Polished concrete: Not just shiny

The lack of standardized terminology results in bids, including fully refined, ground, and polished concrete floors as well as surface-applied sealers or coatings. Using contractor terminology to build a means and methods specification always backfires, and the nature of the language leaves the design firm and owner at risk...
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The doors to life-saving measures

As a direct outgrowth of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-361, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms, and the International Code Council (ICC) 500, Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, rolling doors are one step in the battle...
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Plumbing with PEX

Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is widely used across plumbing and heating trades in residential applications, but many specifiers have yet to consider its use in commercial plumbing systems. Based on decades of successful installations and growing confidence in the trade, PEX is gaining ground as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative...
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Paintable acoustic panels allow design flexibility

Fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels are a common solution for interior acoustic treatment. The composition of these panels includes a heavy density fiberglass board that is then wrapped in a decorative, acoustically breathable fabric. The material selected can either compliment the design of a space or be matched to blend in...
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