HomeMy WebLinkAboutFile Documents.405 S Monarch St.0079.2017 (3).ARBK
March 10, 2017
Monarch at the Park Condominium Owners Association (Association)
c/o: Mr. Donn Williams
Director of Engineering
Limelight Hotel
355 South Monarch Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Re: Report on Limited, Initial Evaluation of Water Leakage Problems
At Exterior Deck of Unit 302 into Unit 208 (Below)
Monarch at the Park Condominiums, 405 South Monarch Street, Aspen, Colorado
BC&E No. 17020
Dear Mr. Williams:
In general accordance with our proposal dated January 16, 2017, BC&E, LLC has completed the limited
evaluation of the water leakage problems which have been reported at the above-referenced property. During
our site visit on February 16 and 17, 2017, it was apparent that there was a significant leakage problem through
the exterior deck of Unit 302 and into the interior and deck soffit of Unit 208 below. We understand repairs
for this issue are of a high priority for the Association. For this reason, we have addressed the leakage problem
at this location in this report, and will address the reported water leakage problems and building envelope-
related concerns at other locations for the building in a separate report.
Purpose and Scope of Limited, Initial Evaluation
The purpose of our limited, initial evaluation was to develop opinions on the probable cause(s) of the leakage
problems and to make preliminary recommendations to improve the probable watertight performance of the
areas which are currently leaking to reduce the risk of future leakage, or to make recommendations for
additional investigation, if necessary.
Our services included the following:
1. We reviewed relevant portions of the original design drawings dated March 14, 2008 to develop an
understanding of the construction and the as-designed details. We also reviewed relevant portions of
the specifications provided to us dated August 28, 2006, which may not be the final “For Construction”
set of specifications given the date and the apparent lack of some information. We also reviewed
photographs related to the leakage that you sent to us. As requested, we briefly reviewed relevant
portions of the Declarations of Covenants for the Monarch on the Park Condominiums (undated and
unsigned) as it refers possible “ownership” of the exterior deck.
2. We visited the site on February 16 and 17, 2017 to observe and document with notes and photographs
areas of past and current leakage problems, as well as the conditions made readily exposed to view
from both the interior and exterior of the building.
During this site visit, we discussed with you and representatives of Aspen Constructors, Inc. (ACI),
the contractor currently performing renovation work within Unit 302, the history of the leakage
problems at various locations around the building and information related to the findings and corrective
measures that may have been made in an effort to address the leakage problems.
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3. We prepared this report summarizing our findings, initial opinions, and preliminary recommendations
for repairs. As discussed with you on site and as discussed later in this report, we have attached to this
report a number of conceptual sketches illustrating our preliminary recommendations for repairs to
address the current water leakage problems at the exterior deck of Unit 302. These conceptual sketches
are not design documents for the repair work and are noted as “Not For Construction.” However, they
may be used by you to solicit preliminary budget-level pricing from a qualified contractor and for
discussion purposes by the Association. More fully-developed repair documents and specifications
will be required to perform the repair work at the Unit 302 deck, and may be needed for permitting (if
necessary). Observation services will also be necessary during the repair work as described later in
this report.
General Description of Building and Background
The building was originally designed by CCY Architects, Ltd. (CCY) and constructed by R.A. Nelson &
Associates (RANA) in about 2008, concurrently constructed with the Limelight Lodge hotel building located
to the north (which was also designed by CCY and constructed by RANA). The Monarch Condominium
building is of Type V-B construction and the 2003 International Building Code (2003 IBC) applied.
The condominium building is a two-story rectangular-shaped structure with a complex exterior façade with
stone cladding, small portions of horizontal lap wood siding, and exposed structural steel elements. There are
multiple balconies and exterior terraces of varying configurations throughout the building, including a large
rooftop terrace which wraps the west half of the building. There are a number of shallowly-sloped (1/8 inch
per foot) canopies with translucent panels at various locations around the buildings. When constructed as
projecting canopies, these canopies typically drain toward the exterior building walls of the building, and
collect water in a downspout near the building wall. There are a few canopies or other roof areas with low-
slopes with standing seam metal roofing.
The roof configuration is complex with a number of large, curved roof areas and some sloping roof areas
covered with standing seam metal roofing, which typically drain into internal gutters. Other portions include a
low-slope membrane roofing system with perimeter parapet walls. There is one-story below-grade parking
garage under the building, with access from the south (alley) side. No water leakage problems were reported
in the parking garage.
