The recent devastating earthquake in Haiti has focused attention on many things about that country, including politics, economics, its history and culture, and many other poignant topics, not the least of which is the safety and design of buildings there. 

In North America, EIFS is pretty much a single type of design, namely expanded polystyrene insulation adhesively attached to the supporting wall, and a thin, synthetic, two-layer, glass fiber mesh-reinforced coating system. 

If you spend any time working with specifiers, end-users, designers and contractors who are involved with EIFS, you’ll find out right away that the environmental friendliness (“eco-friendliness”) of EIFS is a hot topic.

One of the most popular design features of EIFS is its ability to mimic other materials. This includes being a stone, concrete or stucco look-alike. This feature of EIFS is widely used for many reasons, including its attractive appearance, light weight and low cost.

Firestopping is an especially important topic for EIFS, due to the system’s unique multi-layered form of cladding construction. 

When I do technical seminars about EIFS, one of the most frequent questions is, “Should I use adhesives or mechanical fasteners (screws plus washers), or even both, to attach the foam insulation to the wall?” The answer depends on a number of factors, and sometimes you have no choice about which to use. 

There are lots of small details and design features about EIFS that can help create a better-completed EIFS project. This month’s column is a list of many known-and not-so-well-known-design features that you should be aware of.

Everyone’s heard of Stonehenge in England-the weird stone blocks in the middle of a field. But who has heard of Foamhenge in Virginia? It is a full size replica of the real Stonehenge made of EIFS. Who could dream up a cooler name?

I began my multi-year involvement with LEED and the USGBC as an architect dedicated to the design of greener buildings at about the time the LEED v1.0 pilot program was coming to a close.

Designing exterior wall assemblies that satisfy both energy and building code requirements is a challenge.

It’s no surprise that there are less expensive, less complicated alternatives to LEED.

TellSpec and SCiO are about to release devices which will allow you “to get instant relevant information about the chemical make-up of just about anything around you.

The first LEED Platinum certified building is in danger of an imminent collapse.

The greenest low slope roofing solution really sucks.

Hard work by Green Globes’ committee—and community—shows it’s only getting better.

Will passive houses gain more momentum in the U.S.?

Don’t be fooled, a rainscreen is much more than a cladding system that works well under wet conditions.

In part one; rainscreen and open joint cladding systems were discussed. Part two will focus on test standards determining the performance of cladding systems designed for the rainscreen principle.

If you believe the statistics — and a whole slew of press — Generation Z is an emerging generation of men and women who are trading in their schoolbooks and strapping on tool belts.

On Oct. 17, American Industrial Partners announced its definitive agreement to acquire PPG’s U.S. and Canadian architectural coatings business, which generated $2 billion in 2023 revenue.

The funds will go to support the organisations’ work in tackling food poverty

The findings come from Third Sector’s inaugural Charity Employer Index

SIA OSDP version 2.2.2 resolves errors that had appeared in the short-lived 2.2.1 update and introduces proper supervised input states, addressing previous issues.

Resolution Engineering Inc., Hudson, Wis.,is a provider of RF/wireless and embedded systems design services, while sister company Resolution Products produces a wide range of common use and wireless security devices. Until recently, “green” qualities weren’t on the radar for these types of products, so today, Resolution Engineering is thrilled to see increased attention focused on sustainability. The company’s products, services and operations have incorporated sustainable attributes for years. John Bergman, one of the founders of the company, is the driving force behind the company’s sustainable practices. 

World Wide Security, Garden City, N.Y., launched its “Go Green!” program promoting energy conservation to its customers. As energy prices rise throughout the United States, the Long Island region is often impacted more dramatically because it is an island with logistics and energy challenges.

SDM had the chance to interview Dr. Bob Banerjee, senior director of Training and Development, NICE Systems, Ra'anana, Israel, recently on “green” initiatives at NICE Systems. 

