Articles Tagged with ''moisture''

A retaining wall

Outdated Engineering Standards Are Putting Lives at Risk Behind Retaining Walls

Aging retaining walls are under growing pressure from extreme weather, exposing hidden flaws and driving the need for proactive inspections, modern standards, and resilience-focused maintenance.
Kyle Tourjé, Executive Vice President of Alpha Structural Inc.
Kyle Tourjé
April 9, 2026
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As extreme rainfall increases hydrostatic pressure on older retaining walls built to outdated drainage and geotechnical standards, the author argues property owners and project teams should shift to proactive pre- and post-storm inspections and advanced diagnostics to catch hidden distress before it becomes a life-safety failure.
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Up Front: A Walls & Ceilings Editorial Column by Mark Fowler

Gypsum Sheathing Explained: Capabilities, Limits, and Common Misconceptions

Gypsum sheathing is a reliable, code-recognized exterior substrate when used as intended, but misunderstandings about exposure limits and construction sequencing continue to drive preventable jobsite problems.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
March 25, 2026
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Gypsum sheathing is a reliable, code-recognized exterior substrate when used as intended, but misunderstandings about exposure limits and construction sequencing continue to drive preventable jobsite problems.


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Andrew Irvine, director of product line management for TYPAR, accepts the 2026 Spark Award from Becky Gjerde, Chairman of the LSC Spark Award Committee.

TYPAR Clear Acrylic Flashing Earns NAHB Leading Suppliers Council Spark Award for Innovation

TYPAR was presented with the award during the Suppliers Reception at The New American Home 2026 ahead of the 2026 International Builders’ Show.
W&C Staff
February 16, 2026
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TYPAR has been named the 2026 Spark Award winner by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Leading Suppliers Council for its Clear Acrylic Flashing, an industry-first solution designed to improve installation accuracy, inspection confidence and long-term building performance.


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Spray Foam Insulation applied to a ceiling

Choosing Between Open and Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

A clear, practical guide to the key differences between open- and closed-cell spray foam insulation—and how to choose the right option based on performance needs, climate, and building goals.
Maxime Duzyk is senior global director of building science and engineering for Huntsman Building Solutions
Maxime Duzyk
February 11, 2026
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A clear, practical guide to the key differences between open-and closed-cell spray foam insulation—and how to choose the right option based on performance needs, climate, and building goals.
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Interior view of The Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI)

Avoiding the Dual Vapor Barrier Trap—Why Mineral Wool Is a Smart Choice for Commercial Walls

Why understanding vapor permeability—not just R-value—can make or break the long-term performance of commercial wall assemblies.
Todd Shear
Todd Shear
February 4, 2026
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Whether you’re a specifying architect, general contractor or facility manager, virtually everyone in commercial construction is under pressure to meet energy codes and build tighter envelopes. But without careful consideration, that approach can unintentionally create a dual vapor barrier.
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