University of Illinois at Chicago’s Engineering Research Facility, built in the 1980s, suffered from major roofing problems. Detached flashing and torn membrane had caused exposed wood, mold growth, and standing water.
A poorly installed skylight drained water into the building. The damage had taken a toll on the interior: ceiling and soffit stains, peeling drywall, damaged fireproofing, and even standing water in a mechanical room.
Repairs eliminate the leaks, meet energy codes, and improve insulation. A two-ply modified bitumen roof replaces the EPDM lower roof. Upper roof improvements include new plywood, coping, and flashing membranes. A gel coating adds a layer of protection to skylight fiberglass. The skylights also have new flashing and coping to make them watertight and drain all water to the exterior.
Construction was scheduled to avoid disrupting vibration-sensitive lab activities.
Legat came up with solutions to fix the problems at the Engineering Research Facility quickly and cost effectively. It’s been a decade since that repair, and everything continues to function smoothly.
Eric Luchetta-Stendel, Senior Assistant Director, Project Management – Office of Planning, Sustainability and Project Management, University of Illinois at Chicago
Before and After
Roofing and Skylight Repairs
Before Aged roof including damage from the dumping of ashes from a charcoal grill on an adjacent balcony
After New modified bitumen roofing system
Before Damaged/missing flashing. The weathered appearance of existing wood blocking suggests it has been exposed for a long time
After EPDM flashing repairs
Before Damaged flashing and resulting damage to the interior space below
After EPDM flashing repairs
Before Shifted seam caps at metal standing seam roof exposing underlayment (now missing) and wood substrate
After Metal standing seam roof repairs including rebuilt concealed gutter system
Before Incompatible integration of curtain wall system into translucent skylight system and resulting damage to interior soffits
After Rebuilt hip end condition of skylight including soffit repair
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