Tacoma Public Library

The new re-pointing was characterized by scattered voids in the mortar.

Tacoma, Washington 
Client: Schiffrin Olson Schlemlein Hopkins Attorneys
Dates of Service: 2002

Project Summary: This historic masonry library building was in the process of having its masonry joints re-pointed when issues arose between the owner and contractor concerning alleged deficiencies in the re-pointing.  

PL:BECS Services: After fruitless efforts to resolve these issues, PL:BECS, due to its specialized expertise in masonry construction, was retained as an independent, third party expert to evaluate the situation.

The PL:BECS investigation confirmed that installation flaws plagued the re-pointing effort, with numerous voids formed within the new mortar joints.  These workmanship problems were exacerbated by the building’s very narrow mortar joints, which posed challenges for the masons.

As a result of PL:BECS input, the dispute was resolved by the parties without need for costly litigation.