The Puget Sound Energy Service Center in Bellingham, Wash. has been servicing the needs of Whatcom County since the ‘70s. The company prides itself on offering safe and reliable energy while also protecting the environment through clean energy initiatives as well as animal and land conservation. After four decades of operation, the Bellingham facility needed a new home to serve the growing population more efficiently.
The revitalization plan involved an increase from a 10,000 square foot center to a 28,000 square foot facility that includes a vehicle maintenance center and wire shop for their customer service needs, along with rain-harvesting technology, low-energy lighting and recycled material for their sustainability objectives.
Time Demands
After hearing a presentation from Mike Fletcher of D-Seven about the cost and time savings benefits of the DensElement barrier system, Zervas Group Architects recommended it as the sheathing solution for the project. However, the general contractor, Tiger Construction, had already specified DensGlass and WRB. It wasn’t until the structural phase revealed an issue that the original specification was reconsidered. “There was an error made in budget preparation and it was realized early on that [Puget Sound Energy] had to save money over what was originally specified,” said Brenan Filippini, of Plastering Plus Northwest, the FastFlash installer on the project.
With the project falling behind schedule, a reduced budget, and as Zervas Group Architects stated, terrible rainstorms native to the Pacific Northwest rolling through the build site, the barrier system became the best option for weatherproofing. Zervas Group wanted the nail sealability of a fluid applied approach while eliminating the weather issues related to the installation of a coating over the entire surface. The barrier system with PROSOCO FastFlash liquid flashing assured deadlines were met.
Reduced Job Time
“On the job site I realized only one subcontractor was installing the PROSOCO FastFlash liquid flashing,” says an impressed Andrew Kryzsiekd. In the original project schedule, 15 days were allocated to install DensGlass and a water-resistant barrier by two installers. DensElement and FastFlash was installed in 10 days with just one installer.
Innovative Technology Makes It Possible
The WRB-AB is integrated within the gypsum core, beneath the fiberglass mat to create a consistent, performance-tested WRB-AB. No building wrap, fluid-applied membranes or peel-and-stick membranes are required. Bill Perry of Tiger Construction appreciates the elimination of a step in the process, “The Z girts to support the cladding did not have to be sealed.”
With its high permeability, the system helps mitigate the risk of damage from moisture build-up in the wall cavity and helps protect against mold growth.
ARCOM has created a custom MasterSpec specification to accurately specify the system—061656 Air and Water Resistive Sheathing Board. Now, you can precisely specify the DensElement Barrier System.
Time is Money
In addition to reduced labor costs and a larger pool of subcontractors to install it, Brenan Filippini noted several other advantages.
“There’s less time on the scaffold and that means lower insurance exposure on the job.” Not having to shut down the job site due to weather was a major factor particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Being able to continue installation on rainy days helped Plastering Plus Northwest install the 60,000 square feet of the system quickly. “It’s much easier to install than other fluid applied systems,” Brenan added.
Bill Perry says the company was able to deliver a $30,000 credit back to the building owner due to the time and labor savings the system provided.
