Denman and Associates

Aero-Thermal Heating and Cooling

Bradley Gummersall — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:50:23 +0000

This inocuous photo shows the gravel sub-grade of our restoration. What you do not see are the buried ducts and supply lines that will provide heating and cooling from one air-to-water heat pump unit called Altherma by a Belgium company, Daikin. A heat pump uses the thermal energy in the outside air, compresses it as a gas which raises the temperature, then feeds it through a condenser which releases the heat back into the interior of the house.

Powered by electricity there is no gas or oil involved, and thus no venting of exhaust fumes. The heat produced can be used for radiant heating, fan-coil heating, and hot water production as well. An option will also provide cooling if desired. For a more detailed description go to: www.daikinaltherma.eu

Waterproofing: Critical and Essential

Bradley Gummersall — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:00:51 +0000

The proper attention to waterproofing below grade structures is critical and cannot be overstated. In every structure where the floor elevation is below the level of the finished natural grade outside, proper application of appropriate materials is essential to stopping moisture penetration for the life of the structure.

Bituthane, a WR Grace product, is a composite membrane of rubberized asphalt and cross laminated, high density polyethylene film, ideal for waterproofing concrete, masonry and wood surfaces. A primer is applied first and the bituthane membrane self adheres to that. A protective fiber board can be added before backfilling the structure to prevent punctures from rocks and other sharp materials. In these photos the membrane has been applied to a clear line above grade. Finished stucco will cover the wall above and come below grade to cover the bituthane joint.

Insulated Concrete Form: ICF

Bradley Gummersall — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:40:51 +0000

Insulated Concrete Forms have been around for quite a while. They offer a versatile and fast system for the construction of foundation stem walls, retaining walls, and complete structures. BuildBlock Building Systems is one of many manufacturers to offer an ICF system. Here in pictures left and below they are used to construct an addition to an existing building. Working right off the concrete footing they are stacked & glued together, reinforcing bar is added as per engineered specifications and they are then core-filled with concrete. Numbered and marked cut lines make for ease of installation. Horizontal attachment points make attaching drywall easy and fast and the foam can be easily removed for electrical chases.

The third photo shows ICF’s used as a headwall to secure a driveway culvert. After core filling and backfill of earth the exposed ICF can be covered with stucco or in this case rock fascia.

Greenhouse Storefront Windows

Bradley Gummersall — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:24:10 +0000

This greenhouse glazing is a product of Kawneer, a manufacturer offering architectural aluminum window and door systems, entrances, framing and curtain wall systems. This window frame is a mock up requested by the architect to confirm the details of the window frame and glazing, as well as the relation of the frame to the finishes inside and out. Equally important, mock ups serve to illustrate crucial details to the client and confirm their approval.

Curved Steel Roof

Bradley Gummersall — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:52:59 +0000

The custom curved standing seam roof by IMETCO of Albuquerque is being installed. The spring weather in Santa Fe necessitated a delay of several days due to high winds. The steel structure has been painted to closely match the green color of the roof.

Restoration Update

Bradley Gummersall — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:00:24 +0000

Most of the demolition is complete and new construction areas are evident. The second story with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths has been rebuilt and Loewen windows are being installed. The entry wall with bell tower has been raised 18″and adds more weight and balance to that section of the residence.

At the rear guest house a garage screens the front of the guest house and a portal/pergola connects the guest quarters to the main house.

The master suite behind the entry wall remains to be built and all mechanical and electrical rough in is proceeding in stages wherever possible.

Carport Complete

Bradley Gummersall — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:19:27 +0000

This carport structure is complete other than final grading. Three center bays are enclosed with corrugated steel panels. The bays on either end are open. Each of the sliding corrugated doors across the front slide either way for access. The translucent material above is a Polygal Inc. product. Polygal manufactures numerous polycarbonite panels and sheets that offer an array of light transmitting, UV resistant plastic for many uses. Greenhouses, atriums, window walls, roof panels are just some of the uses for this versatile glazing material.

ENTRAN Hydronic heating

Bradley Gummersall — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:45:50 +0000

Entran hydronic heat tubing was used in many houses in the late eighties and early nineties. It was manufactured by Goodyear and became the subject around 2001 of a national class action suit. It was determined that the tubing used could not hold up to the demands of a hydronic heat system, becoming brittle, leaking, and eventually failing altogether.

Unfortunately, your blogger used this very same product in 1991 retrofitting an existing all-electric house adding a gas boiler and stapling up the ENTRAN tubing from the crawl space below. Worked fine for 20 years until one month ago when half the system sprang a leak and had to be replaced (Yes, even contractors have issues with their homes).

The new product, Onix tubing, by Watts Radiant, is superior in all ways and has an excellent field record. Perhaps the remainder of my system will sustain itself until warmer months when replacement will be completed.

As contractors we have been involved in ENTRAN replacement commercially. It is never a pleasant experience or an inexpensive one. The staple up described above is most affordable and does not disrupt the living space at all (except for lack of heat in the winter, yikes!). Much more expensive is tubing laid in concrete or under brick on sand flooring. Both of these remediations require extensive disruption to the living space and will often require homeowners to move off the premises.

Radiant heating is a joy to live with: silent, constant, and takes up no floor space. But always a proper appreciation of the products available and a qualified and experienced and licensed installer are key to a good job.

Curved Steel Joists

Bradley Gummersall — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:06:03 +0000

The steel joists have been installed with the detailing to take a few more days. After a primer is applied the IMETCO roof will be installed. Final ceiling finish calls for a smooth trowel cementitious plaster. Due to wind load and temperature differentials in the materials, an engineer will weigh in on specific application guidlines for the plaster sub-strate.

Restoration Demolition Phase

Bradley Gummersall — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:31:05 +0000

During this phase of the project the existing space is redefined to reflect the new design. Some rooms are combined and opened by inserting new headers to support the structure above. Some doorways may be closed up and new openings may be cut through the existing adobe structure. In this house the roof was removed because it violated code by having no less than 14 previous layers of distinct roofing. A previous pair of doors to the back patio are removed and enclosed in what will be a brand new room. Floors have been removed to accommodate hydronic radiant heating within the slab. New water and sewer lines to the street have been installed before the onset of the winter frost. The owner and architect are in the final stages of their design. Exterior walls will be defined, roof structure will proceed and soon plumbers and electricians will rough in their work as the building is enclosed and the long process of finish work commences.