Walls & Ceilings January 2011

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Up Front by Mark Fowler

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Finish Line by Robert Thomas

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All Things Gypsum by Michael Gardner

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Smart Business by Jim Olsztynski

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Straight Green by Chris Dixon

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Industry Voices by Michael Logue

departments 8

Trade News

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Product Focus

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Classified Marketplace

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Advertiser Directory

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Looking Up

on the cover January 2011

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Chicago Metalic’s CurvGrid ceiling panels in Cherry MetalWood finish float in ssuspended clouds in the Benefis Healthcare Heart Institute, Great Falls, Mont. Photo by JJK Lawrence

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features

columns 12 Bet on Bendable Tracks Floating curves and clouds highlight the design of Cherokee Casino.

16 Metal Ceiling and Ceiling Panel Systems Thrive in 2011 Areas of growth include commercial office space, retrofit and new construction in education, transportation, and healthcare industries.

20 Strike a Winning Balance Can you overprotect your building?

22 Texas, Hold ‘Em Should extreme weather hit in tornado/hurricane prone areas, over-fastening can lead to failed systems. One Gulf-area contractor in Texas discusses the impacts of Hurricane Ike.

26 Annual Spec Sheets

ON THE WEB www.wconline.com Breaking News W&C Blogs Web-only Features Special Sections W&C Architect

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FRONT BY MARK FOWLER

SWOT that New Year’s Resolution

Is your New Year’s resolution to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more and drink less? If you’re like me, you start with great intentions and then quit after a few months. Not to encourage abandoning these lofty and worthwhile goals but maybe a shift in resolutions is in order—one you can do, is timely and probably overlooked. Maybe a little reflection and looking at yourself or your company a little closer could be the resolution to make this year. Look honestly at your company or the segment of your industry to find out where you stand and formulate a plan for when the economy turns back. And it will turn around. In marketing, it is called performing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). A SWOT analysis is nothing new or very complicated but it can help you plan your company for the future, particularly if the future includes an upcoming boom time. The SWOT must be based on honest input and a real assessment of your position or company’s position in the market. A SWOT can be big and encompass a large group of companies within a specific region or small for an individual, such as a salesperson. The reason a SWOT could be timely is you probably have some time now; you may not in the future when things heat up. Strengths: What are your strengths? You did not survive this long without some good abilities; we all have strong points that we know gives us an edge on the competition. What are they? They could range from traits like our ability to adapt to change or adversity; being singularly focused on one issue to be the best; maybe your firm is best at supervision, or has the best sales

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staff. Whatever it is, you should know it, evaluate it and take advantage of it. Nordstrom is built on excellent customer service; the company’s SWOT revealed it and the company decided to make it the cornerstone of its marketing strategy. Other stores can only hope to be as customer-service oriented as Nordstrom is. Weakness: You have to know what your weakness is, because your competition will find out and then use it to put you out of business (as would you in their shoes). For example, if your weakness is losing key employees, the competition will find out and aggressively steal your people. Knowing a weakness allows you to shore up that particular area or at least be prepared to take some action. Nothing is worse than being blindsided. National Lumber was a large chain store that had a weakness of picking poor locations and over-paying for its buildings. Home Depot knew that was an Achilles’ heel and took the competition down by strategically placing stores in better locations in areas near National Lumber. National Lumber bit the dust soon after Home Depot arrived, which could have been avoided. Opportunities: Believe it or not, they exist, even in these times. I recently met with a person who has a great idea for today’s industry and is making it work. He noted the green movement years ago and now the future looks pretty bright as he positions himself

within the market to be there when the economy turns around. Starbucks saw an opportunity to sell premium coffee when most people would have told them they were crazy to think anyone would pay $3.00 for a cup of joe. Starbucks, Costco, Whole Foods, and CarMax all saw an opportunity and took full advantage of it. Threats: This is a tough one. You may not even see or know your threat exists but it is there. Everyone wants a piece of you or your business, especially if you are successful. And in tougher times, business tends to get tougher too, even downright nasty. The threat may be as obvious as a local competitor with new technology, someone under-cutting your costs or networking better than you. I am sure the video industry thought they had it made, and they survived the threat of the DVD. Will the current leaders survive Netflix? A threat can be slow and take time to develop or it can happen overnight and you find yourself obsolete. The wall and ceiling industry is not booming, and you probably have a little free time until things heat up again. When it does, will you be prepared to take full advantage or will you wing it as it comes at you? Grab a pad and pen and start the New Year with a SWOT.

MAGAZINE NEWS Walls & Ceilings’ Production Manager Lyn Sopala, who has been with the magazine for 10 years, has moved to a position with sister publications Security and SDM magazines. For 10 years, Sopala served W&C and its advertisers with strong commitment and a good attitude to boot. We thank her and wish her the best. Her replacement is Lynette Barwin, who comes to us from BNP Media’s accounting department. We welcome her to the fold and look forward to working with her, as well. T his year will see many new changes for you r company. A s always, we encourage you to share this information with us. Please get in touch with Editor John Wyatt at [email protected] and tell us what’s new with you. W&C

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Please Circle #236 On Reader Action Card EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Bob Drury — Executive Director, NWCB Michael Kwart — Executive Director, ICAA Michael Gardner — Executive Director, Gypsum Association Steve Pedracine — Executive Director, Minnesota Lath & Plaster Bureau Jon Mooney — President, Acoustics by J.W. Mooney Elizabeth Steiner — Executive Director, ICFA

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Audience Development Coordinator — Christina Roth Corporate Fulfillment Manager — Megan Neel Corporate Audience Audit Manager — Catherine M. Ronan For subscription information or service, please contact Customer Service at: Tel. (847) 763-9534 or Fax (847) 763-9538 or e-mail [email protected]

LIST RENTAL Postal contact — Rob Liska: (800) 223-2194 x726, [email protected] Email contact — Shawn Kingston: (800) 409-4443-828, [email protected] WALLS & CEILINGS (ISSN 0043-0161) is published 12 times annually, monthly, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Periodicals Postage Paid at Troy, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: WALLS & CEILINGS, P.O. Box 2147, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to WALLS & CEILINGS, P.O. Box 2147, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or [email protected].

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TRADENEWS CALENDAR JANUARY 12-15 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW 2011 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Fla. www.buildersshow.com 17-21 WORLD OF CONCRETE Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas www.worldofconcrete.com

MARCH 9-11 EPS EXPO Baltimore www.epsmolders.org/6expo.html

APRIL 3-7 AWCI Paris Hotel Las Vegas www.awci.org 4-6 CISCA Paris Hotel Las Vegas www.cisca.org 4-5 EIMA Las Vegas www.eima.com 6-7 INTEX EXPO Paris Hotel Las Vegas

AISI TO PARTICIPATE IN COLD-FORMED STEEL SEISMIC DESIGN RESEARCH The American Iron and Steel Institute announced that its Seismic Code Team will partner with the Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Texas on two research projects that will advance the seismic design of cold-formed steel for lightframe construction. The projects have received grants from the National Science Foundation. The research results will advance the use of cold-formed steel in high seismic areas. Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University and long-time member of the AISI Committee on Specifications and Committee on Framing Standards, was awarded an NSF grant in the amount of $923,000 to study ways to improve the seismic performance of buildings that use CFS light-frame construction for their primary structure. He will lead a research team from JHU, Bucknell University, and Devco Engineering that will develop computational models to determine how a complete building structure will perform during an earthquake. Cheng Yu, Ph.D., assistant professor and coordinator of the Construction Engineering Technology Program at the University of North Texas, was awarded an NSF Career grant in the amount of $400,010 to provide “Comprehensive Research on Cold-Formed Steel Sheathed Shear Walls: Special Detailing, Design and Innovation.” He will lead a research team in the development of advanced designs of high-performance shear wall systems with enhanced ductility and strength for low-cost building constructions in high seismic and high wind areas.

www.intexconstructionexpo.com

PLASTER/DRYWALL ASSOCIATION LAUNCHED; BOARD NAMED For additions or corrections to our Calendar, please call (248) 244-6404.

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The Contracting Plastering Associations of Central Valley and North-

ern California—along with the Capitol Drywall/Lathing Contractors Association and the Northern California Drywall Contractors Association—recently formed and will operate under the name Wall And Ceiling Alliance. The newly formed alliance is a partnership that was created to give its member associations a stronger presence in the plaster and drywall industry in Northern California. In September, the board of directors from each association came together to elect an executive board for WACA that is representative of the size, work scopes and geography of each of the seven associations merging into the new group. A select group of thirteen directors from the various associations make up the new executive board of WACA. The thirteen people elected to the board of directors are: Brian Harp, Chet O’Donnell, Craig Daley, Don Archuleta, Doug Camerer, Gregg Brady, Jim Ruane, Jim Watson, Joe Parker, Nancy Brinkerhoff, Roger E. Henley Jr., Steve Eckstrom and Todd Fearon. WACA will focus on improving member resources, geographical outreach and labor relations and intends to make its combined resources available to a much larger membership in today’s challenging construction marketplace.

POWERS FASTENERS MAKES STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT CHANGES Brewster, N.Y.-based Powers Fasteners has announced a succession of management for its family-owned business. Chris Powers, formerly company CEO, will assume the advisory role of chairman, while Jeffrey R. Powers has been promoted to CEO of Powers Fasteners global business, operating in eight countries worldwide. Frederic Powers III, former vice president of purchasing, will be president Mike Fergus has been hired as vice president of purchasing.

PBS AND INSULFOAM TO CONSOLIDATE MANUFACTURING Premier Building Systems is consolidating its manufacturing operations with those of its parent company, Insulfoam. As of October, the SIPs manufacturer began with the relocation of its Phoenix facility to an Insulfoam plant in Dixon, Calif. The company will also move from its Fife, Wash., plant to Insulfoam’s Tacoma, Wash., facility this year.

SPACKLE BY DAVE COVERLY

W&C HOSTS CI WEBINAR Walls & Ceilings will host its debut Webinar on January 26. Titled “Continuous Insulation: Plaster & The Energy Code,” the Webinar will be presented by Bryan Stanley of the Technical Services Information Bureau and Frank Nunes of the International Institute of Lath & Plaster. The event will be moderated by the magazine’s Editor John Wyatt. The Webinar will discuss how energy codes are changing the way exterior walls are built regardless of the cladding system. Presently, there are two ways to build energy efficient plaster/stucco walls: the “performance” method that takes into account factors in a specific building that will achieve an overall energy efficiency rating; the other, more simplified “prescriptive” method is to incorporate a layer of exterior continuous insulation behind the plaster assembly. The event will be followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Free registration for this event can be found at webinars.wconline.com (no “www.” prefix needed). The event is sponsored by BASF, Dryvit, Parex/Lahabra Omega and Sto. W&C

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product

FOCUS

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Insulation Closed-cell polyurethane foam plastic JOHNS MANVILLE JM Corbond III is a spray-applied, mediumdensity closed-cell polyurethane foam plastic insulation that can be used alone or in hybrid systems with glass fiber to create custom insulation solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The product offers a high yield, providing 5,000 to 5,200 board feet of coverage per set. It also provides strong thermal, moisture and cold-temperature performance and dimensional stability. It sprays at 3 inches per pass, allowing for maximum productivity. If you read this article, please circle number 250.

Sustainable fiberglass insulation material CERTAINTEED INSULATION The company’s fiberglass insulation manufacturing facility in Chowchilla, Calif., is now manufacturing Sustainable Insulation. The manufacturing process begins with a formula that uses organic, naturally abundant or recycled materials. In addition to sand, the insulation consists of a recycled glass content of 35 percent and a plant-based binder. The binder is comprised of rapidly renewable organic materials and contains no phenol, formaldehyde, harsh acrylics or dye. A closed-loop water system helps maximize water usage at the plant, and rigorous monitoring and management of energy usage has reduced the amount of energy needed to manufacture the product. When Sustainable Insulation is ready to ship, compression packaging is used to move more product in fewer loads. Strategically located distribution centers minimize transportation needs and make the product easily accessible to California’s building industry. If you read this article, please circle number 251.

OWENS CORNING EcoTouch Pink Fiberglas Insulation with PureFiber Technology is made with natural materials and a formaldehyde-free formulation. This product uses a minimum of 50 percent recycled content (30 percent post-consumer recycled content). It provides for energy-efficiency and comfort, and is designed with the environment in mind while delivering the same thermal performance. EcoTouch is fast and easy to install, helping reduce build-cycle time, enhance profitability and improve cash flow. EcoTouch is GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certified, as well as GreenGuard Children and Schools Certified, to meet certification standards. If you read this article, please circle number 253.

Soft foam and insulation material cutter RIEMA USA LLC

VersaBoard mineral wool insulation is a multipurpose commercial product that has high-recycled content designed for commercial construction. The product is available in four densities (3.5 to 8.0 pcf). The product is engineered to provide thermal insulation, fire protection and strong sound and noise absorption. The company can apply a variety of facings to the product during manufacturing to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of a building. It also repels moisture and can be an exposed interior surface. The insulation has up to 90 percent recycled content. It contributes to 33 LEED credits across four categories. It helps buildings conserve energy, control noise, improve indoor air quality, improve life safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The S-F-C 1330 R cuts soft foams, mineral wools, and hard foams coated with aluminum or paper with an oscillating wire. While these materials are now cut using knifes or saws, the tool also increases safety as the wire can be touched while in operation. The portable cutting table is light weight and can be set up in seconds. The user can adjust the speed of the motor from 600 to 2,600 rpm to optimize the cutting speed depending on the material. Angular scales and length scales make the cutting even easier and faster.

If you read this article, please circle number 252.

If you read this article, please circle number 254.

