DOCSLIB.ORG

Cladding Systems, Moisture Protection, Thermal Control and Air Barriers: Effective Enclosure Design Strategies

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cladding Systems, Moisture Protection, Thermal Control and Air Barriers: Effective Enclosure Design Strategies Cladding Systems, Moisture Protection, Thermal Control and Air Barriers: Effective Enclosure Design Strategies Water and Air Barriers: Methods of Protection for Wood-Frame Structures Presented by Richard Keleher AIA, CSI, LEED AP Disclaimer: This presentation was developed by a third party and is not funded by WoodWorks or the Softwood Lumber Board. “The Wood Products Council” This course is registered with is a Registered Provider with AIA CES for continuing The American Institute of professional education. As Architects Continuing such, it does not include Education Systems (AIA/CES), content that may be deemed Provider #G516. or construed to be an approval or endorsement by Credit(s) earned on the AIA of any material of completion of this course will construction or any method be reported to AIA CES for AIA or manner of handling, members. Certificates of using, distributing, or dealing Completion for both AIA in any material or product. members and non-AIA _______________________ members are available upon request. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Course Description This interactive workshop will examine the unique considerations of building enclosure design for wood-frame multi-family and commercial projects. Presented by three experts, it will break enclosure design into its main control layer topics: cladding systems, moisture protection, thermal control and air barriers. Each of these control layers will be addressed, including product options, assembly and detailing strategies, continuity, inspections, and how each control layer affects the others. Using the mid-Atlantic climate as a basis of design, the presenters will then lead a design charrette using parameters selected by the audience. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the guiding principles of enclosure design, the variety of products, assemblies and details that can achieve desired performance, and the construction phase know-how to ensure that pen and paper details translate to real-world results. Learning Objectives 1. Review building enclosure design best practices for light wood-frame buildings. 2. Demonstrate effective methods of controlling air movement through wood-frame assemblies and discuss the resulting impacts on overall energy performance. 3. Discuss common products details used for thermal control in light wood-frame wall and roof enclosure assemblies, focusing on the differences between cavity insulation and continuous insulation. 4. Using case studies and details from successful projects, demonstrate unique considerations and best practices associated with a variety of cladding systems and flashing details at interfaces between adjacent enclosure assemblies. Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Barriers • The Thompson & Lichtner Co. Senior Architect • Richard Keleher Architect AIA, CSI, LEED AP Independent Consultant • Building Enclosure Services: • Design Assistance • Peer Review • Condition Surveys • Submittal Review • Construction Inspection • Fenestration and Roof Testing • Building Enclosure Council Founding Chair • The Green Team Concord, MA; Founder Sheehan Hall, Worcester State University, Goody Clancy Assoc. Presented for: Mid-Atlantic Enclosure Design Workshops - WoodWorks 5 Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Control Layers This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. © Thompson & Lichtner, 2019 Disclaimer The following details are intended for educational use only and should not be incorporated directly into a design without careful consideration by a design professional. Certain assumptions have been made about design conditions and other elements that could make the examples incorrect for some applications. All materials are generic and no preference for one manufacturer’s product over another is implied. 6 Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers Learning Objectives Attendees will learn: 1. The principles of building science and detailing of watertight enclosures, especially regarding air and water leakage. 2. Detailing of wood frame enclosures. 3. Detailing of curtain walls, storefronts, and windows. 4. Detailing of roof to wall connections. 7 Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Control Layers Key Concepts Learning Objectives 1. Five Control Layers 7. One vs. Two Vapor Retarder Application – Never Two! (except 2. Perfect Wall vs. Balanced (Hybrid) roofs that have a high relative humidity Wall vs. Conventional Wall space below) 3. Architects must clearly delineate air 8. Vapor Control, in General – see and water barriers in their Karla’s presentation for details. documents. Particularly important with vapor and 4. Rely on membranes, not metal air open insulation, such as fiberglass. flashings, to keep water out. 9. Climate (Zone 5) is where I practice. 5. 