Constructing Environments Karen Dionisio-See Week 9
Activity: Detailing Volume In here, the class had to turn the assigned detail in a perspective drawing whilst understanding and showing the construction process in making the section detail. Moreover, the elements of waterproofing were discussed during the pin up presentation. The perspective drawing of the detailed section shows a more specific overview of the construction process (E-learning Detailing 2013). In terms of this section, a detailed heat and water systems are included, which is important in keeping the building a comfortable place. These are also crucial in limiting the energy use of buildings. If waterproofing and heating is not considered, more maintenance and renovations costs would be needed to ensure the building’s stability. Plasterboard act as the finish work for the internal structure of the wall that covers the insulation system. Brick veneer is the visible exterior structure of the building, protecting the cavity wall and flashing (Ching 2008: 7.28). The change in the height of the concrete slab is part of a detailing decision made for waterproofing in order to lead water straight to the flashing.
Constructing Environments Karen Dionisio-See Week 9
FLASHING In this section detail, flashings are located at the wall system on the ground floor and basement of the Oval Pavilion. These are thin continuous pieces of sheet metal attached in the walls or roof systems of a building (Ching 2008: 7.18). They are laid from the vertical structural members to the cavity wall to the exterior of the building with a slope to prevent water from passing into the walls. Morever, flashings collect water that enters the structure and bring it away form the building (Ching 2008: 7.22). Since the section detail consist of a masonry walls that are vulnerable to water entry, flashings are required to keep the moisture out of the system. In addition to this, the construction of cavity walls provides extra resistance in water penetration.
Flashing
DRIP EDGE These are found at the end of the flashings in the exterior of the building. They act as capillary breaks in allowing water to flow through the underside and the face of walls (Ching 2008: 7.23). This means that as water goes through the flashing and to the drip edge, it runs the moisture further away from the structure. Problem: A drip edge that is put too close the wall would let water inside the building, cavity walls and back to the flashings (Conjecture Corporation 2013). Solution: The drip edge should be constructed a few inches away from the wall, making sure that when water flows through, it would not reach the walls.
Drip edge
Constructing Environments Karen Dionisio-See Week 9
WEEP HOLES These are other forms of waterproofing systems that allow water and air out of the building located at the bottom of masonry walls. Weep holes are a part of the drainage system in letting water to escape out of the cavity wall that protects the internal structure from any damage (Allied Home Inspections 2013).
SEALANT Backer rods and sealants are found next to expansion joints in between bricks that work as a finish to prevent air and moisture from entering the building (Ching 2008: 7.29).
Pro: Bring moisture out of the structural members Con: Regular maintenance is needed such as checking the weep holes from any obstruction or blockages and pests especially termites (Allied Home Inspections 2013)
How water flows in the building and out of it through the flashing and weep holes.