Construction

• Architecture involves the design, construction, growth, and adaptation of buildings, structures or entire communities.
• Windows are a fundamental part of building construction, providing good thermal efficiency and easy operation.
• Sliding sash windows can open only a portion of the total window area.
• Projecting windows can open fully, but require stiffer sashes, because the sash is only supported on one side.
• All types of operable windows require weatherstripping to make an air- and watertight seal when the sash is closed.
• Casements are usually tall and narrow, while awnings and hoppers are shorter and wider.
• Casements can capture side breezes, while awnings can keep rain out, even when open.
• Skylights (fixed) and venting skylights or roof windows (operable) are types of windows.
• Large glass doors commonly are supplied by window manufacturers.
• Smaller units can be combined to create larger glazed areas.
• Inswinging windows are less vulnerable to damage from high winds.
• Damaged or worn squares can be easily removed or replaced without removing the entire floorcovering.
• A variety of fluid-applied materials can be used to create seamless floor finishes that are durable and easy to maintain.
• Often used on raised access flooring and where undercarpet electrical/telecom cabling is used.
• Applied to floor with pressure-sensitive adhesive.
• Tilt/turn windows can operate as both side-hinged inswinging and bottom-hinged hoppers.
• Wood windows are traditional and have good thermal efficiency, but are vulnerable to moisture damage and require periodic repainting.
• Aluminum windows are inexpensive, durable, and have good thermal efficiency, but are not as stiff or strong as other materials and have high thermal expansion.
• Plastic windows are strong, durable, and have good thermal efficiency, but are more costly and require periodic maintenance.
• Fire compartmentation refers to walls, ceilings, and floors that discourage the spread of fire and smoke.
• Most common test for Low-emitting materials: California Department of Public Health Standard Method (CDPH Standard Method).
• Impact Isolation Class (IIC) is a loss of intensity as structure borne sound passes through a floor/ceiling assembly.
• Low-emitting materials exhibit low emissions of air pollutants and toxins in typical building occupancy conditions.
• Fire area and occupancy separations can have a 0 – 4 hour fire-resistance rating.
• A wall with 1% open area can only have a maximum transmission loss of 20dB.
• Smoke-developed rating must not exceed 450, and flame-spread rating is classified as A: 0 – 25, B: 26 - 75, C: 76 – 200.
• Wallboard partition can transmit as much sound as the entire partition.
• Assemblies are tested and assigned fire-resistance ratings, in hours.
• Living Building Challenge Red List and other material certifications limit unhealthful materials content.
• An IIC 50 floor/ceiling reduces sound intensity across the assembly by 50 dB.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds that evaporate readily, are air pollutants and health hazards, and the VOC content of paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other liquid-applied materials is limited to protect construction workers and building occupants.
• Quality of indoor air affects people’s sense of well-being, can affect absenteeism, productivity, creativity, and motivation.
• The VOC content of paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other liquid-applied materials is limited to protect construction workers and building occupants.
• Surface Burning Properties are measured using the Steiner Tunnel Test, which measures the rate of flame spread and quantity of smoke generated.
• A wall with 0.1% open area can only have a maximum transmission loss of 30dB, no matter how solidly constructed.
• Fire Resistance Ratings are required for enclosures for exit stairways, elevator hoistways, and other vertical shafts, corridor and elevator lobby enclosures, dwelling or sleeping unit separations in multi-unit residential buildings, areas of refuge, mall tenant separations, and fire area and occupancy separations.
• Firestopping resists the passage of smoke and fire through penetrations in rated assemblies.
• Health product declarations (HPDs) disclose materials with potential human health impacts.
• Steel windows are strong and stiff, but depend on the frame, glazing, and type of window for thermal efficiency.
• Durability and Maintenance of interior finishes must be calibrated to intensity of use, with water-resistant materials required where moisture will be present.