BEC Charleston

Charleston County Building Official to Speak at ASHRAE

2006-11-08T07:28:00.000-05:00

The Charleston Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will have Allen Rhudy speak at its next dinner meeting. Mr. Rhudy is the Charleston County Plans Reviewer and Code Manager.

Where: Raddison Hotel, 5991 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, South Carolina
When: November 14, 2006, 6:30PM to 9:00PM
RSVP Required - e-mail Bo Nutting at John.B.Nutting@jci.com to reserve your seat

According to ASHRAE's meeting notice:
This is a unique opportunity to get the rules right! Mr. Rhudy will discuss the following questions and will answer any other question we may ask:

In what ways is the city code review different from the county? Are there more local codes in the city? Are they stricter? Is the approval process different?
Is ASHRAE 62-2004 OK to use now?
What is the schedule for acceptance of the 2006 international code?
What are the top 3 things you find in violation of the code? What do we as engineers and contractors need to work on?
Talk about the Energy code. There are a lot of strict issues that are not always followed. One example is using table 502.2.4. Do you calculate the glass square footage to confirm the minimum ceiling R-value required? I understand that electric reheat with a humidistat is allowed for heat pumps if you set the humidistat no lower than 60%? Are lighting control systems enforced for buildings over 5,000 sqft? Do you see more LEED projects in Charleston? Is the approval process more complicated?
Are you seeing more sealed crawl spaces and seals attics? Per section R408.2.5, does a dehumidifier comply in order to “supply conditioned air” to a sealed crawlspace? I assume a sealed attic has to have “conditioned air” too?
Seismic code is another popular topic. I typically provide general details for pad mounted or suspended HVAC equipment and require that components such as guy wires shall be sized by a seismic vendor. Is this acceptable?
Regarding professional HVAC drawings, how close does the installed product need to be from the drawings? When do you reject the work based on it being too different from the drawings? Is a drawing addendum required to gain acceptance?

FEDcon: Construction Projects and the Federal Government

2006-10-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

This program is an exploration of federal agency design and construction programs for the building community

FEDCon sponsored by NIBS, co-sponsored by American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), brings together high-level officials from federal agencies heavily involved in design and construction who will present:

Current Construction Budgets and Programs
Planned Budgets for Future Years
Predominant Building Types to be Designed
The Direction of the Design/Construction Programs of the Presenting Agencies at the Regional and International level

FEDCon is co-located with AEC-ST Federal - Science & Technology for Architecture Engineering and Construction and Ecobuild Federal - Sustainable, Green and High- Performance Solutions for the Built Environment event: Conference Dec. 5-7, Exhibition Dec. 6-7, 2006.

Vist the EcoBuild website for more information.

Cement Plaster (Stucco) Training

2006-10-04T21:16:00.000-04:00

Subject: Cement Plaster (stucco) Training
Cement plaster (stucco) is the most common building cladding in California, but it is also perhaps the most abused and most frequently associated with leaks, decay, mold and other damage. The Western Construction Consultants Association (WESTCON) is sponsoring the most detailed and comprehensive course on stucco design and construction ever offered in California on November 2, 2006, in Berkeley, CA. Here is the link for additional information:http://www.westcon.org/sympos.htm for a copy of the symposium program and registration form.Please forward this information to anyone in the design, construction and inspection/plan check professions that may be interested.

See the information on the BCDG: http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4710982861/m/63510305631

Online Building Envelope Forum

2006-09-15T14:09:00.000-04:00

When I first started in this building science gig, one of the most encouraging people I encountered was Jacques Rousseau with CMHC. After retiring, he disappeared for a bit (to a white sandy beach by an azur sea in Mexico I believe) but the sirens of moisture migration have called him back!

Jacques is now the editor of Building Envelope Forum (www.buildingforum.com). I encourage you to visit the site - it has a wealth of information - and to subscribe to the quarterly e-mails.

Great work Jacques and bon champs with future editions!

Next Meeting September 28, 2006

2006-09-15T13:27:00.000-04:00

Reminder!

The Building Enclosure Council - Charleston and The Sustainability Institute are pleased to offer a special joint meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 6:00 – 7:30 PM. This event will be a tour of the Verdi Group’s SIPS fabrication facility at 3265 Benchmark Drive, Ladson, SC 29456; Phone: 843.863.9830.

