Special Report

Sealers and coatings for masonry and concrete: The essentials

by Deborah Slaton, James D. Connolly, and Leonard L. Phelps

This article examines reasons for sealing or coating (or not coating) exterior masonry and concrete, the types of coating systems currrently in use, and measures for ensuring successful coating applications.

Color psychology: Mind-altering hues

by Joe Maty

This article explores the premise that “every color has an emotional association,” and describes the role psychology plays in color preferences. Also featured is the award-winning and creative use of color for the interiors of several restaurants across th

Projects

Concrete Coatings: New look, new life for ‘Mill City’ landmark

An ambitious renovation project set in a once-bustling grain-milling district sought to blend the historical flavor of an old mill building with a more contemporary, modern-living appeal.

Buying Guide

Directory of Sealers for Masonry and Concrete

This buying guide lists and describes clear and pigmented as well as film-forming and non-film-forming sealer products from a substantial number of industry companies, with contact information for each company

Projects

Flooring flourishes from the Left Coast

Flooring creations that combine color, design, and utility are making bold statements in the restaurant segment.

Case History

Flooring flourishes from the Left Coast

Flooring creations that combine color, design, and utility are making bold statements in the restaurant segment.

Generic Coating Types - Polyurethanes: High-Performance Coatings Technology for Architectural Applications

by Edward P. Squiller, Ph.D., Bayer MaterialScience

Physical and performance properties of polyurethanes are described by the author, as well as selection and use of the major sub-types.

News

Green Building Council issues updated LEED for new construction

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently announced the launch of LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for New Construction version 2.2 (LEED-NC v 2.2). The new version incorporates a number of revisions to the LEED green-building rating system, including provisions involving roofing systems and VOC levels for paints and coatings.

Passing the Test

It’s a matter of degrees

by Allen Zielnik

Getting a read on ‘cool roof’ technologies and other energy-conserving coatings ideas

Editor's Word

It's not smart to be all wet

by Joe Maty

The concept of Smart Growth received a great deal of attention at the recent BuildBoston conference and show.

Projects

Restoration/preservation: Miracle at 90 West Street

by Joe Maty

An early 20th century Cass Gilbert landmark, located across the street from what once was the south tower of the World Trade Center, has risen from ashes of the Nine-Eleven catastrophe; also featured is the restoration of the façade of the Woolworth Buildi

Restoration/preservation: Preserving the ‘Cathedral of Commerce’ demands devotion to the details of Gothic landmark

In stark contrast to the concerted reconstruction task at the 90 West Street building, Façade Maintenance Design PC (FMD), New York, has been engaged for a number of years in a methodical restoration of the exterior of the landmark Woolworth Building in Manhattan, located at 233 Broadway.

Getting It Right

The cold, hard truth on concrete sealers and coatings

by Jayson Helsel

Sealing or coating concrete and masonry surfaces can significantly extend their useful service for many applications. Sealers and coatings can prevent water, soluble salts and other contaminants from being absorbed into the naturally porous concrete composition.