Project Type: Evaluation, Design, and Construction Administration 
The Vital Structure: 

Biomedical Building Roof Replacement

Issue

Vital Structures was retained to perform evaluation and design services for the replacement of three (3) roof areas located above the third-floor of the building. The existing EPDM membrane roof systems had exceeded their service lives, and evidence of breaches in the existing roof system had been reported.

leaking roof in need of repair
existing coverboard deterioration and wet insulation indicated previous roof leaks
failed solder joints in the existing zinc parapet coping had been caused by thermal expansion and contraction

Diagnosis

The existing roof assembly of the three (3) roof areas consisted of an adhered 60 mil EPDM membrane, ½” thick gypsum coverboard, tapered polyisocyanurate insulation at 1/4” per foot slope with a 1” thick based layer of polyisocyanurate insulation, polyethylene vapor barrier, and a concrete roof deck. The existing roof decks were not to have not structural slope. Disintegration of the gypsum coverboard, as well as wet insulation were observed at test cut locations, indicated water infiltration. Previous patches to the EPDM roof membrane were also observed throughout the roof areas. Parapet walls extending approximately 1’-0” above the roof deck of The Northeast Roof and the Northwest Roof were noted to be capped with zinc parapet caps, which were damaged at several location due to thermal expansion and contraction, and inadequate expansion joint detailing. A granite capstone was installed atop the existing parapet wall of the Southeast Roof. There was no point of access from the interior of the building to both the Northwest Roof and Southeast Roof 

 

 

 

Solution

Vital Structures design included the removal and replacement of the existing roof system with a new roof assembly consisting of an adhered 75 mil reinforced EPDM roof membrane, ½” thick high-density polyisocyanurate coverboard, ¼” per foot tapered polyisocyanurate insulation, a base layer of polyisocyanurate insulation, and a self-adhering rubberized asphaltic vapor barrier. New zinc copping caps were installed at the parapets of the Northeast Roof and Northwest Roof. New steel platforms and access ladders were installed to provide access through new operable casement windows at the Northwest roof and Southeast Roof. 

new zinc parapet coping cap installed on the Northwest Roof
New EPDM roof system installed on the Northwest Roof
New access platform and ladder installed on the Northwest Roof

Result

The new roof system prevents moisture from entering the laboratory spaces below, protecting the businesses from costly shutdowns. The new zinc copings provide an improved aesthetic appearance for the building, removing the existing faded copings that had become unsightly. With the addition of access platforms and ladders, the Northwest Roof and Southeast Roof can now be easily accessed by Facilities to perform routine maintenance of the roof areas.

Contact us to get your vital structure inspected.

Evaluate. Guide. Revitalize.

Let's Do Something Vital Together!

“An Objective Expert We Could Trust”

We retained Vital Structures after finding our builder unwilling to help identify and rectify obvious bowing and waving to our accessory building.  The information provided by Vital was impressive as it was detailed and specific calling out nonconformance to building codes, industry standard construction practices and manufacturer specifications.  The reports were written in a way that was observational, with pictures and evidence.  Had we not hired an objective expert we would have been faced with serious structural problems unknown to layman.  The professionalism, expectation setting and follow-through on Vital Structures part was the due diligence we needed to protect ourselves in this endeavor.  It is well worth the time and expense to correct the issues in advance of accepting subpar construction.

Jeanne Pagani

Homeowner

“Vital Structures Has My Highest Recommendation.”

As the trustee for the Lois J. Lewis Trust, I contracted Vital Structures to oversee a project to evaluate and repair the foundation pilings of an 1880s lakefront cabin on Spofford Lake. The cabin’s piling foundations had deteriorated due to hillside erosion, age, and lack of maintenance. By the time Vital Structures took on our project, the foundation was close to failure.

David Morand, who oversaw the project, was professional, meticulous, and flexible,- offering several well-considered solutions to our problem. He and his team were involved from start to finish, readily available for updates, and on site to address any issues that arose. David was also instrumental in connecting us with a contractor who could meet our unique needs, given the limited access and difficult site conditions.

I can’t say enough good things about the way Vital Structures conducted the project and their professionalism throughout the process. They were a pleasure to work with.

Kenneth Betts

Trustee, The Lois J. Lewis Trust

“Vital provided invaluable assistance and made our buildings healthy again!”

Our Association hired Vital Structures to inspect our decks. David, Richard, and the rest of their team are very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. As our relationship formed, Vital Structures became our Engineers of choice to develop a new design to replace all the decks in the Association.  Vital provided us with invaluable assistance in obtaining Contracting Bids, so we had verifiable Construction Company choices.  Once renovation began, Vital oversaw the project, holding Contractors accountable, ensuring construction was completed to our new design specifications and that the job was done correctly.  Everyone loves the new look and our buildings are becoming healthy again!

Mike Labrecque

Trustee, The Colonial Village

“A huge value to our business!”

We are a waterfront business operating in Provincetown for over fifty years. Vital Structures has been our valued “go-to” partner whenever we address issues relative to our building or property. Their comprehensive knowledge and ability to assess issues and provide solutions across the board is truly a unique expertise and of huge value to businesses like ours. They are service-oriented, extremely responsive, and know their business – and ours. Five-star excellence in all regards!

 

Jill Botway

Managing Director, The Boat Slip LLC

“Highly Recommended! “

Vital Structures llc has proven to be a top notch engineering firm. Beginning with a comprehensive and thorough review of the job scope, to the completion of a project with no details missed. All personnel involved with each project we have found to be excellent to work with and yet never willing to compromise details that would have any adverse effect on the project. Whenever unforeseen conditions arise, they are immediately back to the drawing board without any hesitation in order to keep the project moving. I would highly recommend Vital Structures llc for any structural or building envelope projects.

Brett Emery

Emery Construction LLC

“An Eye for Detail”

We have been working with David Morand of Vital Structures on a few different projects over the years.  We are completely impressed as he is professional, has an eye for detail, is very thorough, and always answers all our questions.  David & the Vital Structure’s team are very knowledgeable about the industry, very proactive with their approach, and always do a great job.  I would not hesitate to use David and his team on the future projects.

Laurie Ferrari

CEO, Peters Property Management
Share This