Multi-purpose mineral wool insulation THERMAFIBER

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FREE Webinar – Register Now! Continuous Insulation: Plaster & the Energy Code January 26, 2011 | 2:00 p.m. ET Speakers

Bryan Stanley, CSI Technical Advisor Technical Services Information Bureau

Frank Nunes Executive Director Int’l. Institute of Lath & Plaster

National energy codes are changing the way we approach building exterior walls regardless of the cladding system and we can either be proactive or let conventional plaster/stucco become obsolete. Today there are two ways to build energy efficient plaster/stucco walls; the “performance” method that takes into account factors in a specific building that will achieve an overall energy efficiency rating, the other, more simplified “prescriptive” method is to incorporate a layer of exterior continuous insulation behind the plaster assembly. This 45-minute session, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A, will explore and discuss the following topics: • Why does Plaster “all of sudden need to be energy efficient”? • What’s driving these changes: Politics or Science? • Types of “CI” Plaster Assemblies • How to make “CI Stucco” work: “The Energy code and Plaster Assemblies” Brought to you by:

Moderator

John Wyatt Editor Walls & Ceilings Magazine

Register for FREE at webinars.wconline.com! Can’t attend live? Register to receive the on-demand version.

Bet on

Bendable T T

he modern Cherokee Nation encompasses 14 counties in northeastern Oklahoma and includes more than 280,000 official tribal members. Cherokee Nation has undertaken an aggressive tourism program that includes casino destinations designed to reflect various periods in Cherokee cultural history.

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Floating curves and clouds highlight the design of Cherokee Casino.

Design for the new Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, Okla., is reminiscent of a time of rising Cherokee nationalism from the 1780s to 1830s, prior to the Cherokee

Nation’s removal from the southeast United States to Indian Country in present day Oklahoma. Design for the project was prov ided by T ha lden•B oyd•E mer y

Tracks Architects, of Tulsa, Okla. The firm specializes in the design and architecture of hotels, casinos and related hospitality projects and has been ranked as the one of the largest hospitality design firms in the country. The managing principal on the project was Charles “Chief” Boyd, AIA. He has worked with 45 tribes across

the country and is one of the most wellknown Native American architects. “The cultural emphasis reflected in the West Siloam Springs area represents the Carolina and Tennessee homelands prior to the Cherokees being relocated to Oklahoma,” Boyd says. “So, we designed the outside of the complex to use stonework and

colors that represent the Carolinas. And since Cherokee villages were always located near water, we created actual flowing streams and waterfalls on the outside of the casino. On the interior, we included a lot of symbolism for water with the curvilinear forms to represent the water in a more abstract manner. The theme became more abstract but we maintained the colors you might find in the Smoky Mountains—soft, earthtone colors. All the colors and features and materials depict the 1780s to 1830s period of the Cherokee culture. One of the ways the tribe can express its cultural timeframes is at the various casinos located across Cherokee country.” All of the interior framing on the project was done by Green Country Interiors, of Tulsa. Green Country has extensive experience with other Cherokee Casino projects and has proven to be extremely competent on projects of this magnitude.

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES More than 8,400 linear feet of flexible track was used to implement the radius-filled interior design of the project. The casino features multiple radius applications throughout. Large floating clouds between soffits and radius columns with light coves are prominent.

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“The design was a challenge,” says Tim McGuire, vice president a nd pro duc t ion m a n ager w it h Green Country Interiors. “But it’s actually sort of fun to start a job like this with anticipation instead of trepidation. We’ve had a lot of experience [using f lexible track] on big jobs and there’s no way we could have done the framing the old way. We had complex curves, swooping multi-level soffits and wavy, irregular arcs. Just the stack of blueprints alone would have scared off most contractors!” Green Country Interiors arrived on the job at the end of February and finished in November. They utilized up to 25 carpenters who worked six 10-hour days each week to frame the soffits. Eight carpen-

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ters were responsible for forming all of the curves. Two of them specialized on the multilevel concentric clouds crowning the columns, while six ran the wavy, free flowing layers of soffits that meandered across the area. It was crucial that the curves be smooth to maintain the natural motif and mirror the flowing river theme through the casino. Tom Guilliaume was Green Country’s field foreman on the job and personally oversaw the forming of the really complex features. Bryan Jenkins was the general foreman. To transfer the vision of the architect onto the job site, Green Country carpenters laid out the pivot points for the large sweeping radii. They had the advantage of a cavernous area in which to work

and were able to mark the radii using a 100-foot tape and a marker. They had to be especially particular about making smooth transitions and accurate connections between the varying radii. Once the curves and columns were laid out, they were able to easily shape and lock the Flex-C Trac and Flex-C Angle on the ground.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Carpenters made a top and bottom plate for each shape. Then they drove scissor lifts around and installed all the top plates, using lasers to precisely locate them above the layout on the floor. Next, they traveled through hanging the vertical studs on layout, usually 16 inch on center, changing down to

10 to 12 inch on the tighter radii to ensure the drywall would bend more smoothly. The next crew came through and ran kickers (angle braces) and plumbed every third stud. Then another wave of carpenters was able to take the bottom plate, which they had originally formed, and secure it over the bottoms of the studs. Matching plumb marks on the top and bottom plates guaranteed exact alignment. This same systematic approach was used to frame the different versions of soffits that wove their way across the aerial landscape. Such a reliable technique comes from their experiences using these products. These fluid forms were covered with 5/8-inch drywall. Some of the areas used 3/8 inch or even 1/4 inch

board for the tighter radii as they swirled around the columns. The result of their systematic process produced a smooth flowing panorama with no hiccups or flat spots, just what architect Chief Boyd envisioned. Architect Chief Boyd agrees. “The curvable track greatly enhances the contractor’s ability to do curvilinear ceilings. One of the things I’ve always been amazed at is how efficiently the framing contractor can lay out the curved pieces on the floor and use lasers to determine the exact positioning. With the use of the lasers and the curvable track, contractors can knock out these curved ceiling forms in no time at all. I am astounded at how fast and how accurate they can do it.

“The hotel is fully booked on weekends and 70 to 80 percent on weekdays,” he says. “The casino numbers are terrific, too. It’s definitely a destination that offers amenities and venues that aren’t that prevalent in the immediate area.” The general contractor for the project was Flintco Inc., Springdale, Ark. The Flex-Ability Concepts distributor was River City Materials Inc., Rogers, Ark. W&C Larry McLane is a freelance PR writer specializing in architectural products within the construction industry. He is based in St. Louis. If you read this article, please circle number 237.

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METAL CEILING & CEILING PANEL SYSTEMS THRIVE IN ‘11 Areas of growth include commercial office space retrofit and new construction in education, transportation, and healthcare industries. By Brooks Williams, CSI

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o matter which way you cut it, the outlook for the metal ceiling systems in the commercial market will be solid for 2011. Whether it’s retrofit for existing commercial buildings or in the limited new construction opportunities in the education, transportation, or healthcare segments, metal ceiling systems will play a bigger role than in years past. The retrofit of existing office space in particular will be a big growth area for metal ceiling product use. It is a well-known fact that with the abundance of existing commercial office space in many major metropolitan areas that fewer new office buildings will break ground. Tenants are staying in place longer or moving to new locations, which leads to an increased demand for improvements to existing office space. A quick, yet dramatic way to revitalize and add punch to existing space would be to utilize the existing suspension and conceal it with new suspension grid, metal ceiling, or acoustical ceiling clouds. The array of curving, linear, flat metal, perimeter treatment, and even open plenum designs can transform a tired space from “Mad Men”-era 1960s to cutting edge 21st century. T h e p a c e of n e w c o n s t r u c tion of education, transportation, and healthcare facilities will slow somewhat even as the use of metal ceiling systems grows in these segments. According to Chicago Metal-

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lic’s Technical Service Manager Peter Jahn, two trends that have gained popularity in these settings are an open plenum design and the incorporation of acoustic “hot spots.” “The open plenum ceiling design has become very popular and so too has the number of ceiling products for these types of environments,” he says. Jahn explains that an open plenum design conveys the illusion of a ceiling while maintaining openness to mechanical, electrical, and lighting equipment. Metal ceiling designs for these spaces include small- and large-scale open cell design, hanging baffles that create rows of undulating color, and open grid designs that can accept lay-in welded wire panels. The acoustic hot spot concept involves creating a “cloud” to minimize high-frequency noise while diffusing lower-frequency sounds. To accomplish this, designers position acoustic panels above the area where the sound needs to be controlled. Acoustical panels can be materials such as inorganic perlite, enhanced gypsum, or fiberglass, or perforated metal panels backed with an acoustical batt to increase the sound absorption of the ceiling. “We often refer to these as ‘hot spots’ that can be created by architects or designers as an acoustic cloud or canopy,” says Jahn. “These hot spots can contribute to the privacy needed in environments where

it is essential, such as in hospitals.” In an education setting, acoustic concerns are always at the top of the list for designers who wish to contribute to the indoor environmental quality of learning institutions. Studies have shown that good acoustics are essential, especially in the K-12 setting. Again, a wide selection of metal ceiling systems offers decorative and highly functional solutions to help maximize comfort and interpersonal communication.

WHY SO POPULAR? A number of other features of metal ceiling systems are contributing to

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their growing popularity in newly designed facilities: H ig h Rec ycled Content: T he d e m a nd for a g re e n bu i ld i n g approach is greater than ever and it is critical that designers choose products that incorporate the use of high recycled content material, as well as other sustainable characteristics. Steel ceiling panels may contain a minimum 25 percent post-consumer recycled content, while most aluminum panels are manufactured with as much as 100 percent post-consumer recycled content. When metal ceiling panels—with a life span that can reach 30 to 40 years—are ready

for disposal, all are 100-percent recyclable, as are the metal suspension grid systems that support them. These factors may all contribute to LEED certification credits. Healthy Option: When installed, metal ceiling panels do not absorb water as other mineral-fiber ceiling panels can. Absorbed water can lead to the growth of unwanted mold and mildew. In some regions, where high humidity is a fact of life, excess moisture can lead to sagging in mineral-fiber panels. This can be a real problem in facilities such as hospitals, transportation facilities, or sports arenas. In some sports facilities where the air conditioning is turned off or lowered significantly for extended periods of time, this could spell disaster for some organic ceiling tiles. The lowmaintenance feature of metal ceilings systems, which enables them to be easily and thoroughly cleaned, is another benefit appreciated by designers for both retrofit and new construction applications. Seismic Considerations: Uniform Building Codes were designed to identify areas where the potential for seismic activity is high. However, good seismic design should be considered in all zones. Some metal ceiling suspension grid systems manufacturers offer special perimeter clips which let installers use 1-inch molding and no stabilizer bars during installation, while providing verification to building inspectors that the clip has been installed at required intervals. The clip negates the need for the less desirable 2-inch wall angle required by code and replaces it with 15/16-inch angle to create a more sleek ceiling design. Installer-Friendly Systems: The b e st m a nu fac t u rers developi ng architectural building products keep both the architect/designer and the installing contractor in mind during the R&D process. The ideal is a manufacturer that provides products that have the aesthetics and performance characteristics of metal ceilings systems, along with the ease of installation of a suspension grid system. Extra product features, such as a torsion-spring that engages in a special slot in the T-bar grid, can be a small enhancement that can have a

big impact, speeding and simplifying installation of ceiling panels.

IT’S THE AESTHETICS The virtually limitless aesthetic possibilities of metal ceiling and ceiling panel systems are perhaps the number one reason why designers are choosing them for commercial construction projects. In the hospital environment, for example, wider open spaces such as corridors can be easily transformed with metal panel systems that span the entire space without the need for hanger wires and a grid system running down the center of space. To create an environment that promotes healing, new or retrofitted healthcare facilities are choosing ceiling systems that can incorporate sky scenes or photographic images

in specialty areas to produce a calming effect among patients. In other instances, designers are creating accent areas around nurses’ stations with dropped aluminum soffits and curved ceilings to direct attention to its role as the focus of each ward. Metal ceiling systems can work independently or together to achieve a practical, functional, and aesthetic solution to any design requirement. Ceilings can be transformed into soaring spaces, forests, clouds, and shapes that follow the form of the design. When made of aluminum alloys, metal ceilings can feature metallic tones, brushed, anodized, reflective, and primed and paintedin solid and perforated panels. Steel ceiling panels can be painted in virtually any color or custom matched. Some panels now feature a new type

of paint finish that replicates the color and grains of wood, such as oak, cherry, teak, and maple. The aesthetics of metal ceiling systems can range from the simple to the sublime and the performance of the products makes it among the most sustainable choices available to a building designer. Its installer-friendly features have likewise made it a favorite among acoustical subcontractors. There is no wonder why it will continue to grow as an important building component in the current commercial construction market. W&C Brooks Williams, CSI, is marketing manager, specialty ceilings, for Chicago Metallic Corp. and is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute. If you read this article, please circle number 238.

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

19

Strike a

Winning Balance Can you overprotect your building?

B

uilding a truly sustainable buildi ng requ i res t he def t touch of a racecar crew chief. To ensure his vehicle is competitive, the chief oversees a variety of disparate but integrated efforts—finely-tuning the engine, tinkering with the suspension, maximizing tire wear, analyzing track conditions and applying aerodynamic principles to determine the final set-up. And to cross the finish line, these and countless other key factors—like the skill of the driver—must strike the proper balance. So, too, the creation of a winning structure, one that blends moisture management, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and countless other factors to result in a champagne cork-popping building. But ours has typically been an industry of independents (designers, builders, manufacturers) that are experts in their own field but not necessarily accustomed to working as a team to achieve the most sustainable building possible. How do we guarantee in this demanding era of environmental acronyms—with LEED in the lead—that we work with pit-crew precision throughout the design and construction process? Clearly, we must continue to build our buildings and homes to be increasingly more energy efficient.

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

By Barry Reid, LEED AP

This requires superior moisture management, durability, and indoor air quality strategies to make certain that buildings perform well into the future. But in doing so, the challenges are many—and they must be addressed in order to orchestrate a balance when designing, constructing and maintaining sustainable buildings. L et’s consider a com mon but rarely considered moisture management conu nd ru m: can you actually over-protect your building?

