Terms You Should Know Thermal conductivity Thermal conductivity is the K-value. It is the measure of a material’s ability to conduct heat. A low K-value indicates that the material does…
The insulation used in low-slope roof assemblies typically falls into one of the four categories: rigid board insulation; dual-purpose structural deck and insulating planks; lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC); or sprayed…
Additional Commercial Inspector Resources: Low-Slope Roof Components Low-Slope Roof Construction and Failure Assignment of Responsibilities Commercial Property Inspection Technical Course (Live)
All buildings are capable of having an unlimited physical service life, but not an unlimited economic life. No other building system surpasses roofs as a source of litigation. Roofs may…
The complexities involved in adequately designing a roof for optimal long-term performance are reflected by the number of factors that a designer must consider, including: original construction and life-cycle (long-term)…
The following information is a general overview of basic and accessory low-slope roof components, their major design factors, functions, and common failures. The three main components of a low-slope roof…
Low-slope roofs were a late invention in building construction. This was mostly because steep-slope roofs exhibited superior water-shedding properties. Also, before industrialization, much of the manufacturing of goods was done…
Cast-iron boilers are often found in residential applications and small commercial installations. These boilers are compact and function exclusively in low-pressure steam or hot-water applications. The physical size of a…
by Joe Farsetta, Certified Master Inspector® and Certified Commercial Inspector The fuel or gas train is a series of components – some working independently, and others working in tandem with…
by Joe Farsetta, Certified Master Inspector® and Certified Commercial Inspector An integral part of every steam boiler is a low-water cutoff. A safety feature born of necessity in the 1920s,…
by Joe Farsetta, Certified Master Inspector® and Certified Commercial Inspector Steam boilers can be simple or complex, depending on their application, the fuel available, and specific requirements and demands,…
by Joe Farsetta, Certified Master Inspector® and Certified Commercial Inspector While there are several types of steam boilers, their basic operating principles are nearly identical. Water is heated to a…