I getting ready to bid on a sizeable paneling order for a new motel going up in my area. Normally I would not bid on such a project since most motels are pretty bare bones, low budget type contracts. This one has the potential of being in a class by itself and at a budget of 4 mil doesn’t appear to be in the cut every corner possible category. We manufacture both a western red cedar and aspen pre-finished paneling. The question is has anyone had any experience with finishes and how they react to the chlorine laden humidity found in swimming pool areas. The wood paneling will start 12 ft above the floor and cover the entire ceiling. Currently the specs call for a oil based poly finish but they are open to suggestions. Any thoughts out there?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The "She Build" initiative is empowering women in Seattle, WA by ensuring they have safe, healthy homes.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Any thoughts out there?
Yup. Could be a major problem. Any plans for controlling air quality, particularly humidity? It's gonna be heated and you know what most of the heat does? Evaporate water. I don't think the chlorine will be the problem as high air concentrations will be objectionable to quests.
I haven't finished our indoor lap pool, but I wouldn't put a hard, non-catalyzed, finish on wood in there. Check with the mfg. about using the product in extremely high humidity.
The problem with specs, as you're no doubt aware, is that the installer is the one blamed when anything goes wrong.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I would not use any wood product.
1. The tremendous potential of mold - any kind of mold. EVERYONE gets sued.
2. Tremendous expansion and contraction. Even though it will continually be humidified, there will be occasional times when the moisture content will vary, and enough to create expansion/contraction problems.
3.. Even with the very best paint, if any, even a very small opening exists for that humidity to gain access to areas “behind” the finish coating, more potential problems.
And I have not even addressed the potential problems from the chlorine that will be dissipated in both gas form and solid form (droplets) in the humidity.
I would at the least, suggest to them to have you contact a specialist in the field of enclosed pool room construction materials. This is an area where you do not what to take any planning shortcuts, not base you decision upon those who are not experts in this specialized area.
I learned a lot about chlorine and rooms with excessive humidity when hired to remodel condo saunas, condo pool equipment room coating (painting), condo pool deck repairs, etc.
While this may be a one shot deal for you, it behooves you to do some professional research on this subject. If nothing else, speaking to potential future customers with a sense of authority on this subject could be valuable.
Good luck.
Thanks guys, you pretty much reinforced what I suspected. I have used both my products in rather large private spa rooms with no negative effects however a full sized pool area with water slide plus spa and showers is another story. It seems like a nightmare in the making. So far none of the coating manufactures have instilled me with a lot of confidence, most write it off as "I think it will be fine". Personally my gut tells me I should avoid this one entirely, at the very least I'll take your advise and have them contact an expert in the field, somebody out there must have this figured out by now.
Armin, if they insist upon having wood, suggest these this web site to them. Notice the wood ceilings in the photos:
http://www.www.dehumidifiercorp.com/indoorpool.html
And to contact this organization for comprehensive info:
http://www.hotelmotel.com/hotelmotel/
Also your local educational system. They deal with enclosed pools all the time in high schools and colleges.
Thanks Sonny, real helpfull info, I'll put it to good use.