Building Envelope

Historical Advancements in Corrosion Control of Existing Concrete Structures: Towards a Sustainable and Viable Future

April 17, 2024 - David G. Tepke PE, and Jose M. Mandry-Campbell explore impactful historical developments in maintenance and corrosion control methods for existing concrete structures in the United States in this ICRI CRB article. They touch on related sustainability, safety, and technology topics that will likely be important in the future and influence the way we think about…

Design for Longevity: A Look Back at Concrete Rehabilitation and Preservation at Shipyard Village Condominiums

April 17, 2024 - SKA Consulting Engineers have been performing evaluations and long-term repair of concrete structures for 40 years and sharing that knowledge with technical associations to extend the service-life and reduce life-cycle costs of existing buildings. This article in ICRI’s July/August 2023 Concrete Repair Bulletin shows our pragmatic approach to cost-effectively replace and preserve portions of a condominium…

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…

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.