FinishesFunctional Parameters
Durability
Acoustical performance
Fire safety
Relationship to mech. & elect. services
Changeability
Fire resistance
Aesthetics
Design compliance / enhancement
Interior Finishes
One of the purposes - Conceal or accommodate the building servicesEquipment & distribution systems:
Mechanical (HVAC) Plumbing (water, sewer,storm) Sprinkler Electrical (power, communication, etc.) Vertical transportation Others: computer connections, vacuum, etc.
MPE System Installation
Shafts - vertical runs of pipe, duct, wiring, elevators, etc.Concealment and prevention of fire migration
Suspended Ceilings - Horizontal runs of MPE
Floors - services cast into floor, access flooring
Plumbing Chases - water, sewer
Mechanical Spaces - rooms, penthouse, roof, basement, mezzanines
Interior Finishes Sequence
Overhead Rough-in (duct, pipe, electric home runs/service) AND
MPE Vertical Distribution Systems (plg, duct, elec.)
Partition Framing (CMU, metal framing)
Partition Rough-in (plg, elec., communications, etc.)
Ceiling Framing & Rough-in (DW, acoustic grid, lights, HVAC, etc.)
Cabinetry, Built-in equipment and furnishes
Ceiling Finishes, Wall Finishes, Floor Finishes
Sequence depends on: Type of materials / systems used
Interior Finishes Sequence
Primary Considerations for Sequence:Need for subsequent operations - framing/RI
Priority for Location EX. - electric pipe vs. sewer
Durability of material Ability to withstand unconditioned Space- cabinetry/doors Ability to withstand construction abuse - soft vs. hard tile
Project Schedule RequirementsAvailability - lead time, field measurements
Considerations for Selecting Interior Finishes
Appearance
Durability & Maintenance
Acoustic Criteria
Fire Criteria
Relationship to MPE services
Changeability
Cost
Toxic Emissions
Appearance
Present / Carry out a particular ConceptInterior space - usage, feel, form, etc.LightingColorPatternTextureetc.
Durability & Maintenance
“Highly durable finishes generally cost more…”
Selection generally determined by “need”/useIntensity of use - “wear & tear”Water resistance requirementsCleanliness & maintenance requirements
Examples“hard” flooring in an airport vs. carpet in an officedrywall ceilings in a hospital vs. acoustic in retail/officeCMU in public restrooms or mechanical room vs. drywallVWC in a corridor vs. paint
Acoustic Criteria
“Interior finish materials strongly affect the quality of listening conditions and the levels of acoustic privacy inside a building.”
(They absorb or reflect sound - space use typ. determines)
Sound Transmission Class (STC) of PartitionsA measure of sound transmissionFull scale testing to determine STC ratingCan also use a field test to verify Requires - proper construction
partition, sealing MPE penetrations, doors, etc.
Acoustic Criteria
Ways to Reduce Sound TransmissionProper selection of materials / components
Floors, ceilings & walls
Proper installation
Sound absorbing insulation
Resilient partition mountings
Isolation of equipment
Cement/Gypsum Self-Leveling Floor Covering to reduce floor-to-floor sound transmission
‘Insulates’ floor andSeals joint between
partitions & floor
Fire Criteria
Typically governed by Building Codes
Concerned with:Combustibility
Flame spread (how quickly fire spreads / material burns)
Fuel Contributed Rating (combustibility of material)
Smoke Developed Rating (smoke contribution)
“smoke, not heat, is the primary killer in building fires”
Fire Resistance
Fire Resistance Ratings
Full Scale Tests to determine an assembly’s ratingMust maintain physical & structural integrityNot permit passage of flame or hot gasesInsulate to keep cool the side not exposed to the fire Openings
Restricted in size Must be protected to prevent passage of fire/gases
Doors - rated Duct - Fire/smoke dampers Piping - sleeves and sealant
Changeability
How permanent are the interior finishes?Office, RetailChanges in services and finishes oftenLighter, easily changed construction materials
acoustic clg., drywall, moveable partitions, carpet, etc.
Government Building, TheaterChanges in services and finishes less often / seldom Heavier, harder to change construction materials
drywall clg., plaster, CMU, stone, hard tiles
Cost
First (initial) CostInstalled costHighly important with tight budget and/or short life
Life-Cycle CostFirst cost + maintenance + replacement + energy costsImportant if:
Building useful life is long Ownership is retained over an extended period Budget considerations allow higher initial cost
Toxic Emissions of Materials
Solvents, finishes, etc.
Airborne fibers
Susceptibility to mold/mildew
Radon Gas
Sick Buildings
Trends in Interior Finish Systems
Components vs Single system Constructed to accommodate changeEX: partitions anchored to grid, modular
Heavy to Lighter MaterialsEX: plaster/CMU to drywall, hard tiles to vinyl/carpetLess dead load, often less cost
Wet systems to “Dry” systemsPlaster to gypsum drywall to acousticTerrazzo to hard tile to carpet/vinyl