Building Envelope

TECH NOTES | Excess Salt Not Good for Our Bodies or Buildings

August 31, 2018 - Coastal environments are some of the most severe for building materials such as reinforced concrete. Winds can carry ocean-borne chloride-based salts considerable heights and distances for deposition on structures in their path. Together with moisture, chlorides soak into concrete and stimulate steel corrosion that tears it apart from within, skyrockets maintenance and repair costs, and…

TECH NOTES | You Can’t See What You Can’t See

June 22, 2018 - It’s almost inevitable, roofs and fenestrations are going to leak. Extreme weather conditions, normal wear and tear over time and environmental and foreign intrusions deteriorate and penetrate even the best building envelope solutions on the market. Water leaks not only damage interior finishes, they promote membrane deterioration and decrease the effectiveness of insulation. Often, the…

TECH NOTES | Not Just Another Day at the Beach

June 22, 2018 - Coastal structures have increased susceptibility to corrosion, concrete distress, leaks and safety hazards due to moisture and airborne salts from the ocean. Restoration projects at beach front condominiums can be complex, often necessitating intricate repairs and advanced preservation techniques for meaningfully extending the life of the building. These projects typically require specialty engineers and contractors…

Top 7 Ways To Save Energy Costs In a Home During Winter

Top 7 Ways To Save Energy Costs In a Home During Winter

December 18, 2017 - Heating and cooling costs are one of the most expensive utilities in every home. No matter where you live, the conservation of energy to reduce costs is becoming more and more important for sustainability and your wallet. Here are seven ways, as building science engineers, that we commonly recommend to homeowners that will help reduce…

Project Award Wins and Case Studies

December 06, 2017 - This year, SKA won the “Excellence in Concrete” Award (ACI Carolinas) for structural rehabilitation and concrete restoration associated with the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant Structural Repairs & HVAC Improvement Project. In addition, SKA won Project of the Year Award (ICRI – Carolinas) for Nissan Stadium Upper Deck – Concourse Waterproofing & Concrete Repairs. Recently, SKA was also…

TECH NOTES | Windows Part 1

TECH NOTES | Windows Part 1

June 01, 2015 - Studies indicate that exposure to daylight improves our alertness, productivity, and general well being. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program recognizes the value of natural light in work areas and awards points to buildings that provide daylight and outside views to building occupants. These studies confirm what we already knew – we…

TECH TALKS | Window Testing Seminar

TECH TALKS | Window Testing Seminar

October 24, 2014 - This course will help facility owners and managers to create effective testing programs for fenestrations (window, door, curtain wall, and storefront systems) in new buildings. Project examples and applicable industry standards for testing will be discussed.