Category: Ask the Engineer

A building’s exterior walls protect the interior spaces from a constant barrage of the elements. Over time, however, exposure to wind, rain, snow, and sun; lack of maintenance; improper repairs; and/or poor design and construction can lead to leaks, cracks,...

Building amenities are getting more exotic by the day--IMAX theater, squash court, chef's kitchen, anyone? In a competitive market, co-op/condo boards and building owners realize that adding or improving amenities can be a worthwhile investment. With some creative thinking and careful...

One billion gallons of clean drinking water are distributed to the taps of nearly nine million New Yorkers each day. The city's potable water supply, however, can be contaminated via back pressure or back-siphonage from buildings. The solution: properly installed...

Leaks, drafty windows, cracked balconies, loose floorboards, and mold are not things you would expect to see in a newly constructed or newly converted building. Unfortunately, they're not uncommon in the wake of the country's building boom over the last...