Project Type: Evaluation and Design

 The Vital Structure: 

Mechanical Roof Replacement

Issue

 

Vital Structures was retained to perform an evaluation of the existing EPDM roofs of the main building. The facilities manager specifically noted that after a rooftop mechanical equipment upgrade project, substantial leaks occurred into the mechanical penthouse below.

Diagnosis

The area of concern is congested with mechanical equipment for the pharmaceutical laboratory and office space. Vital Structures performed an evaluation of the existing EPDM roof system; including review of original design documents, review of previous infrared roof scan documentation, exploratory test cuts, and limited peer review of the mechanical upgrade project. The following conditions were noted by Vital Structures:

  •  Ponding around new/congested equipment areas.
  • 80+ areas of mechanical duct supports mechanically fastened (screwed) through the roof membrane
  • Saturated roof assemblies, leading to poor thermal insulation performance.
  • Standing water under roof membrane; with submerged wood blocking.
  • Un-sealed roof penetrations.
  • Abandoned-in-place sleepers, blocking and mechanical/electrical penetrations.
  • Un-sealed HVAC systems under negative pressure.
  • Roof membrane punctures and insufficient slope-to-drain due to saturating and crushing of the roof assembly.​
    .

 

 

 

Solution

Vital Structures prepared a roof evaluation report with evaluation drawings, analysis of IEBC-2015 re-roofing provisions, general recommendations and preliminary budget estimates for the recommended scope of work. The evaluation report and proposed design included the following:

  • Full roof replacement with R-30 roof assembly, improved slope-to-drain, and crickets at roof drainage obstructions.
  • New through-wall flashings and masonry coating at rising walls.
  • Modification of HVAC duct supports to eliminate fastener punctures through the roof membrane.
  • Replacement of deteriorated wood blocking with insulated metal curb bases.
  • New roof overflow drainage system.
  • Replacement of at EPDM-wall penetration flashings.
  • New roof access doors with increased flashing heights.

Result

Due to the roof being enclosed on four (4) sides, the new overflow drainage system will prevent potential ponding and water infiltration in the event of a primary roof drain failure. The proposed roof system will improve drainage by providing a slope of ¼” per linear foot, and by providing crickets to prevent ponding around mechanical units. New roof access doors will facilitate increased flashing heights and improved the slope-to-drain. Structural modifications of the HVAC duct supports will allow the structural members to be anchored to the roof deck, and will allow the members to be flashed with a conventional EPDM flashing boot, eliminating the fasteners through the roof membrane. Modification of the masonry through-wall flashing will provide increased flashing heights and improved slope-to-drain. New protective masonry coating will control moisture infiltration, deterioration and freeze-thaw cyclic effects on the masonry penthouse walls.

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“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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