Metro Distribution Centers

A third-party review, completed during a global pandemic, with water and condensation investigations ensuring optimal building air tightness and thermal performance during and after construction.

Services

New Construction

Subservices

Third Party Review

Sector

Industrial

Duration

201-2021

Client

Metro Inc.

Project Value

$400,000,000

Project size

2 buildings (190,000 sq ft and 280,000 sq ft)

This project included the construction of two Metro Distribution Centres, one sized at 190,000 ft² for frozen food distribution and one sized at 280,000 ft² for fresh food distribution.

The centres were constructed between 2019 and 2021. Pretium completed a full-time third-party site review of:

roofing
insulated metal panel cladding
spray foam insulation
curtain walls
masonry construction at both facilities

Water penetration and condensation investigations were also performed in the post-construction phase using:

water testing standards and techniques
infrared thermography
moisture scanning
temperature/humidity monitoring equipment

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Third Party Review

From specialist review at the design stage to assisting with quality assurance on behalf of the design authority or general contractor during construction, we provide the necessary engineering services to ensure work is performed to the highest standard. By leveraging our extensive experience in restoration projects, we can help teams to avoid common pitfalls.

Water Leakage Testing

Both qualitative and quantitative water leakage testing of building envelope components are provided including, but not limited to, in-situ performance testing of windows and doors and the use of water spray and blower doors to simulate the effects of a wind-driven rain.

Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography is used in building science to detect thermal variations in building envelope assemblies using non-destructive infrared (IR) radiation detector sensing equipment. Detection of these thermal variations can be used to identify a variety of potential deficiencies.

Client Benefits

Pretium worked within a large project team including the owner, architect, general contractor, and multiple subcontractors to ensure construction was executed to the highest standards and level of detail.

Refrigeration and freezer buildings require extreme air tightness and thermal detailing to prevent interior condensation and moisture related issues. Pretium completed regular site reviews to resolve deficiencies as they came up post-construction to minimize issues once the buildings were in use. For condensation and moisture issues that were identified, various testing techniques and equipment were utilized to resolve them.

This project was in active construction during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pretium staff worked diligently with the General Contractor to follow all on-site health and safety requirements.

Rendering of the proposed new building as seen from a landscaped area beside the parking lot.

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