Water Penetration Testing in Boise Idaho

We recently completed mock-up testing in Boise, Idaho at the highly anticipated Hotel Renegade project, an exciting development that is set to become Boise’s first 5-star hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Hotel Renegade is expected to open in the Spring of 2024 and will bring a new level of luxury hospitality, modern design, and mixed-use development to the city. As construction progresses, building performance testing plays a critical role in ensuring the building envelope, window systems, and exterior assemblies are prepared to handle real-world environmental conditions before the project moves further into production installation.

Hotel Renegade is designed as an eight-story development that combines upscale accommodations with vibrant public and commercial spaces. Levels 3 through 7 will consist of 122 luxury hotel rooms designed to provide guests with a high-end experience in downtown Boise. The first and second levels will feature a welcoming lobby, restaurant space, and additional mixed-use areas that will contribute to the growing downtown atmosphere and provide a unique destination for both visitors and the local community.

As part of the quality assurance process, QED LAB is conducting mock-up testing to verify the performance of the building envelope and installed window systems. Mock-up testing is an essential step in commercial construction projects, especially for large-scale hospitality developments where long-term durability, moisture resistance, and energy efficiency are critical. These tests help identify potential issues with installation methods, sealants, flashing systems, and envelope transitions before the full façade installation is completed.

Testing procedures on projects like Hotel Renegade often include water penetration testing, air leakage testing, and spray rack testing designed to simulate real-world weather conditions. Boise experiences a range of environmental conditions throughout the year, including wind, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures, making proper envelope performance essential for protecting the structure and maintaining occupant comfort. By performing these tests during the mock-up phase, contractors and project teams can ensure the systems meet project specifications, manufacturer requirements, and industry performance standards.

Mock-up testing also provides valuable confirmation that the building’s exterior systems are functioning together as intended. Window systems, waterproofing membranes, air barriers, and façade materials must work as a continuous assembly to prevent air infiltration and water intrusion. Identifying any weaknesses early helps avoid costly repairs, project delays, or future performance issues once the building is occupied.

Projects like Hotel Renegade highlight the importance of proactive building envelope testing in modern commercial construction. High-end hospitality developments require a strong focus on quality control and long-term building performance, especially when creating a landmark destination for a growing city like Boise. QED LAB is proud to support projects like this by providing professional field testing services that help ensure durability, efficiency, and overall envelope integrity.

As Hotel Renegade continues toward completion, this project represents an exciting addition to Boise’s skyline and hospitality industry. With luxury accommodations, mixed-use amenities, and modern construction practices, the development is poised to become a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest. QED LAB is excited to be part of the process, helping verify that the building performs as designed from the very beginning.