Based on our brief review of relevant portions of the Declarations of Covenants for the property, it appears
that the exterior deck at Unit 302 is not part of the “Unit.” It appears exterior decks are “Limited Common
Elements” by definition; however, since the exterior deck at Unit 302 also serves as a “roof” above interior
space of Unit 208 and above the exterior deck of Unit 208, it may be considered a “General Common Element”
as Section 2.1.x states “any portion thereof serving more than one Unit or any portion of the Common Elements
is a part of the General Common Elements.” It appears that the translucent canopy would be considered a
“roof” and therefore a “General Common Element.” We recommend that the Association’s attorney be
consulted for final judgement on this matter as it affects ownership of and responsibility for the exterior deck
and adjacent canopy, as well as the Association’s ability to affect repairs.
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Reported Leakage Problem at Exterior Deck of Unit 302
Unit 302 is on the uppermost floor of the building, located at the northeast corner of the building. At the east
end of Unit 302 is a large exterior deck. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the deck is located over interior finished
space of Unit 208, as well as a smaller deck at the southeast corner of Unit 208. Photo 1 shows an overall view
of the east side of the building, and Photo 2 shows an overall view of the deck from Level 3.
There is a translucent canopy which wraps the southeast corner of the deck. The translucent panels slope from
east to west, where water is collected in a sheet metal gutter positioned along the east side of the deck and
along the east exterior building wall. The sheet metal gutter along the deck is intended to interface with sheet
metal flashing along the balcony edge. The sheet metal gutter along the east building wall interrupts the
horizontal wood lap siding. White-colored adhesive membrane appears to have been installed to seal the joint
between the translucent panels and the sheet metal flashing along the south edge of the deck. These conditions
are discussed in more detail below.
Figure 1 - Plan of Unit 208 (yellow indicates Figure 2 - Plan of Unit 302 (yellow indicates extent
extent of Unit 302 exterior deck above) extent of exterior deck, green indicates canopy)
Photo 1 - Exterior deck at Unit 302 Photo 2 - Exterior deck at Unit 302
(shows canopy and Unit 208 deck soffit)
Unit 208 Unit 302
1
3
2 4
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Based on our discussion with you, we understand that the water leakage problems in Unit 208 appeared in mid-
December 2016, when there was 6-12 inches of snow/ice on the canopy surface and in the adjacent gutter,
followed by warm weather which melted the snow followed by moderate to heavy rain. Leakage into Unit 208
was observed at a number of locations (numbers noted in Figure 1) as follows:
1. At the steel columns of the Unit 208 deck (which support the Unit 302 exterior deck) and at the soffit
edges (located below the gutter of the canopy with translucent panels), as shown in Photo 3.
2. At the interior column inside Unit 208 (northwest of the Unit 208 deck), as shown in Photo 4.
3. Along the steel beam (below the exterior lift-and-slide door to the Unit 302 exterior deck) and through
small holes in the composite steel deck below the structural concrete slab for the exterior deck, as
shown in Photo 5.
4. Wet spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation was found on the steel beam above the ceiling, located
at the north end of the canopy gutter near the end of the stone-clad guardrail for the Unit 302 exterior
deck, as indicated in Photo 6.
Photo 3 - Leakage at column at deck and corner of soffit Photo 4 - Leakage at interior column Unit 208
Photo 5 - Leakage along steel beam and hole in Photo 6 - Wet SPF insulation on steel beam
composite steel deck near north end of gutter at stone-clad guardwall
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March 10, 2017
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We examined these areas and noted signs of leakage including rust, water stains, and mineral deposits. Much
of the interior ceiling inside Unit 208 below the exterior deck of Unit 302 had been removed, and the soffit of
the Unit 208 deck had been removed prior to our site visit, and therefore, we are unable to assess the condition
of the gypsum ceiling materials. It is worth noting that per Detail 1/AR6.02 the underside of decks above
interior space are to be insulated with spray-foam insulation and covered with a 15 minute thermal barrier (3/4
inch Monocoat); however, this was not applied to the underside of the portion of the deck of Unit 302 which
is above interior space of Unit 208. This should be further evaluated and corrected if necessary during the
repair work inside Unit 208.
