Archive for the ‘Services’ Category

Why Hire a Union Contractor?

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021

Hiring a union contractor presents a number of benefits, all of which ensure project needs are exceeded. By relying on their relationship with the labor unions, union contractors are able to promise necessary resources and quality results. Hiring a union contractor, like Egan Company, allows you to tap into a wide pool of resources with high safety standards. 

BENEFITS OF HIRING A UNION CONTRACTOR

Union contractors have an abundant labor supply of trained professionals who are skilled, safety-conscious, and experienced from apprenticeship programs that ensure first-rate preparation. These skilled trades personnel complete regular continuing education and frequently update their skill sets. Further, unions often employ market-specific craftspersons who are trained to excel in their expertise. 

Quality union workmanship means projects are completed faster and there’s room to implement innovative concepts in construction and building techniques. Workers are held to high expectations upon arrival beginning with showing up on time, prepared, and ready to work. They are qualified with the required skills, certifications, licenses, background checks, and clean drug test results that are not guaranteed with a non-union contractor.

Beyond their trade skill, union foremen and supervisors are trained on leadership, customer service, and project planning and layout skills to adapt to the needs of each project schedule. 

Union contractors are safety-oriented and as such, the risk or rate of injuries is greatly decreased. The health and safety of workers has always been a large concern of unions, which ensures that standards and regulations will be followed. As a further result of members’ training, they are proficient in assessing safety hazards.

Operating as a union contract for over 75 years, Egan is affiliated with several union partners in Minnesota, amongst other states. By working with these unions, Egan can continue to build on promises kept by providing safety-oriented, well-trained workers. The IBEW Code of Excellence is upheld across all of our jobs.

Egan Company Union Partners:

  • Local 6 – Rochester Plumbers/Pipefitters
  • Local 10 – Sheet Metal Workers
  • Local 15 – Minneapolis Plumbers
  • Local 22 – Nebraska Electricians
  • Local 34 – St. Paul Plumbers
  • Local 49ers – Operating Engineers
  • Local 110 – St. Paul Electricians
  • Local 160 – Lineman
  • Local 242 – Duluth Electricians
  • Local 292 – Minneapolis Electricians 
  • Local 343 – Rochester Electricians
  • Local 455 – St. Paul Pipefitters
  • Local 512 – Ironworkers
  • Local 531 – North Indiana Electricians
  • Local 539 – Minneapolis Pipefitters
  • Local 548 – Millwrights
  • Local 553 – North Carolina Electricians
  • Local 1091 – North Dakota Millwrights
  • Local 1324 – Glazers & Glassworkers
  • Local 1426 – North Dakota Electricians

What is a Body Temperature Verification System?

Thursday, May 6th, 2021

The process of taking body temperatures is familiar to each of us. While you may recall a thermometer under your tongue, in your ear, or on your forehead, this process is evolving. 

Today, many facilities are introducing body temperature verification systems to ensure the health and safety of its building’s occupants. Not only does this technology speed up the process time, it also decreases the need for additional personnel needed for manual screening.

Types of Body Temperature Verification Systems

Temperature verification systems provide a simple, innovative solution to screen body temperatures upon entrance to the facility. These systems vary in scope, from hand-held tools to fully integrated systems. 

The building technology team at Egan Company will help you determine the best product to fit your specific application. This integration can go even further by combining entry security systems and temperature verification solutions working together as one. One of Egan’s priorities will always be safety and as such, we continue to research and innovate ways to ensure safety of a facility and its occupants.

Upon initial consultation, our full-service process considers:

  • In-house engineering or system integration services
  • Installation by union trades personnel
  • System commissioning
  • 24/7 service

HIRING THE BEST GLASS AND GLAZING CONTRACTORS FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Most modern commercial buildings have a vast amount of glass incorporated into their structure—a result of glazing contractors. Between storefronts, glass doors, skylights, and wall-to-ceiling windows, architects are designing glass features into many of their commercial projects. None of this is possible without the partnership of an experienced glazing contractor. They play an important role in the construction process by providing a facade enclosure that’s not only beautiful but protects the interior of the building from the elements. As one of the top glass/glazing contractors in Minnesota, Egan Company knows why choosing the best contractor is important in any commercial project. 

