Building
a structure can be divided into two basic components: material and
labor. Some designers believe that writing the perfect specification and
selecting an upgrade in material are the secrets to eliminating
problems. Joe Lstibrueck, a well-known building envelope expert, has a
quote on his website: “Rarely, if ever, have I seen the failure of a
building envelope related to a material failure.” Similar to my friend
Joe, I think problems most often result from an installer in the field
failing to interpret what the designer wanted, not understanding the
system or lacking experience in their tradecraft.
Joe and I are
not alone in our belief that material selection is rarely the problem.
However, the push for upgrades in product selection generally wins out
over seeking qualified workers. Making sure the pieces fit with a
field-proven assembly is often overlooked. The value of an experienced,
well-trained installer can ensure pieces are properly integrated and
work. The critical component to a qualified worker is their ability to
identify potential problems before they occur and then suggest workable
alternatives.