Category Archive: Replacement In Schools

Comprehensive Contracting Services for Industrial Success

Industrial facilities that are looking to hire or contract out construction services should evaluate all the capabilities of a contractor. Many are limited in the scope of services they provide and often claim to be industrial contractors, when in fact, they are commercially focused contractors. Waco offers a comprehensive package of services and has a successful history of working in industrial environments. Our use of our own in-house craftsman and limited use of subcontractors can be exactly what an owner or manager of an industrial facility needs. This article explores the wide range of services provided by Waco for the efficient operation of industrial facilities.

Equipment Installation

Waco can furnish and install all types of equipment, including vessels, tanks, pumps, boilers, chillers, compressors, heat exchangers and many other industrial items. We have an established history with quality manufactures whom we rely on for technical knowledge on the proper setting and alignment of critical equipment. We can store the equipment in our safe and secure warehouse before it is required to be placed. We have certified and trained riggers with the ability to safely navigate precision equipment around multiple obstacles within an industrial environment. Waco’s has experience in coordinating with control technicians and electricians prior to installing equipment, and can facilitate easier connections to power and air requirements.

Process Piping

A process mechanical piping contractor must be able to work with a variety of different metallurgies, such as copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, hastelloy, chromium, nickel, aluminum and several others. All of these require specific welding and pipe fitting expertise. Any miscalculation or misapplication of the proper piping type or welding flux could cause system failure, increased corrosion and drastically reduced life cycle of the system. In addition, certain chemicals are best transported through PVC or CPVC piping systems for which we have trained fusion welders and fitters. Our in depth Quality Assurance and Quality Control manual provides a comprehensive guideline for our inspection managers to utilize. This allows us to provide a complete report on the materials used, where they were procured, how and by whom it was welded, and documentation of the welder’s credentials. All this verification and review is essential for a facility owner or manager to have when he begins operation of these systems. Waco is accredited with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and is authorized to use the R symbol. We are also authorized to apply the “NB” mark and register boilers, pressure vessels or other pressure retaining items with the National Board. Waco holds an ASME Certification for the Manufacture and Assembly of Power Boilers (S), and for the Manufacture of Pressure Vessels (U).

Concrete and Grouting

Waco’s in-house concrete specialists can provide site preparation, concrete slabs, foundation pads, drainage trenches, retaining walls and columns. Ensuring that equipment such as pumps, compressors, chillers remain stable and unaffected by vibration takes skill and expertise. Ensuring that the weight of tanks, vessels and steel columns will be properly supported requires using the right technology and a complete understanding of the substructure. Our project managers know which grouts work best for each application and will make sure the system is placed correctly for long life stability and corrosion resistance.

Ventilation and Exhaust

All manufacturing facilities have varying ventilation requirements. Some plants need constant air exchanges to provide proper cooling or fresh air, while others may want as little air flow as possible. Some manufacturing processes, especially those requiring thermal oxidizers, may have fumes that need to be quickly exhausted from the process system. A comprehensive mechanical contractor will be capable of furnishing, fabricating and installing a custom system with all the correct components for each application. Waco has this expertise and capability. In addition, we also have an HVAC group that specializes in requirements for heating and cooling industrial environments. Our duct fabrication shop has the metal forming equipment necessary to tackle large duct applications. Many commercial mechanical contractors do not have this capability.

Structural Steel

The extensive use of structural steel beams and columns are essential for the support of equipment. Waco works with some of the top structural engineering firms to determine the proper steel support system that is sufficient for the load. Different manufacturing environments will determine what type of support should be used and which ones perform best.. A quality industrial contractor will also know what is best for each application. Waco has fabricated and installed structural steel in a wide variety of adverse and corrosive conditions.

Insulation / Freeze Protection

Once piping and equipment is aligned and tested, our insulation team can install the electric heat tracing (if freeze protection is required) and insulation system. Often major chemical plants, pharmaceutical centers, paper mills and power generation facilities have their own insulation specifications for thermal, acoustical and personnel protection of piping and equipment. Waco has decades of experience in these types of facilities and understands the safety requirements and the critical importance of a quality installation. You can spot the workmanship differences from a dedicated industrial insulation contractor versus a commercial insulation contractor. This is because industrial insulators have exposure and experience working with the many different types of insulation and cladding needed in an industrial environment. A commercial insulation contractor usually deals with fewer insulation material types and simpler systems to install.

Demolition

Demolition can be defined in many ways in industrial facilities. Typically equipment will need to be dismantled and either removed and scrapped or stored for later use. The piping, hydraulics and other components are usually disposed of. It is critical that these systems are properly drained of any chemicals or fluids prior to removal. Electrical and control systems need to be completely de-energized before proceeding with demolition and disposal. Saw cutting and jackhammering of concrete pads, foundations and pipe supports must be done precisely, safely and without releasing silica dust into the surrounding area. Waco can make certain that all underslab testing is performed prior to any removal. Proper coordination and planning is something Waco has done for many years. Our experienced teams can spot potential issues early in the process in order to prevent any project delays.

