Project Type: Structure, Roofing, and Evaluation.

The Vital Structure: 

Low Slope Roof Replacement with Structural Roof Framing Modifications

Issue

Vital Structures was retained to perform an evaluation of the existing, 18-year-old, low-slope PVC roof of the two-story commercial building located in historic Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. The building included a long-standing restaurant on the lower floors that experienced a fire at the rooftop mechanical equipment, which damaged the equipment and the existing roof system. Existing conditions included aging rooftop mechanical units that serviced the restaurant and office space at the second-floor level. Other concerns included a questionable existing parapet/pediment bracing at the North/front elevation of the building’s roof area and aesthetic design requirements of the local Harvard Square Historical Commission.

localized area of water damaged roof framing

Diagnosis

There were several areas of concern with the existing 2000 low slope PVC roof system including multiple roof patches, fire damage and the generally aged roof membrane. Vital Structures performed an evaluation of the existing PVC membrane roof system; including a review of limited original design documents, exploratory test cuts, and a comprehensive evaluation of the roof system including structural review per 2015 IEBC Chapter 7 – Alterations Level 1, structural analysis for new rooftop HVAC equipment loading, roof drainage calculations, insulation energy code requirements review, and localized wood roof deck evaluation for replacement. The following conditions were noted by Vital Structures:

  • The existing PVC roof system had surpassed its useful life expectancy and required removal and replacement. The new roof system was to include high puncture and chemical resistance due to expected rooftop equipment maintenance and restaurant exhaust containing grease discharge.
  • The existing rooftop HVAC equipment, rooftop ductwork and supports were aged with questionable ductwork supports, all requiring removal and replacement (HVAC Engineering by others).
  • Roof framing modifications and upgrades were required for the new rooftop HVAC equipment, parapet pediment bracing required by building code and other future rooftop equipment needs.
  • The existing steel parapet/pediment bracing was questionable and attached only to the ¾-inch tongue and groove wood roof deck. A new steel parapet/pediment bracing system with associated building roof framing connections was required.
  • Improper/non-building code-compliant overflow roof drainage plumbing was identified.
  • An existing rooftop brick chimney was observed to be in disrepair and confirmed to be abandoned and not needed.

Our Solution

Vital Structures prepared a roof evaluation summary with evaluation findings, roof structure review per 2015 IEBC Chapter 7 – Alterations Level 1, and structural gravity with snow load analysis for the new rooftop HVAC equipment. General recommendations, and options for the roof system(s) replacement and the required structural modifications for the roof framing for the new HVAC equipment were provided. Vital Structures was tasked with the new roofing systems design and structural roof framing modifications, including limited bid assistance and limited construction administration for the project. The evaluation, design and construction included the following:

  • Complete removal of the existing PVC roof, roof accessories and HVAC equipment.
  • Roof framing modifications with laminated veneer pre-engineered lumber, structural connections and localized wood roof deck repairs for new rooftop HVAC equipment, new parapet/pediment steel bracing to meet current building code requirements for unreinforced masonry parapets.
  • Full roof replacement including new KEE/Elvaloy roof membrane providing more durable and chemical resistant roof membrane.
  • The removal and replacement of perimeter edge blocking, localized wood roof decking replacement. New roof system included full vapor barrier, adhered, energy code compliant R-30 roof insulation and high density polyisocyanurate cover board.
  • Utilize an adhered insulation assembly to eliminate any exposed insulation fasteners at the exposed second floor office space ceilings.
  • New copper coping caps to meet local historical district requirements.
  • New internal roof drain with properly plumbed/code compliant overflow roof drain.

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