Ensuring durability and safety in critical facilities

By Jesse Sanchez.

Healthcare facilities must prioritize durability and hygiene while safeguarding against natural disasters. 

Healthcare buildings, such as hospitals and long-term care centers, play an essential role in community well-being. According to Georgia-Pacific Building Products, these facilities must not only provide healthcare services but also withstand the high demands of constant use, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff. The design and materials used in constructing these buildings are critical to maintaining their functionality during emergencies and preventing health risks like mold and bacteria growth. 

For contractors interested in advancing their expertise, this article offers information about a free continuing education course with credits available from various accrediting organizations. Upon signing in, contractors will have access to a quiz to test their understanding and reinforce key concepts covered in the course. 

A key focus in healthcare facility design is ensuring the building remains operational during extreme events, such as severe weather or natural disasters. "Mission-critical" buildings like hospitals need resilient designs that account for the risks posed by external and internal factors.  

The use of fiberglass mat gypsum panels in both exterior and interior walls is a preferred solution for these challenges. These panels are specifically designed to resist water intrusion, inhibit mold growth and provide the durability needed in high-traffic environments. Healthcare facilities, with their unique need for frequent cleaning and the potential for moisture exposure, benefit from this technology because it reduces long-term maintenance costs and enhances building longevity. 

Roofing systems in healthcare facilities are also of great concern. Integrating rigid cover boards with membranes provides additional protection against punctures, water intrusion and hail damage. This strategy helps ensure the roof's longevity, reducing the risk of costly repairs or system failures that could compromise patient care during extreme weather conditions. 

Georgia-Pacific Building Products explores how resilient materials and smart design choices contribute to the longevity and functionality of healthcare buildings. Highlighting strategies for managing moisture, ensuring interior durability and safeguarding against environmental hazards, they offer a comprehensive look into the evolving standards of healthcare construction. 

Continuing education is invaluable in fields like healthcare construction, where up-to-date knowledge of materials and design strategies directly impacts building safety, durability and hygiene. Contractors who participate in this course can not only earn professional credits but also deepen their understanding of critical topics. After completing the course and passing the quiz, participants will be well-prepared to make informed decisions that enhance the resilience of healthcare facilities in their communities. 

Earn professional credits and enhance your expertise in resilient healthcare construction by enrolling in our FREE Continuing Education Course — sign up now to learn essential strategies and take the quiz.