My project in Los Angeles continues, and it will be a week or two until all the planning is done. I’ll be in contact with you in to place my order, but before that, I have a question on electrical wiring of a PBS SIP when the floor and wall are both panels. With an open floor system electrical systems are easier to work with, but I would like to enclose the entire building envelope with SIPs (floor/wall/roof). The project will be over a crawl space. Using one of the PBS details drawing, I have added a proposed diagonal hole in the floor panel to pass up electrical wiring. Is this an acceptable practice, or is there a better way to work with the electrical system and panel system?
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Building Show opens In Orlando
Today in Orlando, FL opens the 2008 International Builders Show, and I was curious on what new products will be introduced. I was not expecting to learn about a technique that make 90% of all keyed locks vulnerable to attack. Kwikset has introduced new bump resistant locksets for 2008, to combat a growing bumping technique in burglaries.
Apparently the technique is trivial with a key easily made at home or bought off the internet. Using a simple tap on the key, the vibrations disturb the tumblers inside the lock, making the lock open. If you search for lock bumping, you can even see watch a youtube tutorial on how to get into someone’s house. Only now are manufacturers addressing this crime, but practically any lock made before 2005 is now a simple tap away from opening. The only solution is to get new locks.
In the future expect a super class action lawsuit against kwikset, schlage, and other lockset manufacturers for defective products.
FreeAxez 40 in Custom Residence
I would like to use the FreeAxez 40 system in an open plan residential environment. With the continued expansion of flat panel TV, wired ethernet devices for media, and unknown future power and data requirements, a low profile access floor electrical/data solution makes a lot of sense. I do not know if FreeAxez USA works with local distributors, representatives, designers, or if i would order direct.
Residential Addition Project in City of Los Angeles
I spoke with you briefly at the JLC Live! 2007 show in Anaheim about the advantages of SIP construction. I have a project starting in a few months that I am considering using PBS products. I have a few questions:
1. What construction documentation do you need? Do you need a floorplan, elevations, exterior wall dimensions, roof plan, etc.? my architect uses a CAD package from Nemetschek called Vectorworks Architect, which can output a 2D PDF file.
2. Does PBS offer a termite resistant OSB skin (BluWood, smartGuard, FrameGuard, etc.)
I am also glad the City of Los Angeles has a research report on your building system.
CarbonCast Residential Foundation Panels Availability in Los Angeles
I have a crawl space foundation requirement coming up (single home), and would like to use your CarbonCast residential foundation panels. I do not know which of your altus members manufacturers such a panel for the Southern California market. If the foundation panel is available, please provide a list of contractors familiar with the installation.
In the City of Los Angeles, the building officials have a “research report” approval of products, so there may be local compliance issues. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.
Construction and Demolition (C & D) debris Credit
To: councilman.cardenas@lacity.org
COUNCILMEMBER TONY CARDENAS
200 N SPRING ST STE 455
LOS ANGELES CA 90012-2597
Dear Councilmember Cardenas,
The City always needs more revenue sources. Construction and demolition (C & D) debris account for a large bulk of landfill use, but proven landfill diversion technologies can prevent 75% or more of the C & D debris from entering the waste stream.
Please start a city program that encourages C & D debris diversion and recycling in the residential areas. Currently only private haulers participate in such activities, but I feel it is in Los Angeles City’s best interest to guarantee compliance with AB 939 (California Solid Waste Management Act of 1989) and offer this removal service to its citizens. Too often private companies and haulers drop off C & D debris at the landfill, without going to the recycling centers.
Presently, neighboring cities require proof of C & D diversion compliance with cash deposits collected in advance, and only through written documentation from a certified hauler after a project concludes can the fee be refunded, proving that at least 50% to 60% of C & D debris has not entered the waste stream, but gets diverted to other uses.
I would prefer to pay the hundreds of dollars to the City, instead of a private company that has no accountability.