Masonry Magazine April 2010 Page. 25
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Masonry Computer Estimating That Does It All... in 3D! by TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE
somewhat. Manufacturer jobsite inspections are becoming increasingly important to verify proper installation methods.
The debate continues within our industry: "breathable or non-breathable." Many believe that all wall systems should be able to breathe and allow vapor transmission through the wall assembly, while others still believe Northern climate wall systems with outboard rigid insulation should incorporate a complete air and vapor barrier system. The breathable air barrier actually does not have a specific location within the wall assembly, and, in many cases, ease of an effective installation may determine its location. In most cases, no matter the type of barrier system used, the normal placement is on the outer face of CMU or exterior sheathing, which provides the optimum location to create a totally complete and continuous barrier.
One of the biggest issues confronting designers and installers today is the compatibility of numerous components with the masonry wall. Air barriers, thru-wall flashings, wire reinforcement and anchoring systems must work in conjunction with one another. Fluid-applied and peel-and-stick barriers, unlike previous weather barrier materials, provide self-sealing characteristics that are extremely important with anchoring products that are normally penetrating at 16 inches on center throughout the wall. With many types of flashing materials on the marketplace such as stainless-steel, copper laminates, flexible membranes must be determined as to their compatibility with the barrier material and detail tapes being used. Another compatibility concern involves silicone and polyurethane sealants with all of the above mentioned materials at locations such as door/window openings, where the sealant can become the transition from the barrier membrane to the frame of the opening. As more compatibility issues are discussed, the ability for the specifier to be sure that all components will function together becomes increasingly important. Manufacturers must have various materials tested together as a complete system to ensure a complete functioning wall assembly. Our industry has already made great strides in this area with the development of a new testing procedure, ASTM E-2357, which expands upon the basic material testing of the past and now tests the assembly of the barrier, anchoring system and flashings. This is a tremendous step forward; however, since few manufacturers offer all three parts of assembly, it will become incumbent upon various manufacturers to work together with products to meet this new criteria. For too many years, the architect was tasked with pulling together all of the materials without much coordinated help from those manufacturers to create a wall system that will meet today's high-performance wall types.
Another type of barrier system showing up in the marketplace today is the spray foam insulation within the cavity area, which can provide a continuous layer of insulation and a barrier system as well. There are two different types of spray foam materials, with one being a closed-cell formulation that acts as an air and vapor barrier when installed, and the other an open-cell material that gives you a breathable air barrier layer. The biggest issue with the spray foam system is the ability for the applicator, normally trained and licensed by the manufacturer, to maintain a controlled thickness of product. The number of qualified applicators at this time is small, due the lack of a major presence of this type of system being used. This system seems to www.masonrymagazine.com
On-Screen 3D Take-Off
Just point and click on the digital blueprint and see your wall is displayed. Our new On-Screen 3D Take-Off Engine makes it simple and fast. Runs on Windows PCs and Bootcamp/Windows on Intel Macs. 30 day money back guarantee. Support available 7 days a week. 152 Comes with more than 400 items in material database. See the actual building being displayed in 30 as you do your take-off in either PLAN mode, PERSPECTIVE mode, OUTSIDE mode, INSIDE mode or at any ELEVATION. Complete your take-off, then walk through or around and see the actual finished building(s). Calculates CMU: HALF and FULL BULLNOSE, DOUBLE BULLNOSE, CHAMFER, or SASH for any or all OPENINGS, JAMBS, CORNERS, CONTROL JOINTS and any SPECIAL CUTS. Integrate with Accounting Software and transfer data to Microsoft Excel,
Negotiating projects with a 3D image will win you more contracts and enhance your professional image
TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE, Inc.
1-800-494-4899
See for yourself at:
www.tradesmens.com
READER SERVICE #163
April 2010
MASONRY 23