TIGHT SPOTS With improvements in construction practices, building envelopes have become “tight,” meaning builders are doing a much better job of preventing moisture and air from infiltrating a building. But what happens when it does, say through a leaky window, an improper flashing detail, or a misplaced vapor retarder? The same system that works to prevent moisture from accumulating in the wall can serve to keep moisture from getting out, thus actually increasing the likelihood of moisture- and mold-related damage. Conversely, the misconception that buildings should “breathe” can mean there is little control over the infiltration of air and moisture being brought into the building. If this happens in

a well-insulated wall (chances are we won’t ever see lessinsulated walls), moisture can accumulate. Does anyone really want to live in the drafty, leaky log cabins of our ancestors? Although they certainly were able to dry out quickly after a storm and didn’t grow mold, they were not very comfortable. Properly installed and secured vapor retarders and air barriers are currently the tools used in reducing the likelihood that moisture can enter a wall assembly. But several factors should be addressed before choosing what grade and where to install vapor retarders, including the climate zone and the building’s use and tenants. Of course, the reputation-enhancing rewards for getting it done right can be substantial. Even though moisture control is referenced either directly or indirectly in Energy Efficiency, Resource and Materials, and Indoor Environmental Quality sections in virtually every green building code, standard and program, there are many ways to make mistakes that actually make things worse The point is—there are multiple paths and trade-offs to ensure moisture control is addressed. It is important to look at the climate zone, the building orientation and landscaping, the architecture—and shape of the roof and building, the windows and doors, the day lighting, the HVAC system and how it

is sized, and the material choices that have been made before making a final determination. Finding the right path that strikes a balance for that particular structure and its long-term p er for m a nc e m e a n s t h at you—and your building—will land in Victory Lane.

Q&A ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY Is striking the perfect balance with regard to increased energy efficiency, durability, improved indoor air quality and overall moisture management in a building envelope truly possible? Does it change as the weather or seasons change? While achieving this coveted balance is challenging, many tools and training are now in the market place to make doing so much easier. Building and remodeling for increased energy efficiency is not going away - in fact, it will be required like never before. To achieve the balance goal, builders will need to address the whole building, including the HVAC and ventilation systems, to optimize performance for moisture management, durability, and indoor air quality. It is a well-known fact that buildings that can effectively dry out will outperform buildings that don’t. Wet buildings will deteriorate faster and can contribute to other moisture related problems like mold. Airtight, energy efficient buildings also need outdoor air ventilation to help ensure good indoor air quality. This is one of the challenges of striking the perfect balance … to be able to bring in outdoor air, treat it for temperature and humidity while lowering the building’s energy consumption, the latter due to the advanced building enclosure and HVAC strategies in place. Naturally, there are seasonal and weather considerations as outdoor temperature swings and high humidity levels will always challenge the “perfect balance.” At any locale, moisture entering the building through either ventilation or the building enclosure must be addressed.

1

2

Is there a hierarchy of import an c e? D oe s the h i e rarch y change depending on the region of the country? T he ma i n objec t ive of g reen building codes and programs is to increase the energy efficiency of new homes and buildings. But for buildings to be comfortable, long-lasting, and healthy, they need also have supporting moisture management, durability, and indoor air quality strategies to support the energy efficiency strategies. This system ideal is universal; how it is done will differ by climate zone to address the unique circumstances in each.

3

Are any of the components more overlooked or underappreciated than others? High-performance wallboard is often overlooked and underappreciated. Wallboard is typically valued only for its recycled content and regional materials contribution, but not for its capacity to work in conjunction with the other components in the wall assembly for optimum performance in the balance we previously discussed. High-performance wallboard should be appreciated for how it deals with job-site moisture and long term moisture impacts over the life of the building. For example, with energy efficient wall assemblies, a lot goes into achieving a high R value and an air tight building enclosure. But what if water gets into the wall for whatever reason? That wall will be incredibly slow to dry. A high-performance wallboard designed to resist water has the ability to stay wet longer, without deteriorating or growing mold as the wall dries out. These products don’t fix moisture problems, but they can help keep a moisture or water problem from becoming something more detrimental.

4

Is one of the components over-rated? There is not too much emphasis put on any one component, but there may be some misunderstanding. One example involves window and opaque wall ratios and how they can impact the real R value of a wall assembly. An exterior wall with a lot of windows will have a different

energy efficient performance level compared to a well insulated wall without windows.

5

Is it possible for a contractor or even an architect to strike the perfect balance? It’s becoming easier for contractors and design professionals as there are now a lot of energy and moisture management modeling tools and training opportunities available that allow for simple product and systems planning. In addition, there is vast knowledge on the topic of achieving the most balanced and efficient building envelope now; much of it in response to mistakes made in the past! The DOE’s EERE Web site (www.eere.energy.gov) and the EPA’s EnergyStar Web site (www. energystar.gov) are good places to get started.

6

How does a building owner or architect know that the envelope specialist is qualified? Are there credentials required? The qualifications—and needs— depend on the level of the building project. For example, in a highrise building, the entity that would be best qualified to know how to achieve a perfect balance within the structure would be someone aligned to the engineering and building commissioning field, the building’s HVAC system and can work with others members of the design team. A good example would be engineering experts like Morrison Hershfield, an engineering and management firm that has offices across the country. If you are building a singlefamily, residential home, you can get that knowledge from local green building experts like the EarthCraft Home program based here in Atlanta which works with both builders and homeowners. Credentials may not be required, but it is good to look for an experienced and trained company or individual, and ask about their certification and background in the areas important to the project team. W&C

Barry Reid, LEED AP is sustainability manager at Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC. If you read this article, please circle number 239.

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

21

Texas, Hold ‘Em I

am a lath and plastering contrac contractor in Texas and was asked to share the impact of what a major storm has on exterior claddings in coastal areas. In September 2008, we had no idea what we would face in the next week or two. We were so convinced that Hurricane Ike was heading to South Texas and not coming to the Galveston area that my wife and I set out to Dallas early the previous morning to pick up two new Sharpei pups. Half way home, I received a call from my dad. He wanted to use the spare generator I have at the shop. He said that the storm was going to hit us head on. I thought he was caught up in all the media hype. We came to find he was right. Ou r home a nd of f ice a re i n

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Over-fastening O ver fastening projects in tornado/hurricane prone areas can lead to destroyed and failed systems. One Gulf area contractor in Texas discusses the impacts of Hurricane Ike. By Tim Rogan Seabrook, Texas, 25 miles north of Galveston. This area is no stranger to tropical storms and hurricanes. In 1979, it was Claudette; in 1983, it was Hurricane Alicia; in 1989, it was Allison; in 1995, Tropical Storm Dean. In 2006, we were on the outer reaches of Hurricane Rita. There have been many more. When we returned from Dallas, it was the afternoon. This was 26 hours before expected land fall. We had enough time to secure our home, office and two neighbor’s homes. We made

plans to stay and ride it out. Of course, we had been through large storms in the past—but just in case, we had escape routes and back up plans. We were very lucky. We came through with little damage to our home and office. Unfortunately, some homes just two blocks from our office took on two feet of water or more. The closer to the bay, the higher the water rose in those homes. Seabrook was hit very hard. On my back porch, I witnessed wind gusts to 115 mph. Within a few hours

 This souvenir shop is also on the seawall. The wall panels are metal studs encapsulated in 6-inch EPS. As the photo shows, this project was exposed for a long period of time to UV rays before being covered with mesh and basecoat. The EPS was yellow by the time the finish system was installed.

This Econo Lodge sits two blocks off the seawall and like most buildings facing the water, it faces southeast. The most powerful winds or “dirty side” of this storm came from the southeast. As you can see from the advanced state of decay of the OSB, there were water problems here long before the storm.

of the storm passing, our town of 9,500 people was closed to all traffic. Nobody could get in and if you left, you were not allowed to return. A week after the storm, the city was getting back on line, although many businesses would not open for many months and some never returned. At this time, travel was allowed to Galveston Island. I jumped into my truck the first day and headed south. You would not believe the amount of people going to the island: construction workers, clean up crews, emergency personnel and property owners were in line to get the rebuilding underway. This normal 30-minute trip took me an hour and a half. As I began to get closer to the Causeway Bridge, I saw hundreds of boats, cars and any other thing that was stored under these beach homes lining the freeway and access roads. At one underpass, I could not believe the height of the water line shown by the debris.

REBUILDING TIME Our firm helped repair some of the historic properties in the Strand District, many of which were built right after the Great Storm of 1900 that took an estimated 8,000 lives. We also repaired homes that we did ten or twelve years ago. These were stucco homes with high-quality products. Pure zinc trim, 3.4 metal lath, and Dow 795 sealants.

This photo (and the photo on the next page) shows an inn also on the seawall. It had only been open for a couple of months. What you do not see in this picture is this building suffered the loss of 50 percent of the EIFS on the left side elevation and 90 percent loss at the rear. There are no buildings adjacent to it.

The building codes require the lower floors of a house to be constructed with breakaway walls. This allows the house to remain while the walls break away and allow water to pass under the structure leaving the building. Other then superficial gouges in the finish, most of the damage was limited to the lower floors with the exception of roofs. Homes built before the breakaway code went into effect were washed away completely. This was the most compelling thing I saw and documented about the damage to buildings caused by a nearly Category 4 storm. Roofing systems were almost nonexistent. Exterior cladding suffered different levels of damage. The greatest damage I observed was to siding materials. This included vinyl siding, as well as cement board siding. This may have had something to do with installation. Vinyl siding is not installed with the amount of fasteners as metal lath. Cement board siding usually has the fasteners overdriven, thus compromising the holding capabilities. Keep in mind that a negative wind load has as much destructive potential as a positive wind force. These materials were sucked off the walls. My estimate of buildings with these claddings suffered at least 60 percent material loss. Buildings with EIFS cladding also suffered damage. I was surprised: the

most damaged was the mechanically attached EIFS. This was not from impact damage but rather an installation issue, as well. I can only figure these installations were a result of the building officials’ lack of knowledge of correct installation or a result of a contractor not intending to be around when problems start. I saw almost in all cases the EPS started out as 1 inch foam board. It was rasped (sanded) down to 3/4 inch or less. In some cases, the EPS was attached with the little orange or green plastic roofing washers, most of which were screwed to the wall with black drywall screws, none of which exceeded 1¼ inch in length. Even some system applications using the proper washers and screws shared the same installation defect.

MAXIMUM OVER-DRIVE In every case where I evaluated the EIFS installation, all of the washers were over-driven by as much as 1/2 inch. The other thing that stood out is most of the board did not have the recommended fastener patterns. On a large job, if you fasten three times in the center of the board and in the joints of adjacent boards, you can save a few boxes of washers, screws and labor. The systems that failed, but had the correct washers and screws, failed because the fasteners were so severely over-driven that the screws

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

23

were still in the plywood substrate and the EPS, mesh, basecoat and finish were washed to sea. Almost every mechanically attached system suffered as much as 30 percent EIFS loss. On the other hand, the damage to adhesively attached EIFS was far less. Yes, there was some impact damage but I did not see entire elevations ripped from the structure. The fact is the only damage to this type of installation I observed was where the brown paper-faced sheathing was used behind the EIFS (remember this). Both the EPS and the face paper were ripped from the gypsum core or the sheathing was gone as well. Almost all of the newer buildings that have glass mat sheathing behind the EIFS showed no visible signs of delamination. The last, and by far the system with the lowest amount of damage was the conventional three coat stucco assembly. I did see some damage but not to the extent of the others evaluated. As I stated earlier, the greatest amount of damage was to the breakaway walls. This damage was minimal to the

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

homes where the contractor installed a two-piece joint with the lath cut at the joint. This was our installation procedures. The cement stucco systems that showed the most damage were the aged systems that were not properly waterproofed and were already in a state of decay. Most of these systems were installed with 6 mil poly behind them. (Some of you older guys will remember when we used poly as a back-up behind stucco. That was 25 years ago. Then an engineer found that the non-permeable poly created a dew point on the face of the plywood, creating rot and rust behind the system. This is why we use building paper and wraps today.) The cement plaster systems installed over the last 10 to 15 years showed almost no damage, and both stucco and EIFS out-performed other claddings. This is not to say they were all installed to design specifications or with high-quality materials, but the storm had little impact on the system. We did not evaluate any brick or other masonry buildings because this is not

the choice cladding in coastal areas and all beach homes are elevated at least 12 feet. When I shared what I saw with other members of the TLPCA, one leading manufacturer suggested that we push for the City of Galveston to adopt the Miami-Dade County EIFS Building Code. The contact I made with the Chief Building Official of Galveston was also part of my mission. When I saw the destruction firsthand I wanted a chance to tell our side of the story about the failures. I did not want Galveston to outlaw EIFS or stucco. I am the past president of the Texas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association and very active in this industry. I offered to bring an educational seminar to Galveston to teach them the Dos and Don’ts of our products. These are very good products for coastal areas in the hands of a quality contractor. At the time, there was so much chaos, that the CBO said they would like to do this but they needed to let the dust settle. I see their point but I felt that this was the time to learn how to do it right. With the new energy codes at our doorstep, you will see much more EIFS-clad buildings. This will entail low-income housing, as well as high end. I only hope that we as an industry can have a handle on proper installations. All of this revolves around education of contractors, architects and building officials. For more information on what EIFS-clad buildings can do, look up and read the Oakridge Laboratories Report (which can be found at www.eima.com). The TLPCA is willing to help all municipalities provide education on installation of our products to any building inspector or design firm in the state of Texas. I encourage all to contact the Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association and/or other local bureaus, and EIMA for any technical support or education programs. W&C Tim Rogan is operations manager and vice president of Houston Lath and Plaster. He was also past president and still a current member of the Texas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association (now renamed the South Central Wall Ceiling & Plaster Association). You can reach Rogan at (281) 291-9500. If you read this article, please circle number 240.

Chart Your Course to Real

SUC CESS At Clear Seas Research we develop customized research solutions to identify:

The outlook for new/existing products Unmet customer needs Optimal product price points Marketing messages with impact Your position in the industry Areas of customer delight Opportunities for new solutions/products . . . and much more

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SPEC

S T E E SH The Walls & Ceilings Special Spec Sheet Section will supply the building community with a unique guide to new and innovative products now on the market. This section is designed to be a year-long resource for specifiers and architects. Whether you save for your own files or forward these on to a colleague, the spec sheets will help you determine the right products for a job. Keep this January issue on file or simply tear out the pages as a handy reference for current or future use.

