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 | Mar 27, 2017
Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction
American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2017
New manual of IT connectivity guidelines for commercial developments, redevelopments released
Mobile capacity planning, conduit points of entry, and electrical resiliency are covered.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2017
Brick Industry Assn. study finds brick buildings cost less than precast, metal, and glass
The study compares costs in five categories of construction.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2017
Calif. shopping center is first to earn BREEAM USA In-Use certification
The certification measures and monitors environmental performance of existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2017
U.S. House and Senate have voted to repeal Dept. of Labor’s 'blacklisting' rule
The rule mandates labor compliance review for federal construction contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2017
WiredScore forms Connectivity Advisory Committee
The committee's creation is an important step forward for the group that evaluates internet connectivity in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017
New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation
The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.