The Good and Bad of PEX Pipe

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) is a flexible plastic (polymer) tubing pipe primarily used in both hot and cold-water distribution plumbing systems. During the past two decades in the United States, PEX has also become a common alternative to copper, polyvinyl...

When Bad Things Happen to Good Buildings

The presence of various historically-deficient building materials such as polybutylene piping, fire-retardant treated plywood, and aluminum branch wiring is considered a “red flag” by real estate investors, managers, and lenders. The identification of these...

Learning from Others

“It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others.” Zen Proverb   An important aspect of a facility assessment is a review of available documentation pertaining to the property. This step in the evaluation can uncover...

The Challenge of the New

Buddha once said, “Things are not as they seem. Nor are they otherwise.” Every facility – new and old – has deficiencies. A new building will likely appear better than an older building with its new materials and painted surfaces, but no matter how new the facility,...