Data centers are some of the most complex construction projects in the world. They’re built to house millions of dollars in technology, run 24/7, and meet the demands of industries where downtime is measured in seconds—and dollars lost in the millions.

Mechanical systems are at the heart of that mission. From cooling high-density racks to moving multi-ton generators into place, the mechanical scope is where engineering precision meets boots-on-the-ground execution.

Below are the five biggest mechanical challenges in data-center construction, and how experienced contractors can solve them.

The Challenge:
Data-center timelines are notoriously aggressive. Owners want facilities online fast to meet market demand, especially when hyperscale and colocation clients are waiting to lease space. That puts enormous pressure on every trade, and the mechanical scope is no exception.

Delays in installing chilled-water piping, air handlers, or cooling towers can hold up commissioning and push the go-live date—costing operators revenue and damaging client relationships.

The Solution:
An experienced mechanical contractor comes to the table with a BIM-driven plan and a prefabrication strategy. By modeling systems early and producing spools, skids, and assemblies offsite, installation becomes faster, safer, and less prone to on-site bottlenecks.

Pro tip: Self-perform crews—pipefitters, welders, and riggers—reduce dependency on multiple subcontractors and keep the schedule in one set of capable hands.

The Challenge:
As rack densities climb past 35–50 kW for AI workloads, traditional air cooling can’t keep up. Hyperscale and HPC operators are adopting liquid-cooling systems—direct-to-chip, cold plate, and immersion—that require specialized mechanical design, piping, and integration.

Improper installation or undersized systems can cause overheating, shorten equipment life, and lead to costly downtime.

The Solution:
Work with a mechanical contractor experienced in ASHRAE TC 9.9-compliant cooling. This means precise chilled-water distribution, leak-free connections, and high-pressure testing for liquid-cooling loops.

Pro tip: Look for a partner who can coordinate with both IT and electrical teams so cooling integrates seamlessly into the overall infrastructure. This reduces rework and ensures systems operate efficiently from day one.

The Challenge:
Moving and installing mechanical equipment in data centers often involves tight clearances, live environments, and multi-ton loads—think chillers, CRAHs, UPS skids, and generators. Inexperienced rigging can lead to safety incidents, equipment damage, or costly delays.

The Solution:
Select a mechanical contractor with in-house rigging capabilities. This ensures lift plans, safety protocols, and equipment placement are coordinated directly with mechanical installation.

Pro tip: Advanced planning pays off. Incorporating lift logistics into BIM models helps identify conflicts with overhead MEP runs or restricted access points before equipment arrives on site.

The Challenge:
In a data center, mechanical systems share space with electrical distribution, structural supports, and IT infrastructure. Without tight coordination, ductwork, piping, and cable trays can clash—forcing costly field changes.

The Solution:
Early trade coordination through BIM is essential. Mechanical contractors who actively lead coordination meetings and model their systems in detail help prevent conflicts before they hit the field.

Pro tip: Prioritize clash detection in congested areas—like mechanical rooms and equipment yards—where system density is highest and the cost of changes is greatest.

The Challenge:
Data centers operate under strict performance requirements. Owners expect documented proof that systems meet design intent before taking occupancy. Skipping steps or rushing commissioning can lead to warranty claims, inefficiency, or downtime after turnover.

The Solution:
Hire a mechanical contractor with an ISO 9001–aligned QA/QC process and a commissioning plan integrated from day one. This includes pressure testing, weld inspections, airflow balancing, and full documentation of all results.

Pro tip: Involve the commissioning team early. They can help identify testing requirements during pre-construction so there are no surprises at the end of the project.

Mechanical contracting for data centers is about more than just installing equipment—it’s about engineering reliability into the facility from the ground up. Tight schedules, advanced cooling needs, heavy rigging, multi-trade coordination, and rigorous QA/QC all require a contractor who’s been there before.

At Midsouth Mechanical, our self-perform crews bring HVAC, chilled-water, liquid-cooling, process piping, rigging, and commissioning together under one roof. That means fewer handoffs, faster schedules, and systems built to support your uptime goals.

If you’re planning a new build, expansion, or retrofit, let’s talk about how we can help you build faster, cool smarter, and protect uptime.