90% of construction litigation is due Key differences in Zone 5: to moisture problems. a. Code requires continuous 6. One vs. Two Air Barrier Application – insulation for Residential the more the better, but useless unless continuous. b. Code allows use of a Type I vapor retarder 8 Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers Outline Principles • Sealants (not reliable) • Roofs • Climate • Walls at roofs • Rain Penetration Forces • Low slope roofs • Five Control Layers • Parapets • Fire Issues – not included • Expansion Joints – not included Membranes Quality Assurance Wood Frame Construction • Walls and roofs • Flanged windows Commercial Construction • Slabs on Grade – not included 15 mil. ASTMs. Sucking. Floor failures. Radon. • Opaque Walls • Cavity (veneer) walls • Precast concrete (dual seal joints) • Fenestration (connections to adjacent construction) • Curtain wall • Windows, louvers and doors • Flanged windows • Storefronts • Subsills and receptors Winsor School, William Rawn Associates 9 Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Control Layers PRINCIPLES 10 Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers PRINCIPLES Sealants The Obvious Solution – Sealants - Not Reliable • Design Requirements • Width sufficient to accommodate movement • Width 1/2” ± 1/8” minimum • Shape Must be Just Right (see diagram) • Correct: depth = 1/2 of width • Too thick: adhesive failure: comes of off adjacent substrate. Maximum thickness: Silicone: 3/8” Silicone doesn’t cure over 3/8” Polyurethane: ½” • Too thin: cohesive failure: comes apart • Installation Requirements • Compatible sealant and substrate • Proper surface preparation • Proper backer rod type, position, and support • Proper tooling • Proper temperature (Cold-dampness. Hot-workability) Sealant Shapes 1 Correct shape 2 Too thick. 3 Too thin. • And, Many Causes of Deterioration • Ultraviolet radiation • Thermal cycling (worst in New England) • Standing water (horizontal joints) 11 Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Control Layers PRINCIPLES Climate US Climate Zone Map* *US Department of Energy 12 Details for the Building Enclosure – Water and Air Control Layers PRINCIPLES Control Layers The Five Control Layers 1 Rainscreen: Sheds a majority of the water and protects underlying material from damaging ultra-violet light. Always the outermost layer, usually the veneer. 2 Drainage Plane: (Sometimes labeled “water resistive barrier”). Drains the water away from (Water Barrier) substrate, incorporates flashings, drips, weeps, etc. Must be watertight! 3 Air Barrier: Prevents air leakage and consequent convective energy loss and prevents condensation due to water vapor being carried around vapor barriers, etc. An air barrier is critical to envelope performance. It prevents energy loss. It can be, and often is, used as the drainage plane. It is also often the final water barrier. No gaps! Multiple air barriers OK, but each must be complete! 4 Thermal: Prevents conductive energy loss. Insulation should be protected by a vapor retarder/barrier if it is not closed-cell. Closed-cell insulations can act as their own vapor retarder/barrier. The vapor retarder/barrier should be on the warm- in-winter side of the assembly. In climate zones 3 and 4 no vapor retarder/ barrier is required. See next slide. 5 Vapor Barrier: Prevents warm, humid air from reaching a cold surface where it can be cooled (maybe) to the dew point and condense on vulnerable surfaces. On the warm side of the insulation (inside in northern climates, none in moderate climates, outside in southern climates). Never two vapor barriers! Progressive permeance. 13 Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers PRINCIPLES Five Control Layers 1. Rainscreen Rain Penetration Forces • Kinetic Energy • Surface Tension • Gravity • Capillarity • Air Pressure Take - Home Messages Two-stage weather-tightening is the only reliable way to provide weather-tight walls. 3/8” Use veneers with drainage planes behind (cavity walls). Often called rainscreen walls. The drainage plane is CRITICAL. Attention to the details is as important as ever (75% of construction litigation is for leaks). Build a “boat” out of membranes. Problem Solution 14 Details for the Building Enclosure – Air and Water Layers PRINCIPLES ASHRAE 90.1 Air Barrier Requirements Five Control Layers for Commercial Buildings 2. Air Barriers Penetrations are Fenestration Note this a serious perimeters requirement;
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Insulating Basements: Part 1 Fundamentals
    The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center Insulating Basements: Part 1 Fundamentals Builder Brief: BB0510 Brian Wolfgang, PHRC Fellow INTRODUCTION HEAT FLOW The perception of a basement has changed Heat flows from warm to cold. Heat flow can take significantly over time from basic utility space to a place through any of the following mechanisms and space that is habitable or can easily be converted to a typically includes a combination of all three: habitable space. This shift in expectation has presented numerous challenges to builders as 1. Conduction: Heat flow through a substance basement walls are fundamentally different from or material by direct contact. traditional above-grade walls. 2. Convection: Transfer of heat through air when considering building enclosures. With residential construction, it is not only important 3. Radiation: Transfer of heat through to understand the building process but also the electromagnetic waves travelling in a gas or science behind it. A solid understanding of the vacuum. physics of heat and moisture will allow builders and designers to produce more efficient structures. It will Although heat transfer through conduction tends to also allow for building components to be evaluated govern in basement walls, convection caused by air as parts of a whole system. leakage into or out of a structure (caused by negative or positive pressurization) can result in significant Insulating Basements consists of three PHRC amounts of heat loss or gain. Builder Briefs addressing fundamental building physics, basement wall materials, and basement wall Special Considerations systems. This first brief describes the fundamental building physics concepts that play a role in the Although many design methods are based on the performance of a basement wall system.
