An effective and durable window installation demands good airtightness and proper water management. This Update explains how the degree of airtightness and the location of the plane of airtightness of the wall-window interface affect water entry. It is the second in a series of Updates presenting results from studies of window installation details. Full story
The ability to detect leaks in municipal water distribution pipes is a critical aspect of leakage management programs. This Update reviews several strategies used to survey for leaks using acoustic equipment and presents recent experience with regard to their performance. Full story
The use of photoluminescent material systems in buildings is gaining acceptance in North America as a valuable safety feature for users of exits and stairwells in the event of power failure and the loss of emergency lighting. This Update describes the characteristics and installation of photoluminescent markings. Full story
This Update describes results of research on several types of window shading devices and their potential to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption and improve conditions that affect occupant comfort. The information provides guidance in the selection of shading devices for particular housing types and energy cost situations. Full story
Satisfactory window performance demands a good product and proper installation. This Update presents results from a recent study of sill installation details for the effective drainage of inadvertent water entry at the wall-window interface. Full story
Fire suppression systems for the protection of buildings have evolved in response to new requirements, environmental pressures and advances in technology. This Update provides an overview of four recently developed systems, reviews research on the performance of each, and provides guidance on system selection, design and use. Full story
This Update reviews NRC-IRC research on the fire resistance of externally bonded, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRPs) systems used for repairing concrete building members. The research showed that FRP systems that include specially designed insulation can enable repaired or strengthened concrete members to exceed the 4-hour fire resistance requirements of building codes. Full story
The use of de-icing salts can significantly reduce the service life of concrete transportation structures by causing corrosion of the reinforcing steel. This Update provides guidance on controlling corrosion, drawing on a ten-year study to assess the performance of eight commercial corrosion-inhibiting systems on a concrete highway bridge. Full story
This Update presents the results of research on smoke movement through HVAC systems and the effectiveness of duct smoke detectors. It provides guidance to practitioners and regulatory authorities in the context of North American code requirements for such detectors. Full story
This Update discusses the results of a research project that examined the impacts of two types of high-performance window glazing (low solar heat gain and high solar heat gain) on energy consumption in residential applications. Full story
