Multifamily Wallcovering: Corridors, Lobbies and Amenity Spaces

What to look for

• Type by area. Wolf-Gordon notes that Type I is "commonly used in apartment and office buildings" and Type II in heavy-traffic areas. Koroseal places Type II in "hallways and lobbies" (see the Type guide).
• Fire test results with their conditions. Koroseal Type II fact sheets report ASTM E84 Class A on GRC board with A-848-B adhesive and NFPA 286 "meets requirements" on 5/8 in Type X gypsum board with A-848-B adhesive. The required class depends on occupancy, location and sprinklers; confirm with the authority having jurisdiction (see the fire ratings guide).
• Wall moisture. Koroseal's hanging instructions say walls "should not exceed 4%" on a moisture meter and that mildew must be removed and treated before installation.
• Permeability when specified. W-101 has an optional requirement: wallcovering specified as permeable must reach at least 8 perms by ASTM E96 Procedure B, which "requires microventing for standard polymer coated wallcoverings." Ask the manufacturer whether a product has been tested.
• Indoor air and disclosure. Koroseal's VOC certificate lists LEED v4/4.1 Residential BD+C Multifamily among programs that recognize CDPH Standard Method V1.2. PVC-free lines carry an EPD and HPD (see the PVC-free guide).

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Submittals and site conditions

Koroseal's 09 72 00 specification asks the contractor to "submit a sample of each type and color to be installed for the architect's approval" and a manufacturer's certification that the wallcovering meets the specification, and states that the manufacturer shall certify at shipment that the material meets its published ASTM E84 flame spread and smoke development ratings. For each Koroseal family, the documents usually available are the fact sheet, the 09 72 00 specification, cleaning instructions, hanging instructions and, for many Type II lines, an EPD, an HPD and a VOC emissions report. Request the set that matches the exact backing (woven or non-woven) you will buy.

Koroseal's 09 72 00 specification asks for a constant temperature of at least 60 F in the installation areas "for at least seven days prior to and throughout installation period and for seven days thereafter," storage above 55 F with rolls flat and not cross stacked, wall moisture no higher than 4%, and permanent building light during installation. It also calls for an inspection after the first three strips. Build these conditions into the schedule before the wallcovering arrives.

Questions to confirm for your project

• Which areas need Type II (corridors, mail rooms, fitness) and which can use Type I?
• What fire class does the AHJ require in corridors and exits, and is the building sprinklered?
• Has the wall assembly been reviewed for moisture, and is a permeable wallcovering specified?
• How many floors share one pattern, and can they ship from one shade lot?
• Is attic stock needed for unit turnover and repairs?