    [Show full text]
  • Home Performance for Solar Professionals and Solar Decision Makers Introduction Welcome to Home Performance for Solar
    Home Performance for Solar Professionals and Solar Decision Makers Introduction Welcome to Home Performance for Solar Who am I? • Home Energy Nerd • Passionate Environmentalist • 15+ Years in Solar and Cleantech • 10 Home Energy / Solar Certifications • Energy Auditor – 1000+ Energy Audits • General Contractor, Electrician – 100+ Whole Home Upgrade • Solar Consultant for Leading San Diego Based Companies • Regional Manager for Enphase Energy Welcome to Home Performance for Solar Outline for the Course 1. What does a value-based transaction look like in the solar industry? 2. Why home performance can have such a big impact on a solar project? 3. What are some of the basic principals of home performance? 4. What is the approach you can use to understand where the opportunities are? 5. What solutions are the most commonly effective on the efficiency side? 6. What is the future vision for the home’s energy systems? Summary: What are the highlights from this course that will enable the design of great home energy projects. Welcome to Home Performance for Solar Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to… 1. Assess any solar energy project through a “whole home” approach. 2. Apply new tools to increase value created through any solar energy project. Bonus: 3. Move forward with a new/expanded passion for home performance. Value: What does a value-based transaction look like in the solar industry? Value Why are we talking about value here? • Today we have solar professionals and homeowners together!!! • Ultimately there will be a certain level of value for each project.
    [Show full text]
  • In 2017, the Château of Chambord Is Replanting Its 18Th-Century French Formal Gardens
    TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3 I - HISTORY .......................................................................................................................................... 4 1 - The Château’s Surroundings in the 16th Century ........................................................................ 4 2 - The Major Projects of the 17th Century ........................................................................................ 4 3 - Completion of the Parterre in the 18th Century ........................................................................... 5 4 - The Steady Disappearance of the Garden .................................................................................. 7 II – SCIENTIFIC APPROACH ........................................................................................................... 8 1 - A Methodical and Scientific Investigation .................................................................................. 8 2 - Historical Research (2003–2014) .................................................................................................. 8 3 - Archaeological and Geophysical Surface Surveys (2013–2014) .................................................. 8 4 - Planned Archaeological Digs (2016) ............................................................................................ 9 III – COMPOSITION OF FRENCH FORMAL GARDENS ........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Air Space R-Value
    Evaluation of Reflective and Non-Reflective Airspaces for Energy Code and FTC R-value Rule Compliance ABTG Research Report No. 1601-02 Conducted for the Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC) of the American Chemistry Council Report Written by: Applied Building Technology Group, LLC appliedbuildingtech.com Final Report: September 19, 2016 Updated: January 14, 2021 ABTG is an APPROVED SOURCE This research report is based on practical scientific research (literature review, testing, analysis, etc.). This research report complies with the following sections of the building code: IBC Section 104.11.1 and Section 1703.4.2 – "Research reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources." IBC Section 202 – "APPROVED SOURCE. An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses." Applied Building Technology Group, LLC | 6300 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719 | 608-310-6710 | appliedbuildingtech.com Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................ page 3 Background ........................................................................................................................ page 3 Analysis ...........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 780 Cmr: State Board of Building Regulations and Standards
