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INVESTIGATIONS |
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| The investigation
of Hi-Rise building differs from
that of wood frame buildings. The
main factor in saving the current
cladding system of hi-rise building
is the condition of the steel stud
framing and gypsum sheathing of
the exterior walls. Unlike wood
framing, the steel stud and gypsum
sheathing of the hi-rise walls
will not continue to deteriorate
when the water leakage is stopped,
meaning if the steel stud frame
work is not structurally compromised
or the sheathing is not effected
by mold, than the current cladding
system can be saved. Investigations
rely more on visual observations
than those of wood framed buildings.
Water testing of windows and roof/deck
membrane are commonly performed. |
Owner
Survey Questionaires
SEL Engineering
Ltd. provides to each Owner a simple
questionnaire which asks questions
regarding conditions within their
suites (shown below). The information
gathered in these documents is
of great importance to us. If Owners
indicate that they have had water
leakage to the interior in their
suite at a certain location, this
allows us to focus in on specific
issues, enabling us to better assess
the overall condition of the building.
These questionnaires also help
us to understand the history of
the building. The more knowledge
about the building we can gain,
the better we can assess its current
condition. |
Visual
Review Of Cladding System
A number of bosom chair drops, depending on the size and complexity of the building,
are undertaken. Photographic documentation is gathered on the current condition
of the wall claddings. Particular attention is paid to the following: |
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- Surface condition of the
cladding
- General condition of the
various caulk seals
- Flashings and their connection
to the cladding
- Windows and their connections
to the claddings
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Interior
Reviews
Based on the
information gathered from both
the Owners' Surveys and the visual
review, several areas are chosen
for the removal of interior finishes.
The purpose of this exercise is
to visually review the condition
of the steel stud framing and gypsum
sheathing. If steel studs have
rusted or gypsum sheathing is contaminated
with mold growth, remediation must
be considered. However, if water
damage to these components is not
severe, less radical repairs can
be considered, such as replacement
of caulk seals, re-sealing of window
frames and coating the cladding
with an elastomeric product. |
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