Hinsdale a western suburb of Chicago: Water Infiltration and Flashing Repairs

PROBLEM

Grace Episcopal Church, located on East First Street between South Garfield Street and South Park Avenue, was built in 1885. The Church’s architectural style is a combination of Gothic and Tudor Revival. The church has a symmetrical front façade with a central, gothic, stained-glass window with tracery, flanked by buttresses. There are stained glass windows along the facades and are rectangular-shaped with pointed arches. 

Over the course of several decades, the winter’s freezing and thawing cycles have eroded the stone’s mortar joints and flashing. Water leaks have developed in many locations.

We were approached to evaluate the conditions and remedy the problems.

SOLUTION

• Review previous repair reports and perform a condition survey.

• Sound test the masonry to determine the defective areas in the walls.
  Note: Sound testing masonry wall surfaces produces a flat or hollow sound when delamination in the stone is present. It assists an architect to determine the location of masonry wall deteriorations.

• Install new metal flashing at select areas of identified water infiltrations into masonry.

• Seal open joints at flat roof copings.

• Submit a field report describing the new repairs with additional findings of the current condition of the facades.

VALUE

US-BES investigated and identified the locations of water infiltration, developed a systemic method of repairs, and submitted a report for owner’s records within a narrow timeline and limited budget.