Verifying Enclosure Performance from Design Through Occupancy
Technical Assurance was engaged by Heapy Engineering to provide building enclosure commissioning services for the new UH Avon Medical Building, a 37,000-square-foot medical facility designed to provide infusion treatment. The $31 million project required independent evaluation of enclosure systems throughout design and construction and following occupancy.
Technical Assurance’s involvement provided continuity across multiple phases of the project, helping verify that enclosure-related design requirements were carried through construction and that completed systems performed as intended.
Reviewing Enclosure Performance During Design and Construction
During design, Technical Assurance provided independent third-party review of enclosure-related drawings and specifications. Construction-phase services included review of exterior enclosure shop drawings and technical submittals for compliance with the contract documents.
Technical quality observation was performed throughout construction, with site visits focused on air and vapor barrier installations, curtain wall and window systems, roofing, and other project-specific enclosure assemblies. Findings were documented through field reports and tracked to support resolution of identified conditions.
Testing Completed Systems to Verify Performance
Technical Assurance performed multiple forms of enclosure performance testing, including infrared scanning in accordance with ASTM C1060 and ASTM C1153, coatings adhesion testing in accordance with ASTM D4541, and water hose testing in accordance with AAMA 501.2.
These activities provided additional verification of installed enclosure conditions beyond visual quality observation during construction.
Extending Commissioning Beyond Project Completion
Technical Assurance’s involvement continued after construction with a 10-month post-occupancy review of the building enclosure. This final phase provided an opportunity to evaluate enclosure performance after the facility had been occupied and exposed to actual operating and environmental conditions.
By carrying the commissioning process from design review through construction, performance testing, and post-occupancy evaluation, Technical Assurance provided University Hospitals with independent verification focused on long-term enclosure performance.
