Moisture Intrusion Repairs and Exterior Egress Stair
Sidney O. Smith, Jr. Federal Building
Gainesville, GA

Client: U.S. General Services Administration

Some areas of this building were experiencing water intrusion, forcing the occupants to abandon their space. The water intrusion was occurring in the 5 story portion of the 1936 addition. The majority of the water intrusion was suspected to originate from the adjacent windows, or roof gutter downspout, or steam piping, or plumbing embedded in the exterior wall within a 9”x9” vertical chase. The wood and metal windows throughout the building were deteriorating and were in need of restoration. The work renovates the windows, both wood sash and frames and the metal sash and frames. Our strategy to ensure thermal comfort, safety, and cost effectively operate building systems that contributes to improved Indoor Environmental Quality included eliminating all water intrusion; renovating the windows; eliminating outdoor air infiltration, and maintaining an indoor dewpoint of 55°F or less.

The Option of Egress Stair work is also being completed, which entails the design and engineering of a new Exterior Exit Stair and new Roof Exit Access Walkway; installation of the Exit Stair and Roof Exit Access Walkway; any ancillary work; successful inspection and approval of the completed work; the development of all documentation including engineered construction plans and warranty. The new Exit Stair, Roof Exit Access Walkway, and accessory building modifications shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Life Safety Code 2015 Edition; the International Building Code 2015 Edition; and GSA’s PBS-P100, 2017 Edition.