Environmental

Waco has for over 50 years provided abatement and remediation of environmental hazards such as Asbestos and Lead. In facilities that have been operating prior to the 1980’s these two hazards are commonly found and must be properly removed and disposed of before most demolition or new construction can occur. Waco is a licensed abatement contractor. We can help implement a plan of action and provide a full team of trained and certified abatement workers. We will maintain all the proper paperwork required and dispose of materials in an approved landfill. The Waco Environmental team can work directly for an onsite industrial hygienist or provide a list of qualified environmental inspectors and consultants.

Waco, Inc.: Your #1 Contractor for Comprehensive Industrial Services

Waco, Inc. is a leading industrial contractor that offers comprehensive and customized services across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina. Our specialized solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of various facilities and processes, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. With advanced fabrication capabilities and a skilled project management team, we guarantee every project is completed safely and on schedule.

Contact us today for reliable, expert solutions tailored to your industrial needs! You can also request a quote now.

HVAC Replacement In Schools

HVAC renovations of public and private schools are most commonly completed during a hectic, fast-paced 8-10 week period when students and staff are out for the summer. Only in cases where an extensive complete rehabilitation of a school is required will the students and faculty be temporarily placed in other buildings until the work is finished. A detailed well-planned schedule must be created to meet the timeline during the summer. Everyone has to be on board, and that includes equipment suppliers, fabricators, subcontractors, waste management companies, and testing and balancing personnel. Coordination and task assignments must be clearly communicated by the project manager prior to the start of the project. Let’s look at some of the main elements of a successful HVAC replacement project.

Equipment: We immediately contact our equipment suppliers as soon as we receive the Leter of Intent from the school; This is especially important for long lead-time items.These purchases must be completed early so that equipment doesn’t arrive late and delay the project. As an added measure of security, Waco will utilize our large 100,000 sf + warehouse to store equipment. This will allow the equipment to be readily available when needed, and protected from damage while in our possession,instead of on a jobsite. No piece of equipment can be overlooked, as even the smallest control module could cause delays that impact successful completion of the project.

Fabrication: Waco has in-house fabrication capabilities, and also utilizes a network of outside fabricators. Every piece of structural steel support, sheet metal duct, plumbing and hydronic piping that can be made in advance will be fabricated prior to the start of the project. Having these components labelled, correctly identified and stored safely will save time when the project begins. Our experienced Project Managers know the balance between which components might be best field fabricated vs made ahead of time, as changes in layout or design of the project can often occur.

Subcontractors: Although Waco utilizes over 80% of our own in-house workforce to complete a project, there can be critical areas where a subcontractor’s expertise is required. Waco’s utilizes only subcontractors that can be trusted to perform as planned. If necessary, Waco will assist a subcontractor in any way possible, from storing of materials to providing additional labor. Good communications with the subcontractors takes place early in the project and continues throughout the job.Early feedback, both positive and negative, can often avoid critical last-minute changes.

Waste Management & Storage: As large as many schools are, there is almost always less room than anticipated, to store materials and have sufficient office space. Efficient use of dumpsters for the demolition portion of a job can save time in many ways. We know which waste management companies have the right equipment and can perform, and which ones don’t. An overflowing dumpster, left siting for days can be a problem from both a logistic and safety perspective. Proper housekeeping during the entire project will increase productivity and further reduce safety concerns.Adequate space for storage of equipment and materials must be planned in advance. Materials movement should be minimized before final placement. Proper storage must be provided to combat the effects of weather and damage.

Engineering / Owner Support: Success on an HVAC demolition and replacement depends upon a good working relationship between the contractor, the owner (school system) and the Engineering firm selected by the school . The owner normally expects the engineer to make critical decisions regardingequipment type, material specifications, installation changes and approval of payments. The owner will assist on logistics, such as which buildings to start first, site security and access requirements. Over the years, Waco has cultivated relationships with both owners and engineers and has established a level of trust and expertise that provides confidence in our construction approach and quality control measures. When the final inspection of the building and the new HVAC systems are being conducted, a quality contractor such as Waco will have a minimal amount of corrections or adjustments

Preparing for the unplanned: Waco has decades of experience with many different types of HVAC systems. With that experience comeslessons learned that other contractors may not have acquired. Weather conditions, structural building issues, lack of sufficient utility service and many other unforeseen issues must be considered in the schedule. There will be times of less productivity. None of these should deter us from delivering a complete project on schedule. Proper project management
will keep things moving forward with minimal adjustments and delays.

Contact Waco and be confident that your next project will be professionaly installed, on time, and worry-free.