    780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 780 CMR: MASSACHUSETTS AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 2009 CHAPTER 13: ENERGY EFFICIENCY 1301.1.1 Replace as follows: 1301.1.1 Criteria. Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code 2009 (IECC 2009) with Massachusetts Amendments as follows: 101.2 Add a second sentence as follows: These Massachusetts Amendments, intended to expressly apply to IECC 2009, are also to apply in intent to ASHRAE 90.1. 101.5.2 Change title of this section to read: 101.5.2 Low Energy Buildings and Exempt Buildings. 101.5.2 Add 2 exemptions as follows: 3. Portions of aircraft hangars where aircraft are housed or stored and/or aircraft servicing, repairs or alterations may occur are exempt from the provisions of Chapter 13 of the International Building Code 2009 with Massachusetts Amendments (780 CMR 13.00). 4. Greenhouses that are free-standing, or attached to a building and separated by a wall having the same thermal value as an exterior wall, and provided with a separate temperature control system. 101.5.3 Add subsection: 101.5.3 Heating, Pumping, Process Piping and Refrigeration Systems. Heating, pumping, process piping and refrigeration systems shall be installed by contractors and personnel appropriately licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Engineered designs and specifications prepared by registered design professionals shall identify systems requiring compliance with appropriate sections of M.G.L. c. 146 and the regulations of the Bureau of Pipefitters & Refrigeration Technicians found in 528 CMR. Shop drawings and design layout prepared by licensed installing contractors shall note the name(s), license number(s) and license expiration date(s) of the contractor(s) installing the heating, pumping, process piping and refrigeration systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Air Barriers in Masonry Walls
    masonry walls BY CLAYFORD T. GRIMM, P.E Using Air Barriers in Masonry Walls ater in masonry relative humidity rises. When interior air Paul R. Achenbach provides an exam- walls creates nu- at 70° F and 50% relative humidity is ple of interstitial condensation in his pres- merous prolems: cooled to 50° F, its relative humidity in- entation “General Construction Principles,” freeze/thaw frac- creases to 100% and condensation occurs. Moisture Control in Buildings (ASTM In- tures, cracks form, In summer, the sun drives water vapor ternational, West Conshohocken, Pa., 1994, efflorescence ap- inward by diffusion or warm moist air is page 285). Wpears, wall stains, insulation failure, forced inward by convection towards an “Air-conditioned buildings constructed material swelling, wood warp, gypsum air-conditioned space, which diminishes of masonry block and finished with fur- decay, metal corrosion, paint peels, mold the air’s ability to hold water and increases ring strips, insulation, vapor retarder be- grows, mildew forms, and odors reek. its relative humidity. If air at 85° F and tween furring strips, and plasterboard in- Much thought is given to warding off 90% relative humidity is cooled just three terior frequently experience condensa- wind-driven rain by using wall drainage degrees to 82° F, its relative humidity in- tion on the back of the vapor retarder cavities, flashing, and weep holes. creases to 100% and condensation occurs. and softening of the plasterboard inte- However, little attention is given to in- Richard L. Quirouette in his paper “Dif- rior in humid and rainy climates. Even terstitial condensation that is often just as ference Between a Vapor Barrier and an though the masonry block is painted, ex- damaging.
