Greetings!
Welcome to the November issue of Building Solutions, a periodic newsletter intended to provide valuable information for building owners and property managers, facilities managers, and building envelope consultants in the greater Boston area.
In this issue, we present a Case Study on a recent masonry project at Quincy Medical Center, Quincy, MA and a Restoration Tutorial on Maintenance of Flat Roofs. We also offer a Commentary on the importance of integrity and reliability to business success.
We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, we can be reached at 617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com.
Sincerely,
Michael Norman
Vice President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
617-445-0274
|
|
Abbot Restores Quincy Medical Center Emergency Room Entrance
Abbot recently completed a major restoration of the facade above and surrounding the entrance to the emergency room at Quincy Medical Center, Quincy, MA.
 The facade is constructed of structural steel with poured concrete floors. The walls consist of steel studs, and interior and exterior dry wall finished with brick and 8" x 8" accent tile blocks over the exterior side. An evaluation by Meridian Consulting, Canton, MA, determined that the original flashing on the façade had failed which allowed water to penetrate into the interior of the building at various locations throughout its six floors.
Based on the engineering evaluation, Abbot was contracted in late Spring 2009 to remove the accent block and brick at the relieving angle irons and above the windows at each floor, and install a double layer of flashing. The material used for the first layer of flashing was Grace Bituthene® membrane and for the second layer was lead-coated copper. Upon completion of the flashing installation, new brick and accent tile block were installed.
_____________________________________
Quincy Medical Center is a private, non-profit, 282-bed community teaching hospital with state-of-the-art medical technology providing more than a century of public service to the City of Quincy, MA and communities along the South Shore. The hospital's emergency services encompass the immediate delivery of clot-busting medication for heart attacks and strokes, and the use of state-of-the-art medical imaging for rapid diagnosis. |
Maintenance of Flat Roofs
All flat roofing systems, no matter how well-constructed, well-designed and well-installed, can only benefit from regularly scheduled upkeep. Semi-annual inspections combined with routine care can:
· Extend service life
· Minimize unanticipated problems
· Provide added security to building contents and tenants
· Keep operating expenses within budget
· Permit planning for future capital expenditures
 A comprehensive roofing program that can be budgeted and funded properly is particularly helpful for building owners and managers who must justify expenses.
Good maintenance practice calls for a minimum of two roof inspections per year - spring and fall. Inspections should also be performed after extreme weather episodes such as ice and snow storms.
One of the best reasons to perform regular roofing inspections and maintenance is the potential long-term cost savings. With regular maintenance, it is possible, that the life of a 20-year roof can be extended to 30 years -- a large payoff for a relatively small outlay of time and money.
When inspecting a roof, the following approach/checklist should be helpful:
· Remove debris and/or vegetation from roof surfaces
· Assure that there are no areas of ponded water
· Make sure that drains are clear
· Check clamping rings on drains for a secure fit
· Inspect caulking on metal flashings and pitch pans
· Visually inspect seams to establish that they are watertight (modified, EPDM)
· Observe ballast for wind scour (EPDM)
· Look for signs of puncture
· Top off pitch pans
· Examine areas around ventilators for damaged flashings
· Identify trends in traffic patterns and wear
· Examine for excessive cracks or blistering
Roof Replacement
No matter how well it has been maintained, every roof must eventually be replaced. It is often difficult to decide whether to recover the old roof or tear it off and start from scratch. Avoiding removal of the old roof is the best option, depending its condition.
Generally, if the roof is leaking, it must be torn off. Water penetration causes damage to the insulation and/or the roof deck. Covering a wet, leaking roof can lead to significant corrosion damage and the inevitable roof replacement, this time done appropriately. Typically, the roof must also be replaced when there is more than one roof over the deck (as the chances of trapping moisture increase with every layer of roofing material). In order to determine the feasibility of recovering an existing roof, contractors should perform a through visual inspection including test cuts to determine the roof's condition.
Replace or Repair?
Replace the roof if:
· It is leaking beyond repair
· There is excessive blistering
· Repairs become more frequent
· It is excessively delaminated
Repair the roof if:
· Its life can be extended
· Cracks/blisters/open seams are minimal
|
|
|
|
About Abbot Building Restoration
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc., has been providing quality construction and restoration services for more than 50 years. We have built our reputation on a strong work ethic, a high level of technical expertise, and longstanding relationships with a variety of clients in the public, institutional, and commercial sectors.
We specialize in restoring and preserving the integrity of the building envelope of aging and problem structures in the greater Boston area. We also provide remedial weatherproofing services to correct construction deficiencies in newer structures. Our specific areas of expertise include:
o Masonry construction and repairs
o Weatherproofing services
o Caulking
o Pointing
o Waterproofing
o Special coatings and sealants
o Roof repair, replacement, or resurfacingCall Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange for a FREE INSPECTIONAL INVESTIGATION, or visit our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com. |
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
|
|
|
|
IIN THIS ISSUE
Case Study
Abbot recently completed a major restoration of the facade above and surrounding the entrance to the emergency room at Quincy Medical Center,See full article below.Restoration Tutorial
All flat roofing systems, no matter how well-constructed, well-designed and well-installed, can only benefit from regularly scheduled upkeep.See full article below.
|
"Just Do It"
An article authored by consultant David Wood published in the September 18 issue of the New England Real Estate Journal emphasizes the importance of integrity and reliability to the success of any business.
He offers the following "rules" as to how a business can achieve such a reputation:
"Don't make commitments lightly. Think about what you're saying, always keeping in mind your capabilities and limitations".
"Be clear as to the specifics. Make sure all parties understand what is being agreed to, time frames, allocation of responsibilities, costs, etc. Use written communication, where appropriate, or simply make notes for yourself of whatever commitments you've made".
"As soon as you identify a problem, inform those concerned about the situation and adjust accordingly. Do not, under any circumstances, expect or hope the problem will go away or magically resolve itself. Even if it does, you're better off appearing overly cautious than irresponsible".
"If you say you're going to do something, DO IT! It's as simple as that. Treat every statement like a promise. If you're not sure, either don't commit yourself or clearly qualify your promise so it's consistent with your likely action".
Abbot Building Restoration lives by these rules. We have been providing quality construction and restoration services in the greater Boston area for more than 50 years. We have built our reputation on a strong work ethic, a high level of technical expertise, and longstanding relationships with a variety of clients in the public, institutional, and commercial sectors.
Our longevity can be attributed to its business approach - a commitment to good construction practices, attention to detail, and pride in the accomplishment of the clients' goal.
If you have an upcoming restoration project, call us at 617-445-0274 for a free no obligation estimate.
|
|