BASF .......................................................27

National Gypsum ...................................39

On Center ...............................................29

Spec Mix .................................................40

Super Stud .............................................31

Armstrong ..............................................41

Georgia Pacific ......................................33

Total Wall................................................42

Certainteed Gypsum .............................35

Structus ..................................................43

Owens Corning .......................................37

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

sustainable construction loves chemicals Chemistry creates building materials and technologies that improve energy efficiency, durability and speed of construction. Our innovative product portfolio helps you balance environmental, economic and social priorities and our collaborative process helps you turn your visionary ideas into reality. Go beyond Code, and gain a competitive edge. At BASF, we create chemistry. www.basf.us/construction



Please Circle #223 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier Improve energy efficiency by up to 40% Structural wall

Insulation. Air barrier. Vapor barrier. Drainage plain. One product…one application. Fully-tested and field-proven. Thanks to its 90% closed-cell content, the WALLTITE® system combines industry-leading air permeance ratings and a superior insulation R-value to make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency. The WALLTITE® insulating air barrier system:

Transition membrane

WALLTITE Air Barrier Exterior finish

Eliminates uncontrolled air leakage Improves occupant comfort, health and safety Improves indoor environmental quality Improves structural strength Reduces condensation, moisture and mold problems Conforms to any shape Is approved by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) to meet the mandated air barrier requirements of the Commercial Energy Codes of Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Michigan Is installed only by ABAA approved applicators with third-party quality control inspection For master specifications visit www.walltite.com

ENERSHIELD™ Air/water-resistive Barrier Systems

ENERSHIELD™ provides new options for creating high performance air/water-resistive barrier systems. Four concepts form the basis of ENERSHIELD: Efficient use of premium materials One air barrier material for all wall assemblies Extensive supporting test data Safety and Sustainability ENERSHIELD products are designed for ease of application. Since they are fully approved for use on all acceptable substrates behind most claddings (including EIFS), they can be used as a single air barrier material for all wall assemblies. When reinforced with sheathing fabric, ENERSHIELD is ideally suited for treating window rough openings and other penetrations. This extends the seamless single system approach and minimizes the need for transitions between dissimilar materials. VOC levels of ENERSHIELD products are well below the maximum allowed by USGBC LEED program further minimizing emissions. For master specifications visit www.enershield.basf.com 

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Please Circle #225 On Reader Action Card

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SPEC SHEET

Please Circle #229 On Reader Action Card

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

The gloves are off.

The EDGE™ EQ Drywall Steel Framing System from Super Stud lets you take the gloves off. With its patent pending rolled edge to protect your hands, no other product in the industry rivals The EDGE. Formed from the highest quality, mill prime 40KSI steel, it is UL® classified for use in one-, two-, threeand four-hour wall assemblies, and meets or exceeds the criteria of ASTM C645 and C754. So if you’re ready to take the gloves off, let Super Stud give you

by

The EDGE.

www.edgesteelframing.com

1-732-662-6200

For licensing opportunities at select locations across the US, call or visit our website. Please Circle #120 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET SPEC SHEET

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Please Circle #232 On Reader Action Card

Your work isn’t just work, it’s your reputation. That’s why since 1965, the name Georgia-Pacific Gypsum has been synonymous with quality products and expertise ensuring that “your work” and “your reputation” stay the same way, intact. Visit www.gpgypsum.com or call 1-800 -947-4497 to locate a distributor near you.

SPEC SHEET Technical Service Hotline 1.800.225.6119 or

www.gpgypsum.com Manufacturer Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC 133 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303

Georgia-Pacific Canada LP 7070 Mississauga Road, Unit 120 Mississauga, ON L5M 7V9

Technical Service Hotline: 1-800-225-6119 Description DensArmor Plus® High-Performance Interior Panels are noncombustible (per ASTM E 136) interior panels that consists of a moisture-resistant gypsum core with coated fiberglass mats. The fiberglass mats provide superior protection from incidental moisture. DensArmor Plus panels are highly resistant to the growth of mold, and have scored a 10, the highest level of performance for mold resistance under ASTM D 3273 test method. The core of DensArmor Plus panels is reinforced with fiberglass, increasing the product’s strength. The treated core and the coated facings made with fiberglass offer greater moisture resistance and improved dimensional stability than regular gypsum board. The product resists warping, rippling and buckling. They have a tapered edge to receive joint treatment.

low emissions of VOCs. CHPS is a national non-profit organization that works with school districts and their design teams to improve the quality of education by using products that have met requirements to receive CHPS credits.

Do not use DensArmor Plus® Fireguard® (per ASTM C 1658) panels where there is prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 125˚ F (52˚C), e.g. adjacent to wood burning stoves, heating appliances, saunas or steam rooms.

Primary Uses DensArmor Plus Interior Panels are an interior wall or ceiling covering material for use in new construction or renovation work. They are designed for direct attachment with screws or nails to wood and metal framing or existing surfaces. They may be used as a covering material for flat or curved structures.

Technical Data Flame spread and smoke developed rating of 0/0 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or CAN/ULC S-102. Noncombustible as described and tested in accordance with ASTM E 136. 5/8" DensArmor Plus® Fireguard® panels are UL and ULC Classified Type DAP. 1/2" and 5/8" DensArmor Plus® Fireguard C™ products are UL and ULC Classified Type DAPC.

• Use on interiors of exterior walls, where moisture intrusion is most likely.

DensArmor Plus Interior Panels are the first drywall panels to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified ® and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by a leading third-party organization, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. In addition, DensArmor Plus Interior Panels are the first drywall panels listed as GREENGUARD microbial resistant. This listing means DensArmor Plus panels, which feature fiberglass mats instead of paper facings used on the surface of traditional gypsum board products, resist mold growth. The microbial resistant test is based on ASTM Standard D 6329-98, a testing standard set by ASTM International, which develops testing guidelines and procedures for building materials, products, systems, and services.

• Use in pre-rock areas, where the windows, doors or roof have not been installed making moisture intrusion inevitable. DensArmor Plus panels come with a limited warranty against delamination and deterioration for up to 12 months of exposure to normal weather conditions.*

DensArmor Plus panels also are listed in the Collaborative for High Performance Schools® (CHPS™) High Performance Products Database for

Intended for interior applications only, they must be kept dry during storage and handling.

• Where required by code, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum recommends the use of DensShield® Tile Backer in wet areas behind tile, such as tub and shower areas. Limitations DensArmor Plus Interior Panels are a non-structural product and should not be used as a nailing base to support heavy wall-mounted objects.

Applicable Standards Manufactured to meet ASTM C 1658, ASTM C 1396 Section 7 and ASTM C 1177. Installation DensArmor Plus High-Performance Interior Panels should be installed according to the most current versions of Gypsum Association Publication GA-216 “Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board for Non-Fire-Rated Construction.” For fire-rated installations, the installation and details shall be in conformity with those assemblies published in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual GA-600, UL and ULC Fire Resistance Directories. Visit www.gpgypsum.com for Handling Precautions and other important information. *For complete warranty details, visit www.gpgypsum.com.

Physical Properties DensArmor Plus®

DensArmor Plus® Fireguard®

Thickness, nominal4

1/2 (12.7 mm) ± 1/64 (0.4 mm)

5/8  (15.9 mm) ± 1/64 (0.4 mm)

Width, standard4

4 (1219 mm) ± 3/32 (2.4 mm)

4 (1219 mm) ± 3/32 (2.4 mm)

Length, standard4

8 (2438 mm) to 12 (3658 mm) ± 1/4 (6.4 mm)

8 (2438 mm) to 12 (3658 mm) ± 1/4 (6.4 mm)

Properties

Weight1, nominal lbs./sq. ft., (Kg / m 2) Permeance 7, Perms (ng/Pa • s • m2)

2.021 (9.9)

2.51 (12.2)

>10 (570)

>10 (570)

Linear expansion with moisture change, in/in %RH (mm/mm %RH)

6.25 x 10-6

6.25 x 10-6

Coefficient of thermal expansion, in/in/°F (mm/mm/°C) Flexural strength, parallel, lbf.3,4 (N)

8.5 x 10-6 (15.3 x 10-6)

8.5 x 10-6 (15.3 x 10-6)

>80 (356)

>100 (444)

Flexural strength, perpendicular, lbf.3,4 (N) R Value 2, ft 2 • °F • hr/BTU (m2• K/ W)

>100 (444)

>140 (622)

.56 (0.099)

.67 (0.118)

Combustibility6

Noncombustible

Noncombustible

Nail pull resistance, lbf.3,4 (N)

80 (356)

90 (400)

Hardness core, edges and ends, lbf.3,4 (N) Water absorption (% of weight) 3,4

*15 (67)

*15 (67)

<5

<5

Surface water absorption 3,5

<1.6 grams

<1.6 grams

Surface burning characteristics (per ASTM E 84 or CAN/ ULC-S102): flame spread /smoke developed Humidified deflection 3,4

0/0

0/0

2/8 (6.4 mm)

1/8 (3 mm)

Bending radius5

6 (1829 mm)

8 (2438 mm)

1

Represents approximate weight for design and shipping purposes

5

Double fasteners on ends as needed

2

Tested in accordance with ASTM C 518

6

As defined and tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S114 in combination with ASTM E 136

3

Tested in accordance with ASTM C 473

7

Tested in accordance with ASTM E 96 (dry cup method)

4

Specified values per ASTM C 1658 and ASTM 1177

TRADEMARKS Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks are owned by or licensed to Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC. GREENGUARD, and GREENGUARD Children & Schools are registered certification marks used under license through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. CHPS is a trademark owned by Collaborative for High Performance Schools, Inc. WARRANTIES, REMEDIES AND TERMS OF SALE For current warranty information for this product, please go to www.gpgypsum.com and select the product for warranty information. All sales of this product by Georgia-Pacific are subject to our Terms of Sale available at www.gpgypsum.com. UPDATES AND CURRENT INFORMATION The information in this document may change without notice. Visit our website at www.gpgypsum.com for updates and current information. CAUTION For product fire, safety and use information, go to www.gp.com/ safetyinfo or call 1-800-225-6119. HANDLING AND USE–CAUTION This product contains fiberglass facings which may cause skin irritation. Dust and fibers produced during the handling and installation of the product may cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation. Avoid breathing dust and minimize contact with skin and eyes. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and eye protection. Always maintain adequate ventilation. Use a dust mask or NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator as appropriate in dusty or poorly ventilated areas. FIRE SAFETY CAUTION Passing a fire test in a controlled laboratory setting and/ or certifying or labeling a product as having a one-hour, two-hour, or any other fire resistance or protection rating and, therefore, as acceptable for use in certain fire rated assemblies/systems, does not mean that either a particular assembly/system incorporating the product, or any given piece of the product itself, will necessarily provide one-hour fire resistance, two-hour fire resistance, or any other specified fire resistance or protection in an actual fire. In the event of an actual fire, you should immediately take any and all actions necessary for your safety and the safety of others without regard for any fire rating of any product or assembly/system.

U.S.A.– Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC Canada – Georgia-Pacific Canada LP SALES INFORMATION AND ORDER PLACEMENT U.S.A. Midwest: 1-800-876-4746 West: 1-800-824-7503 South: 1-800-327-2344 Northeast: 1-800-947-4497 CANADA

Canada Toll Free: Quebec Toll Free:

1-800-387-6823 1-800-361-0486

TECHNICAL INFORMATION U.S.A. and Canada: 1-800-225-6119 www.gpgypsum.com ©2010 Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC. All rights reserved.

34

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

© 2010 CertainTeed Corporation

! W NE

TM

The only gypsum board that clears the air. Doesn’t that feel better? Indoor air contains many pollutants and VOLATILEORGANICCOMPOUNDS6/# S  4HE6/# SAREFOUNDINFURNITURE CARPETS cleaning materials, and many other everyday items. With the growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, particularly in hospitals, schools, offices and residences, it’s time to clear the air.

AirRenew™ is the only gypsum board that actively improves air quality. s0ERMANENTLYREMOVES6OC*s by converting them into safe, inert compounds. s!BSORBS6/# SFORUPTOYEARS even after multiple renovations, based on tests and analysis. s2ECYCLABLEANDWORKSWITHMOST paint and wallpaper. s0ROVIDESENHANCEDMOISTURE and mold resistance using M2Tech® technology.

Only AirRenew™ improves air quality, providing a healthier environment and peace of mind for generations.

AirRenew™ captures VOC*s and converts them into inert compounds that cannot be released back into the air.

Visit www.AirRenew.com

* VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) – formaldehyde and other aldehydes.

Please Circle #153 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET

Improves air quality and provides peace of mind for generations with two new technologies*. It cleans the air by permanently removing VOCs** circulating indoors and has superior M2Tech® technology, providing enhanced moisture and mold resistance. VË !֔jÁÖÄËw‰ÁjˆÁ?ÍjaË?ÄÄj”MßËajĉ~™ÄËwÁËÄ?wjÍßË?™aˬjÁwÁ”?™Wj VË 5/8" (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum core, UL Classified, and ULC Listed for Fire Resistance VË AirRenew™ Type X may be substituted for CertainTeed Type X and M2Tech® Type X gypsum board in UL/ULC fire rated assemblies V Lightweight gypsum board that handles like other CertainTeed gypsum boards VË jÄ˙ÍËÁj¶Ö‰ÁjËĬjW‰?Ë͝Ä VË ?ÄßË͝ËWÖÍË?™aˉ™ÄÍ?Ë VË ?ßËMjËw‰™‰Ä†ja^Ëpainted with most water based acrylic paints or, covered with breathable wall paper using conventional gypsum board techniques.

