Air sealing, weatherization boost energy efficiency and comfort
In fall 2012, DFW Urethane was brought in by a hotel construction specialist on the renovation of an older hotel in a Gulf Coast-area entertainment district. The multi-story, 200-room luxury hotel had sustained exterior and interior storm damage earlier in the year, and needed to be ready to welcome guests by mid-January.
The hotel construction specialist overseeing the restoration had previously worked with us on several projects and was impressed with the quality of our work. He asked John Ewell to evaluate the hotel’s modified bitumen roof, which he suspected needed replacing. He also showed John some of the older windows with air-seal issues, and noted the need to block out noise.
Because sheetrock was going to be removed to replace deteriorated windows, perform repairs, and replace insulation around windows, John recognized an optimal time to spray polyurethane foam insulation into the interior perimeter walls. Among other benefits, this air-sealing insulation would:
- Provide a high R-Value and reduce energy consumption – significantly lowering utility bills.
- Add structural support – important in weathering storms with wind speeds of 100 mph and higher.
- Minimize the transmission of sound – keeping guestrooms quieter.
- Prevent potential water seepage through brick walls.
Immediate and enduring improvements
This solution was exactly what the client needed – and it supported their commitment to reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint. With the proper equipment, product mix expertise and seasoned installers, it was a fast process. DFW Urethane synchronized seamlessly floor-by-floor with many other contractors.
The spray polyurethane foam insulation filled and sealed all the spaces around windows, spots where the stucco was cracked and wherever there were gaps or air leaks. As soon as the first two floors had been insulated and weatherized, the hotel became less drafty and much quieter. The indoor air quality also improved, and the chiller-based HVAC units no longer run as much to maintain the proper temperature.
More comfort – less energy consumption
The renovated hotel is now quieter, more comfortable and more energy-efficient with its new high-performance, environmentally friendly weatherization package. Energy consumption and utility costs are being tracked, with annual savings projected at 21-33 percent. And, the renovation was completed right on time, enabling the hotel to welcome its guests in comfort and style.