Features
-
Membrane performance: how thick are you?
Andrew Golle looks at the various reasons why membrane systems fail and the best ways to overcome them. Liquid applied membrane systems fail for a number of ... -
Timber buildings cost less than concrete construction
The facts are now beyond doubt. Timber doesn’t just compete with traditional concrete in midrise construction; it wins. Kevin Ezard explains. This declaration was made following ... -
Say goodbye to termites
Timber development association chief executive Andrew Dunn explores the conditions that affect the likelihood of termite attack on a building and what information is available for ... -
A case for free standards
The Australian Building Codes Board has made the NCC available for free online, so what about standards? Jerry Tyrell believes it could be a winning formula. The Australian ... -
Oak: the best timber in Australia?
Ted Riddle shares his thoughts on oak and explains why, despite some faults, he rates it as the best timber in Australia. I recently had the pleasure ... -
The drying potential of membranes
Jesse Clarke, building scientist at CSR, discusses the idea of using vapour permeable membranes for moisture control in buildings. In recent history, membranes have played two key ... -
A safer solution to asbestos removal
Dealing with asbestos is an unfortunate part of construction in Australia; however, the task is becoming easier thanks to an intuitive product developed in Queensland. With an alarming ... -
Waterproofing and screeds – above or below?
Andrew Golle clears up the confusion surrounding screeds and explains the difference between waterproofing above or below. Providing surface and sub-surface drainage by implementing falls, to an ... -
What you need to know about thermal mass
David Arnott explains the ins and outs of thermal mass and how it affects building materials. The term passive design is one that many people would have ... -
Efflorescence: the dreaded white powder
Efflorescence deposits to external terracotta tiling. Efflorescence defects, although not classified as a functional failure, can detract from the overall finish and result in annoying ongoing ...
