Liberty Building Forensics Group, a building forensics firm warned building teams working on hotel projects to be on guard against moisture intrusion and mold.
Rigid adherence to brand standards in new hotel construction without factoring in specific regional and climatic conditions can result in significant mold and moisture issues, Liberty says. Global design standards typically do not take into consideration specific limitations of regional climates.
Regional violations in design standards have repeatedly resulted in extensive and costly mold and moisture problems in hotels, Liberty says. Hotel chains say their design standards are only guidelines, and that the designer or contractor on site is responsible for interpreting how to make adjustments for local climate. But brand standards are so specific and budget-driven that contractors typically adhere to them, even if they’re contrary to best climatic practices, Liberty says.
Liberty Vice President George DuBose says during the recent uptick in new hotel construction, his firm is seeing a recurrence of mold and moisture problems. “What we knew to work so well in the 1990s has been forgotten in today’s hotel design and construction,” Dubose says. “This poses a significant risk of new hotel failures that could mirror what we experienced in the 1980s and 1990s in warm, humid climates.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards
It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017
California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products
Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017
New AIA contract document for facility support services released
Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2017
NIBS, NBI issue guidance document to help communities achieve energy goals
Outcome-based codes compliance path looks at building’s actual performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2017
Underwriters Laboratories launches wellness certification
First certification program that verifies products’ compliance with the WELL Building Standard.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
Registration now open for Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) program
Standard is designed to be applicable across many types of new and existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.