Product Specifications AirRenew™ is produced in 1/2" (12.7 mm) and 5/8" (15.9 mm) Type X thicknesses. 4' (1220 mm) width and 8', 10' and 12' (2440, 3050, 3660 mm) lengths. Installation is fast, easy and efficient. Product

Product Standards

Federal Standard SS-L-30d

AirRenew™

ASTM C 1396 / CAN/CSA-A82.27

Type VII Grade W (1/2") Type VII Grade W, X (5/8")

Application Standards ASTM C 840, GA-216 CAN/CSA-A82.31

1/2" (12.7 mm), 5/8" (15.9 mm) AirRenew™ Widths, ft ( mm) Standard Lengths, ft (mm)

4 (1220) 8, 10, 12 (2440, 3050, 3660)

Edges

Tapered

Mold Resistance Rating*** (ASTM D 3273 and G 21)

10 and 0

Flame Spread /Smoke Developed (ASTM E 84 / CAN/ULC-S102) Core

5/5 Type X – 5/8" (15.9 mm)

* Patent pending ** VOCs (volatile organic compounds) - formaldehyde and other aldehydes. *** No mold growth detected. Note – 10 and 0, respectively, are the best scores possible for these tests.


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Please Circle #226 On Reader Action Card 36

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Please Circle #215 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET

R-value1

Bags per 1000 Sq. Ft.

Maximum Net Coverage

Maximum Weight/Sq. Ft.

Minimum Thickness (in)

Minimum Settled Thickness2

R-13

5.5

182.9

0.180

4.75

4.75

R-19

81

124.2

0.266

6.75

6.75

R-22

9.4

106.3

0.311

7.75

7.75

R-26

11.2

89.6

0.368

9.00

9.00

R-30

13.0

77.0

0.428

10.25

10.25

R-38

16.8

59.5

0.555

12.75

12.75

R-44

20.1

49.8

0.662

14.75

14.75

R-49

22.6

44.2

0.747

16.25

16.25

R-60

28.5

35.1

0.940

19.50

19.50

R-value1

Minimum Thickness

Installed Density Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

Maximum Coverage/Bag

Bags per 1000 Sq. Ft.

Minimum Weight Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

13

3.5 (2x4)

1.3

87.0

11.5

0.379

15

3.5 (2x4)

1.5

75.4

13.3

0.438

21

5.5 (2x6)

1.3

55.4

18.1

0.596

24

5.5 (2x6)

1.8

40.0

25.0

0.825

Minimum Thickness

Installed Density Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

Maximum Coverage/Bag

Bags per 1000 Sq. Ft.

Minimum Weight Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

31

2x8

1.4

39.0

25.6

0.846

39

2x10

1.4

30.6

32.7

1.079

48

2x12

1.5

23.5

42.6

1.046

R-value1

Minimum Thickness

Installed Density Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

Maximum Coverage/Bag

Bags per 1000 Sq. Ft.

Minimum Weight Lbs. per Sq. Ft.

28

2x8

1.3

42.0

23.8

0.785

36

2x10

1.3

32.9

30.4

1.002

44

2x12

1.3

27.1

36.9

1.219

Walls

Floors R-value1

38

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Please Circle #230 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET

Gold Bond BRAND e 2XP Interior Extreme Gypsum Panel ®

®

TM

Coated Fiberglass Mat Enhanced Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Core

Description e2XP® Interior ExtremeTM is a moisture and mold resistant gypsum panel designed for interior applications requiring increased resistance to incidental moisture.

e2XP Interior Extreme is manufactured with an enhanced moisture and mold resistant gypsum core and facer. The facers are composed of a coated fiberglass mat which provides superior moisture resistance capabilities. It is produced in 1/2” Regular and 5/8”Fire-Shield® Type X, 4’ wide in standard lengths. e2XP Interior Extreme is lightweight, scores and cuts easily and is specially coated on the front, back and sides for easy handling. e2XP Interior Extreme is easily identified by the back facer in our original purple color.

Basic Uses e2XP Interior Extreme can be used in both wood and metal framed construction for interior wall and ceiling finishing while providing increased moisture and mold resistance. e2XP Interior Extreme is recommended for use on the interior side of exterior walls, where moisture exposure is more likely. Enhanced performance is provided in pre-rock applications before the building envelope is completely enclosed.

e2XP Interior Extreme can be used as a substrate for tile applications outside of wet areas. With e2XP Interior Extreme, a single gypsum panel product can be used throughout the entire project wherever gypsum board is specified. On projects where the owner or specifier have designated fiberglass faced gypsum board exclusively for the interior, the ideal solution is e2XP Interior Extreme. Corporate Headquarters National Gypsum Company 2001 Rexford Road Charlotte, NC 28211 Phone: (704) 365-7300

Coated Fiberglass Mat

Features/Benefits Manufactured to meet ASTM C 1658 and applicable sections of ASTM C 1396. Will withstand up to 12 months of interior exposure to the elements, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of National Gypsum’s Limited Warranties. Resists the growth of mold per ASTM D 3273 with a score of 10, the best possible score. Provides the best moisture resistance solution for the interior side of exterior walls where moisture exposure is more likely. A preferred alternative to paper faced gypsum board in pre-rock applications before the building envelope is fully enclosed, which may shorten construction cycles. Coated fiberglass mat on face and back for easy handling. 5/8” Fire-Shield e XP Interior Extreme is an approved component in specific UL fire-rated designs. 2

Technical Data PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 1/2" e2XP Interior Extreme Regular Nominal Thickness 1/2" Standard Width 4' Standard Lengths 8'–12' Nominal Weight, (lbs./sf) 2.0 Permeance, (perms) >10 Linear Expansion 6.25 x 10 – 6 Coefficiency of Thermal Expansion 9.26 x 10 – 6 Flexural Strength, parallel,, lbf ≥ 80 Flexural Strength, perpendicular, lbf ≥100 “R” Value (C 518) 0.43 Noncombustible per ASTM E 136 Yes Nail Pull Resistance minimum, lbf 80 Hardness core, edges and ends ≥15 Water Absorption (% of weight) ≤5 (ASTM C 473) Surface Water Absorption (grams) ≤1.6 Surface Burning Characteristics 0/0 Flame Spread/Smoke Developed (E 84) Humidified Deflection 2/8" Bending Radius 6' Resists Growth of Mold Yes Edges Tapered

5/8" e2XP Interior Extreme Fire-Shield – Type X 5/8" 4' 8'–12' 2.5 >10 6.25 x 10 – 6 9.26 x 10 – 6 ≥100 ≥140 0.50 Yes 90 ≥ 15 ≤5 ≤1.6 0/0 1/8" 8' Yes Tapered

Less than 5% water absorption per ASTM C 473.

e2XP Interior Extreme is GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified for indoor air quality.

Technical Information Phone: (800) NATIONAL (800) 628-4662 Fax: (800) FAX-NGC1 (800) 329-6421

Web: nationalgypsum.com purplechoice.info

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

39

SPEC SHEET DIVISION

FIBER BASE COAT (FBC) / PREMIXED STUCCO & SPEC MIX SILO SYSTEMS SPEC MIX FIBER BASE COAT, WITH ITS OPTIMIZED SAND GRADATION AND CUSTOM ADDITIVES IS ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE THE APPLICATOR WITH A PRODUCT THAT HAS OUTSTANDING PLASTIC AND HARDENED PROPERTIES SPEC MIX FBC TESTING AND PERFORMANCE Our engineers focus on superior product performance through constant research and development, while using advanced technology and material chemistry to develop superior materials for better wall systems. Following that protocol, SPEC MIX® Fiber Base Coat stucco is designed to be a high performance cement stucco basecoat that incorporates shrinkage compensating agents, a superior blend of polyester and fiberglass fibers formulated with an optimized sand gradation that meets ICC specifications. This is the primary advantage of using SPEC MIX FBC over field-mixed base coat stucco—the performance is unmatched. SPEC MIX FBC is tested by an independent third party as part of the SPEC MIX quality control program and ICC standards. When gun or hand applied by a qualified applicator, SPEC MIX FBC is approved by the International Code Council (ICC) as a one-hour fire rated wall when applied as a One Coat application, ESR 3018. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (PSI)

FLEXURAL STRENGTH (PSI)

TENSILE STRENGTH (PSI)

SHRINKAGE (%)

7 DAY: 1,146

7 DAY: 620

7 DAY: 245

7 DAY: -0.111

7 DAY: 0.004

28 DAY: 2,698

28 DAY: 690

28 DAY: 290

56 DAY: -0.112

56 DAY: 0.013

EXPANSION (%)

TRANVERSE WIND LOAD ( ASTM E 72)

AVG NEGATIVE PRESSURE: MAX LOAD AT 120 PSF AVG POSITVE PRESSURE: MAX LOAD AT 180 PSF

ACCELERA TED WEATHER (ASTM G 53)

PASSED TEST AT 2,000 HOURS OF EXPOSURE

ICBO ES FREEZE-THAW TEST (10 CYCLES)

PASSED TEST

ONE HOUR FIRE RATING (ASTM E 119)

PASSED TEST

SPEC MIX Stucco also comes in 80 lb. (36.4 KG) bags to offer versatility for any size application.

COVERAGE* FBC THICKNESS

COVERAGE SQ. FEET

80LB (36.4KG)

PACKAGE WEIGHT

3/8" (0.375)

24-26

80LB (36.4KG)

1/2" (0.50)

18-20

3,000LB (1363.5KG)

3/8" (0.375)

900-975

3,000LB (1363.5KG)

1/2" (0.50)

675-750

*Depending upon surface conditions, workmanship and technique as well as waste, square foot coverage of SPEC MIX FBC stucco may vary. These are only estimates for 80 lb. (36.4 kg) and 3,000 lb. (1,363.5 kg) coverage rates:

SPEC MIX SILO DELIVERY SYSTEMS SPEC MIX silo systems are engineered for simple and safe operation—all you need is a standard forklift to set up, charge and relocate the silo, using half the space of conventional mixing stations, but produce product twice as fast. Several silo designs are available to meet the stucco contractor’s needs. Whether the job is a residential or commercial project, large or small, SPEC MIX has a silo design to fit the scope of the build and any limitations. The weather resistant silos and product packaging allow all season construction, enabling you to remain productive year round.

MIXING MADE SAFE, EASY AND EFFICIENT Mixing SPEC MIX Fiber Base Coat from 80 lb. (36.4 kg) bags or with our silo systems and 3,000 lb. (1,363.5 kg) bags is simple and fast. All you need is a source of clean, potable water and a standard mechanical batch mixer or mixer/pump for spray applications. No matter what containment size the job requires a contractor can make as little as a handful, or as much as a mixer full—the quality is always consistently high. There is no sand to shovel or bags to lift—just add water and let the material dispense into the mixer-pump.

PA1000

PA4000

LOAD N GO

G7000

TEN BAGGER

SPLIT BELL

FOOTPRINT 4 FT. X 5 FT. WEIGHT EMPTY: 1,100 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 4,100 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 7 FT. 6 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS HOPPER HEIGHT: LOW SETTING 4 FT. 2 IN. AUGER DISPENSING HEIGHT: 5 - 6 FT. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 3,500 LBS. LIFT CAPACITY 8 FT. IN AIR

FOOTPRINT 7 FT. 1 IN. X 6 FT. 1 IN. WEIGHT EMPTY: 2,000 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 17,000 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 4 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS HOPPER HEIGHT: LOW SETTING 7 FT. 2 IN. AUGER DISPENSING HEIGHT: 5 FT. 7 IN. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 3,500 LBS. LIFT CAPACITY 8 FT. IN AIR

FOOTPRINT 6 FT. 6 IN. X 7 FT. 1 IN. WEIGHT EMPTY: 1,150 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 5,200 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 3 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS LOW SETTING: 10 FT. 10 IN. HIGH SETTING: 13 FT. 3 IN. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 4,000 LBS. LIFT CAPACITY 10 FT. IN AIR

FOOTPRINT: 7 FT. 7 IN. X 7 FT. 7 IN. WEIGHT EMPTY: 2,900 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 18,000 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 4 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS LOW SETTING: 15 FT. 6 IN. HIGH SETTING: 16 FT. 6 IN. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 4,500 LBS. 26 FT. DOUBLE STAGE (OR) TELESCOPIC LIFT

FOOTPRINT: 8 FT. X 11 FT. WEIGHT EMPTY: 3,210 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 30,000 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 4 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS LOW SETTING: 15 FT. 6 IN. HIGH SETTING: 16 FT. 6 IN. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 5,000 LBS. 26 FT. DOUBLE STAGE (OR) TELESCOPIC LIFT

FOOTPRINT: 8 FT. X 11 FT. WEIGHT EMPTY: 3,210 LBS. WEIGHT FULL: TO 30,000 LBS SHIPPING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 3 IN. COLLAPSED JOBSITE HEIGHTS LOW SETTING: 15 FT. 6 IN. HIGH SETTING: 16 FT. 6 IN. FORKLIFT REQUIREMENTS: 5,000 LBS. 26 FT. DOUBLE STAGE (OR) TELESCOPIC LIFT

2 0 2 5 C E N T R E P O I N T E B LV D , M E N D O TA H E I G H T S , M N 5 5 1 2 0 © 2011 SPEC MIX, INC.

40

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

T 1 888-SPEC-MIX

Please Circle #234 On Reader Action Card

F 1 888-329-7732

WWW.SPECMIX.COM

SPEC SHEET CEILING&WALL

LEED Credits ®

Recycled Content: Waste

SYSTEMS

57-63%

Management

Recycled Content

Local Materials

Waste Management

Recycled Content

Location Dependent Local

LEED ✔ Credits ✔ ®

Between us, ideas become reality ™

✔

Materials

armstrong.com/greengenie

✔

✔

✔

Location Dependent

armstrong.com/greengenie

Prelude XL and Suprafine XL HRC Grid Systems ®

®

®

The first standard high recycled content grid in the industry Key Selection Attributes

Typical Applications

■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Seismic Rx® Suspension Systems is an ICC-ES approach to seismic installations (ESR-1308) ■ PeakForm® patented profile increases strength and stability for improved performance during installation

Visual Selection Grid Face

Performance Selection Dots represent highest level of performance. Description

Dimensions

12' HD Main Beam

144 x 15/16 x 1-11/16"

Hanger Spacing* Lbs./Lin. Ft. 4 Ft. 5 Ft. 16.50 8.73

Total Recycled Content

Total Post-consumer Content

Lin. Ft./ Ctn.

