June 19, 2009 -
Long Island
The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stonybrook University serves an important purpose by giving people who served our country a place to rehabilitate in an environment that they deserve. Recently the facility was expanded with the addition of the east pavilion wing. Soon after it was finished however, leaks were observed at the periphery of the new addition.
Perplexed with the problem, the director of the physical plant at the Long Island State Veterans Home contacted Boccia Inc. to assess the problem. Having successfully worked with Joseph Boccia in the past, he hoped to have the same positive results. Joseph Boccia is a partner of Boccia Inc. who is also an I.C.C. certified structural masonry special inspector. Boccia Inc. was established in 1955 and has been serving the waterproofing and masonry industry solving thousands of water intrusion problems ever since.
Joseph reviewed the leak history and performed probes of the masonry parapets to determine the existing condition of the concealed elements. Herein he uncovered an improperly installed wall flashing detail that did not completely bridge the masonry cavity wall as required. It was evident to Joseph that the water was bypassing this flashing and entering into the building envelope creating the leaks that were plaguing the tenants.
Boccia Inc. was hired to perform the required waterproofing work. Brick was removed at all the parapet locations and the existing flashings were discarded. A new through wall flashing detail was installed that completely bridged the masonry cavity and included a new weep system. The flashing was designed to convey any moisture that entered into the masonry safely out to daylight. The effected brick work was restored to its original appearance. The comprehensive waterproofing plan also included tuck pointing of the parapets with a specifically formulated mortar and an application of a transparent penetrating water repellent to create a boots and suspenders system.
The project was completed on schedule. Most importantly the men and women who sacrificed so much have a dry home to call their own.