Project Type: Evaluation, Design, and Construction Administration 

The Vital Structure: 

Building Façade & Door Leak Repairs With Deck Replacement

Issue

Vital Structures was retained to perform the evaluation, design and limited controlled construction administration for repairs related to reported leaks above the sliding glass doors of Unit 27C/D during rain events.   

water damaged exterior wood wall sheathing at rising wall roof interface
localized area of water damaged roof framing

Diagnosis

The exterior walls of the four-story building were clad with red cedar, painted clapboard siding and solid PVC trim, over Tyvek underlayment.  Aluminum step flashing was observed to be incomplete, and improperly terminated over the Tyvek underlayment allowing water penetration into the exterior wood wall systems.   

 

The sliding doors openings were improperly flashed and missing door sill pans.  The lack of door sill flashings and poorly installed balcony ledger board flashing resulted in water infiltration, and saturated/rotted door frames, wall sheathing and floor framing rim joist members.  The aluminum cap flashings above the PVC trim and wall penetrations were improperly terminated allowing water infiltration into the wall systems causing similar wood structure damage.  Localized areas of wood roof framing were damaged by poorly terminated aluminum step flashing.

     

     

     

    Our Solution

    Our design for the façade and leak damage repairs included removal of the wood framed balcony decks with PVC trim, deck boards and railings.  Portions of the asphalt roof shingles, façade trim work, siding, and underlayment in the 4-story area of the building was removed.  Areas of damaged wood sheathing wall, floor and roof wood framing members were removed and replaced along with areas of saturated fiberglass batt insulation.

    Areas of adjacent roof shingles were installed with new ice & water membrane underlayment, properly lapped, and terminated into the new vapor permeable, weather resistant wall barrier system with manufacturers system warranty.  New roof shingles, with properly terminated aluminum step flashings, sliding doors with aluminum pan flashings, new pre-primed and painted red cedar siding with PVC trim boards were installed.  New pressure treated wood-framed balcony structures were designed by Vital Structures.  The new balcony framing included engineered, code compliant deck framing connections and new continuous ledger flashings integrated into the new façade weather resistant wall barrier membrane.  New PVC deck boards, trim and railing systems were installed at the balconies.

      new wall and floor framing members installed at exterior wall areas
      completed facade and exterior balcony deck replacement

      Result

      The comprehensive repairs to the building façade, including associated roof areas, door replacement with flashings and new framed balcony structures resolved the reported leak issues within the Unit, saving the Owner from future expenses from damages to personal property and finishes caused by water infiltration. The improved waterproofing detailing of the new design will also prevent future damage to structural framing and extend the life of the facility.

      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
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