Embassy Suites – DIA Skylight Survey

• Location: 7001 Yampa St Denver, CO 80249

  

• Project Type: Consultation
• Project Status: Completed
• Products Used:

Hotel Skylight Survey

Embassy Suites Denver – International Airport is located near the Denver International Airport in Denver, CO.

An onsite skylight survey and inspection was made on March 16th 2012 by Skylight Specialists, Inc. represented by Rob Packard.

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Description of all the skylights of concern on the site:

1. Four (4) 20’ x 20’ (nominal) structural, insulated glass, pyramid skylights manufactured by Skyline Sky-Lites and installed in 2002. Skylight pitch is 4/12.
2. Skylights are located over the atrium and common space in the hotel.
3. Glazing:
   Outboard lite: Dark blue/green tint, tempered safety glass.
   Inboard lite: Heat-strengthened laminated.
4. Curbs: Structural steel curbs. Local code requires minimum 9” which these curbs exceed.

Our Skylight Survey Found:

Skylights were relatively new and in good shape. An inspection of the skylight anchors was also performed.

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1. Curb Fasteners: six (6) 3/8” fasteners per rafter including hip rafters into steel curb with two (2) ½” through bolts attaching aluminum tube rafter to “L” angle. All fasteners are properly installed and tightened.
2. Weep holes are adequate, although one skylight showed signs of caulking repair, in a corner, which may have been a leak because the weep holes were temporarily plugged. (We cleared the weep hole during the inspection).
3. Compression caps have been wet sealed 2’ up from perimeter. Elsewhere the edge of the neoprene gasket is exposed to elements.

Recommendations:

The skylights are not in need of repair, however, it was noted that the glass lets in direct light which can create glare and affect hotel occupants and workers. Direct light interferes with our vision and with video monitors, laptops, etc.

It is our recommendation that skylights over hotel spaces be installed originally with translucent glazing. This can be in the form of white laminate, white acrylic or any color of translucent polycarbonate material.