treated dimensioned lumber cannot be ripped lengthwise post-treatment but end cuts are permitted. FRTW plywood can be cut along either dimension.

Fasteners: The fasteners used in FRTW must be selected so as to avoid corrosion or degradation from either the treatment chemicals or the installation conditions. Therefore, galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze, or copper, in accordance with applicable sections of the IBC must be used. They may also be subject to design value adjustments when specific products are evaluated using an ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) report.

Finishing: FRTW that is visible in construction or otherwise in need of a finish can be covered in most conventional wood finishing methods. Wood stains or most paints can be used as a finish over the surface of the FRTW once it is in place, if desired.

All of these factors are fairly straightforward to address both in design and construction. The end result is that incorporating FRTW into wall and roof assemblies can help make a difference in lowering the number of casualties in multifamily buildings.

SPECIFYING MIRRORS FOR INTERIORS

Once the design decision has been made to incorporate manufactured mirror products into a multifamily project, then the selection and specification process can be undertaken. Of course, quality is always important but sometimes budget pressures push for money to be saved on poor-quality products, which can quickly be lost in the installation costs. Hence, it is a myth that the lowest product cost is the best option Rather, once a style is selected, attention needs to be given to the installation requirements of the framed mirror. Mirrors that are glued or permanently installed are usually the most expensive, costing typically $65 to $75 per mirror, and may delay finishing out the dwelling units. By comparison, a quality frame mirror with good mounting design may save up to $50 per installation which certainly adds up over multiple units.

Photos courtesy of Meek Mirrors, LLC

LED lighting can be incorporated into mirrors such that they are lit around the perimeter or backlit around the sides.

There is also a misconception that LED lighted mirrors are expensive to install and maintain. This usually isn’t true as new LED lights are very reliable with typically 50,000-hour life guarantees eliminating the need for regular replacement as with bulb-based lighting. Installation of LED lighted mirrors is similarly very straightforward and usually requires only the addition of a wall receptacle or junction box. Installation can require as little as 10 minutes provided a well-designed mounting system is included with the product. Note that the LED lights and driver in many of these products are easily replaceable using a “plug and play” system. They can also be specified in a standard configuration for a hard-wired installation, or a plug can be added upon request.

Beyond the choice of mirror type (frameless, framed, rounded, round, lighted, etc.) there are choices available for the mirror material itself. There are eight common choices which are summarized as follows:

Plate Glass Mirror: This is the industry standard using regular ¼-inch (6mm) glass with a back surface coating of silver, which produces images by reflection. This choice produces the best reflective quality and is commonly used in bathrooms and other residential applications. It also has a better depth and elegance appearance compared to thinner possibilities.

Tempered Mirror: This safety option changes the structure of the glass so that it breaks into smaller pieces instead of potentially larger jagged pieces that are typical with plate glass breakage. It will have some distortion due to its production process.

Category II Tape-Backed Mirror: Where safety and reflective quality are both needed, a standard ¼-inch plate glass mirror can be backed with category II tape. This allows the tape-backed mirror to serve the same safety purpose as a tempered glass mirror.

Laminated Mirror: For the ultimate in glass safety, laminated glass can be specified which is made of two pieces of glass (one with a mirror coating) and a vinyl layer in between. When struck or shattered, laminated mirrors are held together by the lamination.

Acrylic Mirror: In some cases, a mirror may be needed that is not made out of glass. Acrylic plastic mirrors are lighter in weight and more difficult to break than plate-glass mirrors. They are, however, more susceptible to scratching so cleaning should only be done with a very soft cloth and water.

Polycarbonate Mirror: Another type of plastic mirror material can be made from polycarbonate that is softer than an acrylic mirror so that it gives (moves) when pushed upon. This mirror material is extremely lightweight and offers superior optical clarity. It is virtually unbreakable.

Aluminum Mirror: For public locations with a lot of use (i.e., busy amenity spaces) a mirror with an aluminum reflective outer surface on the front and an aluminum matte finish on the back is available. It is virtually unbreakable and can be specified with a 100% recycled solid core, making it a green product.

Stainless Steel Mirror: Similar to aluminum, stainless steel can be buffed to create a highly reflective finish that mimics a mirror. A stainless-steel mirror is also unbreakable.

Erica Pitts is an executive with Meek Mirrors, LLC, who has helped with the selection and specifications of mirrors in many projects. She notes “We have worked with interior architects to design a site-specific interior design mirror with the size and mounting system to reduce cost and time for large remodeling projects requiring many hundreds of timely delivered mirrors.” Since one or more mirrors will likely be required in every dwelling unit, it is worth collaborating with a manufacturer to optimize the choice and installation.

WALL MOUNT BATHROOM FIXTURES

While some may think that a high-performance toilet needs to look clinical or austere, the reality is that there are contemporary design alternatives. That means architects do not have to lose their design concepts to achieve critical performance features. Rather, there are innovative products for bathrooms that meet the demand for sanitation, safety, and sustainability while also providing a high level of design. In order to accommodate a range of different project types, there are multiple fixture options to bring a design vision to life. Beyond these aesthetic benefits, there are also clear space savings achieved by recessing the toilet tank system into the wall, allowing for more usable space in restrooms in many cases.

Photo courtesy of Geberit

In-wall fixture systems provide many performance benefits including water conservation, space savings, and better hygiene.

Performance Benefits

In addition to better water control that is available from dual-flush actuators, in-wall systems are a reliable and high-quality solution for designing contemporary bathrooms that meet the demands of all involved. Overall sanitation and safety are achieved by having less of the toilet system exposed and the bowl raised up from the floor. This adds to the comfort and convenience for users as well as ease of cleaning. In terms of maintenance, all working parts remain easily accessible, although the high reliability of this type of unit reduces the need for maintenance crews to access it in the first place. Commonly, the support frame is based on solid steel construction with a seamless, one-piece tank made of durable, leak-free, high-density polyethylene. Units are commonly tested and proven to support up to 880 lbs. (400 kg.) without deforming the frame or the wall. Together the in-wall systems and wall-mounted flush actuators are clearly greater than the sum of their parts in terms of the benefits provided for building owners and occupants.

"In multi-unit buildings, the Geberit concealed in-wall toilet tank carrier systems stand out for their exceptional quality and ease of installation. They are sustainably made and include eco options like a smaller tank, dual flush actuators, and smart water management. In addition, they maximize bathroom space, are easily accessible, and are ADA compliant. We’re proud to be celebrating Geberit’s 150th anniversary this year and being recognized by EcoVadis four years in a row as a leading global sustainability company,” says Jaclyn DeRugeriis, Geberit Sales Manager East.