Case Studies

Challenges of the Project

Nearing completion of a new 6-story dormitory complex, the building contractors at Ohio State University were dismayed to find that all 19 ventilation shafts failed pressure tests needed to pass fire code and receive LEED Silver certification. The only solution was to tear down the paint-ready walls, access the shafts and try to seal all the leaks by hand. The project delay was estimated at 6 months. The addition costs were estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then, an engineer remembered hearing about a new duct and ventilation shaft sealing technology called Aeroseal. Three weeks later, the problem was solved. Aeroseal sealed the leaks without damaging walls or having to redesign the shafts.

Solutions Provided

Project Contractors: Smoot Construction
Property Name: William Hall Complex Expansion
Type: 6-story dormitory. 80+ living suites.
Results: All shafts sealed in less than two weeks.

More About This Project

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FINDS AEROSEAL A PROJECT SAVER WHEN VENTILATION SHAFTS NEED SEALING

To Pass Fire Code and Meet LEED Silver Energy Requirements Building Contractors Had a Choice: Tear Down The Walls And Start Over OR Aeroseal

The design of OSU’s new dormitory building included 19 vertical ventilation shafts constructed of 3 layers of fire-rated drywall. While the shafts were rated to keep out fire for up to three hours, the leaks throughout the drywall seams did nothing to prevent smoke from spreading from room to room. The leaks would also have a substantial impact on driving up energy costs as well as the university’s goal of having the complex LEED Silver certified.

Applied as an aerosol mist that is pumped throughout the interior of the ventilation shaft, Aeroseal was able to locate and seal 98% of the leaks. In less than two weeks, workers had each ventilation shaft sealed and operating to both fire code and stringent LEED Silver specification.