Page 34 - School Planning & Management, April 2017

FACILITIES DECIDING WHAT BUILDING MATERIALS TO SPECIFY
Lynch hammers home the importance of the decision-making process: “Schools are designed to a standard that provides decades of service — each product selected must be able to achieve this goal as well.”
Getting Real About Material Selection
Before you hit information overload, there are just a few more things to know about choosing the right materials for your next school construction project.
1. Think about what’s behind the wall. “Understanding perfor-
mance criteria and specialty applications, like how video moni- tors and other heavy objects are being mounted and supported, are important to performance and ongoing maintenance of the structure,” Westerman says.
2. Manufacturers who are members of strong industry associa- tions are a solid bet for ensuring high-quality materials.
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) (https://sfia. memberclicks.net), Falls Church, Va., the largest organization for cold-formed steel, is one example. “With a third party test- ing program in place, the SFIA members offer a consistent level of quality and peace of mind,” says Westerman.
3. Ask to see product samples before making a decision. “There
are different thicknesses of rubber tile and a considerable cost difference in the thicknesses,” says Trivas. “This is a perfect example of how you have to see a product to really understand the differences and know how it will wear in your project.”
4. Be open to new ideas. “Don’t rely on what’s familiar and what you did the last time,” says Trivas, “because it may no longer be the best option and the most cost-effective current option. Lis- ten to the team to understand what new products are available and how they may be better than the old.”
5. If you’re on board with lifecycle costs over first costs, be prepared to bring the rest of the administrative team on board. “The best argument is the return on investment,” says Tully, “supported by examples. Vinyl composite tile (VCT) is one example. It has a low upfront cost, but is easily damaged and has to be replaced, and it has to be waxed regularly. Terrazzo, on the other hand, costs more upfront, but it does not have to be replaced often, and it requires less maintenance.”
Armed with this material decision-making knowledge, you’re well on your way to making effective material choices for your new school — decisions about which you can rest assured. SPM
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