There is a high prominence of retaining walls fail far before they should. Generally these problems go unnoticed and are accounted for as the aging of the landscape project or an ‘act of god.’   One of the greatest contributors to these common problems happens to be water. Water is an extraordinary element that has immense power when pushed to its limits.

Retaining walls are meant to retain, so why do they fall over? Well we all know about erosion, the fact that gravity and wind naturally push soils and sediments from their source and deposit it somewhere else, typically downhill. One might think erosion is what causes failure; oddly enough erosion is only a minor factor in the failure of retaining walls. The main player in failure of retaining walls happens to be water. Water has a property called ‘Hydrostatic pressure.’ This is the force exerted by water while it is at rest. If you can imagine a huge tank with paper thin walls filled with water. It would extremely hard to press your fist into the paper walls even though they were paper thin because of the pressure the water exerts when it is at rest. In this situation the paper thin walls must be able to overcome the hydrostatic pressure of the water.

How does this apply to retaining walls?  Well the purpose of retaining walls is to retain dirt and earth but in the process they also end up retaining water.  When it rains water flows into the ground and the earth retains the water, this is called groundwater. Groundwater like dirt flows with gravity, therefore when reaching a retaining wall water tends to backup behind the wall. Just like in the example above, water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the retaining wall, just as it did on the paper thin walls of the tank.  Sometimes when a retaining wall is not engineered and built correctly hydrostatic pressure can overcome the strength of the wall and that is often when retaining walls fail. If built correctly a retaining wall should be able to direct the water down through drainage gravel behind the wall and into a drainage pipe under the wall and dispose of the water.  This functionally reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the wall.

When diving into a retaining wall project there are a lot more things to think about than retaining the soil and building a wall. Factors such as soil type also play into a strong retaining wall; if the soil drains slower then more drainage is needed to reduce the hydrostatic pressure. Most of the functional part of a retaining wall is actually contained behind the wall out of sight. Always build to industry standards or consult the manufacturers recommended installation procedure unless the wall needs engineering in which case you will build to the engineer’s specifications.

The article was brought to you by Merlin Construction. Merlin Construction is a Toronto Landscape Contractor.


By Alan Trauger

The exterior walls of buildings provide comfortable and healthy indoor environments, needed to protect us from outdoor climate change. Most serious wall problems are related to water in one way or another. Buildings need to be efficient, durable, and economical with regard to investment, operation, and maintenance costs. Increasing focus on sustainability, design, and construction have given rise to new and improved materials, technology, and energy use in buildings. Water and moisture intrusion can enter wall systems in several different ways. Water penetration and moisture intrusion have been and will continue to an issue in construction.

Rainwater can enter wall systems and cladding in several different ways. It could be driven by wind, or it may enter by gravity, or by capillary action, or by surface tension, or by differential pressure movement. A very large percentage of construction related lawsuits are filed due to water intrusion issues. It is quite likely that this trend will continue. Typically, lawsuits and problems arise as a result of the ignorance of understanding water and how to manage it both in the construction trades and the design community. The lack of a skilled workforce and increasing pressures on designers for faster work for less money greatly impact the problem.

It is important to understand the physical ways moisture can penetrate a building envelope:

• Gravity – Kinetic Energy – is the movement of rainwater down the face of the envelope or cladding surface, as well as over other sloped areas, into openings (such as cracks, holes, and flashing) encountered on the way down.

• Capillary Action (suction) – is the property where water will draw itself into permeable materials through small openings (such as cracks, joints, and small holes). For instance water getting sucked into a small crack similar to sucking on a straw due to various forces of air movement.

• Surface tension is the property that causes water to cling and run on to the underside of horizontal or nearly horizontal surfaces.

• Differential Pressure Movement is when water or water vapor is driven in the direction of lower air pressure from high pressure. For example, if a building has negative air (more air being exhausted than is being forced into it, it is considered to have negative pressure).

• Vapor Movement – through Diffusion and Air Transport. Vapor and air moves from warm toward cold driven by thermal differences (air currents) as well as the amassing or concentration of absorbed liquid material. Solar heating can take rain, heat it to vapor and drive it toward the interior space of a building.

How To Determine If Water Is Damaging A Wall System?

