Razor wire is similiar to barb wire. Both types can be used atop walls and fences to provide security and work as a deterrent to aren’t too intrusion at building or compound perimeters. The photo below shows a zinc coated galvanized steel razor wire together… Read More »Razor wire
Rear ells are a very common feature of historic DC homes, they are prolific in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Georgetown. Often there is a jog in the otherwise rectalinear or rectangular type shape of a rowhome’s footprint. Typical DC rowhomes, at least for the… Read More »Rear ell, aka. dogleg
Rebar, aka concrete reinforcement is deformed steel bar embedded in the middle of concrete to add strength. Concrete naturally has extremely high compressive strength. In simple terms, that means that if concrete is squeezed between 2 extremely hard surfaces at a very high pressure it… Read More »Rebar, aka concrete reinforcement
Rendering cement is common at building foundations and above grade applications on concrete and masonry surfaces. The picture below shows the base code of rendering applied to an exterior surface to patch in a remodeled area of the building facade. Often in a multiple coat… Read More »Rendering, cement
Retaining walls support higher levels of ground at area of significant change of grade level. Essentially, between a higher area and lower area, the retaining wall we’ll support the higher area and hold the dirt in place. Ground levels on the levels and soils have… Read More »Retaining wall
A ribbed mat concrete footing is a shallow type of building foundation. This type of footing system though is stronger than a simple perimeter footing. The internal layout adds significant stability. In the image below, you can see the areas inside of the grid of… Read More »Ribbed mat concrete footing, foundation type
Masonry foundations, like masonry and brick walls, are also somewhat permeable. However, even more than the wall above ground, the foundation below ground is often exposed to even more moisture. From area to area, sub-grade earth has different levels of moisture, but soils usually contain… Read More »Rising damp
In Shakespeare’s classic play, Romeo and Juliet, he may have never used the word “balcony”; however, In modern times, in architecture, we referred to a standing room only balcony as a Romeo and Juliet balcony. In the image below you can see an example of… Read More »Romeo and Juliet balcony
Romex cabling in line voltage wiring with both a hot and neutral conductor with an integral ground wire. The conductors are insulated and sheathed in a nonconductive plastic casing.
Roof suppers and conductor heads are often used on fully bunded or bounded rooftops. Sculptures are essentially an opening or aperture through a parapet or rooftop knee wall which allows water to escape from the roof. In most cases the rooftop or section of the… Read More »Roof scuppers and conductor heads