Keeping a New York Surgery Center Cool & Condensation-Free

PROJECT CHECKLIST

LOCATION:

Long Island, New York

CHALLENGE:

Climate control was critical for the new Surgical Pavilion's 18 operating rooms and 44 intensive care beds.

SOLUTION:

Manson AK Board Fiberglass Insulation

Manson Alley Wrap B Fiberglass Duct Wrap

Manson Alley-K Fiberglass Pipe Insulation

PROJECT TEAM:

X-Cell Insulation, Insulation Contractor

CannonDesign, Architect

Skanska, General Contractor

THE CHALLENGE

In April 2020, Northwell Health, New York's largest health provider, broke ground on a state-of-the-art surgical pavilion in Manhasset. As with any healthcare facility, proper insulation (insulated beyond code) was critical for controlling the climate in the building's 18 operating rooms and 44 intensive care beds.

An even bigger challenge was humidity. Over the past few years, the Northeast has faced record-high heat and humidity levels. This required extra vigilance to protect the surgical center from condensation which could lead to mold and other health issues. Anderson pointed out that a "rainforest" in a building can be catastrophic. Unintended medical issues can arise from standing water compromised with germs. Also, wet insulation can cause the R-values to deteriorate which can lead to a lower comfort level in the facility.

THE SOLUTION

Contractor X-Cell Insulation chose Manson Insulation. "High-end products like Manson are crucial to getting the job done accurately and efficiently. You're only as good as the products," said Ed Anderson, Executive VP, X-Cell. In addition to being high-performing, Manson products are UL GREENGUARD Gold and UL Environment Validated to be formaldehyde-free—making it a perfect choice for healthcare projects.

THE RESULTS

Working together with distributor, General Insulation Company, the X-Cell team installed Manson Insulation products on ducts and pipes throughout the building and on every floor. "This project has numerous operating rooms. Building temperature control within these procedure rooms is of the highest level of importance," said Anderson.

For extra protection, the surgical pavilion was insulated beyond code. "With the increased humidity we've seen in the Northeast, the product density and thickness are extremely important," said Anderson. "If the proper density isn't installed, humidity penetrates the building, and the HVAC system must work that much harder," says Anderson.