Using a hose, we water tested portions of the sheet metal gutter, the canopy with the translucent panels, and
the detailing along the edge of the Unit 302 deck, where the canopy gutter joins the exposed steel framing.
This water test revealed a number of leaks, including: at the gutter-to-downspout connection, at joints in the
downspout, at the corner of the gutter, between the edges of the translucent panels and the edge framing for
the canopy, and at joints between the sheet metal flashing and the exposed steel framing along the deck edge
(particularly at the corners).
Figure 3 - Section through canopy, gutter, and deck edge Photo 7 - Gaps between flashing and steel framing
(red line indicates location of waterproofing membrane)
Photo 8 - Improper preparation of drop tube in gutter Photo 9 - Adhesive membrane not well adhered
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March 10, 2017
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The design drawings for this condition (Detail 2/AR6.72 shown in Figure 3) indicate sheet metal flashing to
wrap the exposed steel framing. We observed gaps and splits in the sealant between the flashing and steel
framing (see Photo 7), gaps between adjacent steel framing members, gaps at corners of the gutter, gaps
between the bottom of the stone cladding on the guardwall and the top of the sheet metal gutter, and improper
preparation of the drop tube for the gutter at the downspout (see Photo 8). We observed daylight through the
flashing-to-steel interface viewed from the deck below. We also observed that some white-colored adhesive
membrane had been applied to the surface of the translucent panels and the sheet metal flashing along the south
edge of the deck, presumably to cover gaps between the two, and we observed that portions of the membrane
were not well adhered (see Photo 9). All of these, we believe, are likely contributors to the leakage problems
at the steel columns of the Unit 208 deck and at the soffit edges.
The water testing revealed that water was able to pass through between the canopy and canopy gutter and the
exterior wall cladding for the canopy (and possibly behind the cladding) located above first floor level. This
resulted in wet conditions at the south entry call box (see Photo 10) at the ground level and on the stone
cladding of the second floor and ground floor levels on the east façade (see Photo 11), which are areas that
should be well protected from moisture.
Photo 10 - Water at south entry call box Photo 11 - Water below canopy on east façade
above Level 1 (from water testing Unit 302 deck)
The specifications do not include information regarding the translucent panels for the canopies; however,
Detail 9/AR6.74 indicates the “Lumasite” panels are to be supported on a 3/8 inch thick neoprene pad above
the structural steel framing and joined with a polycarbonate H-profile through which stainless steel screws are
to secure the translucent panels to the structural steel framing. The joints in the translucent panels of the canopy
were sealed with what appears to be a white-colored preform silicone joint sealant (such as Dow 123 tape),
bedded to the panel in silicone sealant covering some type of joint connector. Where these joints are parallel
to the slope of the panels (such as on the portion of the canopy east of the deck) they appear to be adhered
relative well. However, where the joints are perpendicular to the slope of the panels (such as along the south
edge of the deck) they appear to create a small dam and block the flow of water. We noted accumulation of
dirt and other materials on the translucent panels, which appeared to penetrate at a joint and stain the wall
cladding below (see Photo 12) indicating the adhesion may have failed at this location. The canopy gutter along
the east side of the deck was discussed above. We observed the sheet metal gutter at the west end of the canopy
along the south side of the deck, and noted water stains below the gutter (see Photo 13) and improper
preparation of the drop tube for the gutter at the downspout.
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March 10, 2017
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Photo 12 - Stains below joint in canopy panel Photo 13 - Water staining below gutter at end of canopy
We also observed cracks in the mortar joints and missing mortar in the stone veneer located at the east end of
the canopy gutter (see Photo 14). We did not water test this portion of the stone veneer; however, we noted
significant efflorescence on the stone veneer below this area (see Photo 15). The drawings do not show how
the steel channels which support the translucent panels are to be flashed where they penetrate the stone veneer
or how they are to be integrated with the water-resistive barrier behind the cladding. It appears likely that water
is entering behind the stone cladding at the cladding-to-sheet metal gutter interface and/or between the steel
channel and stone veneer.