Be alert for water damage to the surfaces and systems, although in many cases you will not be able to any damage. If the siding is deteriorating, there is a good chance that there may be some damage behind it, However, in many cases,( i.e. metal or vinyl siding and synthetic stucco) the siding looks fine while the sheathing and the structural members lying behind the siding are deteriorating.

The ability of the system to dry often determines the amount of damage done to the cladding and the structure. Wall systems with sidings with good drying potential, such as aluminum or vinyl, may be less likely to suffer damage than synthetic stucco, for example, which has poor drying potential.

When looking at the exterior surfaces of the building, look first at the cladding materials and determine if they are in good repair. Secondly, try to determine how water might get into the wall system and whether there are any areas where you might reasonably suspect concealed damage. Inspection of the building interior should be focused on vulnerable areas that were noticed outside. In some instances the moisture getting into the building envelope will show up on the interior finishes. However, damage to wall assemblies, doesn’t always show up on the building interior, at least not in the early stages.

Paying attention to the drying potential of the cladding system installed. Brick veneer systems with vented rain screens have good drying potential, whereas most stucco systems do not.

Coverings and materials placed too close to grade can have a destructive outcome. The siding should be placed at least 4″ to 8″ above grade to protect the system and structure from moisture damage. Visual inspection should reveal seeing some of the foundation above grade and below the siding. Foundations are designed to withstand moisture in the soil. People may not like the appearance of exposed foundation, but from a functional standpoint it is necessary.

Siding materials placed too close to the roof surfaces will also keep the materials constantly wet. Siding materials should be kept a minimum of one to two inches above the roof surface.

Planters and gardens should not be built against the home or structure. A raised planter with three sides and the building acting as the fourth side is a poor arrangement. Siding materials are not designed to be in contact the earth. Having planters against the structure can have grave implications for the buildings. Raised planters close to the building should have four sides and should be set out at least two inches from the siding. This is not a common detail, but it is a lot easier on the building.

Vines and ivy growing on buildings all tend to hold moisture against the structure and trim. This also provides pest entry opportunities. In severe case, depending upon the type of vines, root systems, or attachment nodes, can damage siding or enter building, often through trim areas, providing a direct path for moisture into the building.

What Is Needed To Protect a Building from Moisture Intrusion?

Management of the forces that drive moisture to and through the building envelope. Moisture comes in four forms – solid, liquid, vapor, and absorbed. Moisture investigation is difficult because the moisture can change forms and the analyst must hunt down all clues. Water kills buildings. Think about the ways moisture can enter a building.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings alantrauger.com/
To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com

By Alan Trauger

The exterior wall surface of a building form the skin of the building. These surfaces or building components are commonly referred to as cladding. The purpose of the wall cladding coverings is to provide the building with a weather resistant exterior envelope. The exterior building envelope should be designed and constructed to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assemblies and cavities. There are many different types, styles, and material choices for exterior wall coverings. The wall cladding also provides aesthetic and architectural appeal to the building’s exterior.

Exterior wall claddings include the following:

1. Wood products including hardboard, panels, shingles and shakes, plywood, plank siding, OSB, clapboard siding

2. Masonry products such as brick, stone, simulated stone, poured concrete, concrete panels, and concrete blocks

3. Vinyl siding

4. Fiber-cement siding

5. Metal products, such as steel or aluminum siding

6. Stucco over wood framing or concrete block

7. Synthetic Stucco (EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems)

8. Asphalt shingles

9. Slate or clay tiles

Every type of exterior wall cladding has various characteristics associated with the installation, durability, appearance, and cost differentials. Factors to be considered:

1. Weather-tight – the ability to resist water, snow, and wind

2. Strength – resistance to mechanical damage

3. Structural Properties – capabilities of carrying loads

4. Insulating Value

5. Maintenance requirements

6. Common Failure Modes

The best wall claddings are highly resistant to wind, water, vermin entry, and mechanical damage. ideal exterior wall claddings are inexpensive, easy to install which reduces labor costs, provides excellent security and cosmetic appeal, long economic life, and provide good insulation qualities. Most sidings and claddings do not provide all the aforementioned qualities. It is important to plan your project to meet all considerations.

