Fairhope, Alabama
FAULTY CONSTRUCTION TO BLAME?
According
to the discussion at a recent work session, city building
officer Lance Cabanis and other construction experts have determined that most of
the chronic roof-leak issues at the library are being caused by stucco peeling off of structures on the roof of the nine year old building -- possibly due to improper design
or installation -- and repair costs could top $100K (a preliminary
estimate was $200K).
Apparently, the leaks have caused "structural issues" in the walls and ceilings, according to superintendent James Gillespie.
When asked by a Times reporter exactly where the roof's leaking inside, librarians replied "where is it not leaking."
Buckets and plastic sheets have to be used to protect books and equipment during rainstorms.
They say leaks have been a problem since the building opened in 2007.
WORST DAMAGE NOT VISIBLE FROM GROUND
The peeling -- mostly out of sight from ground level
-- is allowing rainwater to seep in behind the stucco and down into the building.
Some peeling is visible on the building's east side wall (School Street); and is also found in places at ground level on the west side.
The proper barrier between layers of the stucco used for shaping forms was not installed, according to one inspector.
Ponding on areas with flat roofing is also a leak-issue, according to mayor Kant.
Councilman Burrell asked if an elastomeric coating had ever been applied to protect the stucco and was told it had not.
The possibility of holding the original local architect and building contractors responsible for the cost of some of the repairs was discussed; the mayor and city attorney were to approach them about it and report back.
The architect had already been asked about it once by mail, with no reply.
The city's own insurance carrier was to be contacted as well.
School Street |
FAULTY CONSTRUCTION TO BLAME?
peeling stucco |
Apparently, the leaks have caused "structural issues" in the walls and ceilings, according to superintendent James Gillespie.
west side ground level |
Buckets and plastic sheets have to be used to protect books and equipment during rainstorms.
They say leaks have been a problem since the building opened in 2007.
WORST DAMAGE NOT VISIBLE FROM GROUND
computer covered from leak |
Some peeling is visible on the building's east side wall (School Street); and is also found in places at ground level on the west side.
The proper barrier between layers of the stucco used for shaping forms was not installed, according to one inspector.
Ponding on areas with flat roofing is also a leak-issue, according to mayor Kant.
Councilman Burrell asked if an elastomeric coating had ever been applied to protect the stucco and was told it had not.
The possibility of holding the original local architect and building contractors responsible for the cost of some of the repairs was discussed; the mayor and city attorney were to approach them about it and report back.
The architect had already been asked about it once by mail, with no reply.
The city's own insurance carrier was to be contacted as well.
east side ceiling |
Comments
How did this debacle pass a building inspection?