Selection of proper materials is essential to the construction of basements that will provide liveable and comfortable indoor space. This Update discusses some of the key materials issues in basement construction and reviews the options regarding available materials and methods, including recent developments that enhance performance and efficiency. Full story
Proper site grading and foundation drainage strategies are required in order to prevent water damage to basements and their contents. This Update reviews current construction practices used for basements, discusses some of the key issues and deficiencies that lead to problems, and provides practical suggestions for improving drainage and construction. Full story
Permanent damage to older masonry walls and premature failure of repointing work can result from improper selection and application of repointing mortars. This Update describes key design elements for achieving successful repointing of masonry walls to provide a longer service life for both the masonry units and the mortar. Full story
This Update presents information critical to the successful application of repointing mortars for the conservation of older masonry buildings . Full story
This Update explains how an emphasis on system performance can achieve good sound insulation in multi-family buildings in a cost-effective manner. It reviews the concepts and terminology used to describe sound insulation for the complete building system, and presents research results that illustrate how typical wood-frame construction details can determine the sound insulation actually achieved. Full story
Providing good indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort is important for employee satisfaction, well-being and performance. This Update provides guidance on key issues for achieving adequate indoor air quality and thermal comfort in open-plan offices, based on current standards and research conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction and others. Full story
There is increasing interest in the garden roof system as a sustainable building design option in North America today. This Update reports the results of a field study to evaluate the thermal performance of this technology, as well as its potential to retain storm water runoff. Full story
This Update discusses how to achieve acceptable acoustical privacy in open-plan offices. The information is derived from current best practice and the results of research carried out by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction. Full story
Well-designed workstations in an open-plan office will assure a comfortable, satisfying working environment for occupants. This Update reviews some of the key design issues and provides guidance for achieving a successful outcome, based on research conducted at NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction and elsewhere. Full story
Good office lighting is a key element in assuring worker satisfaction and performance. This Update provides guidance on lighting design for open-plan offices based on current best practice and the results of research conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction. Full story
