Construction specifications define work results. The results are divided among Divisions and Sections according to CSI's MasterFormat, the industry's organizational standard. Complying with MasterFormat allows specification readers to find information..

Exterior Walls: so many components, so many materials - will the result really meet the code? NFPA 285 may govern and may limit available choices, so know what triggers the need to comply before the final wall assembly is designed.

We were asked to submit a proposal, and ultimately were engaged, to provide architectural specifications services for a new seven story core and shell medical office building. The architect had already employed an exterior wall consultant to help with..

Exterior deck coatings in residential construction are expected to perform as a waterproofing and traffic surface. The coating must prevent water intrusion to the occupied space below, and must withstand foot traffic and furniture used to enjoy the..

This morning I opened my email to find a client, an architect, requesting a substitution evaluation for a metal wall panel. The request was sent 8 PM Sunday evening during the break between football games. A reply was requested by noon today even though..

What binder, density, and bond strength are required for sprayed fire-resistive materials? New building code requirements include additional considerations for bond strength in buildings greater than 75 feet high. Careful choices must be made when..

If you find yourself caught between tradition and current industry practice for specifying sheet metal thicknesses you are not alone. It has been years since industry standards have abandoned gage to designate metal thickness, now the standards rely on..