Overview

Question 1

True or False. Installation of interior finishes such as partition (wall) finishes, ceilings, floors, casework (millwork), and finish carpentry, cannot proceed at full speed until the roof and exterior walls are completed and Mechanical and Electrical (M/E) systems have been installed.

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

How does the roof help protect the finishes from the elements?

Answer 2

They shelter the moisture and temperature sensitive finish materials.

( + Mechanical and electrical services generally must be covered by the interior finishes )

Question 3

What are the 8 factors to consider when selecting interior finish materials?

Answer 3

1. Durability
2. Acoustical performance
3. Fire criteria (safety, resistance )
4. Relationship to Mechanical and Electrical services
5. Changeability over time
6. Appearance: must look good and have a neat appearance, meet the architectural goals of the building
7. Toxic emissions
8. Cost

Question 4

What is the purpose of a partition?

Answer 4

Their purpose is to separate spaces of different uses. They are non-load bearing, they help manage noise, fire (compartmentalization), light control, and aesthetic.

Question 5

What is important to consider when thinking about the durability of an interior finish material?

Answer 5

• Choosing a material appropriate for the intended use
• Wear and tear of the material
• Durable materials generally cost more
• Water resistant materials in kitchens, bathrooms, entrance lobbies, shower rooms and lockers.

Question 6

What is important to consider when thinking about the fire criteria of an interior finish material?

Answer 6

Fire resistance ratings

Question 7

What is important to consider when thinking about the relationship between mechanical and electrical services?

Answer 7

• Electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, ventilating diffusers, grilles, convectors, lavatories, toilets, etc.
• Mechanical systems may be concealed or exposed
• If concealed finish system must provide a space for them for maintenance in the form of access doors, panels, hatches, or cover plates.

Question 8

What is important to consider when thinking about the toxic emissions from materials?

Answer 8

• Some synthetic and wood panels produce formaldehyde fumes for extended periods of time

Question 9

What is important to consider when thinking about the cost of an interior finish material?

Answer 9

• Initial cost
• Construction cost; purchase and installation of materials; shipping to site, etc.
• Life cycle cost
• Maintenance cost
• Replacement cost; Expected life

Question 10

What do the Mechanical and Electrical services include?

Answer 10

• Plumbing; supply and waste lines
• HVAC Systems; boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, piping, and ductwork.
• Electrical, communications and control wiring routed through the building; elevators and escalators.
• Vertical runs of pipes and duct wires.

Question 11

Explain. When installing interior finishes, flooring comes last/

Answer 11

If you’re planning to bring in new appliances or you have other big renovation plans in store, installing new flooring near the end of the process can protect your floor from any scratches or other damage that may occur during the interior renovation.

Question 12

The process. ( Bonus )

Answer 12

• Partitions or enclosures around mechanical ducts and shafts, elevator shafts, M/E rooms, and stairways.
• Fire stopping is inserted around pipes conduits and ducts where they penetrate floors and fire-rated walls.
• The full height of partitions, enclosures, fire-stopping, joint covers, and fire-stopping around the perimeter of the walls constitute a very important system for keeping the fire from spreading through the building.
• After major horizontal electrical conduits and air ducts have been installed, the grid for the suspended ceiling is attached to the hanger wires so that the lights and ventilating louvers can be installed.
• Then the ceilings are finished (gypsum board or acoustic tiles ) and framing for partitions that do not penetrate the ceilings ( to the u/s of ceiling ) are installed.
  -Electrical and communication wires are brought down from the conduits to serve outlets in the partitions.
• Walls are finished and painted
• Last major operation is the installation of the finish flooring materials. This is done last in order to: let all the other trades complete their work, to prevent damaging the floors due to dropped tools, spilled paint, heavy construction equipment, weld spatter, construction debris ground underfoot, etc.