Verifying Enclosure Performance Through a Complex High-Rise Renovation
Technical Assurance was engaged by Marous Brothers Construction to provide building enclosure consulting and commissioning services during the $64 million renovation of the 510,000-square-foot Westin Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Services included design review, performance testing, and quality observation of building enclosure systems throughout the renovation.
The project involved replacement of the majority of the hotel’s exterior façade components while strategically retaining portions of the existing façade to provide cost savings to the owner. Integrating existing and new materials created additional enclosure-performance considerations and required testing to verify that the completed assemblies would perform as intended.
Evaluating New and Existing Enclosure Systems
Technical Assurance reviewed exterior enclosure components for functionality, performance, durability, constructability, and quality. Systems evaluated included the TPO roof, metal architectural wall panels, curtain wall assemblies, storefront window systems, and critical construction details.
The team also reviewed shop drawings and technical submittals and performed on-site quality observations during construction. Particular attention was given to achieving complete, watertight enclosure transitions and proper treatment of internal drainage systems as new façade components were integrated with existing construction.
Using Performance Testing to Verify Watertight Construction
Because of the complexity of the renovation, Technical Assurance performed targeted performance testing of installed enclosure systems. Static-pressure water leakage testing of the tower windows was performed in accordance with ASTM E1105, along with hose spray testing in accordance with AAMA 501.2.
Technical Assurance also performed dew-point analysis of selected wall assemblies. Findings from that analysis led to additional hygrothermal analysis to further evaluate moisture and thermal behavior within specific wall sections.
Supporting Performance While Preserving Project Value
By combining design and submittal review, construction quality observation, analytical evaluation, and field performance testing, Technical Assurance helped verify the performance of both new and retained enclosure components. The approach allowed portions of the existing façade to remain in place for cost savings while providing additional evaluation of the conditions necessary to support long-term enclosure performance.
