Air tightness, vapor-flow control and thermal efficiency, coupled with HVAC design and interaction with the enclosure, are critical to meeting healthcare facility performance objectives, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
Early detection of building enclosure issues are fundamental to developing cost-effective solutions. Common signs of water infiltration problems include staining of cladding, walls and ceiling finishes.
For instance, a silver dollar-size stain or condensation can indicate the possibility of damage and the risk of mold growth.
Patient complaints can also indicate problems in the building enclosure, especially if there is a consistent trend.
This Quick Read was submitted by Cathryn Jakicic, Healthcare Industries Editor, FacilitiesNet. For about hospital campuses and other medical facilities, visit https://www.facilitiesnet.com/healthcarefacilities.
