Tower Building

Seven decades of exposure to the weather and earthquakes, combined with improperly conceived cladding elements and poor material selections manifested through widespread degradation and interior leakage.

Decades of weathering were taking a toll on the building’s intricate terra-cotta and brick veneer cladding.

Localized seismic cracking compromised the integrity of some concrete walls.

Absence of proper flashings combined with poor selection of lintel materials caused significant lintel corrosion.

Absence of proper masonry flashings and drainage provisions caused widespread leakage and interior damage.

Seattle, Washington
Client:  Vance Corporation
Dates of Service:  1998

Project Summary: This historic high-rise office building was experiencing long-term, significant leakage at its upper-level windows, its brick veneer and terra-cotta claddings were degrading, and concrete walls were spalling. 

PL:BECS Services: PL:BECS provided an evaluation of the building’s exterior envelope systems, analyzed the sources of widespread leakage, and advised the owner concerning appropriate corrective measures.

The PL:BECS evaluation revealed inadequate densities and corrosion of brick veneer anchors, corrosion of masonry support lintels, corrosive spalling of cast-in-place concrete walls, absence of window flashings, seismic cracking in structural concrete walls, degradation of the brick veneer and terra-cotta claddings, and similar problems.

To limit costs, the evaluation’s findings were presented to the owner verbally, in combination with photographs, and through demonstration of typical problem areas via a tour of the building.