What Role Does Forensic Architecture Play in Resolving Building Failures?
By: NABCTA Forensic architecture is not about blame. It is about cause. When a building starts misbehaving, someone has to do the detective work, and that work happens on […]
Why Building Enclosure Testing Certification Matters
By: NABCTA Building enclosure testing plays a critical role in verifying that walls, roofs, windows, and air barriers perform as designed. Without proper training, even experienced professionals may interpret test […]
Envelope Consulting vs. Envelope Commissioning: Are You Getting What You Asked For?
By: Bill Coltzer, Jr. Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) and building envelope consulting are not the same thing. One involves a defined, comprehensive process with real accountability. The other does not. […]
Air Barrier vs. Water Resistive Barrier: What Is the Difference?
By Bill Coltzer, Jr. The two most abused terms in building envelope design are air barrier and water resistive barrier (WRB). They are not interchangeable, and confusing them is one […]
You Complete Me: Why Your WRB Is Incomplete Without Flashings at Every Penetration
By: Bill Coltzer, Jr., AIA, BERM Weather Seals vs. Beauty Seals: Where the Real Defense Happens We may finally be getting beyond that time in life where designers and builders […]
Call Me Sasquatch: Why Technical Architects Are the Bigfoot of Building Envelope Work
By: Bill Coltzer, Jr., AIA, BERM Way back when, when I was a little dude, I wanted to be an architect. In fact, my dad (Pop) wanted me to be […]
Waterproofing: What Can Go Wrong at Every Phase of a Construction Project
By: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Design Phase This is where it all begins. If the design and detailing are not properly drawn and communicated, the probability of failure with a quality […]