One of the most reliable ways of keeping exterior walls dry or allowing them to dry out when they do get wet is to construct an assembly with an outer protective shell, also known as a rainscreen.
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The magazine’s series of sponsored ebooks continues with a discussion on best practices for masonry wall systems and insulation.
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A winner of an architectural competition held for the conversion of the Guy-Gagnon Arena into a cultural centre for the borough of Verdun, Montréal, Quai 5160 includes a 360-seat performance room, an art gallery, a mediation room, a circus school for the neighbourhood children, as well as the additional offices and spaces necessary to implement this mission.
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Lightweight rear-ventilated rainscreen (LWRVRS) systems with low embodied energy help improve a building envelope’s thermal efficiency by providing extra space for insulation. Building design professionals can choose from a vast array of LWRVRS façade materials with multiple thicknesses and fastening methods.
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Recent instances of extremes of weather have prompted conversations about issues that can no longer be ignored. Building façades, as the “front line” facing punishing weather systems, are a key focus of consideration when addressing designs for the future.
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Insulated metal panels (IMPs) have become increasingly popular in the last decade as a lightweight, prefabricated, total building enclosure system. Their strong, stiff, metal skins provide excellent water and air control. However, the joints between panels and the transitions to other components—especially windows, doors, roofs, and foundations—demand close attention.
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When considering the numerous cladding materials on the market, it is important to keep in mind there are really only two types: those that absorb moisture and those that do not. Absorptive claddings include wood, fibre cement, adhered veneers, brick, and stucco; the non-absorptive category encompasses metal, glass, and vinyl.
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Watertight façades are critical for the longevity and durability of any building, especially in damp, coastal climates. Water, snow, and wind can cause premature failures of building enclosures and multi-layer façade systems—such as rainscreen assemblies—have been proven highly effective in controlling water infiltration into the building.
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In an effort to build more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, there has been a shift toward energy-efficient lightweight cladding options for the exterior. One such product is exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).
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In the early 1990s, there were mixed opinions about what could, and what should not, be done with exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS) as an exterior cladding. However, at that time over 20 years ago, the EIFS industry began the conversion from barrier wall assemblies to rainscreens. Concerns about face-sealed claddings, due to incidental moisture intrusion, led to EIFS manufacturers incorporating a drainage plane in their assemblies for incidental moisture.
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