As a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, HID Global follows its policy on minimizing its carbon footprint and helping to stimulate renewable energy markets. HID Global is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its operations through continuous concentration on Genuine HID™ products; how they are designed, how they are built, and how they are used.

At Graybar, sustainability is an expression of the company’s core values and its long-term view. The company’s sustainability plan includes acting as a responsible steward of its resources, reducing its impact on the environment, and providing sustainable solutions in the marketplace.

For Metis Secure Solutions, Oakmont, Pa., and many other security-related companies, green trends provide opportunity.

A leading provider of home automation and technology, Vivint is always on the lookout for opportunities to bring additional value to their customers with new offerings to provide more comprehensive home integration solutions.

K9s United is a dedicated non-profit organization that focuses on providing essential training, equipment and resources to support law enforcement canines.

Washington — A Federal Highway Administration final rule includes updates intended to improve safety and mobility for workers and drivers in roadway work zones.

The all-in-one instrument optimizes lab space. It features a built-in thermostat, and a PC with MetaBridge software and touchscreen. Its upward-lifting stretching column reduces instrument depth for flexible lab placement and prevents blockage of storage spaces or walkways.

The program invited cross-functional employee teams to submit projects completed during Conagra's fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Each submission was evaluated by a panel of peers, with the final winners selected by the company's sustainability leaders.

MAPEI's Ultrabond ECO 885, which will be unveiled at Surfaces 2011, has been specifically designed to provide both permanent and releasable bonds for non-PVC, polyolefin and most “eco-type” backed carpet and carpet tile.

Shaw Floors’ divisions Tuftex Carpets of California and Anderson Hardwood have launched the Color Coordinates display system exclusively for Shaw Design Center retailers.

Floyd & Associates has launched its new e-commerce website: www.sampleboards.biz.

Flexco introduces Natural Elements, a new line of wood vinyl plank products available in 4” by 36” formats in 18 colors and a luxury vinyl stone tile available in 18” by 18” sizes in eight colors.

A non-sag polymer fortified adhesive mortar that mixes with just water and provides an ultra white color that is ideal for installations of translucent tile and stone.

Taylor has launched Meta-Tec MS-Plus Resilient MBA, a 100% solids solvent- & isocyanate-free one-component modified silane polymer moisture barrier adhesive for resilient flooring.

Painstakingly designed to emulate the weathered hardwood planks found in some of America’s most unique architectural destinations, Boardwalk features fully rectified tiles in a full 48” length.

Karndean Design flooring has expanded its premium Art Select Woods collection by adding eleven new skillfully-crafted designs that replicate the beauty of natural timber.

FreeAxez is an all-steel, quick-connect, low-profile access floor that provides unparalleled capacity and flexibility for the modern office and high technology environment, saving life cycle costs and improving workplace efficiency.

Crossville puts its own twist on the traditional appeal of wood with the Wood Impressions Collection, which combines the look of wood with the superior durability of porcelain stone tile. 

Viridian Reclaimed Wood introduces a new line of engineered reclaimed hardwood flooring in four different species, according to Viridian co-owner Joe Mitchoff.

Needle Tech, a four-pattern collection from Tandus Flooring, has won the Best of Year Award for Broadloom Carpet in Interior Design’s 2012 Product Competition.

The inherent beauty of stone is timeless, and Daltile brings that beauty to life with its new Natural Stone and Manufactured Stone collections and line extensions. 

Tile Redinow offers Redi Trench, an incredibly exciting marriage of design and function for the commercial construction sector, in particular for the hospitality industry.

The Reclaimé Collection’s new line extensions offer the visual and charm of a floor constructed from reclaimed, vintage wood in a laminate flooring construction, according to Quick-Step.

Hi friends. I plan to share a quick trip report about my first visit to India, flying UA82 tonight EWR-DEL in Polaris on the 787-9 and AI2815 Friday DEL-BLR in Business on an ex-Vistara A320neo. But first, a warning. I knew that on United longhaul...