It is very common that various types of exterior wall claddings are more dominate and popular in certain geographic regions. The type of exterior wall cladding may be related to the availability of materials and labor, in that specific locale coupled with characteristics of the various wall surfaces. Moisture intrusion through the exterior cladding and into the building envelope will greatly impact the durability of the structure and the health of its occupants.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. an expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/ To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com Consultant with multi-facet experience in construction, asset management, and building evaluations; coupled with intuitive forensic skills, infrared surveys, cost estimating and plan review. Ability to identify problems and defect recognition to effectively deliver objective analysis and resolution of clients issues and concerns.

By Alan Trauger

This type of exterior wall system is becoming more popular due to the surge in green building construction. The first patent for the application of an ICF was registered in the 1960’s. Insulating concrete forms or molds have built-in insulation for accepting reinforced concrete. ICF’s are stay-in-place polystyrene forms that have proven to be energy efficient, cast in place reinforced concrete walls. This wall system can be used to create residential or commercial structures. Unlike conventional concrete forms, these stay-in-place after the concrete is placed in the wall cavity of the forms and serve as form, insulation, exterior wall sheathing, and in some cases wall studding. ICF wall systems allow for flexible design, and a vast array of architectural styles and treatments. The wall becomes a high performing wall that is structurally sound, insulated, has a vapor barrier, and is ready to accept final exterior and interior wall finishes.

There are many manufacturer’s of this type of stay in place wall system. The wall systems can be grouped into three different systems:

• Panel Systems are the largest units, as big as 4 feet by 8 feet. The panels typically have flat edges and are connected to one another with extra wall fasteners.

• Plank Systems include units of long narrow planks of foam held a constant distance apart by steel or plastic ties. Typically, these planks are 8 foot long and 8 or 12 inches high. The planks have notched, cut, or drilled edges that they tie into. Additionally, the ties connect each course of planks to one above and below.

• Block Systems include units ranging in size from standard concrete block sizes and up to much larger 16 inches high by 4 feet long. Along the edges are teeth or grooves and tongues for interlocking. They are able to stack without separate fasteners, in the same manner as children’s lego blocks.

The various wall systems types have different cavity shapes – flat, grid, or post and beam. There are structural and architectural advantages for each type cavity.

There are many benefits and advantages of using these wall systems that promote greater comfort and lower energy bills. ICF’s have a high R-value. Four inches of ASTM C578 polystyrene foam insulation combined with a five inch concrete wall would typically be rated a R-17. Nothing blows through the reinforced concrete, eliminating drafts, thereby have a very minimal air infiltration into the building envelope. The thermal mass of the exterior wall envelope eliminates temperature peaks and valleys. Energy savings have been estimated to be 25% to 50% for an ICF building versus wood framed or steel framed buildings.

Safety and health benefits include no CFC’s, HCFC’s, or formaldehydes, and also no wood to rot and mold. Typically the structures provide a two hour fire rating and highly termite and pest resistant. Concrete homes have proven track record to withstand the ravages of nature – hurricanes, tornados, and fires. This safety facet typically relates into reduced insurance premiums. The structures can also eliminate outside noises due to their high sound absorption qualities.

Disadvantages include adding or moving doors, window, or utilities after the building is complete. Concrete cutting tools are need to perform these tasks. Typically, initial construction costs be anywhere from 55 to 15% more than conventional wood built structures.

Look for a future increase in the use of the ICF wall systems. The durability of the system coupled with the push for a green environment and greater energy efficiency will lead the way. Additionally, there are federal energy tax credits for this type of building system that many times stir the interest for utilization.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings. http://www.alantrauger.com/ To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com

By Alan Trauger

Replacing the windows in your home is one of the best improvements that can be done. Windows give your home a face lift and add value at the same time. They make your house more secure, more energy efficient, easier to care for, and more visually appealing. They influence the environment in your home, its style and comfort, light and temperature. They can even protect the safety of your treasures – you, your family, and all your valuable possessions. Windows also protect you from harmful intruders and bone chilling drafts. Newer windows protect your wallet from the rising cost of energy.

By making your home look and feel young again, replacement windows will add value to your home. Home improvement projects often give the feel of newness just like new a new coat of paint, a new kitchen, or a new bathroom. Windows are built much better than they were 10 or 20 years ago due to new technologies, research, and design. They perform better as well. The difference between single panes and today’s double pane with Low – E coatings is vast energy efficient benefit. The new look combined with improved temperature control and a draft free home.

