Technical Resources

Technical Resources

Technical Resources

Membrane Compatibility Choices

Submitted by Tom Urich, Section 7 Marketing for publication by CSI 4/24/2018.

In recent years, the design community has accepted the use of self-­‐adhered membranes to be used as additional protection against water and air intrusion into the building envelope. These products are typically 40 to 60 mils thick with a release paper on the back and are manufactured by at least 10 manufacturers. The chemical composition of these membranes is usually a blend of SBS rubber with asphalt or a butyl based rubber product. The self-­‐healing properties and ease of application has made these products popular for application under parapet wall coping, curbs, valleys and many other conditions that warranty special attention.

Caulking and Sealing Information

Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 3/6/2018.
Originally published on Technical Services Information Bureau in January 2008, updated in May 2017

GENERAL INFORMATION: Most caulking materials are classified as a waterproof filler and sealer. Properly applied caulking will seal joints and cracks from the intrusion of water, air, dust, insects, pollution and noise. Choosing the right caulk and correctly applying it will reduce failures by keeping shrinkage and splitting to a minimum.

Air Barriers

Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 9/12/2017.
Originally published on Technical Services Information Bureau in December 2012, updated in May 2017

Concrete Slab Curling Over Vapor Retarders

Submitted by Dennis Keane, Stego Industries, LLC for publication by CSI 6/12/2017
Posted with permission from the American Concrete Institute (www.concrete.org) in September, 2016.

We have always been told that concrete slabs placed directly on a vapor retarder curl more than slabs cast directly on a prepared base. However, we recently measured a slab that we know had a vapor barrier only in limited areas. The portions cast oyer the vapor retarder had less curling than those cast directly on the base. What is the current industry understanding of this issue?

Design Data for Suspended Ceilings

Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 4/27/2017
Originally published on Technical Services Information Bureau in September, 2009.

Architects, Engineers and Contractors often need to know how much an installed ceiling system will approximately weigh. The following are suggested guidelines of material weights are for hanger wire and fastener selection. The actual weights may vary with proprietary products or additional materials added.

Evaluation of the Moisture Performance of EIFS Walls Without Interior Vapor Barriers

Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 12/8/2016
Originally written by Bill Preston and Achilles Karagiozis.

The importance of location of the proper air barriers, vapor barriers and waterresistive barriers on the wall and the roles they play in high‐performing EIFS

INTRODUCTION

In the last few years more specifications are being written to include the requirements for air barriers, vapor barriers and water‐resistive barriers. Some of these emerging specification requirements are a result of mandates by local building codes while others are a result of promising building science and research.

Air Barriers

Submitted by Jim Nisted, Dryvit Systems, Inc. for publication by CSI 11/9/2016
Originally published on Technical Services Information Bureau in December, 2012.

In recent years there has been an increased focus on the use of “air barriers.” particularly for commercial, hotel, institutional and high-rise construction. The heightened awareness of moisture intrusion, mold, and unhealthy indoor air quality on some buildings, has led researchers to re-examine and refine the air movement through exterior walls. Air movement through a building’s exterior walls is a concern as the air can carry moisture which impacts water sensitive materials, structural integrity, indoor air quality (air pollutants and microbial reservoirs) and thermal energy.

 Applying the Building Code

Applying the Building Code: Step-by-Step Guidance for Design and Building Professionals (Building Codes Illustrated)

No other resource—not even the building code—presents the exact code information you need, when you need it at design stage

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The IBC and its complementary codes provide design and construction professionals with a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention regulations in order to safeguard the public health and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Adopted throughout most of the United States and its territories, it is referenced by federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Defense. For architects and other design and construction professionals, it is particularly important that they understand how to apply the IBC and how code officials view buildings, so that they integrate code-required provisions in the earliest design stages of any project.

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