WHAT DO GLAZING CONTRACTORS DO?

Glazing contractors are trade professionals who are responsible for designing, fabricating  and installing glass and aluminum products on the interior or exterior of buildings. Additionally, these professionals are responsible to ensure a weather tight building that will last for many years. Experienced glazing contractors work with glass in a variety of different products, including:

  • Curtainwall
  • Windows
  • Displays
  • Storefronts
  • Doors
  • Skylights
  • Shower Doors
  • Mirrors
  • Glass Walls

As with any industry, the latest and greatest styles and designs are always evolving.  Currently, many architects seek to bring as much light as possible into their buildings with the help of glazing contractors, who have the expertise to install massive pieces of glass.

It’s also important to note that glazing contractors often specialize in niche building projects. For example, some glazing contractors will focus on security windows and room dividers in commercial buildings while others specialize in curtainwall and glass panels that are common in large-scale commercial properties. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIRE A GLAZING CONTRACTOR?

Proper glazing, as a result of working with a professional union contractor, provides many benefits to a building. First, it prevents water damage by stopping moisture from entering the inside of the building. This protection functions as an effective solution for buildings to avoid mold and water intrusion while providing a facade that’s both elegant and functional. An additional consideration involves ensuring your building, and it’s components, are structurally adequate. Whether you’re building a high rise in downtown Minneapolis, a hospital in Duluth, or a warehouse in the suburbs, Egan professionally engineers its systems to ensure they meet the stringent design loads and pressures that today’s buildings require.  

Second, the work of a glazing contractor can maximize the building’s energy efficiency. Glazing contractors can work with mechanical engineers to ensure the glass and glazing systems selected will work with the building mechanical system to provide the most energy efficient solution.  Glaziers can provide glass with various Low-E coatings, tints and different reflectivity to ensure proper building performance. These tints and coatings not only create a comfortable environment for the people inside, but they save property owners on the operating costs of cooling and heating the inside of the building. Glazing contractors can even provide glass with frit or film that adds another design element into the building and can help reduce the likelihood of birds flying into the glass.  

Partnering with  a professional glazing contractor like Egan for your glass and glazing needs will ensure your building not only performs well but looks beautiful. 

EXPERTS IN CURTAINWALL, GLASS, AND GLAZING

For over 20 years, InterClad, a business within Egan Company, has been the go-to source for general contractors and property owner’s needs when it comes to curtainwall, windows, and all around glass and glazing. We ensure every project we undertake is properly designed, engineered and, installed to exceed customer expectations. Contact Egan Company and learn more how our expert team can assist in your next project.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILDING COMMISSIONING AND RECOMMISSIONING?

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

Simply put, recommissioning is the process of commissioning a building that has been previously commissioned. Now that you’re thoroughly confused, let’s break this down.

BUILDING COMMISSIONING

Commissioning is the process by which a building is approved to be ready for service. In order to meet this standard, buildings must withstand intense tests of design and functionality pertaining to the construction of the build. Building commissioning guarantees that the new construction operates as was intended. At this time, potential problems can be identified and corrected prior to a facility being put into service.

RECOMMISSIONING A BUILDING

Recommissioning seeks to better a building’s efficiency and performance. Unlike commissioning a building, recommissioning  occurs on a building that has already been commissioned. There are a number of reasons for a building to be commissioned once again, such as changing use of the building, new ownership, or to assess deeper operational problems. Since the occupancy and usage of many buildings has changed in the past year, now is a great time to recommission your building to serve your current needs. 

With a Plan-Design-Build-Maintain approach, Egan Company will work alongside commercial and industrial facility teams with both commissioning and recommissioning buildings. We understand the importance of your building functioning as it was designed. For us, this is an extension of our commitment to providing professional services of the highest quality and value.