Signs that replacement windows are needed:

• Inoperable or difficult to operate

• Faded upholstery, carpets, and draperies

• Hot or cold spots indicating windows are not insulating properly

• Drafts or excessive condensation on the inside of the panes

• Warped, corroded or rotting frames

• Bent and leaky sashes

• Missing or broken hardware

• Broken glass panes

• High energy bills

There are many different varieties, construction types, and styles of windows to choose from. Selection of materials is an important facet. Geographic locations tend to trend the types and styles. Frame materials include metal, wood, vinyl, metal clad, and other composite material. Important standards and specifications to consider include guidelines from the American Architectural Manufactures Association, National Fenestration Rating Council, and Energy Star. These organizations provide third party independent ratings relating to the quality, structural, air and water performance, as well as thermal performance. Additionally, there are federal tax credit incentives for the replacement with energy efficient windows.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings: http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/
To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters: http://www.alantrauger.com

By Alan Trauger

Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity and nurture mold. The first step in moisture problem remediation is to quickly and accurately locate and remove sources of moisture. Infrared cameras instantly show you what’s wet and what’s dry. IR can instantly find the ultimate source with little or no physical disassembly of the premises and minimal disturbance of inhabitants.

Infrared thermography can provide remarkable, nondestructive information about construction details and building performance. Often the problems, as well as their causes and consequences can not be seen until after costly damage has already been done. Typically, at this stage or point the only recourse may be extensive and costly reconstruction.

The major building applications for IR technology are:

• Excessive Energy Use due to missing or damaged insulation, or insulation that is performing inadequately. It is essential to know the type of insulation in the building and construction details, including how the insulation was installed.

• Air Leakage Locations can be excessive and account for up to half of the energy consumed to condition buildings. Adequate air exchange is essential to the health of a building. Sometimes the root cause of excessive leakage can be poor design and or construction which allows air to move across the thermal perimeter.

• Moisture intrusion and damage due to leaks or condensation especially walls and roof areas. Building designs and technologies have caused tighter thermal envelopes and have trapped moisture in impermeable building materials.

• Poor HVAC distribution or performance caused by design and installation problems resulting in excessive energy use and uncomfortable buildings.

• Finding Termite Infestations

• Verification of Construction Details or structural performance. Great success has been accomplished to verify proper reinforcement in concrete masonry buildings, as well as concrete filled grouted cells.

• Water leaks from pipes in either walls or slabs

* Delamination of Fascade Materials

• “Sick Building Syndrome”, mold growth and health related issues.

• Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) construction is particularly susceptible to water intrusion causing mold growth and wood decay problems.

A great value of infrared thermography is that it enables building owners, architects, contractors, and inspectors to locate problems, verify building performance, and validate solutions. The primary return on investment in building thermography is gaining a higher level of assurance that the building will perform as intended and occupants will be more comfortable, often at a lower cost.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings: http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/
To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters: http://www.alantrauger.com

By Alan Trauger

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made of a core of hardwood, plywood, or high density fiber and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core. It is available in almost any hardwood species. The product has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The “engineered” product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for hardwood floors.

Wood floors come in two basic types:

• Solid wood flooring

• Engineered wood flooring

Solid Wood Fl is fabricated from 3/4″ thick solid wood and tongue and groove sides to join the boards. Some manufacturers make a thinner version that is 5/16″ thick. The main advantage of solid wood flooring is its ability to be re-sanded and refinished over many years. It is not uncommon for solid wood floors to last 50 years or more. Solid wood floors come unfinished or prefinished in almost any wood species.

The main issue to consider with solid wood floors is its susceptibility to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes in the home. To accommodate for movement, these floors are typically installed with a 5/8″ to 3/4″ gap around the perimeter of the floor along the wall. This gap is covered by shoe molding and baseboards.

The 3/4″ thick floors should not be installed in a below grade condition, such as a basement. However, the thinner 5/16″ wood floors may be used in that application. When installing a solid wood floor over new or existing concrete, be sure the manufacturer’s recommendations on limits of moisture in the concrete are followed.

