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..
Single Source Responsibility
by David Stutzman | Aug 17, 2015 | Construction Administration, Design Considerations, Division 07, Division 08, Division 11, Envelope, MasterFormat, Quality Assurance, Specifications
Insulation, MCM, and NFPA 285
by David Stutzman | Aug 19, 2014 | B2010, Design Considerations, Division 07, exterior wall, Insulation, MCM, Product Applications, publications, NFPA 285, Specifications, Tech Tips
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.
Specifier Scope Search Identifies Risks
by David Stutzman | Jun 30, 2014 | B2010, Bad Specs, Cladding, Curtain Wall, Design Considerations, Division 07, Division 08, Envelope, Glazing, performance, Quality Assurance, Specifications
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
by David Stutzman | Mar 26, 2014 | B3040, Deck Coating, Division 07, Product Applications, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips, Traffic Coating, Waterproofing
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..
Yankee Ingenuity
by David Stutzman | Jul 1, 2013 | Construction Administration, Division 07, Leak, maintenance, Operation, Operation & Maintenance, Product Applications, Product Failures, Repairs, Roof Drain, Rube Goldberg, sitemare
Exterior Walls and NFPA 285
by David Stutzman | Jun 18, 2013 | B2010, Division 07, Product Applications, publications, air barrier, NFPA 285, Specifications, Tech Tips, Thermal insulation, vapor retarder, weather barrier
Single-Ply Roofing Membranes
by David Stutzman | Mar 19, 2013 | B3010, Design Considerations, Division 07, Membrane Roofing, Product Applications, publications, roofing, Specifications, Tech Tips
Substitution Evaluations: What is the Architect's Obligation?
by David Stutzman | Nov 26, 2012 | CA Phase, Construction Administration, contract administration, Division 01, Division 07, Professional Practice, Specifications, submittals, substitutions
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..
SFRM Types and Applications
by David Stutzman | Oct 23, 2012 | Design Considerations, Division 07, Fireproofing, ICC, Product Applications, publications, B1010, B1020, Specifications, Tech Tips
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..
What thickness is that gage?
by David Stutzman | Jul 9, 2012 | Division 05, Division 07, Division 08, Door, Sheet metal, Specifications, studs
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..