Photo 14 - Cracks in mortar joints and missing mortar Photo 15 - Efflorescence on stone below canopy end
We also used a hose to water test the surface of the exterior deck at Unit 302 in the vicinity of the meeting rail
of the lift-and-slide door, by allowing water to flow over the surface of the deck and the leading edge of the
threshold (but not water testing the door or threshold itself), as shown in Photo 16. Leakage appeared through
a hole in the steel decking into Unit 208 (see Photo 5) within about 15 minutes. Based on this, we believe that
the likely cause of the water leakage is a breach in the waterproofing membrane on the structural slab surface
below and/or in front of the door. In our experience, lift-and-slide doors commonly have anchors for the
threshold that are often not properly integrated with the waterproofing membrane which extends into the sill
of the rough opening. Detail 1/AR8.05 shows the waterproofing membrane extending from the deck under a
blocked-out area under the door threshold; however, no details for the anchorage of the threshold are indicated.
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March 10, 2017
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Photo 16 - Water test of lift-and-slide door at Unit 302 Photo 17 - Snow melt tubes from Unit 302 deck
We observed the conditions at the snow melt tubing penetration into the wall framing, where they connect to
the manifold. It appears that the orange polyethylene tubing penetrates at an elevation lower than the top of the
interior floor, which is at the same elevation as the top of the exterior topping slab (see Photo 17). Typically,
hot fluid-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membranes require rigid pipes of suitable materials (copper,
cast iron, or PVC but not polyethylene) in order to properly detail the waterproofing membrane around the
penetration. Additionally, it is very difficult to waterproof pipes which are grouped together as shown in Photo
17, and we often find this condition results in eventual leakage. Although we did not observe signs of leakage
at these penetrations or in the area below, it is our opinion that these penetrations could eventually leak since
they are positioned below the top of the exterior topping slab.
During our site visit, we did not remove any portions of the concrete topping slab to examine the waterproofing
membrane. Based on the limited portions of the membrane which were visible along the deck edges, we believe
that the waterproofing membrane is a hot, fluid-applied (probably fabric-reinforced) rubberized asphalt
waterproofing membrane (consistent with the Specification 07142), and more specifically that made by
Carlisle Coatings and Waterproofing, Inc. (CCW-500R). This waterproofing membrane likely has a
“watertightness” warranty (10-years as per Specification 07142); however, we did not review any documents
that confirm this. We did review the warranty for the same type of waterproofing material for the Limelight
Lodge, which was designed and built by the same firms concurrent with this building, which indicated that
Summit Roofing installed the CCW-500R and was Substantial Completion as of November 2008. We
recommend that the warranty for the waterproofing membrane for the Monarch Condominiums building be
researched further, and the manufacturer (and the installer, if possible) be contacted relative to waterproofing
repairs for this installation.
Based on our review of the drawings, it appears that the structural concrete slab on steel decking was installed
with a level surface; therefore, the waterproofing membrane does not have slope to drain. While drainage at
the waterproofing membrane level is preferred for a number of reasons, in some instances this slope omitted
to make the construction of the structure easier. In our opinion, with a properly designed and installed hot,
fluid-applied, fabric-reinforced rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane system (such as the CCW-500R,
which we believe was likely installed on this project) the risk of leakage associated with installing the
membrane in a dead-level application is relatively small. We noted that the deck drains were indicated to be a
promenade deck drain (specifically J.R. Smith 1450), which has subsurface drainage weep slots. The drains
which were installed on the deck appeared to be in general conformance with this requirement. There were no
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March 10, 2017
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signs of leakage associated with the deck drains at the Unit 302 deck. Therefore, we believe that the drains
probably provide adequate subsurface drainage for the waterproofing membrane in this application.
We also observed that the waterproofing membrane wrapped up the vertical surface of the steel angle pour
stop along the edge of the deck where the steel guardrail was located, as indicated in Figure 3. The drawings
do not indicate any specific type of termination for the membrane at this location. In our experience, when the
waterproofing membrane terminates below the top of pavement, the membrane should be secured with a
termination bar, extend into a reglet, or be counterflashed (with metal or another suitable membrane) so that
the waterproofing membrane does not debond from the substrate. We observed small amounts of waterproofing
membrane exposed along the top edge of the steel angle pour stop (at the edge of the concrete slab). We do not
know if the membrane was installed in this manner, or if the membrane has softened and pushed out from the
vertical surface of the pour stop. The membrane is not intended to be exposed to sunlight and will deteriorate.