Solid wood flooring is available in three main types:

• Strip flooring is denoted by the thickness and width of the wood planks. Strip flooring has a set width, but the thickness can vary. Strip flooring ranges in thickness from 5/16″ to ¾” wide. It is available only in widths of 1 1/2″, 2″, and 2 1/4″.

• Plank flooring comes in two thicknesses, but unlike strip flooring, the widths can vary. It is available only in thicknesses of 1/2″ or 3/4″ and a range of widths from 3″ to 8″.

• Parquet flooring has a very different look from typical hardwoods. They are made up of geometrical patterns composed of individual wood patterns composed of individual wood slats held in place by mechanical fastening or an adhesive.

Laminate flooring is not real wood, at least not in the way that hardwood and engineered wood are. It is comprised of a thin top layer of resin-infused paper, all on top of a wood chip composite. Technically, it is wood. It is an amazing simulation of wood. The resin layer is essentially a photograph of wood. Laminate flooring is an alternative to wood flooring. It is scratch resistant and it works well in topically moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens, unlike hardwood flooring. Additionally, laminate flooring is very easy to install.

Engineered wood flooring solves a lot of the problems hardwood and laminate flooring have:

• Solid Hardwood does not tolerate moisture well.

• Solid Hardwood can have uneven quality

• Laminate Flooring does not tolerate moisture well

• Laminate Flooring is fake wood and can not be sanded.

Basics of Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered hardwood floors are constructed similar to that of basic plywood with the top surface being actual hardwood. Products come in two to ten ply construction depending on the manufacturer. Many manufacturers have increased the surface (also known as veneer or wear layer) layer that will result in some engineered floors lasting as long as the traditional ¾” solid flooring. One of the most important factors contributing to the longevity of any hardwood floor is the amount of refinishable material.

Solid 3/4″ hardwoods have approximately 1/4 of an inch above the tongue and groove construction. Once it is sanded to that level, nails or staples begin to appear and should be replaced. The better and thicker engineered hardwood floors have 1/8″ to 3/16″ above the tongue and groove. Since the veneer is real wood, it can be sanded up to two to three times.

Engineered floors are the ideal solution for hardwood flooring on concrete. The dimensional stability of the way they are constructed. Each ply layer is pressure glued and set in the opposite direction. Engineered hardwood floors expand and contract with high humidity, as opposed to hardwood flooring. The more plies the greater stability.

Installation of most engineered hardwood floors are done by the glue down or floating floor method. It is very important to note that not all engineered products have the same type of installation specifications. Some floors may be floating, glue direct, or staple only. Maunufacturers specifications should be followed explicitly. The majority of prefinished engineered hardwoods have limits on lengths at 42 to 48 inches, opposed to most solid hardwoods at 72 to 84 inches. Typically, lower end flooring will have shorter pieces. Typically, longer lengths are preferred as they offer a more appealing look on completion.

What is a floating floor? It is a method of installing a floor rather than a specific type of flooring material. In this method, the individual planks or boards attach to each other – either by means of gluing or snapping together, but do not attach to the sub floor on which it is being installed. This is in contrast to a solid wood floor which requires nailing down to the sub floor. A jigsaw puzzle is one great comparison. With a jigsaw puzzle, pieces connect to each other, but not to the table. A floating floor is like a jigsaw puzzle. An advantage of the floating floor method of installation is it allows for the floor to move and expand in response to changes in the room’s humidity.

Wood Flooring Hardness Rating

The hardness of wood flooring is measured by something called the Janka Test. A.444 inch steel ball is driven into the wood to half the ball’s diameter. The test measures the force needed to embed a steel ballot half of its diameter in the piece of wood being tested, with rating measured in pounds of force per square inch. So with this rating, the higher the number the harder the wood.

Wood hardness is important since one of the key considerations in selecting the species of wood floor, you should be aware how much resistance the wood has to scratches and indentations. For example, if you have a dog with long nails then scratching the floor is a consideration and you should select a species with a higher rating such as hickory, maple, oak, or ash.

While it may seem logical to pick the hardest wood, certain factors should be considered:

• Soft wood can be hardened to some degree by the application of polyurethane finishes

• Hard wood is nearly always much more expensive than the softer and medium grade woods.

• Hard wood is more difficult to saw, drill, and nail than other woods, requiring more time and labor, therefore more money.

