Focus on Facilities Improvements: Decker Health Science Center Roof Leaks Fixed

Several years ago our Decker Health Science Center roof began leaking, and it has been an ongoing challenge since to identify the cause and remedy it in a lasting way.  Recently we  consulted with a roofing expert who advised us that the leaks were caused primarily by design and workmanship issues.   A short and long-term plan was developed, and the short-term piece was immediately implemented to fix the leaks as much as possible before winter sets in.

Limestone had been used as a decorative stone to cap the brick walls around the entire building, and after years of heavy rain the limestone had begun to break down, with water soon finding its way in between the brick walls, staining and destroying ceiling tiles and making watermarks on walls.  Some of the lime stones were also found to be missing the required control joints in between that ensure water tightness, and in addition some of the lime stones were also missing “drip cuts” that catch the traveling water before it can reach the building, preventing it from dripping down the brick.

Our short term fix was started a month ago – we repaired missing or damaged control joints, and then covered the entire limestone with the same rubber material that was used on the roof.  The short-term fix is about 70% of the entire repair but addressed 95% of the problems.  Our long-term phase will begin in early April – the rubber material will be capped with metal, and the building brick with be sealed with water repellant sealer.  This long term fix will be completed by mid to late June and will last approximately 25-30 years.

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