Figure 4 - Guardwall detail (red line is as- Figure 5 - Top of guardwall (green line indicates
installed wpm; green line is as designed) as-designed membrane, red arrow indicates gap)
The waterproofing membrane appeared to extend up the bottom of the OSB exterior wall sheathing by about
12 inches above the topping slab, which is generally consistent with Detail 3/AR6.50. We believe the
waterproofing membrane from the deck similarly extended up the bottom of the OSB sheathing on the
guardwall, which differs from that shown on Detail 6/AR6.51 (shown in Figure 4). In our opinion, the as-
constructed condition is a better waterproofing detail than the as-designed detail, as it does not allow water on
the surface of the topping slab to flow under the guardwall framing which could result in leakage behind the
exterior-side cladding on the guardwall.
We observed the conditions at the top of the guardwall, and noted that there did not appear to be any type of
membrane to cover the top of the framing for the guardwall (as per Detail 2/AR6.51, shown in Figure 5). The
detail shows penetrations through the membrane for the fasteners for the steel plate at the top of the guardrail,
although how the penetration is to be made weathertight is not indicated. The drawings show the interior side
of the guardwall to be constructed with wood lap siding over sheathing; no water-resistive barrier is indicated
behind the siding and none was installed.
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Photo 18 - Efflorescence on stone wall below guardwall Photo 19 - Joint in Styrofoam not taped or sealed
The exterior side of the guardwall has stone veneer. The drawings show sheet metal flashing above the stone
veneer to extend to the bottom of the steel plate on the top of the guardwall. We observed an unsealed gap
about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide (indicated on Figure 5), into which water that clings to the underside of the relatively
shallowly-sloped steel plate can enter and get behind the stone cladding and in the guardrail wall framing. We
believe that this could be the source of moisture which appears to be getting into the stone veneer below the
top of the guardwall, resulting in efflorescence (see Photo 18).
Photo 20 - HWT Tape could be easily peeled off Photo 21 - Self-adhered flashing laps OSB sheathing
instead of Styrofoam, but no apparent damage
The specifications do not include the specific water-resistive barrier to be used on the building, but Detail
3/AR6.04 indicates that the stone veneer was to be installed over an air space or drainage mat over 3/4 inch
thick rigid insulation with all joints taped and sealed over exterior sheathing. We observed a small portion of
the exterior wall assembly at the Unit 302 which was behind wood siding, and believe that the conditions are
likely similar behind the stone veneer. We observed that only some of the joints in the Styrofoam were taped
while others were not (see Photo 19). HWT House Wrap Tape was used for the tape; however, the tape was
not well-adhered to the Styrofoam surface and could easily be peeled off (see Photo 20).
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Additionally, we noted that the self-adhered flashing membrane along the sill and jambs for the south-facing
window at the Unit 302 deck extended onto the OSB exterior wall sheathing behind the Styrofoam, rather than
onto the surface of the Styrofoam. This is, in our opinion, contrary to good construction practice and proper
installation methods. Despite these conditions, the OSB sheathing did not appear to be water stained or
damaged in the limited area we observed (see Photo 21). Based on this, we believe the intended performance
of the water-resistive barrier in this application is compromised, although there has not been evidence of
damage in the limited area we observed. This issue will be discussed in more detail in our other report on
building envelope-related concerns at other locations around the building.
Preliminary Recommendations for Repairs to Exterior Deck at Unit 302
In the following we have outlined our preliminary recommendations for repairs to the exterior deck at Unit
302 to improve the probable watertight performance the exterior deck and to reduce the risk of future leakage,
and to improve the probable weathertight performance of the areas below the deck. Prior to the repair work,
we recommend that the Association’s attorney be consulted for final judgement on the ownership of and
responsibility for the exterior deck and adjacent canopy, as well as the Association’s ability to affect repairs.
We also recommend the warranty for the original waterproofing membrane system for the Unit 302 exterior
deck be reviewed, and manufacturer and installer of the waterproofing membrane be contacted pursuant to the
warranty requirements to address warranty-related items associated with the waterproofing membrane system.
Further, the Association’s Architectural Review Committee (if any) be consulted regarding modifications to
the deck edge as shown in our conceptual details which illustrate our preliminary recommendations. Lastly,
the need for permits and/or design review by the City of Aspen for any repair work should be considered and
obtained (if necessary) prior to commencing repairs.