Hardwood Floor Appearances Can Differ

Hardwood veneers have the same surface appearances as solid hardwood flooring because they are both natural hardwoods. Different appearances result from the different ways the hardwood is sawn. The different sawing methods are:

• Flat Sawn (also referred to as plain sawn) – can be flat grain, which has a cathedral or gothic effect or vertical grain which has a radial or edge grain effect.

• Rotary Cut – method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is peeled off the log using large wood lathes. This peeling method shows dramatic, wilder graining.

• Off-Set Rotary Cut – method of cutting wood which gives a sliced appearance and grain pattern with the added cross grain stability of sliced, without the sliced cost. Hardwoods are more dimensionally stable across the grain, and off-set rotary cutting takes advantage of this property. The yield is lower than a regular rotary cut creating a slight price increase vs. standard rotary.

• Sliced Cut – method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is sawn like regular lumber. This shows finer graining.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings – newsletters.alantrauger.com.

To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters alantrauger.com.

By Alan Trauger

Fiber-Cement Siding is termite resistant, durable, non-combustible, easy to install and finish, moisture resistant, and typically carry 50 year manufacturer’s warranties. Fiber cement siding has the appearance of wood siding but it is lower priced and has lower maintenance costs than wood siding. Fiber cement siding is manufactured by many large building materials manufacturer’s, and is available in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, patterns, and sizes. Typically, fiber cement siding products cost more than vinyl siding, but costs less than masonry, wood, and stucco cladding.

The concept of fiber cement siding has been in existence for nearly a century. Initially the fiber cement siding had an asbestos admixture. In the last 20 years newer technologies began making the product as we know it today in a different manner. The siding is composed of Portland cement, sand, cellulose or wood fiber material that has been autoclaved, which means it has been cured with pressurized steam to increase its strength and dimensional stability. The fiber content helps make the cement stronger by avoiding and eliminating cracking, which typically occurs with cement as it ages.

The following is a partial list of producers and suppliers of fiber-cement siding:

• Cemplank

• Certainteed

• GAF Materials

• James Hardie

• MaxiTile

• Nichiha USA

It is quite common that many refer to this product as “hardie board”, for the namesake, although there are other large producers of fiber-cement siding. Fiber cement products also include soffit, trim, and flashing materials.

ADVANTAGES

There are many advantages of fiber cement siding with the largest being its durability and characteristics that lend its installation to any geographic region and climate. The product is more versatile than vinyl or wood siding alternatives. The fiber cement products are thicker than vinyl siding and therefore are more resistant to peeling, cracking, chipping, shrinking, swelling, sagging, and bowing. Additionally, it is less prone to wind storm damage and wind borne debris damage. The product functions well in southwest climatic heat conditions and the brutal cold of the New England states. It also is naturally resistant to fungus, mildew, termites, there is not routine maintenance required in order to prevent these problems as is the case with wood siding. The product also has the ability for paint to easily adhere to its surface and resist moisture, which is very helpful in southern regions.

DISADVANTAGES

The advantages far outnumber the disadvantages of the product, although here are some drawbacks:

• The siding is heavy and proper handling and care is required prior to installation.

• An ingredient of the products is Silica (SiO 2) which also comprises approximately 75% of the earth’s crust and is a very common ingredient in most products in the tile and masonry industries. When silica is in an intact state it does not pose any silica risk. Although when cut, drilled, or grinded during the installation process, the resulting smaller, silica containing dust can pose a potential health hazard as inhalation of excessive quantities over extended time periods can cause silicosis, lung cancer, or other lung related diseases. Inorder to eliminate any health problems, both OSHA, NIOSH, and the manufacturer’s recommend wearing a properly fitted respirator to protect against any potential health risks.

• The products can be installed by homeowners, although professional installation is recommended to conform to manufacturers recommendations and guidelines. Noncompliance with the installation specifications typically will lead to problems and dissatisfaction.

• Improper installation techniques generally relate to improper nailing, lack of proper flashing methods, improper clearances from other surfaces – i.e. roof and foundation areas, caulking, painting, no moisture resistant barrier beneath the siding installation.

