jkb-architectural

Updated Carpet Standard

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Carpet and Rug Institute

CRI has updated it's Carpet Installation Standard for Commercial work CRI 105, and Residential work CRI 104.

New Tile Standards

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installations 2011 (48th Edition)

I am back from the CSI Convention where I learned about the new changes to installations of ceramic, glass, and stone tiles. The prior standard known as TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installations has been expanded to 300 pages with far better ways to specify the quality and assembly wanted for a project.

For more information visit their website at http://www.tileusa.com/publication_main.htm

Updated Carpet Standard

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CRI has updated it's CRI Carpet Installation Standard - now for 2011

CRI Carpet Installation Standard 2011 is now available at www.carpet-rug.org/carpet-and-rug-industry/installation-resources.cfm

New California Code

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CALGreen - 2010 California Green Building Standards Code will be implemented on January 1, 2011.

To review the Code go to www.bsc.ca.gov

New Standard for Specifying Tile Installations

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ISO 13007 is a new performance based standard that takes the guesswork out of specifying the right mortar and grout for the right application.

A new performance based standard that takes the guesswork out of specifying the right mortar and grout for the right application. ISO 13007. This standard has classifications for types, classes, and special characteristics applying to adhesives and grouts.

Three types for adhesives; cementitious, dispersion (mastic), and reaction resin (epoxies). Then each of the types has two classes; normal or improved. Each of the types then has from one to seven different special characteristics. Such as; fast drying, slip resistant, extended open time, etc.

Two types for grouts; cementitious or reaction resin. Cementitious has two classes; normal and improved. The cementitious also has three special characteristics to choose from; fast setting, high abrasion resistance and reduced water absorption.

Look to this new standard when you specify tile installations next.

Classifications Change

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AAMA has changed it's classifications for grade types.

AAMA has changed it’s classifications for grade types. New document is AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08 – NAFS – North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for Windows, Doors, and Skylights. Go here for more info.

New Carpet Installation Standard

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As of October 1, 2009...

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has published a new CRI Carpet Installation Standard, which replaces CRI 104 as of October 1, 2009.
For more info...

Architectural Specifications

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A list of what architectural specifications provide for, you, the client.

Provide:

Qualitative and quantitative requirements
Quality requirements of products, materials, and workmanship
Administrative procedures

Do’s for specifications:

Set requirements for physical qualities
Set requirements for standard of workmanship
Define specific types and required quality of materials, equipment and installation
Provide detailed written installation
Supplement drawing information
Coordinate with terminology and materials on the drawings

Don’ts for specifications:

Include totals or quantities for specific materials/products/equipment
Repeat drawing information
Work without reviewing the complete set of drawings

Ten Aphorisms For Specifiers by Rolf T. Retz, FCSI

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A solid list of do's and don'ts...

1. Know what you specify, or you may be buying a pin in the poke;
2. Define quality carefully, then you can check compliance;
3. Guarantees don't insure compliance, but good inspection may;
4. Strive for true competitive bidding, it's the best way to determine price;
5. Avoid unreasonable requirements, you won't get them anyway;
6. Keep specifications up to date; they seldom improve with age;
7. Avoid quality substitutions, but stick to your original concept;
8. Brevity is a virtue, but not when it is inadequate;
9. Strive for fairness and objectivity, the tools to use are to be concise and definite;
10. Don't copy something you don't understand, because nobody else will either.

Vapor Emission Problems

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The moisture problems in buildings are costing the construction industry billions of dollars in repairs, as well as contributing to sick buildings and workers’ compensation claims.

Technical Tidbits. The following information has been gleaned from technical publications, picked-up from field experience, seminars, and other sources that may be of interest to your firm.

VAPOR EMISSION PROBLEMS

The moisture problems in buildings are costing the construction industry billions of dollars in repairs, as well as contributing to sick buildings and workers’ compensation claims. We all need to become familiar with the changes and updates in the industry even if the engineers and contractors have not had a chance to catch up with us. It is all about making time to educate ourselves. Please review the following information and feel free to call with any questions.

The industry has been mixed on the issue of where the vapor barrier should be placed, although American Concrete Institute (ACI) has now published an addendum to ACI 302 that makes this issue clearer. In accordance with ACI the vapor barrier should be used when the slab will be covered by a vapor-sensitive covering, and the vapor barrier should be placed on dry granular material. ACI and the flooring industry no longer recommend that aggregate base/gravel is placed on the compacted subgrade with a vapor barrier on the aggregate base and then covered with a damp sand layer. They further state that the sand layer on a vapor barrier does not allow the water to drain, which provides an additional source of water that contributes to moisture-vapor emission rates from the slab.

See the attached vapor retarder detail that was used back in 1959, and is still being recommended for today’s slabs-on-grade when being covered by resilient flooring, carpeting and epoxy floor coatings.

Controlling vapor emissions starts with the proper location of the vapor barrier as described above, but needs to also follow through the design of the mix and the curing as further explained below.

It is recommended that the mix design provide the following;
• Moderate water/cement ratio: < 0.45.
• Moderate cement factor: 5-1/2 sack.
• Maximum coarse aggregate size and volume.
• Low absorption aggregate.
• Water reducing admixture.
• If using fly ash, use a fly ash with a similar pH to the cement.

Curing compounds are not recommended, although it is recommended that the slabs are wet cured instead using burlap or fog spray with moisture retaining plastic sheeting. In fact, it is best if the contractor would schedule the concrete pour for a Friday and wet cure with burlap and plastic covers over the burlap for the entire weekend. It is important not to soak the slab or allow ponding of water on the slab – that is not moisture curing.