{Re}habitat

Modified bituminous roofing systems are available in two materials which are commonly used today for low-sloped roofing applications: Atactic Polypropylene (APP) and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS). The primary purpose for both of these materials is to provide the weatherproofing cover for the roof assembly. Crude bitumen is a hydrocarbon created naturally from petroleum, and modified bitumen is a blend of other organic materials with a polymer additive of either atactic polypropylene or styrene butadiene styrene. Atactic polypropylene is a plastic additive that gives rigidity and tear resistance to the final product, and styrene-butadiene-styrene is a rubber additive that gives more resilient benefits. These blends are then applied to a base material of polyester or fiberglass. Sheet asphalt paving (mastic asphalt concrete) makes up the majority of bituminous products used in the U.S. Even though bitumen is sometimes referred to as tar or tar-like in its consistency, it is not to be confused with tar. Tar is a product manufactured from coal and is not used as a part of this roofing system.

Roof decking pavers have created new opportunities for otherwise lost and unusable spaces.  Roofs and decks now have the ability to be functional, attractive exterior pedestrian plazas and living environments.  Pavers can be installed on roof decks and promenades, terraces, balconies, patios, plazas, arenas, roof gardens, and even on mechanical access walkways.  Roof decking pavers come in a wide variety of colors, finishes and textures.  Because of it's durability and strength, concrete is the primary material used to produce roof decking pavers.

This topic includes information related to membrane roof replacement performed during the life cycle of a structure. Membrane roofing is a type of flat roofing material made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic or modified bitumen. Membrane roofing material will need to be maintained during the life cycle of a structure. Maintenance could be minor repair or major replacement, when this occurs depends on the type of material, quality of installation and the result of exposure to the elements.

This topic includes information related to blanket insulation installed during construction. Blanket insulation is commonly installed along crawl space foundation walls, between studs, joists and rafters. Blanket insulation materials include; fiberglass, mineral wool, plastic fibers and natural fibers.

This topic includes information related to metal wall panels installed during construction. Metal wall panels are non-structural panels. While integral to a structures exterior aesthetics, metal wall panels primary role is to clad the exterior walls of a structure and keep water from penetrating the building envelope. Metal wall panel material can be aluminum, stainless steel, copper or steel. A variety of types are available, including; lap-seam, composite, insulated, flat plate and faced.

This topic includes information related to plastic siding installed during construction. Plastic siding is commonly referred to as vinyl siding, an exterior cladding material, manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Due in part to it's low cost as compared with other siding materials, vinyl siding is the most common siding product used on residential structures. Available in a variety of colors and textures, plastic siding is a versatile, durable and easy to maintain material.

Heavy timber construction is a building method that uses large, rustic, heavy sawn timbers or structural glue laminated lumber that is joined together with traditional mortise and tenon joinery or modern metal joinery. Also known as post and beam construction or mill construction, timber framing in floor and roof assemblies dates back to the beginning of civilization. The first completely self-supporting timber frame structure is believed to have been constructed during the 10th century. Developed since that time, the building method was brought to North America in the seventeenth century by European settlers.

Custom ornamental simulated woodwork is a versatile, durable, moulded millwork that has no structural abilities. Throughout history, old world craftsmanship has created ornate carved wood architectural details to enhance both the inside and outside of our buildings. Today several companies have the ability to custom mould plastic, from a unique design and specification, into a precise architectural ornament for use on the interior or exterior of a building.