Building Material

The Catalyst building in Spokane, Washington, stands as a landmark achievement in mass timber construction and zero-carbon building design. At 159,000 square feet across five stories, this structure demonstrates how engineered wood products can serve as the primary structural material for large-scale commercial buildings while meeting rigorous sustainability targets. For building professionals specifying materials for […]

The Pasadena Convention Center, a historic California venue dating back to 1931, recently completed a comprehensive restroom modernization featuring a full suite of touch-free plumbing products. This renovation demonstrates how commercial facilities can integrate sensor-activated fixtures to improve hygiene, reduce maintenance burdens, and enhance the user experience. For building professionals specifying similar upgrades, understanding the

Fluid-applied waterproofing membranes represent one of the most versatile and reliable solutions in modern building envelope construction. Unlike traditional sheet membranes that require precise alignment, seaming, and lapping, liquid-applied systems form a seamless, monolithic barrier that conforms to complex geometries and irregular substrates. The global fluid-applied waterproofing market was projected to reach USD 37 to

Weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) are critical to building envelope moisture management. Learn how to specify the correct building wrap for water holdout, drainage efficiency, and vapor permeance.

Understanding ANSI/ESD S20.20 and Its Role in ESD Control Flooring Electrostatic discharge (ESD) control flooring has become an essential specification in facilities where sensitive electronic equipment, automated systems, or flammable environments are present. The global anti-static floor market was valued at $3.1 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $4.09 billion by 2025, driven

Mass timber construction has reached a defining moment in the evolution of building codes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has officially adopted tall mass timber provisions into NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. These changes mark a significant shift in how fire protection and life safety requirements

Metal wall panels have emerged as a preferred cladding solution for multi-unit residential buildings, offering architects and builders a combination of durability, design flexibility, and installation efficiency. The OTTO Brewerytown project in Philadelphia demonstrates how metal wall panel facades can create distinctive architectural expressions while meeting rigorous performance standards. This two-building, two-phase development by Interface

The Role of Integrated Sheathing in Modern Building Envelopes The building envelope has evolved from a simple weather barrier into a multilayer assembly managing air infiltration, moisture transport, thermal performance, and vapour diffusion. Among the most significant advancements is the development of gypsum-integrated water-resistive barrier-air barrier (WRB-AB) sheathing. These composite panels combine structural sheathing with

When the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) specifies a wall insulation requirement such as R-13 + 7.5 ci, many building professionals instinctively add the two values and assume that installing R-20.5 cavity insulation achieves the same result. But that assumption leads to a significant shortfall in thermal performance. Research shows that using only R-20.5 cavity

Masonry remains one of the most widely specified building material systems in construction, yet its performance depends critically on correct material selection, proper specification, and quality-controlled installation. From historic structures that have endured for millennia to contemporary buildings meeting stringent energy codes, masonry wall systems deliver fire resistance, acoustic isolation, thermal mass, and structural capacity