    [Show full text]
  • Vapor-Tight Barriers Pdf Download
    THE USE OF VAPORTIGHT BARRIERS AS BASIS FOR HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION DESIGN Copyright Material IEEE Paper No. PCIC-(do not insert number) Allan Bozek, P.Eng Lin Duquette, P.Eng Allen Gibson Robert Seitz, PE Senior Member, IEEE Member, IEEE Member, IEEE Life Senior Member IEEE EngWorks Inc Alliance Pipeline Roxtec Group Artech Engineering 1620 49th Avenue, SW 800, 605 5th Ave SW 1340 Camelot Drive 23827 Homestead Rd Calgary, AB T2T 2T7 Calgary, AB T2P 3H5 Liberty, MO 64068 Chugiak, Alaska 99567 Canada Canada USA USA Abstract - This paper explores the use of vaportight barriers vaportight barrier as defined by the relevant hazardous area as basis for classifying hazardous locations. It reviews the classification standards and recommended practices. industry accepted definition of “vaportight” in accordance with standards and recommended practices and provides III. VAPOR BARRIERS IN THE CONTEXT OF A considerations for the specification, design and construction of HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION a vapor barriers. It also provides a test criteria and methods for verifying the integrity of a vapor barrier and provides A non-hazardous location may be located adjacent to a guidance on installing doors, conduit, cables and piping hazardous location where flammable gases or vapors may be penetrations through vapor barriers. A case example is present provided the locations are separated by a wall, floor provided to illustrate implementation of the concepts covered. and/or partition incorporating a vaportight barrier. Fig. 1 illustrates the use of the concept in the context of a Index Terms — Hazardous Area Classification, Vaportight modularized skid. Barrier, Air Barrier I. INTRODUCTION Vapor barriers may be used to separate non-hazardous locations from classified hazardous locations.
    [Show full text]
  • Simulation of Convective Heat Loss Through Mineral Wool in a Rainscreen Facade
    Simulation of Convective Heat Loss through Mineral Wool in a Rainscreen Facade M. Steven Doggett, Ph.D. and Robert F. Brunjes, AIA Built Environments, Inc., Stillwater, Minnesota, U.S.A. Abstract – This study applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to determine the effects of wind- induced convection through mineral wool in a ventilated rainscreen system. Wind studies of a conceptual low-rise building subject to a wind speed of 6.7 m/s demonstrated dynamic airflows and rainscreen velocities ranging from 0.1 to over 3 m/s. Localized pressure fields near cladding support framing increased air velocities within the mineral wool by one to two orders of magnitude. These high pressure regions, together with increased surface flows at corner domains, represented the primary pathways governing convective heat loss. Simulated convection through mineral wool slabs showed that even high density materials are prone to increased heat transfer due to air permeability into the open pore volume. Vertical and horizontal flow regimes at 1 to 2 m/s increased heat transfer by 4 to 42% over the range of simulated mineral wool densities. Gaps between and behind insulation slabs further increased the convective effects, resulting in heat flux densities that were up to 62% higher than non-gapped, impermeable insulation. The results of this study support growing recognition that exterior mineral wool must be protected from the detriments of convective forces. Alternatively, adjustments in effective R- values should be made when using un-faced mineral wool slabs. 1. INTRODUCTION convective forces within the rainscreen cavity, air permeability of the insulation, and continuity of The use of air-permeable fibrous insulation poses the insulation layer.
    [Show full text]
  • Solving the Air Barrier Riddle: Permeable Or Impermeable?
    Design *** Construction / Installation *** Maintenance / Retrofit *** Material & Components Solving the Air Barrier Riddle: Permeable or Impermeable? By: Sonya Santos Introduction Temperature gradients — Moisture vapor will naturally The problems associated with air infiltration of buildings move from the warm side of a wall to the cooler side. If the are well established. In addition to significant heat- temperature is high inside the building and lower outside the ing/cooling energy loss, air leakage through building building, vapor drive will be directed outward(and vice versa). envelopes can permit moisture and condensation to The greater the difference of this “temperature gradient,” the collect in the walls. This interstitial condensation creates greater the vapor drive. significant problems for buildings and occupants alike, including poor air quality, mold and mildew, and even In other words, the movement of moisture via diffusion is structural damage. a result of differences in vapor pressure that are related to the temperature and moisture content of the air. To prevent these destructive outcomes, no building design today is complete without a continuous air bar- Of these two, temperature is the greatest factor impacting rier. However, while the need for such a barrier is now vapor drive. In fact, when the temperature differences be- well recognized (and required by code in a growing list tween indoors and out is great (say, 20 degrees or more), of jurisdictions), architects and engineers are faced with the vapor drive can be quite strong. Add a significant the challenge of selecting an air barrier from the many difference in humidity, and the vapor drive becomes even types available.
