Buildipedia Staff

Buildipedia Staff

The Buildipedia research and writing staff consists of dozens of experienced professionals from many sectors of the industry, including architects, designers, contractors, and engineers.

Luminous Ceilings

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

This topic includes information related to luminous ceilings installed during construction.  Luminous ceiling are suspended systems that provide light to an interior space, similar to sunlight through roof openings.  The systems incorporate translucent panels or tiles, which are held in place by a ceiling suspension system and electrical lighting fixtures; LED or fluorescent.

Waterproofing - Membrane Tiling

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

This topic includes information related to waterproofing-membrane tiling installed during construction.  Waterproofing-membrane tiling utilizes a sheet, liquid or urethane membrane beneath tiling to prevent water from damaging the wood structure of a building.  Waterproof membranes can be used under a various types of tile including; ceramic, quarry, paver, glass, mosaic, plastic, metal and stone.

Stone Tiling

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

This topic includes information related to stone tiling installed during construction.  Stone tiling is a decorative, natural material that is typically used to cover floors and walls.  Common types of stone include; marble, granite, limestone, travertine, quartz-based and slate.  Stone tile color and appearance will vary from piece to piece, because it is a natural material.  Various types of stone tile have varying characteristics that offer their own advantages and disadvantages for specific applications.

 

Plaster Assemblies

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Plaster assemblies include traditional three coat systems over wood, metal, or rock lath, as well as more recent plaster systems such as veneer plasters.

Plaster in a traditional three coat system is unmatched in its strength and durability.  This system is also fire resistive and can reduce sound transmission.  Plaster must be applied in such a way that it adheres to the support surface; the support surface, in turn, must be strong enough to carry the weight of the plaster.  In the past, applying a plaster coating over a stone or masonry wall seemed to satisfy the strength and texture requirements.  However, when framed construction became popular, interior walls lacked both.  To solve this problem, thin strips of wood called lath were applied perpendicular to the framing.  This solution both strengthened the wall and created a uniform surface to which the plaster could adhere.

Plaster Restoration

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Around the world, plaster has been a mainstay of construction for thousands of years.  Problems with old plaster vary according to a building's historical time period and the type of construction.  With some basic tools, and by incorporating common materials along with today's technology, plaster restoration solutions present themselves.

 

 

 

 

Painting

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Painting was originally a method of representing, documenting, or expressing the varied interests, subjects and beliefs that were a part of society. Paint as a material or method of decorating buildings did not become popular until the 19th century. Master builders and architects of the day used more permanent materials, such as carved stone or marble, colorful ceramic tiles, or pigmented stucco and plaster to develop their designs and decorate the exteriors of buildings.

Wallpapering

Mon, Aug 17, 2009

Wallpaper is a decorative wall covering used in both residential and commercial spaces. It can be applied full height or used as a wainscot, border or decal. Wallpaper was invented by the Chinese, who applied rice paper to walls as early as 200 B.C. Since that time, several cultures (including the Chinese, Arabs, French, English and Americans) have contributed to the improvement of wallpaper through material developments. Today's wallpaper is a technologically advanced product that is available in a variety of materials, types, styles, and patterns. It is relatively easy to install and is very durable.