FEMA P55 Coastal Construction Manual, Fourth Edition - Mad Cad

11 Designing the builDing envelope Volume II
11.7 Additional Environmental Considerations
In addition to water intrusion and possible resulting decay, sun (heat and ultraviolet [UV] radiation) and
wind-driven rain must also be considered in selecting materials to be used in coastal buildings. Te coastal
environment is extremely harsh, and materials should be selected that not only provide protection from the
harsh elements but also require minimal maintenance.
11.7.1 Sun
Buildings at or near the coast are typically exposed to extremes of sun, which produces high heat and UV
radiation. Tis exposure has the following efects:
Te sun bleaches out many colors
Heat and UV shorten the life of many organic materials
Heat dries out lubricants such as those contained in door and window operating mechanisms
To overcome these problems:
Use materials that are heat/UV-resistant
Shield heat/UV susceptible materials with other materials
Perform periodic maintenance and repair (refer to Chapter 14)
11.7.2 Wind-Driven Rain
Wind-driven rain is primarily a problem for the building envelope. High winds can carry water droplets
into the smallest openings and up, into, and behind fashings, vents, and drip edges. When buildings are
constructed to provide what is considered to be complete protection from the efects of natural hazards, any
small “hole” in the building envelope becomes an area of weakness into which sufciently high wind can
drive a large amount of rain.
11.8 References
AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association). 2008. Standard/Specifcation for Windows,
Doors, and Unit Skylights. AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08.
AAMA. 2008. Voluntary Specifcation for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products. AAMA
502-08.
AAMA. 2009. Voluntary Specifcation for Rating the Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors,
and Unit Skylights. AAMA 520-09.
AAMA. Fenestration Anchorage Guidelines. AAMA TIR-A14.
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