Commissioning parts of your facility is not limited to any one industry, but rather, industries across the board. Egan Company is your resource from pre-planning through construction and commissioning. All systems installs are subject to inspection and our testing checklists were developed from several industry resources including ASHRAE, The State of Minnesota, OSHA, peers in the industry, and manufacturers for the specific equipment installed in the project.

WHY IS RPZ TESTING IMPORTANT FOR YOUR FACILITY?

Friday, April 16th, 2021

The importance of RPZ (reduced pressure zone) valve testing lies in the promise of a safe and clean water supply for your facility and those who reside within it.

WHAT DOES AN RPZ VALVE DO?

Plumbing systems are designed to maintain pressure in order to keep water flowing. If the pressure falls, backflow (water flowing in the wrong direction) can enter the system, introducing contaminants from appliances, industrial equipment, and even landscaping fertilizers to the water supply. Even the slightest drop in pipe pressure from a water leak or break can present a backflow concern. 

Here lies the importance of functioning RPZ valves. These valves play an integral role in protecting the water supply by maintaining a constant flow of safe water and ensuring groundwater doesn’t enter, even when pressure fluctuates. 

WHY IS RPZ TESTING NECESSARY?

Backflow testing ensures that valves are functioning correctly. Many states, including Minnesota, require RPZ testing and verification annually by a certified professional to protect not only the facility’s water, but the city’s water supply. 

Egan Company regularly performs RPZ testing to help you avoid serious backflow issues and manage the safety of your water supply. Our experienced team is RPZ-certified and can test and repair your plumbing system. From preventative maintenance and diagnosis to repairs and immediate support – Egan is ready 24/7.

WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR?

Tuesday, April 6th, 2021

From new constructions to renovations and system upgrades – all of these job sites have one thing in common: a mechanical contractor. Without the expertise provided by the mechanical trade, buildings would lack many necessary attributes. Mechanical contractors are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining a variety of equipment and systems that provide functionality to a building. But, what exactly does a commercial mechanical contractor do and why should general contractors, building engineers, and facility managers look into hiring them? As one of the top commercial construction contractors in the Midwest, Egan Company has the solution for you.

Experience and Knowledge of Commercial Mechanical Contractors

When working with a mechanical contractor, you’re working with a team of qualified individuals. Tradesmen hold a variety of licensures and have extensive on-the-job experience, often obtained from completing an apprenticeship. Beyond this, the team includes a host of Project Managers and Engineers – many of whom hold bachelor’s degrees in construction management, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, and other relevant fields.

What To Expect From a Mechanical Contractor

As aforementioned, a contractors role is to oversee projects. Understandably, mechanical contractors work on projects with any mechanical aspect. Companies hire mechanical contractors to take control of projects involving HVAC systems, refrigeration, piping, plumbing, and electrical systems. Furthermore, mechanical contractors often manage the ongoing maintenance and repair throughout a building’s life cycle. 

In many construction projects, the mechanical contractor is heavily involved in the coordination of all trades – they collaborate with everyone involved in the project. Additionally, they are mindful of the time and budget constraints associated with the construction of mechanical elements.

Why Should Commercial Properties Hire a Mechanical Contractor

Every business expects quality service at a fair price to maximize its ROI. By hiring a mechanical contractor, commercial properties are bringing on licensed and insured specialists to develop solutions for their projects. Contractors can help determine why systems aren’t functioning properly and promptly provide solutions to further performance and efficiency. 

Partner With Egan Company – Your Commercial and Industrial Mechanical Contractor

Since 1945, Egan Company has provided its customers with reliable, high-quality mechanical services. Committed to delivering services that prioritize safety, efficiency, and longevity, our mechanical team works to fulfill every building’s needs. In addition, Egan has the ability to provide other trades scopes of work to create a seamless “one contractor” package. Connect with us to learn how we can help you with your commercial construction, renovation, equipment upgrade, or maintenance project.

Whether you are looking for building automation experts or a commercial construction contractor, choose one of Egan’s comprehensive specialties or our whole Plan-Design-Build-Maintain offering and we’ll deliver an integrated and safe approach from start to finish.

