Here is an excellent resource article for architects and specifiers that explains the IBC 2009 code requirements for fire extinguishers - how to select, how to locate, and how many are required. Thanks to CSI for posting this thorough document.
Chapter 26 of the IBC 2006 building code requires foam insulations used inside the building weather barrier to be protected by a thermal barrier. The code defines thermal barriers as 1/2 inch thick gypsum wallboard or equivalent to limit the temperature rise to prevent ignition of the foam insulation for 15 minutes. Providing a continuous thermal barrier is sometimes difficult. The plane of the interior face of exterior walls is often interrupted by columns, beams, girts, and other obstacles.
Recently a contractor, through a substitution process, introduced us to Staycell 255 manufactured by Preferred Solutions, Inc. This polyurethane spray foam product can be installed on the building interior and left exposed. No need for a thermal barrier. The product was tested according to UL 1715 full-scale room fire test to meet an alternative compliance permitted by the IBC. The product can be applied up to 4 inches thick on walls and 8 inches thick on ceilings.
This product will provide an efficient solution for insulating the inside face of precast concrete exterior wall panels. The closed cell foam insulation will also serve as an air barrier and will serve as a vapor retarder when installed at least 2.5 inches thick.
In doing various product research for our clients, we come across some products that immediately grab our attention, at least that was the case for Rytec's Spiral Doors.
The Spiral door is a high speed, roll-up door made of rigid double-walled aluminum slat construction, that coil within a spiral top-mounted track allowing no metal to metal contact and a whisper-quiet operation. The anodized aluminum slats are separated by replaceable integral weather seals.The doors open at a rate of up to 60 inches per second which is controlled by a variable speed AC drive system for soft acceleration and breaking.
For those who may be looking for other options such as glazed lights, Spiral doors are also available in partially glazed to fully glazed configurations.
These doors offer high security and high speed with an architectural style. You can see these and other doors by Rytec here.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting Bill Murphy from
Parksite for a lunch & learn seminar about Air and Moisture Barriers for
Commercial Buildings. Waiting for the last slide of the presentation made the
presentation worth more than advertised.
The slide contained this photo showing an installation with
Tyvek Commercial Wrap. The program discussion was diverted by the fastener used
to secure Tyvek to the substrate. The photo shows an installation over a framed
wall with gypsum board sheathing. Tyvek requires mechanical fasteners with
washers to be used with gypsum sheathing. This detail prompted a question about
being able to use Tyvek over masonry and concrete with similar mechanical
fastening.
For past projects, we struggled to find a simple solution
for multi-story residential continuing care and multifamily housing projects
where the lower floors were masonry veneer over masonry backup and the upper
floors were siding over framed backup. This condition typically required two
different air barrier materials and a transition detail to maintain the
integrity of the barrier. The air barrier at the lower floors often
transitioned to a waterproofing membrane which required another product and
another transition.
We learned that Tyvek is capable of solving the problem and
eliminating the transitions. Tyvek can be installed over gypsum sheathing and
over masonry or concrete, the only difference being the fastener. In addition,
Tyvek accessories include flashings to make transitions to waterproofing
membranes.
None of this discussion was part of the prepared
presentation. The photo provided a valuable opportunity that will help our
clients solve a persistent problem. Our staff and friends learned something new
that will have immediate and practical use.
Conspectus shares lunch & learn presentations with our
clients and friends that are interested in joining the discussion via our WebEx
account. We have a limit on the number of participants that we can accommodate
so reservations are required. If you wish to receive notices about the lunch
& learn programs we host, please send an email to bbushay@conspectusinc.com and ask
to be added to our notification list.
no metal to metal contact and a whisper-quiet operation. 