Our host will be architect David Hill, who will show us Verdi’s special techniques for fabrication of Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS) for energy efficiency, structural strength, time savings, lower construction costs and sustainable features.

Refreshments will be served.

Air Barrier University Sells Out Two Dates

2006-09-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Registration for ABAA's Air Barrier University is now closed.

BEC-Charleston is hosting the Air Barrier Association of America's Air Barrier University on October 26 and 27, 2006. Originally intended to be a one day course limited to 25 people; the response to this course offering allowed us to expand to a second date. All 50 seats for the ABU are now filled.

BEC-Charlotte Kick-Off Meeting

2006-08-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Charlotte!

Building Enclosure Council – Charlotte
Organizational Kickoff Meeting
August 24, 2006, 4:00 pm
Offices of Little Diversified Architectural Services
5815 Westpark Drive, Charlotte NC 28217 (704) 525-6350

A group of construction industry professionals, including building owners, architects, specifiers, product manufacturers, and contractors, is organizing a Building Enclosure Council in Charlotte NC under the sponsorship of AIA Charlotte. BEC-CLT will provide a forum for education and discussion with the aim of improving the performance of our building exteriors. Participation is open to all industry members. BEC-CLT is joining a nationwide network of similar groups and sharing knowledge toward our common goals. BEC-CLT is especially fortunate to be affiliated with the newly-established UNCC Center for Architectural Technology.

Join us for a brief meeting to help get this effort in motion. We look forward to your participating in our monthly information meetings and our periodic industry education events. National BEC leadership will be participating in our kickoff meeting. We hope you will come, learn about BECs, and enjoy networking with construction professionals with similar interests and goals.
Kickoff Meeting Agenda

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the NIBS Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC)
The BEC national network and activities
The American Institute of Architects – Charlotte Section
The UNCC College of Architecture Center for Architectural Technology
BEC Charlotte membership and sponsorship
Upcoming Events: UNCC CAT/BEC-CLT Building Enclosure Field Day: October 20, 2006
Planning Discussion: Other upcoming meetings and activities

More info: Contact Erica Rohrbacher (704) 369-2302 Erica@aiacharlotte.com or Phil Kabza (704) 367-1991 Phil@SpecGuy.com www.aiacharlotte/bec

BEC-Charleston Poll #1: Why is Building Science Important?

2006-08-17T11:26:00.000-04:00

I've had a running e-dialogue going on with building science educators throughout North America. We all agree that Architects do not get enough building science education. But, we are looking for a reason to convince educational institutions that they should provide this type of education to their architectural students. So, I thought it would be good to get input from you all.

If you could tell AIA, your school, your supervisor, etc. your reason for the importance of building science education, what would it be? Feel free to make your post as long as you want. All ideas are welcome.

Air Barrier University Schedule Update

2006-08-10T17:04:00.000-04:00

BEC-Charleston is hosting ABAA Air Barrier University on October 27, 2006. Look for the full announcement in a post dated July 17, 2006. We originally intended to limit the course to 25 people to encourage student-teacher interaction. However, the response to the announcement has been overwhelming. So, we are looking for ways to accomodate additional students.

A search is underway to secure a larger venue to comfortably fit 40 students. Another option is to host a second 25 person class on October 26, 2006. We are working out the details as fast as we can.

Please continue to submit registrations as we do not have 50 requests - yet. Once we have arrangements confirmed, we will contact the registrants who do not have confirmed seats in the order in which we received a seat request (I sound like an airline ticket counter worker!).

We hope to accomodate as many people as possible for what looks to be an informative course about a critical building component.

August BEC-Charleston Meeting Announcement

2006-08-10T13:06:00.000-04:00

The Building Enclosure Council - Charleston invites you to attend our next monthly meeting on Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the office of Applied Building Sciences, Inc. at 1890 Milford Street, Charleston, SC 29405.

Our topic will be NFRC Certification and Energy Performance Ratings for Doors and Windows, presented by Bipin Shah, Director of Programs, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

This council has been created under the auspices of AIA Charleston as part of the national Building Enclosure Councils, a joint initiative of AIA and NIBS Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council. The stated purpose of the BEC is:

Provide a focus/forum at the local level for those with an interest in the enclosure (envelope) of buildings and the related building science.
Promote and encourage discussion, training, education, technology transfer, and the exchange of information about local and national issues and cases, relevant weather conditions, etc.
Initiate and promote cross-disciplinary and cross-responsibility dialogue, laterally between professions, and vertically between designers, consultants, educators, manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators, constructors, building operators, developers, insurance, etc.
To facilitate improvements in relation to process, namely inspection, approvals, regulations, standards, liability, etc.