•

63%

53%

240

XL7341HRC 4' Cross Tee XL8320HRC 2' Cross Tee

48 x 15/16 x 1-11/16" 24 x 15/16 x 1-11/16"

16.59 61.33

-

-

63% 63%

53% 53%

240 120

7800HRC

12' Hemmed Angle Molding

144 x 7/8 x 7/8"

-

-

-

57%

50%

360

12' HD Main Beam

144 x 9/16 x 1-11/16"

4 Ft. 16.86

5 Ft. 10.62

●

63%

53%

240

XL7541HRC 4' Cross Tee XL7520HRC 2' Cross Tee

48 x 9/16 x 1-11/16" 24 x 9/16 x 1-11/16"

12.73 51.83

– –

– –

63% 63%

53% 53%

240 120

7804HRC

144 x 9/16 x 7/8"

-

-

-

57%

50%

360

Item No.

Prelude Main Beam 15/16"

Offices Education Hospitality Retail Healthcare

7301HRC

Seismic Category

Cross Tees 15/16" 15/16"

Molding 7/8"

Suprafine Main Beam 9/16"

7501HRC

Cross Tees 9/16" 9/16"

Molding 9/16"

12' Hemmed Angle Molding

* Simple Span, derive maximum lbs/SF, divide the on-center spacing of the component into the lbs/LF given in the load test data column.

LEED Credit Summary/Sustainability Materials and Resources Credit 4

Product Prelude XL HRC Product 7800HRC Suprafine XL HRC 7804HRC

100% Recyclable 3 Yes

Total Recycled Content 1 Materials and63% Resources Credit 4

LEED RC Value 2 58

3 Yes 100% Recyclable Yes

57% Content 1 Total Recycled 63%

53Value 2 LEED RC 58

Yes

57%

53

1 Recycled content percentage is based on 2008 production. For specific post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content % breakdown for a project, go to armstrong.com/greengenie. Armstrong adheres to the FTC guidelines for recycled content. 2 LEED® Value (Based on MRc4 calculation). For specific information, go to armstrong.com/greengenie. 3 Armstrong Suspension Systems are 100% recyclable where steel products are recycled. Include as part of your construction waste management plan. 4 Regional materials calculation available at armstrong.com/greengenie.

Physical Data ASTM C635 Heavy-duty main beam classification, commercial quality cold-rolled hot dipped galvanized steel. Exposed surface chemically cleansed, galvanized capping prefinished in baked polyester or anodized finish. Seismic Performance Main beams – 7301HRC, 7501HRC Minimum Lbs. to pull out compression/tension – 335.0 Cross Tee – XL7341HRC, XL8320HRC, XL7541HRC, XL7520HRC Minimum Lbs. to pull out compression/tension – 352.0

Please Circle #126 #224 On Reader Action Card January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

41

SPEC SHEET

42

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

Please Circle #235 On Reader Action Card

SPEC SHEET

Water-activated, self-adhesive drywall corner trim. www.hydrotrimcorner.com Structus Building Technologies P.O. Box 5937 • Bend, OR 97708-5937 (888) 662-6281

Water-Activated Drywall Corner Trim HYDROTRIM® is an easy-to-apply corner that does not blister, bubble or crack. HYDROTRIM’s design includes a strong water-activated adhesive and punch holes that allow joint compound to further bond the corner to the drywall.

1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

HYDROTRIM Water-Activated, Self-Adhesive Drywall Corner Trims are made with a tight fibered, formulated paperboard laminated to a proprietary copolymer plastic core and selfadhesive paper joint tape. The high quality paperboard ensures that joint treatment, paints and wallpapers have prefinished surfaces for maximum adhesion of all finish materials. No nailing is required, making installation and precision corner alignment easier while eliminating nail pops and edge cracking. Benefits: • Fast, easy application reduces labor costs

Available in Outside 90 and Bullnose profiles.

IMPORTANT: Use a pump sprayer or spray bottle - NOT a sponge. Wet the entire adhesive surface with clean, plain, tap water. Allow 15-60 seconds activation time before installing HYDROTRIM.

• Crack resistance eliminates need for costly callbacks • Paper cover ensures smooth, more aesthetic corners • Pliable flanges lay down flat, offering superior bonding and easier finishing • Adhesive gives optimal working time and adjustability while forming an aggressive, quick bond under variable situations

2. INSTALLATION

KEEP BOX DRY. Deliver products in manufacturer’s original, unopened, undamaged containers. Store flat on the floor, protected from exposure to harmful environmental conditions and at temperature and humidity conditions recommended by the manufacturer. Do not store below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. CERTIFICATION

HYDROTRIM Water-Activated, Self-Adhesive Drywall Corner Trims meet or exceed ASTM C1047, ASTM C475 (AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS). These specifications cover accessories used in conjunction with assemblies of gypsum wallboard and gypsum veneer plaster to protect edges and corners and to provide architectural features.

4. WARRANTY Place the wetted, adhesive side of the HYDROTRIM corner on the wall corner, aligning it tightly to the ceiling with the apex of the trim squared with the center of the corner. Firmly press the corner by hand or with a roller, making sure the trim flanges fully contact the drywall surface. HYDROTRIM may be removed, re-wetted and repositioned if adhesive has not set-up. The corner can be mudded immediately after application using All-Purpose joint compound. If boxing, wait until the adhesive has set up. Videos and detailed instructions available at www.hydrotrimcorner.com. Please Circle #231 On Reader Action Card

Structus Building Technologies, Inc. (“SBTI”) makes the following limited warranties to the original retail purchaser of its products: 1. The product is to be free in defect from material and workmanship for a period of (1) year from the date of purchase. 2. If the product fails within the limited warranty period because of a defect in material or workmanship, upon satisfaction of the conditions described below, SBTI will replace the product. Please visit www.hydrotrimcorner.com for more information regarding conditions of applications and claims procedures. January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

43

the

FINISH LINE BY ROBERT THOMAS

Inspecting EIFS There is work underway to develop a standardized protocol for inspecting EIFS as it is being installed. This work is being done by the ASTM technical society. The protocol, as it currently exists in draft form, requires being at the job site at specific times to view the various layers of the EIFS as they are being installed. This month’s column will give you a heads-up about what this protocol is likely to be like, and perhaps inspire you to get involved with writing it in a way that is simple, not expensive and not overly burdensome.

SPECIFICATIONS AND BUILDING CODES T he w idely u s ed I nter n at ion a l Building Code and the International Residential Code require inspections when EIFS is being installed in certain circumstances. In particular, inspection is required on wood framed buildings. However, these codes do not say how to do the inspections, but merely that they be done. It’s thus reasonable to ask: “What exactly constitutes a proper inspection?” For example, “Is it a visual-only process?”, or “Do samples need to be taken, and tested or measured?” And also, “How often does the inspection need to occur, and what are the inspector’s qualifications?” The same is true in project specifications, where the building designer may want assurances that the EIFS is being installed properly and wants to include inspection requirements in the contract documents. Unfortunately, the specifier has little to refer to as an agreed inspection protocol, lest he take the time to write one himself, or makes use of a protocol offered by a third party, such as from an EIFS producer or a trade association.

WHAT IS INSPECTION? The term “inspection” can mean a number of things, depending on

44

| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

whom you talk to. This column deals with EIFS inspection as it is being installed. There is also what is sometimes called a “condition assessment,” which involves looking at an EIFS after it has been installed. This can occur, for instance, when an existing EIFS-clad house is being sold or when problems are suspected and an investigation is in order. It is difficult to meaningfully assess the condition of EIFS after it has been installed, without some form of digging into the wall. This leaves marks on the wall, and the inspected areas need to be repaired. If moisture in the wall is an issue, moisture meters that use nondestructive radio waves, and probestyle moisture meters, can be used without marring the wall too much. When doing EIFS inspections, it’s smart to discuss the scope of the work, including whether it is just the EIFS or also is to include windows, flashings, caulking and other wall elements. The question can also come up as to whether the inspector’s work includes telling how to fix defects, and helping with design changes and contracting. This needs to be agreed upon before the inspection starts. Generally, inspectors inspect, and don’t become architects or project managers.

TYPES AND FREQUENCY OF TESTING In most cases, using visual-only, nondestructive testing will get the job done. Sometimes, the specifier wants actual physical tests, such as: • Basecoat thickness • Proper adhesive/cement ratios • Impact damage resistance (presence of heavy reinforcing mesh where mandated)

T hese k i nds of test s requ i re removing pieces of EIFS, such as by cutting out sections of EIFS or taking core samples using a hole saw. Some of these tests can be done onsite, but many need to be taken to a laboratory. This can take time— slowing up the installation process— and can get expensive. They also require patching the removed area, which will likely be unsightly and also takes time. An extreme example of Quality Assurance testing is proof-testing of large wall areas for the strength of the bond of the EIFS to the substrate. This is done occasionally if the bond is suspect, and involves using a winch-like apparatus to pull off a 4-feet-by-4-feet section of EIFS. The number of visits to the site depends on the project size and how certain the specifier wants to be of the quality of the installation. Full time, continuous inspection rarely makes sense, as it is really expensive, but occasionally is viable, such as in large developments with multiple buildings scattered around a large site.

BASECOAT THICKNESS One of the more difficult but important inspections is for basecoat thickness. The thickness greatly affects the longevity, impact resistance and waterproofness of the wall. Basically, thicker is better. Once installed, the only way I’ve seen that works well is to take small samples and measure them with a micrometer. EIFS producers and industry specs vary as to what constitutes a proper thickness. Sometimes, a hard number is used, such as 1/8 inch. Other times, thickness is expressed in relationship to the thickness of the mesh, such as a minimum of one-and-a-half times the mesh thickness. The latter seems smarter to me, as mesh thicknesses vary. But wait, there’s more … You have to be careful to take a lot of measurements; multiple samples and multiple points within the sample. You also need to watch that you’re not measuring at mesh overlaps, which give a higher reading.

EIFS INSPECTION CHECKLIST – FOR EIFS AS IT IS BEING INSTALLED ON NEW BUILDING This is an example of a possible checklist (filled-out for a fictitious building), and should not be used as-is, and should be modified to fit the needs of your specific building project. Project name: Merrick Street Pub

Date of inspection: November 15, 2010

Project location (street address): Detroit

Time of day and weather conditions during inspection: Early afternoon. Sunny, dry, cold

Person requesting and paying for the inspection, and contact information: Joe Draught, Phone # Inspector name and company and contact information: Frank Pilsner, Phone # EIFS Contractor: Harp Plastering Co. (Detroit). Sean Bass, Phone #

Persons present during inspection: Draught and Pilsner Date of this report: November 16, 2010 Remarks: This inspection is for substrate, foam layer, some base coat areas only, at this point; EIFS finish coating not applied yet anywhere. OK?

NOT OK?

COMMENTS

GENERAL Brand of EIFS product

X

Review of contract documents

X

Substrate type, condition and flatness

X

Proper weather conditions and material storage during all phases

X

One of specified brands

PHASE I – INSULATION LAYER For EIFS with Drainage, installation of Water Resistive Barrier and drainage medium

X

Not applicable (Barrier EIFS)

For mechanically attached EIFS, proper fastener pattern, washer type, and screw type

X

Not applicable (uses adhesives)

Proper adhesive for substrate type

X

Proper mixing of adhesive

X

Proper adhesive pattern

X

Correct insulation type, board size and thickness, as well as quality (fusion of beads) and density

X X

Some board joints need EPS slivers before applying basecoat

X

Some areas need skim coat

Proper color and texture of Finish

X

Not applied yet

Proper mixing of Finish

X

Not applied yet

Proper tools & techniques to achieve desired texture

X

Not applied yet

Correct sealant. backer rod, and primer

X

Not applied yet

Tight fit of insulation board edges Wrapping of edges of insulation at EIFS perimeter, or use of embedded trim

X

Joints through EIFS where needed

X

Adequate space for sealant joints at EIFS perimeter

X

Adequate adhesive curing time

X

Adequate slope at sills, etc

X

PHASE II – BASECOAT LAYER Rasping of insulation surface

X

Correct base coat adhesive

X

Proper adhesive mixing

X

Proper mesh weight and location

X

Application of mesh into wet basecoat adhesive

X

Proper basecoat thickness Adequate basecoat adhesive curing time

X

PHASE III – FINISH LAYER

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

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the

FINISH LINE I f you’re t r y i ng to m e a su re basecoat thickness after the finish has been applied, the problem is worse, as the finish’s thickness varies, too. A nother way to assess thickness is to look at the basecoat. The

ing how much adhesive is used to do a given amount of wall area. EIFS producers publish “coverage rates” for their materials, and if too much wall is being covered for a given amount of adhesive, then it’s possibly too thin, has been

EIFS inspections are a specialized form of inspection, and normal building inspectors usually don’t have this specific type of training. faux axiom that the mesh pattern should not be visible—i.e., the mesh is fully embedded in the basecoat adhesive—is not a good test. The adhesive dries at different rates on the mesh strands and between the strands, and sometimes the mesh pattern is very obvious, yet the mesh is well-embedded. A better approach is to lightly rub your fingertips across the cured basecoat. It should not have a “waffle” feel but should be smooth. If there’s not enough adhesive on top of the mesh, then a skim coat can be applied. This is an extra step but many EIFS producers require it anyway. Ye t a not her way to me a su re b a s e c o at t h i c k n e s s i s b y s e e -

watered down or extra cement has been added.

AESTHETIC INSPECTIONS Sometimes, the person wanting an inspection wants to know more than just that it will be functional (not fall off or crack). This can even get into making sure the wall looks good. This type of inspection, for aesthetics, can open a real can of worms, since it’s sort of like telling someone that red wine is better than white. There are no standards for how to do such inspections, and sometimes picky architects and owners can get really wired about this issue. But there are ways around this.