As discussed on site, we believe there is a breach in the waterproofing membrane below the lift-and-slide door
threshold and/or on adjacent exterior deck structure. To repair such a breach, it will be necessary to remove
the concrete topping slab in front of the door and to remove the door panels and door threshold to access the
membrane at these locations. The topping slab has hydronic snow melt tubes, and these will likely be damaged
in the vicinity of the concrete which is to be removed. Further, there is concern that partial removal of the
waterproofing membrane in the vicinity of the door and subsequent patching of the concrete will be
aesthetically objectionable to the Owners of Unit 302. Also, as noted above, there are a number of conditions
which we believe likely affect the long-term watertight performance of the membrane including the termination
along the steel angle pour stop for the topping slab and the penetration of the snow melt tubing, and we
understand that the Owners of Unit 208 likely have a very low tolerance to the risk of leakage and resultant
damage to their unit and exterior deck. Finally, it is unlikely that any type of warranty can be secured for a
partial waterproofing repair at selected locations.
Therefore, based on this, it is our preliminary recommendation that the entire exterior deck of Unit 302 deck
be re-waterproofed. Utilizing mark-ups of the original design drawings, we have attached conceptual details
illustrating our preliminary recommendations, which include the following:
• Remove the entire concrete topping slab on the exterior deck of Unit 302, including hydronic snow
melt tubing up to the manifold in the wall.
• Remove the lift-and-slide door panels, threshold, and door frame (if necessary).
• Remove the lower portions of the wood siding on the exterior building walls and guardwalls.
• Remove the existing drainage mat on top of the waterproofing membrane.
• Examine the condition of the existing waterproofing membrane. Depending on the findings from this
activity, the existing membrane may be able to remain in place and a new waterproofing system applied
over the properly-prepared surface of the existing membrane (which we have assumed to be the case
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for the purposes of our preliminary recommendations). Should problems be detected with the installed
membrane (such as failure or deterioration of the membrane itself) or widespread delamination of the
membrane from the structural slab surface or other substrate, then consideration should be given to
removing the existing membrane on the deck surface in its entirety and properly preparing (or
replacing) substrate materials to achieve suitable conditions to receive a new waterproofing membrane.
This can affect the cost and duration of the work significantly.
• Prepare the existing waterproofing membrane to repair breaches in the membrane (including under the
door threshold and in front of the door) and any areas of membrane damaged by removal of the
concrete topping. This will likely include heating the membrane and removing the bonded cap sheet
on the top surface of the existing waterproofing membrane.
• Install a new 215-mil hot, fluid-applied, fabric-reinforced rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane
over the existing membrane (if possible) and a new bonded cap sheet, protection board, and drainage
mat, with new perimeter details including the following:
o Extend the waterproofing membrane up the sheathing of the exterior building walls and
guardwalls.
o New termination of the membrane along the structural steel angle pour stop.
o New framing and detailing around a snowmelt tubing so that the tubing does not penetrate the
waterproofing membrane below the elevation of the exterior topping slab.
o New tie-in to the existing drains.
o New detailing at gas line penetration at the northeast corner of the deck.
• Following a successful water flood test, install new snow melt tubing and a new concrete topping slab.
• Reinstall or install new water-resistive barrier, sheet metal flashing, and wood siding materials at
exterior building walls and guardwalls.
• Reinstall the lift-and-slide door with proper waterproofing detailing of door threshold anchors.
As discussed above, we believe that significant leakage is occurring along the deck edge where the canopy,
gutter, and sheet metal flashing all interface. Because the interface of all these materials and systems is so
complex, we recommend that the deck edge area be covered with blocking to simplify the profile and a colored,
single-ply, fully-adhered roofing membrane (such as Sarnafil Décor PVC roofing membrane), including the
following:
• Install the new roofing membrane extend continuously from the edge of the concrete topping slab
(where it should be properly flashed with the deck waterproofing membrane at the steel angle pour
stop), over the deck edge, into the gutter for the canopy, and onto the canopy area (up to the front,
outer edge of the canopy). In our opinion, this will reduce the risk of future leakage problems into the
Unit 208 deck soffit. Additionally, this will reduce the risk of future leakage problems associated with
the canopy and sheet metal gutter, and the resultant water staining on the surfaces below.
