Failures: Beware of condensation in the attic

Prior to the adoption of the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), vents were required in the roof assembly to allow the “attic” space—between the underside of the roof deck and the top of the ceiling below—to vent to the exterior. However, the volume of air movement provided by these...
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Failures: Persistent water leakage above ribbon windows

When through-wall flashing is not properly detailed or installed in cavity wall construction, the water penetration resistance of the enclosure can be compromised. This was recently observed at a multi-story office building in the southeastern U.S., that regularly experienced water leakage during prolonged rain events above ribbon window assemblies.
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Failures: Rules of (gasket) engagement

A close-range examination revealed the gaskets were not driven to the required depth within the joints to engage the locking barb with the corresponding raceway in the outboard aluminum trim. Instead, they were retained in the joint through compression alone, leaving them susceptible to disengagement over time.
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Failures: What’s sticking out of my slab?

PT tendons are susceptible to corrosion from water and chloride (salt) ingress in similar ways as conventional reinforcing steel. However, unlike conventionally reinforced concrete, the effects of corrosion can result in the tendons losing tension and the concrete losing pre-compression.
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Failures: Under pressure

Power washing a facade with water is often considered a simple, low-cost way to remove minor soiling. Although this is an effective cleaning method on many substrates, using a water pressure that is not properly controlled and limited to levels appropriate for the materials present can cause damage to...
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