Articles by Don Pilz

The Evolution of Firestopping

A timeline of how far firestopping has come over the years.

Don Pilz

Brent Johnson

September 3, 2019

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Firestopping is the process of containing fire and/or smoke through the use of properly installed UL tested and certified products and assemblies.

Six-story building undergoes seismic testing on shake table

Shaked and Baked but Still Standing

Don Pilz Jeff Elliot

September 27, 2017

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A look into how steel stud framed buildings held up in storms over wood and even concrete.

Sound Wall Forensics: Sound Testing in Multi-Housing Projects

There’s more to sound testing then contractors know—and it goes beyond third party testing.

Don Pilz

Wc0417-ft4-sound_wall-p4-mugshot-orfield

Steven J. Orfield

April 1, 2017

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Designing sound walls for multi-housing projects can be complex, especially when dealing with the problems of user satisfaction.

Special Inspections: The Next Stop in Firestopping

Don Pilz

Brent Johnson

December 1, 2016

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As regulations change in the firestopping industry, special inspections are coming on scene to provide knowledge on the subject matter.

How to Reduce Steps in a Project to Avoid Budget Increase

Don Pilz

June 1, 2016

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Improve production and profitability by reducing "steps" and "touches."

A Hard Call: Construction Defects Liability

Liable or not, construction defects can affect everyone

Don Pilz

November 23, 2015

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Builders often find themselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes to construction defects liability.

Sound Gaps

Don Pilz

March 30, 2015

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Mending the gap between the perceptions of sound consultants and the realities of the building contractor.

Misconceptions of Sound Ratings

The Sound Truth

Don Pilz

May 28, 2014

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Misconceptions and realities of sound ratings.

Six Guidelines to an Approved Fire-Rated Engineering Judgment

The importance of having a properly prepared Engineering Judgment on all construction projects IS essential.

Don Pilz

November 1, 2013

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What is a firestopping Engineering Judgment (EJ)?

Intumescent Tape Is on the rise (No Pun Intended)

Intumescent tape: One product to fill many needs.

Don Pilz

January 9, 2013

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Intumescent tape has changed the fire-stopping industry for the better over the last few years and is now doing the same for sound walls.

Walls & Ceilings Magazine

2019 December

Check out the December 2019 edition of Walls & Ceilings: 2019 Contractor of the Year, most featured products of 2019, drywall, vertical construction, the difference between vapor & air barriers and much more!

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