| Author |
Message |
Tracy Van Niel, FCSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: tracy_van_niel
Post Number: 274
Registered: 04-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 09:33 am: |    |
We are doing a project that will be using a rain screen system, most likely terra cotta. I've been told by the team that I am to become an expert regarding this type of system, especially as it relates to performance requirements and criteria so I am calling on my specifer community to help point me in the right direction. Has anyone else specified this type of system before? Where should I be looking for reference standards and/or an understanding of the performance characteristics and criteria. What should I be making sure is included? Any and all help is appreciated!
Tracy L. Van Niel, FCSI, CCS |
Tony Wolf, AIA, CCS, LEED-AP
Senior Member
Username: tony_wolf
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 10:51 am: | |
Our BEC had a good presentation on this subject last month by an enclosure contractor. The main point: a single 'enclosure consultant-contractor' should be responsible for designing, testing, and installing, and should be engaged during DD. Yes, it's a self-serving message, but it makes sense. Their experience doing exactly that, and their expertise, was evident. Here's their website: www.huronvalleyglass.com. I don't know how much info you can gleam from them, but it will be more than you can from me. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 210
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 11:11 am: | |
I agree with Tony. One source responsibility so the compass points in one direction.
However, I recommond testing and inspection by a third party retained by the owner. Also retained during DD to provide details or design assist. I cannot stress this point enough . I have been on projects where the client has hummed and hawed over retaining a building enclosure consultant. Eventually they come on board but not till after the architect has spent considerable time and fee designing the details in a vacuum. If your own technical architects are not well versed in the "perfect roof, perfect wall, perfect foundation" concepts, then holes will occur in the enclosure system. |
Robert W. Johnson
Senior Member
Username: robert_w_johnson
Post Number: 14
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 11:20 am: | |
As stated in other discussions on the subject, see Joseph Lstiburek's The Perfect Wall (http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-001-the-perfect-wall/?searchterm=perfect wall) as a good place to start. |
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre
Post Number: 878
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 02:37 pm: | |
I've done two of these systems and the biggest issue we had is that the tolerances for the terra cotta system are teensy tiny and the tolerances for the steel framing system are relatively large. you have to have in place the ability of the system to take shimming; for the steel guys to understand just how little they are allowed to be out of place and out of tolerance (which may mean erection as AESS, rather than structural steel); and the joints in the backup materials. Then, settle on one manufacturer and work with them.
a note from one facilities manager -- if your firm is thinking about using those little terra cotta bars as sunscreens, figure out someway to remove them for window cleaning. one project in Seattle has that system and there is no way to get a window washing brush behind them onto the glass. |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 22
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 - 08:51 pm: | |
Just as an aside, in addition to a heavy dose of delegated design, it helps to have good people on the supply side. I've had good experiences with Hunter Douglas Facades (they're listed on 4specs.com under 074800 - Rainscreens). Their NBK line is extensive and their people provide some of the best service I've seen in a long time. Best of luck on your project. |
Barbara Smith (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 05:42 am: | |
Tracy - I would be happy to help you with technical information on terra cotta rain screen system or a metal, glass, resin or wood rain screen systems. I'm a sales representative for all of these. The comment mentioned for the tolerances on the terra cotta is correct, not all manufacturers hold to tight tolerances which can make the look of the terra cotta unattractive if they don't. Baguettes for sunshades can be designed so the window cleaners are able to reach behind and clean the windows without removing the material. You shouldn't have anyone removing these after installation unless they are being replaced. The comment about one trade responsible for the entire building enclosure is a good one, but in my experience has not happened very often due to the GC's agenda. I did one building in DC where that happened and it did work very well but it isn't necessary for terra cotta installation. A lot of trades have installed this product from glazing contractors, stone contractors, roofing contractors or carpenters. It just depends on the market area and if it is union or not on who installs the product - plus the input from the GC on the job. I have a few projects in the DC/Baltimore area completed that you can view - some still in progress you can see their installation if you are interested. Please let me know and you are welcome to call me. 412-523-3398. I'll be happy to share and help however I can. Terra cotta is a great, durable, long lasting product to use and very versitile in the look with color, texture and shapes. |
|
4specs.com Home Page