Project Type: Evaluation, Design

The Vital Structure: 

Rising Masonry Wall Repairs

Issue

 

Vital Structures was retained to perform water leak testing to evaluate the two (2) active leak areas located on the second floor of the building. The building is a multi-story, 347,168 SF Class A laboratory and office building that spans over a city block in length and was originally constructed sometime in the late 1940’s-early 1950’s as a warehouse and distribution center. An extensive rehabilitation was performed in 1981 which added the second-floor mezzanine spaces and six (6) metal panel steep slope roofs. In 2017, the current owner of the building performed a core and shell rehabilitation that included limited curtain wall replacement, a large atrium roof skylight, selected building envelope repairs.    

Diagnosis

Targeted, programmatic water leak testing was performed at roof drains and rising wall components located in the vicinity of the reported leaks.  Water infiltration above the ceiling of the second-floor areas was observed when water was applied to an observed tear in the roof membrane, which was patched by the roofing contractor during the evaluation. Water infiltration was also observed when water was applied to two (2) distinct areas of rising wall brick masonry, which exhibited signs of failed mortar joints and abandoned anchors into the brick. Following leak testing, exploratory masonry test cuts were performed, which revealed deficiencies in the through-wall flashing of the masonry rising wall.

 

 

 

Solution

Our design for repair included removal of existing brick masonry approximately 2’-6” above the existing through-wall flashing along the full length of the rising wall, removal of existing through wall flashing, replacement of deteriorated gypsum wall sheathing, installation of new KEE through-wall flashing membrane, new stainless steel counter flashing, new weep baffles and mortar nets to protect the weeps from blockage, replacement of brick masonry, and replacement of PVC flashing membrane at the roof to rising wall transitions.

Result

The repairs to the brick masonry, through-wall flashing, and roof-to-wall transition flashing resolved the reported leak issues within the second-floor space, saving the Owner from future expenses from damages to finishes and equipment 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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