    [Show full text]
  • Achieving a High Performance Air Barrier System Proper Design, Installation and Field Quality Control
    Achieving a High Performance Air Barrier System Proper Design, Installation and Field Quality Control Presented by Mr. Peter Spafford Air Barrier Association of America Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members will be available on-line approximately 6-8 weeks after the program. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. © Air Barrier Association of America, Inc. 2017 Air Barrier Association of America Presentation Code of Ethics - The Representative, when speaking about Air Barrier technology and using language, information, presentations, logos, or any other communication means that could be reasonably likely to cause the recipient(s) of such information to believe that the communication represents an official ABAA technical viewpoint, shall: • Hold themselves out to the public with professionalism and sound ethics
    [Show full text]
  • Densglass® Sheathing and Tremco Air Barrier Systems Tech Note
    #004 TECH DensGlass® Sheathing and Tremco Air Barrier Systems Product Descriptions it must first be primed. Use ExoAir Primer to ® ensure a clean, sound surface to receive the Commercial Cavity DensGlass Sheathing is an engineered NOTES exterior gypsum sheathing. It has a specially membrane. Wall Assembly treated gypsum core and embedded fiberglass ExoAir™ 120 Fluid-Applied Air & Vapor Cold Climate Exterior mats on both sides for superior moisture, fire Barrier Membrane is a single component, Elevations other than EIFS and mold resistance. This product can remain seamless, fully adhered membrane. It is a exposed for up to twelve months and is an polymer-modified emulsion and can be Interior Gypsum Panel ideal substrate for a wide variety of exterior applied by spray or roller. ExoAir 120 is an Manufacturer claddings. impermeable air, vapor and water barrier. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC DensArmor Plus® High-Performance When applying over DensGlass Sheathing, Interior Panels are specially engineered joints in exterior sheathing panels should be treated with compatible Tremco sealants, Interior Gypsum interior gypsum panels. With its treated core Panel Names and embedded fiberglass mats front and and no priming is required. ExoAir 120 offers DensArmor Plus® High- back, this enhanced product provides superior excellent adhesion to the surface of fire, moisture, and mold resistance. This DensGlass panels. ExoAir 120 is used in Performance Interior Panels product should be finished with a mold- conjunction with other system components resistant finish system. DensArmor Plus to bridge to adjacent structural building Metal Studs panels are GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality components. 4( (102 mm) or 6( (152 mm) Certified® and have been listed as microbial ExoAir™ 220 Fluid-Applied Vapor deep galvanized steel resistant by the GreenGuard Environmental Permeable Air Barrier Membrane is a Institute.
    [Show full text]
  • Patching Old Floorboards
    Patching Old Floorboards SPAB Technical Advice Note Philip Hughes BSc, MRICS (Chartered Building Surveyor) and SPAB Scholar The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings 37 Spital Square London E1 6DY 020 7377 1644 [email protected] www.spab.org.uk Contents An old floor of wide boards – scrubbed or polished for generations and uneven from wear – adds considerable richness to any room in an old building. A floor is one of the principal surfaces of a room, yet ancient boards are often badly abused. Bodged attempts to replace boards are common. Even when replacement is completed satisfactorily, the result will not always be visually acceptable. In addition, replacement of floors in their entirety often takes place unnecessarily. This Technical Advice Note aims to alleviate the problem by suggesting a number of methods by which old boards may be patched or repaired. 1 Introduction ....................... 3 2 Deterioration ....................... 3 3 Lifting floorboards ....................... 3 4 Undulations and gaps ....................... 5 5 Reducing unevenness ....................... 6 6 Repairing a split board ....................... 6 7 Repairing a broken edge ....................... 7 8 Strengthening a weak board ....................... 8 9 Splicing a broken end ....................... 8 10 Relaying old boards ....................... 8 11 Surface treatment ....................... 9 12 Conclusion ....................... 9 13 References ....................... 9 14 Other advice ....................... 9 Cover image: Warmth and richness of a well-repaired old floor. Photo: Philip Hughes 2 SPAB Patching Old Floorboards 1 Introduction 3 Lifting This Technical Advice Note explains common reasons why floorboards deteriorate (section 2) floorboards and a range of methods by which they can be repaired (sections 4 to 9). It also discusses It is extremely easy to cause serious damage techniques for successfully lifting floorboards, to floorboards by attempting to lift them – where it is necessary to take them up, and offers particularly when the board is decayed.
    [Show full text]