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First, establish beforehand what constitutes acceptable appearance. The best way is a large wall mock-up that is kept at the job site and used as a reference. Another way is to establish how flat the wall needs to be—in other words, how much waviness is OK. This can be measured using a straight edge and setting a limit of, say 1/8 inch in 4 feet. It’s important to also establish the condition under which the wall will be viewed. For example, “down lights” that shine a beam of light at a shallow angle can accentuate a lack of flatness. The time of day also matters, particularly when the sun is low in the sky. Color and texture variations are easier to deal with than flatness. The mock-up mentioned earlier will help do that and color samples can be eyeballed against a calibrated sample of the EIFS producer’s colors, or standard color cards, such as those used to mix paints, to see if they match the wall.

REPORTS Oftentimes, the person requesting the inspection wants some type of written report. But there are cases where they specifically do not want anything in writing. In other words, the “report” can be verbal, often while the inspector is still on the job site and can talk with the person requesting the inspection about what they have found.

If writing a report, keep in mind that unless the inspection is done continuously for the whole project, it’s possible that something can be missed. In other words, inspectors can only really report on what they have witnessed; but it’s usually the case that if the work is being done right, it’ll be right for the whole job. However, on large projects, there may be multiple EIFS crews, and the workmanship may vary depending on where and when you look.

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TRAINING EIFS inspections should be done by inspectors who have undergone training about EIFS. EIFS inspections are a specialized form of inspection, and normal building inspectors usually don’t have this specific type of training. Several industry groups offer courses in EIFS inspection.

IN CONCLUSION The ASTM activity to develop this inspection protocol is underway in the A ST M Subcom mit tee on EIFS that I chair. David Johnston, the executive director of EIMA, is heading up the task group that is drafting this document. If you’d like to provide input, you can do so through Johnston (at EI M A’s office in Virginia via djohnston@ awci.org), or me, via [email protected]. Or, better yet, you can join ASTM at www.astm.org (the dues are minimal) and join-in on the discussions and vote on what this inspection document should be like. Lastly, I’ve included a checklist of things to look for when doing a basic inspection. I filled it out as-if I was doing some fictitious inspection but you can download a “clean copy” in MS Word format from W& C ’s Web site at w w w. wconline.com, and edit it to meet your needs. W&C

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Robert Thomas is a nationally recognized EIFS consultant, based in Jacksonville, Fla. He was the manager of technical services for a major EIFS producer, is the author of several books about EIFS and chairs the ASTM committee on EIFS. If you read this article, please circle number 262. Please Circle #129 On Reader Action Card January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

47

all things

GYPSUM BY MICHAEL GARDNER

Happy Birthday, Levels of Gypsum Board Finish Like any gangly teenager you simultaneously love and loathe, the “Levels of Gypsum Board Finish” document has grown up—it just celebrated its twentieth year of distribution. As a sign of its growing maturity, some of the language in “the Levels” was recently modified and a 2010 edition of the document was published. The original version of the Levels was published in 1990. Since then the text has been directly translated into two languages in North America (French and Spanish) and conceptually transposed and translated into at least six more languages internationally (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese). Versions exist on at least three continents—North America, Europe, and Australia— and its concepts have been woven into videos, matrix charts, i nter n at ion a l st a ndards, educational classes, sales aids, product specifications, books, and technical documents. In its most basic version, the Levels publication exists as a simple four-page printed document. The current presentation format is identical to the initial 1990 layout despite three separate updates to the text of the document that occurred in 1996, 2007 and 2010. An epsilon version of the 2007 edition was released in 2008 when a new party joined the consortium that monitors the content of the document.

INPUT FROM FIVE SOURCES A common misconception about the Levels document is that it is a publication of the Gypsum Association and that the Association controls the

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

content of the document. In truth, the document is modified based on input from five signatory organizations: the Gypsum Association; the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry; the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association; the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America; and most recently, the Drywall Finishing Council. Quite likely the incorrect belief exists because the Gypsum Association was tasked with formatting and printing the original document in 1990 and continues that obligation; however, a l l f ive sponsoring organizations have equal input into the content of the document and participate in the formal review process when the document is modified. The first four signatory parties created the document in 1990. The fifth, the Drywall Finishing Council, signed on in 2008. All five organizations distribute the document in both electronic and print versions, as do a number of regional contracting organizations. It is currently one of the most popular downloads on the Gypsum Association Web site. While the format of the document is the same as the original version, in a few instances the text is significantly different. The 1990 version of the document was consistently interpreted to require extra coats of joint treatment with some of the preliminary finish levels. For example, a

Level 2 finish that now requires only joint tape to be embedded in joint compound originally required “tape embedded in joint compound and one separate coat of joint compound applied over all joints.” After four years of discussion and nearly six years after publication of the initial document, the document was revised to reflect the current language. In addition, the original version did not permit the use of “materials manufactured specifically for this purpose” to be used to create a skim coat as described in Level 5. The 1990 edition allowed only joint treatment materials —joint compound and joint treatment products—to be used to create a Level 5 finish. The language was modified in the 1996 edition to permit alternative materials. The 2007 version was the first to specifically point out that a skim coat of joint treatment is not equivalent to, and should not be interpreted to be the same as, a coat of plaster. It also provided further guidance regarding some of the terms used in the document. Specifically, the term “trowel applied” had consistently become misinterpreted and many readers assumed it meant that the coat of joint compound used to create a skim coat could only be applied using a trowel. To remedy this misinterpretation, the document was revised to explain that the term was actually describing the consistency or viscosity of the joint compound and not the method of application or the tool used to apply the material.

CHANGES TO 2010 EDITION The changes that appear in the 2010 edition of the Levels of Gypsum Board Finish are primarily intended to make the document consistent with industry practices and recent modifications in model building codes. The primary process change reflected in the document occurs where levels 3, 4, and 5 have been modified to incorporate new language that requires the first coat of compound and tape to be “immediately wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint

compound over all joints and interior angles.” It is believed that the new language better reflects the standard industry practice for the application of joint compound. The explanatory language that accompanies Level 2 was modified to remove a reference to water-resistant gypsum backing board “used as a substrate for tile.” Because model building codes have evolved during the past decade to largely prohibit the use of water-resistant gypsum backing board as a tile substrate in wet areas, it was observed that the explanatory note was describing a practice that had become somewhat outdated. The note was revised to acknowledge that gypsum board can still be used as a base for tile in non-wet areas. Level 5 explanatory language was revised to eliminate any reference to the application of paint. Previous language highly recommended a Level 5 finish where “gloss, semigloss, enamel, or flat paints are specified or severe lighting conditions occur.” The update eliminates the reference to the paint and highly recommends a Level 5 finish where “specified or where severe lighting conditions occur.” The new edition also revised some of the document’s explanatory and introductory language. It now incorporates a paragraph that describes a finished surface and language that discusses the sheen levels of paint. Despite the release of a new edition of the Levels, potential modifications to the text are already being discussed by some of the signatory parties. To date, the modifications involve issues relating to the proper use of drywall primer and the gloss and sheen levels of paint. No doubt that as the five sponsors conduct internal meetings to discuss the document, more issues will be addressed. W&C Michael Gardner is the executive director of the Gypsum Association, an international trade association representing gypsum board manufacturers in the United States and Canada. If you read this article, please circle number 263.

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49

smart

BUSINESS BY JIM OLSZTYNSKI

Common Sense Vs. Nonsense Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart is immortalized by his famous statement that while he couldn’t define pornography, “I know it when I see it.” He pretty much spoke for all of us in that regard. Common sense is another quality that’s hard to define, but most of us know it when we see it in action. That’s why it’s called “common.” Or do we? It’s probably fair to say that most people recognize common sense most of the time, but the exceptions make us slap our foreheads. I’ve seen enough exceptions in the business world to raise some nasty red welts above the bridge of my nose. The dividing line between common sense and nonsense isn’t as clear-cut as people might imagine. I offer the following examples from the business world.

WHAT MAKES SENSE? Common Sense: Businesses must establish policies and procedures. Employees must be told when to start work and when it is permissible to leave, and what is expected of them performance-wise. They must be instructed to do certain tasks a certain way or chaos would result. Jobs would be botched, payments uncollected, bills unpaid, on and on. Customers, too, must be governed by rules defining what they are entitled to receive in the way of goods and services in return for X amount of dollars spent. Yes indeed, it is simply a matter of common sense that businesses must have rules. Nonsense: “Sorry, it’s against company policy.” If you’re human, and there aren’t too many non-humans reading this article, you’ve no doubt heard that phrase from time to time throughout

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

your life as either an employee or a customer or both. Doesn’t it send a chill of indignation up your spine? One example among many: Ever have a retail business decline an expired coupon? What’s the point of that? The purpose of discount coupons is to attract customers who wouldn’t otherwise patronize the business and who hopefully will become regular customers paying full price most of the time. That purpose is still served even beyond the expiration date. Expiration dates are printed to create a sense of urgency, and to help the business track how many customers a certain print run of coupons drew. In fact, smart retailers will even accept competitors’ coupons, which also serve the main purpose. Some rules don’t apply to all situations. Some rules are just plain stupid. If a rule is so rigid that it threatens to cost you a good customer or employee, scrap the rule or change it. Avoid shooting yourself in the foot. Common Sense: In these tough times you can’t afford to be turning down any work that’s available. Chase everything you can and bite the bullet when it comes to working for little or no profit. At least it will keep your crews busy and cash flowing. Nonsense: There’s some truth in the notion that you have to lower your sights in a down market. But it’s also a recipe for disaster. In May 2004, I wrote an article for this publication titled “12 Reasons to Just Say ‘No’.” You can find it in the archives section of www.wconline.

com. Take a look at it if you want to find out some of the pitfalls of jobs you are better off without. Common Sense: Experience counts. Apprentices aside, you can’t afford to hire novices or people who have only marginal trade or office skills. Nonsense: Common sense holds to an extent, but turns to nonsense when carried to an extreme. It’s okay to run want ads saying “experience required,” but I cringe when I see ads specifying “three years experience,” or “minimum five years experience.” Think about it. Is everyone who’s worked at a job for five years automatically better at it than someone who’s been doing it for a year or two? Some individuals are faster learners than others. Also keep in mind that a learning curve is steep during the first year or so but declines each one thereafter. After a couple of years at a given job most individuals absorb upwards of 90 percent of what they need to know to perform that job effectively. Common sense tells us so. Sometimes, experience is as much a hindrance as an asset. Veteran workers may adhere to outmoded ideas and are reluctant to accept much-needed change. They are apt to do things a certain way simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Look for quality hand-inhand with longevity. Common Sense: Word of mouth is the best form of advertising, as well as the cheapest. Why spend money we don’t have when referrals cost nothing. Nonsense: For the most par t I agree. Companies with a good reputation don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money promoting themselves. The nonsensical part comes into play with the notion held by many company owners that the way to generate referrals is to do good work, then sit back and wait for referrals to come their way. Customers who like the way you perform may cut loose with attaboys and a pat on the back at job completion, but as time passes they have other priorities. A few months down the road you’re out of sight and out

Why WASTE your time & money?

Anyone who answers your phones needs to be instructed in rudimentary telephone manners, especially that of projecting a cheerful demeanor. of mind. They may not even remember your name. This is something I learned from personal experience. Years ago my wife and I had vinyl siding installed on the home we lived in at the time, and it was the best renovation project we’d ever experienced. The contractor was terrific from our first meeting until the job was finished— actually, even beyond. I remember being impressed with the fact that he stopped by a month or two after completion (after our final payment!) just to make sure everything was okay. Well, a year or so later an acquaintance asked me to refer him to someone who did that kind of work, and I was embarrassed to find out that I couldn’t remember the company’s name or that of its owner. I had to dig out some old paperwork to find out, but a lot of people wouldn’t go through that trouble. Service firms that rely on repeat business don’t have as much of a problem as companies, like many of yours, that may do only a single project in a lifetime for a given customer. Referrals need to be cultivated. Develop a customer satisfaction review form to pass out after completion of every job. A key question to put on this form: “Can we put your name on our referral list of satisfied customers?” Instant testimonials! Common Sense: First impressions are lasting impressions. Nonsense: Absolutely true, and most business owners would agree. Where the nonsense comes in is that few realize that the first impression given by their company often comes from one of its lowest paid employees. That’s the person who answers you r phone. I n big compa n ie s

it’s usually a full-time receptionist who is trained to be pleasant with callers. That’s her job. (Sorry if that sounds sexist, but it’s almost always a she.) In small companies, the chore may fall to whoever in the office is most readily available, and that person usually is busy with other duties at the time. Nobody likes interruptions, so the caller frequently will find a chilly reception on the other end. Not necessarily impolite, just a tone of voice that informs the caller he or she is intruding and unwelcome. My c a re er spa n s more t h a n three decades and tens of thousands of phone calls to small trade contracting firms. I estimate that more than half of those calls ended up being answered by someone with a tone of voice that gave me a bad impression. Anyone who answers your phones needs to be instructed in rudimentary telephone manners, especially that of projecting a cheerful demeanor. Common Sense: Abide by the Golden Rule in all dealings with customers, employees and any other business associates. Treat everyone like you’d want to be treated, and more often than not things will work out favorably in the end. Nonsense: The only thing nonsensical about this common sense is that not enough businesspeople abide by it. W&C

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Jim Olsztynski is editorial director of Plumbing & Mechanical and editor of Supply House Times magazines. He can be reached at (630) 694-4006 or [email protected]. 1-800-874-2333 | www.trim-tex.com

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51

straight

GREEN BY CHRIS DIXON

Blame it on

Green Creating buildings in this day and age is surely near the top of “most difficult things we do” list. The challenges faced by designers and builders are many and great. Ever changing building codes, complicated regulatory requirements, tight deadlines, reduced budgets, and complex prog rams are the norm. The emergence and rapid adoption of green building requirements hasn’t made things any easier. People are not perfect, and mistakes are made in the process of designing and building buildings, as they are with everything else we do in life. Blame is a natural human response to something that goes wrong, often brought about when people feel threatened or insecure, and playing the blame game is an experience Owners, Designers, and Contractors are all too familiar with. In my experience, green building requirements are often pointed to as the scapegoat when things go wrong, generally as a way of distracting attention from the real causes. In this article, I offer a few green scapegoating examples from my personal experiences.