Most manufacturer’s have explicit installation instructions for each product type – lap siding, plank siding, vertical sheets, soffits, trim, shingle siding and etc.. James Hardie, http://www.jameshardie.com, has a very good web site with downloadable instructions, diagrams, estimating tips, and product information.

Fastening the materials to the walls can be accomplished by two different methods.

• Blind Nailing – which is the action of placing a fastener through the top edge of lap siding that will be covered by the next course or lap.

• Face Nailing – which is the action of placing a fastener through the overlap of a plank. The fasteners will be visible.

In conjunction with ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. an extensive technical document was published in 2004 regarding cement fiber products. The report is entitled ICC ES Legacy Report NER-405, which contains test results of wind speeds, nailing techniques, thermal qualities, permeance values, loading, and other extensive technical engineering results and findings. This manual can be found at James Hardie website.

Green Products

These products are considered environmentally friendly since there are no detrimental affects on the environment. Use of these types of products eliminates wide spread clearing of our forests for building purposes. The products are durable with a long life expectancy and do not need to be continually replaced during the typical ownership or life cycle of the building. The raw materials that are used to produce the products are low in toxicity wood pulp, sand, cement, and water and are recycled up to four times. Additionally, Hardie produces a Unique Color Plus manufacturing process that bakes on paint in their factories which delivers a quality consistent finish, eliminating VOC’s during the exterior painting process, with a 15 year finish warranty that ensures reduced needs for repainting.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/.

By Alan Trauger

Initial thoughts may seem straightforward with a straightforward answer: durable housing is tough; its vertical and horizontal surfaces resist deterioration from weathering and use. It could be theorized that durable housing would possess three qualities.

Firmness – it is well built of solid materials.

Utility – it is useful and comfortable to its inhabitants over time.

Delight – it remains appealing from one era to another.

Durability is a key point to prevent the deterioration of structures, members, and building components over time and to maintain the safety, comfort, and health of its occupants. The question of durability, explicitly considers architecture over time. Different people will obviously appreciate and focus on different aspects of durability. Residents want to live in a pleasant and dignified place with a “good address”. Neighbors want to look at something calm and reassuring, not odd or brutal. Maintenance people hope for buildings with predictable performance and the fewest surprises and problems. Planners and politicians worry about the quality of the cityscape, the social health of neighborhoods, and the cost to public budgets.

The important aspect of durability is that buildings that are considered comfortable and attractive are somehow more worthy of the trouble of maintenance and renewal than the buildings that are not comfortable or attractive. Therefore there is a high correlation that suggests that the physical, social, and aesthetic aspects of durability are definitely related.

This Issue will focus on durability in terms of the physical attributes, longevity, and performance based requirements. The need to build efficient, sustainable, durable and cost effective buildings for the housing sector has become more important than ever. The Building Envelope Performance heavily depends upon the various agents and environmental factors that affect it’s function. Building science can be defined as the body of knowledge regarding heat, air and moisture flow in buildings resulting from these agents, and their affect on building materials and occupants. All definitions of service life and durability include references to the service environment, underscoring the key concept that durability is a function of both material and its environment, a point too often misunderstood by designers.

Longevity of housing: What is our expectation of how long houses should last? Some do-it-yourself folks build so that their “improvements” last until the house is sold to someone else. Bankers and lending institutions expect the structure to last 30 years from the time they initiate a mortgage on the structure. Serviceability could mark the end of its safe use. Catastrophic failure of a home’s structure caused by wind or earthquake will mark the end of its safe use. Green building systems are on the rise and will have consumer recognition within the next few years. Consumers are becoming aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. More attention is being paid to renewability, sustainability, and environmental impact of the materials and systems we advocate. There are many lessons from existing housing systems; given the massive housing stock in place, there is much information to gain by making a connection between existing housing systems and new housing. We should be able to make inferences from problems witnessed and to quantify the behavior and performance of existing structures.

The effect of the do-it-yourself market is far reaching. The large retail “big box” centers send the message to most homeowners that they can do most projects by themselves. Whether the job entails painting the house to building an addition, is often seen as week-end work. Professional support for such projects will almost always result in a better job. We need to be more cautious about what we tell people they can tackle. Real estate professionals often see that projects done by homeowners can lower the value of a house compared to not making any “improvement” at all. These types of improvements are also common in the commercial sector.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings – newsletters.alantrauger.com.

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