Project Type: Evaluation, Design, Bid & Limited Construction Administration

The Vital Structure: 

Middle School – Steep Slope Roof Replacement

Issue

Vital Structures was retained to perform an evaluation of the existing standing seam metal and EPDM (rubber) roofs of the East and South Classroom buildings. The facilities manager specifically noted that the metal and EPDM roofs were failing, and leaks were occurring in the classroom spaces below the roofs.

Existing Deficient Metal and EPDM Roof Systems with Failed adhered Snow Guards.

Existing Deficient Metal and EPDM Roof Systems with Failed adhered Snow Guards.

Minimal/Insufficient Transitional Lap Detail of EPDM Roof and Metal Roof Underlayment Over Unprotected Wood Roof Deck.

Minimal/Insufficient Transitional Lap Detail of EPDM Roof and Metal Roof Underlayment Over Unprotected Wood Roof Deck.

Coating Failure and Corrosion at Existing

Coating Failure and Corrosion at Existing

Diagnosis

There were several areas of concern with the existing roof systems including the questionable transitional areas between the metal and EPDM roofs, and general snow and ice management deficiencies causing damage to the EPDM membrane roof systems. Vital Structures performed an evaluation of the existing metal panel and EPDM roof systems; including a review of original design documents, exploratory test cuts, and a comprehensive evaluation of the roof systems including the roof venting, insulation, and roof deck substrates. The following conditions were noted by Vital Structures:

  • Poor/insufficient transitional detailing between the EPDM and metal panel roofs leading to suspected roof leaks.
  • Absence of a thermal barrier board at the wood roof deck.
  • Damage to EPDM roofs from snow and ice impact (at dormer roofs missing snow guards) and build-up in EPDM strip roofs with numerous remedial membrane repairs.
  • Questionable areas of slope to the internal drains at the EPDM perimeter strip roofs with standing water under the roof membrane in some locations.
  • Active roof leaks to the interior classroom spaces.
  • Failed adhered, pad style snow guards and non-engineered 2-rail snow guards added to steep slope metal panel roof system.
  • Un-sealed HVAC systems under negative pressure.
  • Roof membrane punctures and insufficient slope-to-drain due to saturating and crushing of the roof assembly.

Our Solution

Vital Structures prepared a roof evaluation report with evaluation findings, analysis of IEBC-2015 re-roofing analysis and provisions, general recommendations, and options for the roof system(s) replacement. Vital Structures was also tasked with the new roofing systems design, bid assistance and limited construction administration for the buildings. The evaluation report and design included the following:

  • The addition of plywood crickets to address and eliminate areas of insufficient slope-to-drain conditions.
  • Full roof removal and replacement including refastening questionable plywood roof deck and installation of new mechanically fastened 5/8-inch, fire resistant, thermal barrier board over the existing plywood roof deck.
  • Installation of a more durable felt backed, adhered PVC roof membrane with monolithic heat-welded seams and decorative ribs in matching color/profile to the existing metal roof system.
  • Installation of a proprietary tab-style roof snow guard system designed to meet the existing roof structural capacities for snow loads.
  • Design and installation of new, custom-designed and fabricated continuous PVC-coated metal ridge vents (in matching membrane colors) at the ridge and hip vent locations of the new roofs.
  • Removal and replacement of emergency roof overflow through-wall scuppers.
  • Internal roof drain rehabilitation.
  • Various low slope roof upgrades and repairs at adjacent roof areas to East and South Classroom buildings.
Installation of a New Fire-Resistant Thermal Barrier Board Over Existing Plywood Roof Deck.

Installation of a New Fire-Resistant Thermal Barrier Board Over Existing Plywood Roof Deck.

New Custom Designed and Fabricated New Continuous Roof Ridge Vent and PVC Membrane Roof

New Custom Designed and Fabricated New Continuous Roof Ridge Vent and PVC Membrane Roof

McLaughlin Middle School
New PVC Membrane Roof with PVC Decorative Ribs and Tab-Style Snow Guards.

New PVC Membrane Roof with PVC Decorative Ribs and Tab-Style Snow Guards.

Result

The results of the in-depth roof evaluation provided invaluable knowledge of the existing roof system deficiencies for the appropriate recommendations for the new roof system and accessories to resolve the interior leak problems and other design challenges for the roof system improvements including:

  • Added crickets for more effective, improved slope-to-drain.  
  • The addition of a fire-resistant thermal barrier board over the existing wood roof deck.
  • A new, more durable, monolithic PVC membrane roof system to address snow and ice conditions while meeting aesthetic requirements for the steep slope roofs.
  • New continuous roof venting accessories to provide required venting and aesthetic needs.
  • A new roof snow guard system that conformed to the existing roof framing structural capacities.

 

The result provided the Client with new, durable, and effectively functioning roofing systems for the buildings with 20-year manufacturer’s warranties that resolved their project issues and challenges.

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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