Large General Contractors (GCs) undertake a wide range of building projects, spanning multiple industries and serving various purposes. While construction drying is a critical activity throughout all projects, there are notable differences in managing environmental conditions between them. Here is a sample of major building types and what to anticipate for climate, water risk, and other factors:
Commercial Buildings
Office buildings, High-rise towers, Retail spaces, Hotels, Resorts, Casinos, and Convention centers
- Space may be limited in major metro areas for climate equipment
- Tradeoffs between using temporary or permanent HVAC for heating (wear and tear, impact on air quality for future occupants)
- High-rises can be climatized in stages or by floors, minimizing overall costs
- Leak detection and valve controls can reduce water damage risk
- Hotels are much denser than large retail space. With many small rooms, moisture can more easily get trapped so a drying strategy is critical
Residential Buildings
Multi-family housing, Luxury residences, Mixed-use developments
- Mass timber and other special materials require a thoughtful moisture mitigation plan to protect the investment and ensure acclimation
- Luxury spaces have high-end finishes, case work, and millwork that are susceptible to environmental factors; manage carefully
- Leaks or water issues during construction can lead to mold, mildew, or IAQ issues that can impact future occupants and building conditions
Industrial and Hi-Tech Facilities
Warehouses and Distribution Centers, Manufacturing Plants, Data Centers, Biotechnology Labs, Semiconductor Plants
- Warehouses built to store sensitive equipment, materials, or ingredients might not have the specialized equipment necessary to become fully operational. Temporary equipment can help avoid a delayed start date.
- Data centers, semiconductor, and other mission-critical facilities need extremely well-managed IAQ before, during, and after sensitive equipment is installed, or risk failure
- Bio tech labs are sometimes built with special coatings and floorings that require a tight humidity spec
- Temporary storage facilities or containments that hold special equipment in ahead of installation or during a building upgrade might require climate control
Institutional Buildings
Hospitals, Clinics, Research facilities, Assisted living centers, Universities, Dormitories, Laboratories, Courthouses, Libraries, Municipal offices, Military bases
- Hospitals or health care facilities undergoing upgrades need to manage the pressure differential between spaces to protect occupants from construction activities
- Many government buildings need moisture control and leak protection to protect public documents and archives. They often have wood finishes and high-end millwork, which need tight conditions.
- Schools and universities might have special considerations like monitoring and controlling noise levels for on-campus learning, or measuring and reducing the energy consumption of equipment to control budget
- During routine operations or construction, the indoor air quality (IAQ) may need to be controlled for the health and well-being of occupants or patients
Cultural and Recreational Facilities
Museums and cultural centers, Art galleries, Performing arts centers, Theaters, Sports stadiums, and Complexes
- Museums and cultural centers often feature unique building designs and materials that require special considerations for climate control.
- Renovations in one part of the building can impact operations in another, requiring temporary climate control, vibration monitoring, or dust control to protect precious works of art and history
- Theatres and luxury boxes at sports venues boast high-end wood and finishes that need careful installation under proper conditions
Transportation and Infrastructure
Airports, parking structures, bridges, and tunnels
- Airports often pose challenges with equipment placement and logistics. Look for flexible equipment options and knowledgeable technicians to support changing variables.
- Infrastructure projects might benefit from monitoring concrete moisture or controlling conditions for surface prep and coating activities
Speak with a Polygon expert to start planning how to manage environmental conditions in your building. Contact us today!