We welcome participation by architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, vendors and anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of the building enclosure in this climate zone.

Please RSVP to Whitney Alcott of Applied Building Sciences, Inc. to let her know if you plan to attend. Phone: 843.724.1470. E-Mail: walcott@appliedbuildingsciences.com

2006 BEC-Charleston Sponsors:

Applied Building Sciences, Inc.

McKellar & Associates Architects

Fair Consulting, LLC

Subbs Muldrow Herin Architects

Liollio Architecture

Historical or Hysterical: Code and Standard Development

2006-08-03T08:40:00.000-04:00

Bill Rose, a research architect at the University of Illinois, has done an amazing job of researching the history behind the development of codes and standards pertaining to moisture control in buidings. He has several articles published by ASHRAE and other organizations. I have been looking for a copy of "Development of Humidity Recommendations in Museums and Moisture Control in Buildings" for quite some time. I finally found the entire article at http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byauth/brownjp/humidity1997.html.

It is lengthy (36 pages) but fascinating. Rose and his coauthor, J.P. Brown, show how museum humidity standards were derived from guesses, anecdotal evidence, and, in some cases, complete disregard of scientific data.

NATIONAL CAD STANDARD

2006-07-28T16:00:00.000-04:00

NATIONAL CAD STANDARD (NCS): On July 25 the NCS launched its newly redesigned website. The redesigned site includes new features and added content: www.nationalcadstandard.org. Also, On July 26, the NCS Business Management Group (BMG), consisting of NIBS, AIA, and CSI staff representatives, met at CSI' s offices. Included in the BMG's actions taken during the meeting was the elimination of the distribution of the print version of the 900plus page NCS as of September 2006, when the NCS will be sold only in PDF formaton CD-Rom.

Geek Road Trips!

2006-07-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

Here are a few interesting symposia and conferences that you should put on your calendar!

ASTM E06 Symposium on Repair, Retrofit and Inspection of Building Exterior Wall Systems. Saturday October 21, 2006 and Sunday October 22, 2006. Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, GA. Visit www.astm.org and look for the symposia/meetings link on the left side of the page.

ASTM E06 Symposium on "Up Against the Wall": An Examination of Building Envelope Interface Techniques and Systems. Thursday, November 1, 2007, Tampa Marriott Waterside, Tampa, FL. Visit http://www.astm.org/ and look for the symposia/meetings link on the left side of the page.

ASTM E06 Symposium on Roofing Reseach and Standards Development. Sunday, December 2, 2007, Tampa Marriott Waterside, Tampa, FL. Visit http://www.astm.org/ and look for the symposia/meetings link on the left side of the page.

ORNL/DOE Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X International Conference. December 2 - 7, 2007. Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL. Visit www.ornl.gov/buildings for more information.

Note that the last two are in the same area at the same time - great chance to make the most of your travel dollars!

Stay in touch with your geek-side!

IEA Annexes On-Line

2006-07-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

What is the IEA?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor for its 26 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, its initial role was to coordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies. But during the last decades, the energy markets have changed, and so has the IEA. It now focuses well beyond oil crisis management on broader energy issues, including climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world. With a staff of around 150, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 26 members countries, the IEA conducts a broad program of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices. IEA publications are known world-wide for their objectivity.

In recognition of the significance of building energy usage, the IEA has established an Implementing Agreement on Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems (ECBCS). The function of ECBCS is to undertake research and provide an international focus for building energy efficiency. Tasks are undertaken through a series of annexes that are directed at energy saving technologies and activities that support their application in practice. Results are also used in the formulation of international and national energy conservation policies and standards. Visit www.ecbs.org for more info.

The Annexes are, in many cases, the state of the art in building performance knowledge. Some of the Annexes, such as Annex 24: Heat, Air and Moisture Transfer in Highly Insulated Building Envelopes, represent landmark studies that have forwarded science (in this case heat, air and moisture simulations like WUFI) dramatically.

I keep several of the Annexes on my shelf for quick reference. They are all available in PDF format at www.ecbs.org/docs/index.htm.

