West Virigina University Coliseum roof

We were the prime roofing design professionals on the Roof Replacement project for the Coliseum at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. This project’s relevant features were a seriously deteriorated roof that had a very narrow time window for replacement to be completed. It also was constructed using a long span, folded plate, concrete roof that was difficult to access. In interviews with facility management personnel, it was determined that providing on-going roof maintenance was a challenge. There was concern about maintenance that could be provided over the required design life of the roof system. Research into roof systems available established a preferred system that met these criteria. The project was completed within schedule, within budget, and significantly upgraded the aesthetic appearance of the Coliseum. Professional Roofing magazine article. See photo link in sidebar.

Superdome Roof Coating

The main objective for designing the new roof for the Superdome has been to produce a system that is highly weather resistant. The rains, hurricane-force winds, and possible debris present a challenge to all roofs there.

There has been little information provided about whether hail damage is an issue in New Orleans. Apparently, it is. In any event, we have specified a polyurethane coating for the Superdome roof. This material presents several advantages in this application. First, it comes with a proven performance history. In the case of sprayed polyurethane foam and coatings, it seems that the performance history has not been well documented and published. Here is an article that does a fine recap of spray foam roof systems.

A quote from the article: “Hail and wind-driven missiles rarely cause leaks and damage can typically be repaired at a later date without compromising long-term performance. One of the most famous examples is the New Orleans Superdome. A severe hailstorm damaged areas of the SPF roof in 1978, and the city debated for the next 10 years on how best to execute repairs. Finally, in 1992, the roof was repaired and re-coated. Despite such a long time before repairs were finally carried out, the roof never leaked from the hail damage.”

The second advantage with a polyurethane coating is its very high tensile strength. This tensile strength over a spray foam with high compressive strength provides a highly hail-resistant system. Although the Superdome roof does not have much foot traffic, it does have potential for impact.

The third advantage of a polyurethane coating is that it is moisture-cured. That is, the chemical reaction takes place with a reaction with water molecules in the air. In New Orleans, LA there is more than enough water molecules in the air. The heat and humidity are notorious!

Superdome Roof

A Visit to Taliesin

In June my son and I made another stop for Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright. This time we were driving through Wisconsin and stopped to tour Taliesin in Spring Green. It is a lovely part of the state. We enjoyed the scenic roads through the dairy farmlands and stopped to buy some cheese. The skies were low and had been threatening rain all morning. As we got closer to Spring Green, it did start to rain lightly. It certainly wasn’t a “gully washer” and it did not deter our intention to tour Mr. Wright’s studio.

However, the weather must have deterred some less-hearty souls, because when our tour was announced at the front of the gift shop we were the only ones. So, we had a private tour! We had not really done our homework before going to Taliesin. As we often do, this was an unplanned and unscheduled trip. We were lucky to have the route to take us to Taliesin. The tour took us through the school and studio. There is so much to take in. These are inspiring spaces, and it is exciting to think of how many others have felt the inspiration here.

Since it was a rainy day, we could see the effects of the weather on the buildings. This is not good. Apparently, Mr. Wright did not care for gutters on his buildings, because there is significant water damage to the eaves and walls. One can hope the damaged parts can be repaired in time to save the rest of the building. We viewed the dining hall in the school, and there were wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen. We also went into the studio, where people were working. Presumably, these are interns being mentored in the theory of Mr. Wright. I wonder how he would have used a computer and AutoCAD?

After our tour was complete we had a nice lunch back at the Visitor Center. Mr. Wright also designed this building. His hand can be seen in everything he did.

Taliesin is definitely worth the effort to visit. As with the Oak Park, IL studio it is interesting to see how his talent evolved. We look forward to a return trip.

Taliesin

Rebuilding the Superdome Roof, 7

During the visit last week, the Superdome deck replacement was almost complete. The hoists are being removed as the temporary construction hatches are closed with new metal decking. Everyone and everything is being squeezed into the top area inside the circle of the smoke vents.

The next task, after applying the spray foam will be to power wash the entire surface of the roof. Then, a primer coating will be applied to the entire surface. This preparatory work is being done so the roof coating will have good adhesion to the foam. The dark color of the primer will ensure the surface temperature will be warm (maybe hot) and allow for proper curing of the urethane coatings. The base coat will be grey and the topcoat will be white. That will bring the familiar appearance of the original Superdome roof back.

More later.

Superdome Roof