o It should be noted that this will change the appearance of the deck edge and would obliterate
the translucent nature of the canopy. If the Association determines that it is necessary to keep
the translucent panels, it is possible to cover the deck edge and gutter with a new roofing
membrane (as generally described above); however, we believe the exiting panels would likely
need to be removed and reinstalled to affect the repairs and the interface between the new
roofing membrane and the translucent panels could leak in the future.
o In our opinion, it is not reasonably practical to make the deck edge detailing “watertight” over
the long-term by trying to apply sealant to the all of the joints in the materials. Further, in our
opinion, the use of a liquid-applied UV-resistant waterproofing membrane (such as a fabric-
reinforced PMMA membrane) has a higher risk of leakage over the long-term than that which
we recommend. Therefore, we have conceptually detailed this area to be boxed-out to simplify
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the profile and allow for ease of installation of the roofing membrane which we believe will
lower the risk of leakage.
• The stone veneer at the northeast end of the canopy gutter should be removed and reinstalled to
facilitate proper flashing and interface with the roofing membrane in the gutter as well as addressing
the problems with cracked and missing mortar. Depending on the findings from the stone removal, we
may recommend additional detailing be provided for the steel channel penetration through the stone
veneer and at the water-resistive barrier behind the stone.
• The new roofing membrane should extend into the gutter located at the west end of the canopy on the
south edge of the deck. This will likely require removal and reinstallation/replacement of a portion of
the wood siding above the gutter to facilitate proper interface with the membrane and flashings.
• The existing downspout penetrations should be corrected to address leakage problems, or fabricate
new downspouts. Install new electric heat tracing in gutter and downspouts up to and several feet
beyond the point of appropriate discharge.
Also as discussed above, we noted potential water-leakage related issues associated with the top of the
guardwalls. To address these issues, we recommend the following:
• Remove and reinstall/replace the existing wood siding on the interior side of the guardwall to allow
for the installation of a new water-resistive barrier (where not currently exists).
• Remove and reinstall the existing steel plate caps on the top of the guardwall to allow for the
installation of a new self-adhering membrane flashing (properly integrated with the water-resistive
barrier on the exterior building walls), proper detailing of steel plate fastener penetrations, and proper
slope to the deck of the steel plate cap.
• Remove and reinstall the existing sheet metal flashing at the top of the stone veneer on the exterior
side of the guardwall to allow for the proper integration of the self-adhering membrane flashing over
the existing water-resistive barrier behind the stone veneer, proper overhang of the sheet metal flashing
beyond the face of the stone veneer below, and sealant between the steel plate cap and top of the sheet
metal flashing.
As noted above, this report and the attached conceptual sketches illustrating our preliminary recommendations
may be used to solicit preliminary budget-level pricing from a qualified contractor and for discussion purposes
by the Association. However, it should be noted that these conceptual sketches are not design documents for
the repair work and are noted as “Not For Construction.”
Next Steps
In our opinion, the activities related to consulting the Association’s attorney, resolution of warranty-related
items, review by the Association’s Architectural Review Committee (if any) and the City of Aspen (if
necessary) should be initiated prior to the commencement of the repair work. Aside from that, in our
experience, the next step for a repair project such as this would be for the Association to determine the scope
of repair work (which may include all or some of the preliminary recommended repairs outlined above).
Once this scope of repairs is determined and authorized by the Association, the repairs should be designed and
repair details and specifications should be developed by BC&E. This would usually take the form of a more
complete drawings and specifications (in the form of General Notes), which could be used for permitting (if
necessary) and to obtain competitive bids for the repair work (if desired).
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BC&E Monarch on the Park Association
c/o: Mr. Donn Williams
March 10, 2017
Page 14 of 14
Also, based on our experience, we recommend that BC&E be involved during the repair work to observe the
existing conditions and develop opinions whether repair details should be modified and/or augmented to
address discovered conditions, as well as to develop opinions as to whether the repair work which we observe
appears to be in general conformance with the design. We would be glad to provide a proposal for these design
and construction observation services once the repair scope has been determined by the Association.
Please call if you have any questions or if we can be of further service.
Sincerely,
BC&E, LLC
Linda M. McGowan, P.E., A.I.A. Reviewed by: Christopher M. Morgan, P.E.
Principal Principal
Enclosure Conceptual Sketches Illustrating Preliminary Recommendations (Sheets 1-10), attached.
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