BEC Detail Forum 1: Sealed Crawl Space

2006-07-21T08:59:00.000-04:00

Below is a detail taken from a website that I found by searching "crawl space best practice". It is an excerpt from a two page flyer that has lots of explanatory information including the need to condition the crawl space once the foundation has been sealed.

Here's a chance to air out some opinions! What do you think about this detail? Is there anything wrong with it? You don't need to register to post a comment - choose other or anonymous for your screen name instead.

Hurricane Resistance of Building Enclosure Components

2006-07-19T22:22:00.000-04:00

In a recent broadcast e-mail to the BETEC Board of Direction, David Altenhofen, AIA wrote:

While doing research for a large project in a hurricane area I found the NIST Technical Note 1476, Performance of Physical Structures in Hurricane Katrina and Rita: A Reconnaissance Report and note several recommendations for further study that may be of interest to BETEC.

Recommendation 16 states: “Conduct detailed studies to identify mechanisms for water egress into buildings during hurricanes and to develop improved building envelope construction and cladding systems that are resistant to water ingress.”
Recommendation 21 states: “Conduct detailed studies of the performance of residential asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing on both residential and commercial buildings, and low-rise membrane roofs on commercial buildings to identify factors that affected performance and provide the technical basis for improved guidance on the use of these roofing systems in high wind zones.”

Both of these recommendations appear to be exactly what BETEC is about, bridging the knowledge gap between research, industry, experts, design professionals and builders. The NIST report does not appear to specifically assign these studies but does identify DOE and HUD as interested parties. Is there something for us to do here?

The full report is available at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/investigations/pubs/NIST_TN_1476.pdf

Thanks David!

Air and Vapor Barriers for Southern Buildings

2006-07-19T09:48:00.000-04:00

Air Barrier Pioneer Wagdy Anis Speaking in Myrtle Beach

Friday, September 15, 2006
Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC
8:00 - 11:30AM
Tides Room 1 & 2

Three PDHs will be awarded; pre-registration required; $40 fee

Members of the Building Envelope Council of Charleston and local AIA Chapters have been invited by the Waterproofing Contractors Association to come to their annual Fall Convention Friday, September 15 at the Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC to hear one of the true pioneers in air barriers, Wagdy A.Y. Anis, AIA, LEED AP and Director of Technical Resources of Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott (SBRA in Boston, MA). Anis' professional focus is the integrity and performance of the building envelope from a research, design and troubleshooting perspective, as well as high performance, sustainable building deign and indoor are quality. He will be addressing the topic: Air and Vapor Barriers for Southern Buildings.

Wagdy joined SBRA in 1968 and was named a Principal in 1997. As Director of Technical Resources and Sustainability, he ensures the highest quality work on all design projects at SBRA. He also directs the firm's extensive continuing education program, instructing the professional staff on building envelope technology. Among other accomplishments, he developed the "Wagdy Wall," a sustainable, high performance wall design which is the basis for the new building energy code in Massachusetts and has been incorporated by architects and manufacturers in buildings nationwide. Wagdy is a member the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences' Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council (BETEC), a national honor in recognition of his leadership in building science, building envelope design and indoor environmental air quality. He is a frequent speaker, organizer and session chair at local, national and international conferences, and his articles have been widely published. Wagdy was educated at Victoria College and received his Bachelor of Architecture from Alexandria University in Egypt.

Please register by September 1, 2006. If you desire more information on the WCA, go to their website at www.thewaterproofers.org and click on Fall Convention.

DOE Technology Fact Sheets

2006-07-17T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Department of Energy does extensive research on methods to conserve energy through better building. Their research has also included solving many of the problems that are sometimes side effects of high performance buildings. You can find lots of information at the following web site:

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/publications.html

I found the Technology Fact Sheets particularly interesting (but I'm still reading the others). There are sheets about attics, crawl spaces, insulation, HVAC systems and many other topics.

ABAA/BEC-Charleston Air Barrier University

2006-07-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

AIR BARRIER UNIVERSITY
October 27, 2006
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
At
Applied Building Sciences, Inc.
1890 Milford Street
Charleston, South Carolina

BEC–Charleston will host the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) as it presents

ABAA 100: Introduction to Air Barriers
ABAA 200: Understanding Air Barrier Materials
ABAA 300: Understanding Air Barrier Details
ABAA 400: Advanced Details and Case Studies

The course is certified for 8 AIA HSW Learning Credits. Participants will receive a binder containing copies of the presentations, specifications, construction details, technical papers, reports and ABAA’s CD containing the presentations as well as the “Design Professional’s Guide to Air Barriers”. Instruction will be provided by internationally recognized experts in air barrier technology. Visit www.airbarrier.org/training/design_professionals_e.php to learn more about the courses.

