Contractor Source

One of the best resources for contractors is the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI).  It provides for its membership a wide array of information and training. ABOUT AWCI AWCI represents 2,200 companies and organizations in the acoustics systems, ceiling systems, drywall systems, exterior insulation and finishing systems, fireproofing, flooring systems, insulation, and […]

Interior System Components

The following are the primary components that together make up an interior system: FINISHING The most common interior finish is paint.  Painting the interior cladding is fast, efficient, and it allows the surface to “breathe”.  Paint should only be applied over a cladding of gypsum board and never over a cement board cladding.    Underneath […]

Interior Finishing

PLASTER Plaster is a traditional method for providing a very durable finish that offers design flexibility in the finished appearance.  There are two basic types of plaster, and they vary by base material.  Plaster can be Portland cement or gypsum based in its composition.  Portland cement plaster is commonly called stucco, and because of its […]

Exterior Side Finishing

Illustrated here are three basic finish systems.  The first one is the exterior insulation finish system (EIFS).  The second one is the conventional Portland cement stucco system, of which are two variations.  The third is the brick veneer system. Note:  The limitations provided here are taken from appropriate building product manufacturer’s source.  For more and […]

Building Science Corner

FIRE RESISTANCE There are four different fire resistive tests that cover wall system design. The main and oldest of the four tests is known as ASTM E119 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. The next two tests concern penetrations and construction joints in a fire resistive wall. The fire test on […]