Critical Building Systems

VHA PROGRAM GUIDE PG-18-3

April 2001

c. Major Component. Building System that is 10% or more of the cost of the facility.

4. CRITICAL BUILDING SYSTEMS: The following is a list of typical, but not limited to,

design for critical building systems which impact service life of facilities:

a. Architectural Systems

(1) Roofs. Provide long-lived and leak-free roofs. Geometry of very large buildings dictates a flat

roof, restricting the choice of materials to built-up or single-ply membranes. Smaller buildings may have

pitched roofs, allowing more material options, such as asphalt shingles, metal, or tile.

(2) Windows. Design windows for low maintenance, trouble-free operation, weather-tightness,

insulating value, security (in psychiatric areas), and appearance. Operable windows are the easiest and

least costly type if the facility cleans its windows with in-house staff. For large scale facilities, such as

hospitals, the most satisfactory type are side-hinged windows. Fixed windows (non-opening) are less

costly initially and may last indefinitely since they have no moving parts. However, fixed windows have

higher maintenance cost since they must be washed from the outside, usually by professional window

washers

(3) Interiors. Use materials that are typically hard surfaced and durable and have an architecturally

pleasing appearance. Damage to finishes may occur more frequently because of extended footrests on

wheelchairs or type of patients, such as those with substance abuse or psychological problems.

(4)

Ceilings. Normally, provide 600 mm x 1200 mm (2'X 4') lay-in acoustical tile (AT) systems, which is

the most common and cost effective system that is in line with the standard practice of private sector.

Use plaster only in limited areas where infection, cleaning and security are of paramount concern.

Avoid the use of AT systems with regular (recessed) edges that cost more. Base ceiling selection on

acoustic performance, low replacement cost, and initial cost.

(5)

Floors. Provide vinyl composition tile (VCT) or sheet vinyl (SV) for general use medical areas, ceramic

tile (CT) for wet areas, quarry tile (QT) for heavy duty areas like kitchens and SPD, carpeting (CP) for

office, waiting, and special areas, and special material, such as pavers, for entrance/lobby spaces.

Select flooring for safety and functional appropriateness first, then life cycle maintenance and durability

(see PG-18-14 for recommended finishes and materials).

(6)

Walls. Use (1)gypsum wall board (GWB) with bumper guards and handrails for corridors; (2)gypsum

wall board for rooms with paint or wall covering; ceramic tile; (3)full height or wainscot for wet areas;

(4)hard plastic panels, ceramic tile, painted plaster, or concrete masonry units for heavy duty areas;

(5)plaster/veneer plaster for operating rooms; and (6)special materials for lobbies. Select colors and

textures that keep the best appearance for the longest period possible. Base selections of initial cost,