Alltel

Technical Assurance was engaged by Alltel to investigate structural roof framing issues, mansard deterioration issues and roof attachment concerns at their Norfolk Switch Building. We provided Phase I Forensic Engineering Services to assess roof loads, mansard condition, and the roof attachment. It was determined that the roof structural framing system was undersized and additional supports and columns would have to be added to carry existing imposed loads. The metal mansard system attachments were in a state of disrepair and the entire system required replacement. The existing standing seam metal roof system was not properly secured to the roof framing and due to the building's location in a hurricane zone the roof system would require a new membrane cover properly secured to the framing. Additionally, the existing standing seam roof had an ice bridge system to prevent falling ice from the adjacent tower from damaging the roof. The ice bridge was loose laid and presented a potential storm blow off hazard.

Technical Assurance was engaged by Alltel to evaluate coastal or high wind/hurricane zone MTSO Property Roof Structures. Core cuts (4 total) taken revealed a serious roof attachment problem. All four roof cuts demonstrated that the 2” poly iso roof insulation board, intended for hot asphalt attachment to the concrete structural roof deck, was set in cold asphalt at the time of construction. None of the poly iso insulation boards observed by roof core cut testing were adhered or attached to the concrete deck. The Fully Adhered EPDM Rubber Roof System insulation attachment was non-existent at all four core cut test locations. This roof system was at high risk for windstorm damage blow off, which could result in catastrophic roof leaks into the new addition switch room. Technical Assurance designed and quality observed a remediation that involved the removal and replacement of the EPDM Roof with a new single ply roof system properly attached to the structural roof deck.

The Alltel Lynchburg, VA Switch Building was experiencing severe leaks through the exterior foundation walls during high volume rain storms. The site was very tight and did not afford enough room in the back of the building to design an adequate conventional drainage system. Technical Assurance proposed designing a retaining wall system to prevent water from reaching the building walls from the adjacent sloped property's site. Additional considerations included designing an adequate storm drainage system and tying in existing roof downspouts. Waterproofing systems and pavement renovations were also incorporated with the design effort.

The Gainesville Florida roof project consisted of a complete tear-off, new R-20 roof insulation with tapered drainage saddles and a new Thermoplastic Single Ply Roof Membrane system. Additionally the perimeter parapet wood blocking and structural steel deck had to be designed with additional attachment repairs to meet FM wind uplift guidelines for this location.

Technical Assurance visited this site to visually examine the façade as it related to the roofing repair work that was taking place. It was suspected that the original building structure had an addition constructed sometime in the past and the connection point of the original structure to the newer addition revealed cracking. The façade restoration project involved replacing the compromised CMU, installing control joint(s), tuck pointing and re-coating the entire structure to match the existing color scheme.

This facade restoration project included brick masonry power washing and the application of approved penetrating water repellent materials; replacement of existing sealant joints at all window, door and vent perimeters, control joints, wall penetrations, and metal to masonry joint locations; brick masonry spot tuck pointing work; tuck pointing work to open mortar joints of the soldier courses; preparation, cleaning and painting work to metal doors and railings; cleaning and preparation work as required to accommodate epoxy coating application to the exposed edges of the lintels on the south elevation; and cleaning and preparation work required for proper installation of cell vents at window head locations.