See some of our mechanical construction projects here.

WHAT ARE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS?

Tuesday, March 30th, 2021

In the ever-evolving world we live in, it comes as no surprise that the way we manage traffic is changing too. Enter Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the rapidly developing approach to advance our everyday transportation. While at surface level this may seem like an attempt to “simply” decrease traffic, it is rooted much deeper, addressing the serious implications transportation has on safety, mobility, and the environment. 

Traffic signal

By increasing communication between drivers, pedestrians, public transportation, and traffic systems, the road becomes safer and more efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, ITS technologies respectively benefit American mobility hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars each year. 

At Egan Company, we strive for innovation and safety. Our outdoor electrical team works to upgrade and maintain transportation infrastructure every day. These systems include detection cameras, traffic controls, dynamic message signs, conduit raceways, and much more. The full-service process includes furnishing and installing all components involved in intelligent transportation systems. Members of the outdoor electrical team are qualified, experienced, and certified to operate in this area of work.

Egan has worked with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and municipalities across the Twin Cities and Rochester, Minn. areas to create safer driving environments by adding traffic management systems. Our services extend to the private sector as well to alleviate elevated traffic levels as required by the state and counties. 

Recent Intelligent Transportation System projects:

  • Ayd Mill Road in St. Paul
  • “Devil’s Triangle” in Osseo (intersection of N. 85th and Highway 81 with Highway 169)
  • Highway 169 and Highway 41 in Jordan
  • Northbound on Highway 35W in Anoka
  • Highway 212 in Eden Prairie
  • Regional Transportation Management Center in Minneapolis

Why is UL 508A Certification Important?

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the largest and best known independent, not-for-profit laboratory in the world that conducts safety and quality testing on a wide range of products. UL is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an audited designator that can designate its standards as American National Standards.

UL 508A panel fabrication
Panel fabrication in Egan’s UL 508A Panel Shop

As the standard for industrial control panels, UL 508A certification demonstrates compliance to national safety standards – this certification ensures the proper design, assembly and wiring methods of components within the control panel. Having the UL 508A mark indicates that all requirements have been met and that the industrial control panel manufacturing facility is subject to inspection at any point to certify that standards (including the National Electric Code & NFPA 79) are being upheld. Electrical inspectors look for this mark as evidence of third-party certification.

For instance, at Egan Company, safety is our number one priority, and we are proud to carry several UL certifications. Our UL 508A Panel Shop designs and builds custom, industrial control panels for customers who depend on quality and system design expertise. With precision assembly, panels of all shapes and sizes come to life under UL code. Customers who rely on panels built at Egan include food & beverage producers, concrete producers, and many other industrial product manufacturers.

For customers, having this UL 508A certification means that Egan is furthering our promise to provide safe products.

Egan’s Panel Shop highlights:

  • 3 separate panel shops under 1 roof totaling 21,000 square-feet of manufacturing space
  • Steinhauer ModCenter – automated hole/cutout machine for enclosures
  • Wire processing
  • Label manufacturing
  • OEM panel manufacturing
  • Custom-engineered panel manufacturing
  • 5S + Safety methodology
  • Certifications – UL 508A, UL 698A, CUL, ETL

A+ Testing for InterClad’s Curtainwall Systems

Monday, January 4th, 2021

Quality assurance is a promise Egan Company continues to provide customers on every project from every team and business offering. From placing that last electrical plate over an outlet to testing the integrity of a building façade, Egan will ensure the utmost quality on everything we construct, install, or remodel. 

Recently, Egan’s curtainwall system manufactured by Erie Architectural Products for the Essentia Health Vision Northland project in Duluth, Minn., underwent a series of performance tests to ensure even the toughest environmental elements wouldn’t compromise the integrity of the system. Over the course of two full testing days and an additional week in -30 degree weather conditions, a full size mockup section of the system had to pass 17 performance tests before any of the 2,700 units (almost 200,000 square feet) of curtainwall could be installed on the project. 

