The restoration of the tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia has been a fascinating example of the National Park Service’s fierce dedication to preserving the building’s structural elements while supplementing and strengthening the historic site with modern building materials. 

One of the biggest challenges architects face today in dealing with continuous insulation (CI) — and thick insulation in particular — is to attach the cladding without creating a thermal bridge in the assembly. 

 There is growing awareness in the AEC industry of the destructive problems of moisture and air leakage through the building envelope. Building codes have caught up to the findings of building scientists and now require continuous air barriers across the envelope, including at penetrations and openings such as at windows, curtain walls, and doors.  

2012 has ushered in a new era of building code changes, with the enhancements focused primarily on higher levels of energy efficiency. 

The effect of high winds on roofs is a complex phenomenon, and inadequate wind uplift design is a common factor in roofing failures. 

On March 27, to very little fanfare, the International Code Council (ICC) announced the availability of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). 

 Perimeter foundation insulation is required in colder climates to reduce the heat loss from a slab-on-grade to the below-grade foundation wall.  

 Proper airflow/ventilation is required on steep-slope roof applications. Prior to completion of project documents, the designer should consult with local building officials to determine the code requirements for ventilation.  

 1807.3 Waterproofing required. Where the ground-water investigation required by Section 1802.2.3 indicates that a hydrostatic pressure condition exists, and the design does not include a ground-water control system as described in Section 1807.1.3, walls and floors shall be waterproofed in accordance with this section. 

 11506.3 Material specifications and physical characteristics. Roof-covering materials shall conform to the applicable standards listed in this chapter.