Be Pro-active and Remove Snow Build-up

By Wayne R. Lawson, P.E., SECB

Owners who remember last year’s record snow fall remain concerned about the excessive build up of snow on roofs and structures.  The concerns are well-founded.  If left in place, snow can build up to levels exceeding the structural capacity of the original design of the building.

Unfortunately, last year homeowners as well as private and public facility managers were forced to shovel snow on acres of roofing as well as their driveways and parking lots.  Removing snow from the roofs poses additional problems unseen on the ground.  First, working on a roof, especially near the edge, can be quite dangerous for workers.  Second, the shoveling activity has the potential to damage the roof membrane causing

Shining a Light on Solar Panels

By Keith M. Bouchard, P.E.

No matter what you think about global warming, the benefits of using clean and renewable energy sources are undeniable.  As technology stands today, the easiest way for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners alike to tap into clean energy is by installing solar panels on the roofs of their existing buildings.  These arrays of photovoltaic panels are typically

Thoughts on Sustainable Neighborhoods

By Molly Parris

As we adapt to our current environment created through decades of careless development, ideas of future sustainable cities and towns have begun to

Something to Raise Your Hand for This Winter

By Brandon Osborne

“I believe … that every human mind finds pleasure in doing good to another.”
Thomas Jefferson

For most, this quotation makes enough sense not to disagree.  But, what action do we take with the simple stipulation that it is true?  Some of us have volunteer or charitable associations that

Fascinating Fire Escapes: Part 1

By Jonathan Stevens, Assoc. A.I.A., LEED AP

Fire escapes have always been a fascinating part of architectural history, not only for their number one priority of protecting and saving human life, but also as a beautiful expression of design, functionality, and aesthetics.  In this blog series I will cover fire escape history, design, construction characteristics, and also preservation and conservation.

One of the first fire escapes documented was invented in 18th-century England.  In 1784, Daniel Maseres of England invented a machine called a fire escape that was fastened to the window and would enable anyone to descend to the street without injury.  The first credited person in the U.S. to patent a fire escape was Anna Connelly of Philadelphia in 1887.  She invented the exterior staircase that mounted to the outside of a building, specifically designed for people to use as a means of egress during a fire.  Since her initial invention, thousands of patents were issued for similar fire escape designs.  Many types have been constructed from vertical ladders, to chutes, to what became the most widely used and building code accepted, the wrought iron fire escape.

Fire escapes started being widely built in

Art & Architecture Tours of the Boston Public Library

By Jenne dos Santos and Melissa Wreyford

The Volunteer Office of the Boston Public Library (BPL) offers Art & Architecture Tours of the original building, highlighting the architecture of Charles Folan McKim and the original art work that still resides within the building by famed sculptors, painters, and artisans.

The original building, known as the McKim Building, is located in historic Copley Square near the Trinity and Old South Churches, which were all built in the late 1800s.  The design of the building shows influence from a number of architectural precedents from various European cities such as the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome and the Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve in Paris, where McKim spent several years prior to designing the BPL.  During the construction of the building the Library Trustees, who were funding the project, and the local residents were not fond of the design as it was far less ornate than the

Clear Your Walks, Protect the Environment

By Robert G. Wilkin, P.E.

There are a number of materials to put on walkways to melt snow and ice.  The old standby is sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as rock salt.  It is a highly corrosive material and its effect on concrete sidewalks and the environment makes it the least sustainable choice available and it’s only effective to 15°F.  The main advantage is that it’s cheap.  Calcium chloride is another readily available salt that is less corrosive to concrete but still is harmful to the environment.

There are greener deicers that will not damage walkways or the environment.  Green alternatives can keep walkways and steps clear at lower temperatures than salt, and in some cases, for just a few cents more.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DEICERS

If you choose to go the chemical route, find products that

The Owner’s Property Manager’s Guide to Dealing with Snow

By Eric R. Kizak, P.E.

In New England the first week of January is the traditional start of the snow sports season.  Unfortunately, to the dismay of winter outdoor enthusiasts, this year’s season has started off with much less snow as compared to other years.  But, sooner or later, significant snows will arrive in New England this winter and when they do building Owners and Property Managers will quickly recall snow removal operations and the many roof failures last winter brought.  The following is a guide for the Owner and Property Manager, which if followed, will

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