High performance EIFS sheathing product passes critical fire protection testing

According to Building Enclosure Online: Texas-based Priest & Associates Consulting, LLC., through an engineering evaluation, determined that current code-evaluated exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) adhered to DensElement Barrier System are compliant with NFPA 285. According to their evaluation, it can safely replace exterior gypsum sheathing in current code-evaluated EIFS designs. Brent Paugh, President of … Continue reading High performance EIFS sheathing product passes critical fire protection testing →

How a Building Scientist tackles mold on the exterior of his home

Peter Yost is a building scientist and regularly blogs at Green Building Advisor. A recent post of his chronicled his adventures dealing with some sort of bio-organic growth on the recently added siding at his home — but just at the south side, not the north. Mr. Yost's wife first noticed the issue and began … Continue reading How a Building Scientist tackles mold on the exterior of his home →

Why does actual building performance differ so much from energy modeling?

Energy modeling is not exactly a brand new science, but it certainly hasn't been around very long, either. In essence, energy modeling is a software-based approach to predicting how much energy a given building will use based on its location, orientation, wall/roof/slab design, windows, doors, etc. In California, for example, energy modeling is a critical … Continue reading Why does actual building performance differ so much from energy modeling? →

Untapping the Big Data of Energy Management through innovative business models

Sanjoy Malik, writing for Green Biz, discusses an issue that is something most building owners, developers, operators and other stakeholders aren't too familiar with. However, for those of us with experience in improving/optimizing existing buildings, the issue can be a real deal breaker. What's the problem? Since de-regulation of the energy utilities, the data produced … Continue reading Untapping the Big Data of Energy Management through innovative business models →

Tenants and Boulder city officials alike anxiously awaiting forensic engineering report 7 weeks after partial collapse

On December 8, 2016, an office building in Boulder housing two local high-tech firms had to be evacuated after the partial collapse of the second floor due to a beam whose structural integrity had been negatively impacted. Nearly 280 people were temporarily relocated until repairs could be made. But before repairs can be made, someone … Continue reading Tenants and Boulder city officials alike anxiously awaiting forensic engineering report 7 weeks after partial collapse →