Washington State Research Center – Heritage Enclosure Assessment and Roof Renewal

Tacoma, WA
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Enclosure community
  • Completion Date 2013
  • Size 60,000 sf
  • Services Provided Building Enclosure Consulting
  • Market Sector Civic, Spiritual/Cultural
Built in 1911, the WSHS Research Center consists of historic facades of brick and sandstone with wood windows.

A major addition in 1972 added masonry, cast-in-place concrete, metal panels, aluminum-framed glazing, and metal roofing. The main roof types include a 2-ply modified bitumen roof assembly and a protected membrane assembly.

RDH coordinated with the structural, electrical, and architectural consultants to prioritize our recommendations: Replace the membrane or use a surface-applied coating to mitigate short-term leaks.

We began by assessing all enclosure components and assemblies and the identification items requiring maintenance and/or renewal. The comprehensive summary was sorted into complementary groups with respective cost estimates to facilitate budgeting.

A key upgrade of the building’s exterior enclosure was focused on addressing the exterior insulation at concrete soffits to manage interior temperatures and mitigate condensation.

RDH also helped oversee the implementation of recommendations by developing specifications, reviewing submittals, and performing field reviews of work on-site with the General Contractor.

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