An airtight chamber was constructed on one side of the curtainwall system. The first tests completed are the Static Air Infiltration and the Static Water Penetration tests. These set a baseline for all additional tests, and both of these tests are completed after every round of testing to ensure the performance has not been affected. If either of the tests were to fail, the entire testing process would need to start over. 

All curtainwall systems installed on any Egan project undergo field testing to assess proper installation. A lab test is unique and is typically conducted when the curtainwall system is custom-designed and fabricated for the job. This project, for Essentia Health located in Downtown Duluth, has very stringent structural and thermal requirements which necessitated the lab tests be performed prior to starting the project. The project is a $900M hospital tower, clinic, and outpatient center that will add approx. 942,000 sq. ft. to Essentia Health’s Duluth campus. 

Additional tests that the system had to pass included air from a large wind generator directed at the curtainwall as water is sprayed; this is the Dynamic Water Penetration test. Other tests that focus on the structural design and movement, both vertically and horizontally, place additional stress on the system. Finally, the lab created a temperature simulation in the airtight chamber that lowered the ambient temperature to -30 degrees; the crews were unsure if they’d be able to sustain the extreme temperature requirements since this is 10 degrees lower than a standard test. Thankfully,  the curtainwall system passed all performance tests and installation on the project can proceed as planned.

The curtainwall unit went through extreme conditions, not only extreme weather conditions, but structural and movement testing as well,” said Ryan Woodruff, Egan Company Vice President and InterClad Business Leader. “It was great to see our curtainwall pass all performance tests and solidify that we install some of the best curtainwall products in the Midwest.

Curtainwall performance tests included:

  1. Static Air Infiltration Test
  2. Static Water Penetration Test
  3. Dynamic Water Penetration Test
  4. Uniform Structural Design Load Test
  5. Repeat Static Air Infiltration Test
  6. Repeat Static Water Penetration Test
  7. Interstory Differential Horizontal Movement Test
  8. Repeat Static Air Infiltration Test
  9. Repeat Static Water Penetration Test
  10. Interstory Differential Vertical Movement Test
  11. Repeat Static Air Infiltration Test
  12. Repeat Static Water Penetration Test
  13. Thermal Cycling Test
  14. Repeat Static Air Infiltration Test
  15. Repeat Static Water Penetration Test
  16. Building Maintenance Equipment Load Test
  17. Uniform Structural Overload Test

DISCOVER EGAN: SPYDERCRANE

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

Innovation and safety is the name of the game with Egan’s utilization of the new SpyderCrane mini lift. Identifying a need to install glass in a different way than before at a high-rise project, Egan’s InterClad and Safety teams brainstormed possible options. The innovative and compact SpyderCrane was the solution that fit the installation needed in the confined working area.

“Typically, Egan’s InterClad team utilizes a ground crane to install glass and windows in large high-rise buildings,” said Jason Lindula, Egan Company Safety Manager. “We now use the SpyderCrane to reduce material handling, create a safer installation process, and provide an opportunity for a smaller crew size.”

On a high-rise project jobsite, imagine the SpyderCrane on level six, two Egan employees on level five, and two Egan employees on level four. The SpyderCrane lowers the glass into place from above, allowing the Egan crews on the lower levels to install the glass into place quickly and safely.

Specifications of Egan’s SpyderCrane:

  • Capacity to lift 2,000 lbs.
  • Variable Geometry Outriggers – allows for lifts in tight spaces
  • Remote control and pressure sensitive controls
  • Narrow track width and low center of gravity

We’re still working out the kinks of utilizing a new piece of equipment,” said Ryan Woodruff, Egan Company Vice President. “But the SpyderCrane’s ability to install glass in tight spaces while we utilize additional installation tactics in other areas ensures we’re staying on track for the overall project.

With one SpyderCrane already active on a jobsite, a second SpyderCrane will be arriving soon for use on additional jobsites where confined installation is needed. The precision and safety of the SpyderCrane mini lift provides Egan an opportunity to increase accuracy and ensure safety while continuing to install glass on even the tallest high-rise buildings in the Midwest.