“IT’S THE GREEN FLOOR COVERING!” A t wo-stor y medical outpatient treatment facility I worked on was designed incorporating as many “green” interior finishes as possible. One of the materials chosen was bamboo for the flooring at the ground-level entry lobby and communicating corridor. I proposed an engineered bamboo f looring product as a more appropriate and durable product than the non-engineered bamboo flooring alternatives that dominated the market

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

at that time. Engineered bamboo flooring is a product made of multiple plies of wood with a wear layer of bamboo glued together, typically 3/8 inch to 5/8 in thickness. Engineered bamboo flooring is a very dimensionally stable, highly moisture resistant material. About 2 months after the building was occupied we received a call from the owner that the bamboo flooring was failing! The factory applied transparent fi nish on portions of the flooring was coming off and there were some planks that were warping and cupping. The owner blamed the bamboo flooring material as the cause—it had to be because it was installed exactly as the contract documents stipulated according to the contractor. The manufacturer sent a technical representative to take a look. Upon first inspection, the representative suspected that the flooring had been subjected to excessive wetting, more than likely a result of wet mopping the floor after installation—a big “no-no” in the maintenance manual. The maintenance instructions clearly require that the flooring not be subject to anything more than a damp mop for routine maintenance and cleaning. At first, the owner’s cleaning staff denied wet mopping the floor, but after a lab test was conducted, it was determined that this was, in fact, the source of the moisture and cause of the failure. Improper cleaning and maintenance

can cause any material to fail, green or otherwise.

“IT’S THE GREEN ROOF!” Googling “green roof failure” results in dozens of results in which green is unjustly labeled as the cause of problems many projects have encountered when incorporating this type of roofing assembly. Most of the failures that pop up in the Google search have to do with plantings dying prematurely, usually within a year or two. Green roofs, while relatively new to the U.S., have been performing beautifully and for many years in other parts of the world. The green roof failures I know of in the U.S. are not due to the concept, but the execution. One green roof failure I know of in Seattle is typical of many green roof failures. On this project, a green roof was carefully designed and planned and looked beautiful at the time of substantial completion, but within a year, all of the plants were dead. No amount of irrigation, fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides made any difference. There were lots of articles written about the failure, “green” being named as the reason for the failure. I was fortunate enough to know the waterproofi ng membrane manufacturer’s rep that was ultimately able to solve the problem, and learn about the true cause of the failure. According to the rep, the project team ignored the manufacturer’s original recommendation that a special soil medium be used for the plantings selected. Instead, the team used a medium that was unsuitable for use on a green roof in Seattle. The manufacturer tested the soil medium that was used, as a favor to the building owner, and reported that the soil contained too much organic content (mulch, essentially) that prevented the plantings from flourishing. The poor soil was removed, the proper medium was installed, and now the green roof performs as it should.

“IT’S THE GREEN ADHESIVE!” A low-rise commercial offi ce building pursuing a LEED certification

was covered with an SBS-modifi ed roofing membrane assembly using a low-VOC, cold-applied adhesive between roofing plies. Not long after the roofi ng was installed, the plies began to delaminate from one another and the roof began to leak. The subcontractor immediately blamed the cause of the failure on the low-VOC adhesive he was required to use for the building’s LEED point accumulation.* An initial investigation by the contractor and the manufacturer’s representative found that the proper lowVOC was supplied and used, and that there was no reason that the adhesive should have caused the failure, thousands of square feet of the same system having been installed on countless buildings without issue. The subcontractor stuck to his story, however, but offered to repair and replace the entire roofi ng assembly— for a tidy sum. As more questions were asked, it was revealed by one of the installers that gasoline was used frequently to thin the adhesive making it easier to apply. Gasoline can be a very effective thinner for petroleum-based adhesives, but it does not work very well in combination with water-based products! This alarming revelation was an embarrassment to the contractor, and resulted in an immediate replacement of the roofi ng system at no cost to the owner. The roof has performed flawlessly since it was replaced. *Those familiar with LEED will know that a low-VOC, water-based adhesive on the roof is not a requirement for any LEED points. In this case, a standard, solvent-based adhesive could have been used without jeopardizing point accumulation.

low-VOC paint which was accepted by the team as a no cost change. Shortly after occupancy, coati ngs appl ied to a l l t he hol low metal doors and frames began to bubble and peel. The failure was fi rst noticed where rolling hospital carts were making contact with the doors and frames. The coating was also failing near door handles and door bottoms where keys, hands, and feet made contact. The coating appeared to be failing due to a lack of adhesion between the coating and the factory-applied protection primer on the doors and frames. The painter immediately blamed the low-VOC coating as the reason for the failure and offered to repaint the doors and frames—for a cost. The painting manufacturer’s rep maintained that the coating could not be the problem, because the same coating had been used on many other projects, over the same substrates, and experienced none of the problems exhibited in the hospital. The reason for the failure was found in the hollow metal door manufacturer’s literature, wh ich c aut ioned aga i nst water based coatings applied directly to the factory-applied protective coating. The manufacturer recommended that the factory applied coating be mechanically abraded or that a metal substrate primer be applied over the factory-applied protective coating prior to application of the water-based topcoat. Neither of these things were done by the painter and the doors and frames were eventually stripped and recoated in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations, without further issue.

mon green building practices and the capability of buildings to resist natural hazards. In the report, the authors lead the reader to believe that materials with recycled content somehow make buildings unsafe when subjected to natural hazards. I point out in my review comments that many building materials contain recycled content, and have for decades (steel, fiberglass insulation, gypsum board, concrete, aluminum, to name but a few), with no consequence whatsoever to a building’s safety during natural hazards—at least none that I am aware of. The report does not offer any specific details about how recycled-content materials make buildings less safe, something all too common when green is the scapegoat.

CONCLUSION It’s easy to understand why green is sometimes identifi ed as the culprit of problems that come up during building design and construction. It’s a relatively new and commonly misunderstood overlay to an already complex and complicated process. People feel safe blaming green for problems, betting on others ignorance to make the allegations stick. And it must work much of the time, otherwise it wouldn’t happen as often as it does! I am always skeptical of claims that green is the cause of problems that come up during design and construction of buildings. In my experience when green is blamed, it is never corroborated by the evidence. So, the next time you hear that green is the cause of a problem in a building, ask questions and dig a little deeper, you may find that green is golden, and unjustifi ed in being labeled the scapegoat. W&C

“IT’S THE RECYCLED CONTENT!” “IT’S THE GREEN PAINT!” A low-VOC interior acrylic latex coating was specified for hollow metal doors and frames on a hospital project. The painter anticipated problems with adhesion of the specified low-VOC coating and asked instead to use a different, better

I was asked recently to review a draft report about the relationship between sustainable buildings and natural hazards, being prepared for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The stated purpose of the report is to describe the “interactions” between com-

Chris Dixon is a registered architect, Certified Construction Specifier, and LEED AP. He serves on GBI’s Green Globes Technical Committee and is a former USGBC Materials and Resources Technical Advisory Group member. If you read this article, please circle number 265.

January 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |

53

industry

VOICES BY MICHAEL M. LOGUE

Let Energy Performance

Do the Talking Plastering is a time-honored and traditional industry. ASTM C1063 is the father for Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster and has been the guide for the industry for decades. ASTM C1063 was derived from the American National Standard Institute A42.3. Much of the original language put into the ANSI standard is still in the latest edition of C1063 (2008). And as our building codes make a move from the more prescriptive standard to a more performance-based standard, isn’t it time for ASTM to do the same? The fast approaching International Energy Conservation Code will radically change the way wall and ceiling contractors currently build the exterior envelope. The requirements of the IECC will encourage the use of continuous insulation on framing supports to reduce thermal bridging and increase energy efficiency for the exterior envelope by reducing the U factor. The IECC requirements apply to all cladding assemblies—a concept that is now being referred to as “cladding neutral.” For structures clad in exterior plaster, the IECC requirements will apply to lathing and furring for commercial and residential construction, which currently fall under the guidelines of ASTM C1063. ASTM C1063, as it is written today, will not provide the guidance to meet the requirements of the new code. To further complicate the issue, the Steel Framing Alliance and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority published a report entitled “Siding Attachment to Cold-Formed Steel Walls Through Varying Layers of Foam Insulation.” The report notes the challenges for siding attachment with the increasingly higher levels of continuous

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| Walls & Ceilings | January 2011

insulation being specified. The report further notes that all cladding industries have been lacking in the type of fastener and siding installation that should be used when installing over thicker levels of rigid insulation. The fi rst task is to gather information, both empirical and consensus based, to help designers, contractors and building inspectors best utilize Portland cement plaster. The Western Conference has already started in that direction by gathering the technical experts in plastering from the western United States.

REFERENCE OF INSULATING PROPERTIES The current ASTM C1063 makes no reference to insulating properties required in the IECC or allowance for rigid foam substrates. However, ASTM C-926, the companion standard to C1063 and the standard for applying Portland cement plaster, requires a metal base (lath) when cement plaster is to be applied over rigid foam substrates. C1063 is comprised of prescriptive references that served the lathing and plastering industry well for decades as a guide specification. However, when referenced as “code” language, the standard makes no concessions for alternative methods—and there will be many new/alternative methods required to construct IECC compliant exterior walls and ceilings. While some contend that moving the standard away from its prescriptive roots and into a performance position is a “watering down” effect, I disagree. By making the C1063 Standard a per-

formance-based standard and using the requirements as outlined in the Construction Specification Institute’s Manual of Practice, the furring and lathing installations are free to represent more “real world” applications. The “Alternate Materials, Designs, Tests and Methods of Construction” section of the International Code was established for this purpose. The International Code intends to allow design and construction innovation and refuses to squelch American ingenuity. It is widely accepted that we cannot continue to construct inefficient buildings without regard to energy conservation. The national and local codes will soon reflect the need for those changes and force us to implement them. Without a performance standard in the national model code, our ability to meet these needs could be unnecessarily restricted. While the Western Conference has a jump-start on the issue in the west, ASTM C11.03 Chairman Don Smith, Mike Boyd and myself are in the process of revamping C1063 to meet the needs for the nation. Mike Boyd is also the chairman of the AWCI Energy Task Force Group and we fully intend to make this ASTM process transparent and open to all.

BASE LINE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT The AWCI Energy Code Task Force is working to design base line construction techniques that will be tested for compliance and constructability once the fi nal numbers have been published outlining the different zones and required U factors for each climate zone. States, such as California and New York, have already adopted their own energy code and contractors in those areas are trying to adapt on the fly. Other cladding industries, not wishing to lose market share, have been scrambling to ensure compliance with the new code. The Western Conference of Wall and Ceiling Institutes recognized this fact and noted that the plaster industry has been doing this for years with one-coat stucco and EIFS. This fact, combined with the Western group’s

past experience of cement plaster having been applied over rigid foam for decades, led the Western Conference to publish the brochure entitled, “The Energy Code and Plaster Assemblies,” (http://www.tsib.org/pdf/CIBrochure.pdf). This free online brochure is meant to give architects and contractors an idea of what has been done successfully and what limitations they need to know exist with applying cement plaster over rigid foam sheathing. The Western Conference task group had no intent to thumb its nose at ASTM or other respected standards but action needed to be taken and we took the lead. Some people in the stucco industry would prefer things should just remain the same. If we do not change, we run the risk of extinction or worse yet, letting others determine our fate. We know cement plaster better than the outsiders looking at our industry and licking their chops: cement plaster is not just another cladding, it has unique characteristics and can be the best or worst cladding for a building, depending primarily on the qualifications, knowledge and skill of those installing it. We need to be proactive and lead our industry. Western Conference has also recently developed a guide specification and series of generic details that will be unveiled by Frank Nunes and Bryan Stanley for the Webinar “Continuous Insulation: Plaster & The Energy Code,” on January 26 (see the news story on Page 9 for more details and to register). The Western Conference knows the future is coming and changes will take place. We have a longer range and more comprehensive plan for stucco to ensure the designers get what they need: A quality, affordable and functional cement plaster stucco that is energy code compliant. The details in this brochure and the ones forthcoming will be a lot easier to implement into the construction documents with a more progressive, forwardthinking and performance-based ASTM C1063. Industries that make and install claddings other than plaster are faced with the same challenges and have undoubtedly taken similar actions to protect their market share. Fortunately, we have some help from the Foam Sheathing Coalition. The FSC has recently published a technical paper “Guide to Attaching Exterior Wall Coverings Through Foam Sheathing to Wood or Steel Wall Framing.” This technical report has explicit design data to assist designers and contractors in attaching various claddings over rigid foam sheathings. The cladding is defined by the weight of the cladding (i.e., 3 psf, 11 psf and 25 psf). The 11 psf weight cladding is not a coincidence, as the FSC has accurately concluded that 7/8-inch cement plaster weighs about 10.4 psf installed. This important research and test data must be taken into consideration at the ASTM level. ASTM is a consensus standard with voices heard from manufacturers, contractors and designers. The intent is to have a truly wide range of experts collaborate on a standard and when agreement is reached, the document is perfect. OK, we know that is a fantasy, but in reality we should be able to come to a uniform agreement and have a standard we can all live and work with. The standard is not meant to be a tool for defect experts to use in litigation to

nitpick good honest products and installation meeting the intent of the code. ASTM C1063 standard needs to reflect how we will build in the future—more energy efficient and sustainable construction. The initial writing of C1063 was prior to the invention of many of the newer products that can help the industry meet those goals. Let’s not become a dinosaur; the time for serious re-vamping is now. We encourage everyone to participate in the re-write of a new ASTM C1063 Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster that will bring our industry into compliance with the new IECC. When all is said and done, we believe performance should have the last word. W&C Michael M. Logue is director of the Technical Services Information Bureau, with offices in Arizona, California and Nevada. The TSIB is the educational body for many building departments and inspection agencies in the Southwest. Michael is also the secretary/treasurer for the Western Conference of Wall and Ceiling Institutes and currently serves on several committees and chairs, such as ASTM C11.03, ASTM C1063 IECC Special Task Group, AWCI Energy Task Force Group. Michael can be reached at [email protected] or by visiting www.tsib.org. If you read this article, please circle number 266.

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