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

Research Lab Building Roof Replacement and Related Work

Issue

Vital Structures was retained to perform the evaluation, design, and construction administration for the replacement of EPDM roofs of the main building and low roofs located at the front of the building, which were approaching the end of expected service life, and previously reported to be leaking.

Diagnosis

Existing roof leaks were determined to be caused by deficient flashing transitions at the interface of the main roof and a parabolic standing seam metal roof at the front of the building. Leaks on the low roofs at the front of the building were determined to be related to deficient through-wall flashing in the masonry rising walls above the fifth-floor. Rooftop steel screen wall framing was also noted to be taking on water through holes in the tops of framing members. Cracks at the bases of steel screen wall supports were observed below the roof surface, due to developed pressure from freezing of entrapped water, resulting in interior leaks.

 

 

 

Solution

Our design included a new 90 mil EPDM membrane and ½” high density coverboard installed over the existing roof insulation. Due to low flashing heights, an abundance of rooftop mechanical equipment, and sloped steel rooftop screen wall framing members which interfere with the main roof edge, Vital Structures was granted a Code Compliance Variance from the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department, regarding the Energy Conservation Code requirements for above roof insulation, to help our client with existing hardship. Our design included new through-wall flashing at the fifth-floor masonry rising walls to provide drainage and to prevent moisture from entering the roof assemblies. To address damaged steel screen wall framing, our design included patching holes and breaches using fiber reinforced polymers and PMMA waterproof coatings, and repairing cracks at bases of steel supports via welding.

Result

The new roof system provides improved drainage due to the addition of crickets around mechanical units, which divert water towards internal drains. The drainage of the low roof was also improved by the addition of secondary overflow scuppers. Improved drainage makes the roof structure less susceptible to potential ponding related failure. Repairs to the through-wall flashing also prevents moisture from entering the conference room and laboratory spaces below. The structural integrity of the steel screen wall framing was restored, preventing further deterioration and damage to the screen wall.

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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