The air barrier is the most significant, least understood component of the building envelope. Inadequate air barriers can lead to decreased durability, increased energy consumption, occupant discomfort and IAQ problems. Model code bodies are considering recommendations to incorporate air barrier performance criteria in upcoming editions; some states have already added this language to their codes. Here is an opportunity to move ahead of the curve in design and construction.

This course will be limited to 25 participants to ensure an intimate and dynamic exchange between students and instructors. The cost per student is $100; the fee includes a light breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments. Please contact Larry Elkin (843) 724-1462 to reserve your seat.

JULY BETEC NEWS

2006-07-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

You can check out some of the recent BETEC meeting highlights at www.nibs.org/betecnews.html. This includes information on

Building Science Forum 2006 at Syracuse University in September
Subscribe to the Journal of Building Enclosure Design (it's free!)

Watch for information about BEC-Charleston's Air Barrier University!

Next WUFI: September in Seattle

2006-07-14T21:34:00.000-04:00

National Building Science Corporation and Oak Ridge National Laboratory will hold the next WUFI Training from September 11-13 in Seattle, Washington. Visit www.section08.com/wufi.htm for more information on this basic course and the Advanced WUFI Training scheduled for December in Napa, California (hope to see you there).

CMHC Monthly Newsletter

2006-07-13T14:56:00.000-04:00

I copied this info from an e-newsletter that I get from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Obviously the graphics did not copy. You can go to www.cmhc.ca to view the newsletter or to subscribe. There is almost always some little nugget of info that I can use. Just remember - they heat and humidify for most of the year while we cool and dehumidify most of the time. So, insulation and vapor retarder locations may need to be reversed.

July 4, 2006

In this issue if you look at the picture to the right, we are asking the question, "Why is there efflorescence only under 1 window?" Let me know your answer by July 20th, and I'll try to post the best answer(s) in our August issue.

We are also starting a new publication series this month: Low Impact Housing. These projects are fully documented examples of housing from Canada and around the world that through design, materials and systems have minimal environmental impact. Many are completely self-sustained and others are net zero energy users. They all respond to site, environment, users and available resources as their main design principles. This series hopes to stimulate designers, builders and owners to apply some of the notions described here and to invent and share others.
Why is there efflorescence only under 1 window? Photo credit: L de Miguel

The submission deadline for the Expressions of Interest for the Net Zero Energy Healthy Housing Pilot Demonstration Initiative has been extended to 2:00 p.m., local Ottawa time, on July 10, 2006.

Remember, if you have comments or questions on our publications, you can post them to our discussion board.

Until August 8,
Sandra Baynes

Features
Research HighlightHousehold Environmental Monitoring — A Strategy to Help Homeowners Reduce Their Environmental Impact (65035) Can homeowners be motivated to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviour, if they are provided with a clear picture of their environmental impact and specific strategies to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases? Twenty Ottawa-area households were recruited to test that hypothesis.

Construction Detail of the Month
Window Sill — Exterior Air Barrier Approach — Detail 13 EABAThe sill detail has been developed to accommodate minor water leakage which may occur through the window frame.

Low Impact Housing
Ketchum House, OntarioThis off-grid home is earth-sheltered, heated by passive solar and a wood-fired masonry stove. Without heating, the temperature in this house never falls below 10°C (50°F) and is often above 18°C (64°F).

About Your House
Choosing a Dehumidifier Improper levels of moisture in a home can result in a range of problems such as window condensation, mold growth and discomfort for the occupants. This guide for homeowners suggests ways to correct moisture level and stop moisture problems, including the use of a dehumidifier. The different types of dehumidifiers are explained along with their costs and efficiency levels. A checklist on choosing a dehumidifier is provided with tips on proper placement and maintenance.

Events and Items of Interest
Find out what is new and upcoming with CMHC. Visit our Events Calendar.
To find out what is going on in the industry, see this list of other Technical Events and Conferences

Feel free to forward this e-mail to a friend or colleague

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BEC-Charleston's First Post

2006-07-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

Hey Becies! Here is what the blog will look like. Leave comments and we can talk about future posts.