Insulation Services & Solutions Upgrades at Washington University School of Medicine – Department of Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine is one of the leading developers of new and innovative treatments for cancer patients. The headquarters, located near the Washington University Medical Center campus in St. Louis, has undergone a renovation to update the facility with the latest amenities.
A necessary requirement of this renovation was replacing the outdated and severely damaged insulation on the indoor and outdoor HVAC ducts and water pipes. The ductwork and piping systems on the roof had been badly damaged over time by weather, corrosion and foot traffic, and the interior insulation was worn and outdated.
The Washington University School of Medicine staff trusted ISS Insulation Services & Solutions to provide a completely new insulation system for these infrastructure components. ISS installed 9,000 sq. ft. of exterior ductwork wrapped with 2” polyisocyanyrate insulation board. This insulation was covered with a poly guard jacket for increased thermal efficiency and sloped for improved water drainage. ISS also insulated the exterior water piping with fiberglass insulation covered with an aluminum jacket and PVC Fitting Covers to prevent damage. The piping was equipped with heat trace cables to prevent freezing in cold weather. The valves on the piping system were insulated with rubber and coated with a weather-resistant paint. Additionally, ISS re-insulated the chilled water piping in the rooftop air handling unit penthouse and the lower-level mechanical room.
This project presented a number of challenges for ISS, from the cold weather during the winter months to the tight proximity of the ductwork on the roof. ISS built their own scaffolding system to properly install insulation in hard-to-reach areas and used their expertise to overcome the difficult spacing issues between the ductwork.
At the conclusion of the project, ISS had installed a state-of-the-art mechanical insulation system throughout the entire facility of this growing medical research center. With its protective coatings and strategically placed weather-resistant features, the insulation system will benefit the facility for years to come.