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Chamberlin Plays a Part in Sooner Tradition at University of Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium

Monica Keels — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:00:00 GMT

In hard hats rather than football helmets, Chamberlin’s team entered the University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium in the summer of 2002 with a tight-time table and a huge task at hand. Chamberlin was one of the first contractors on the job and was part of the team of many who tackled the $65 million stadium project that entailed renovating all facility structures and amenities, replacing current seating and adding new seating- including 2,200 club seats and 27 sky suites – to bring seating capacity to more than 80,0000.

Chamberlin’s $1.3 million charge was the remedial restoration portion of the project and included cleaning the existing bowl, applying a new deck coating to 500,000 sq. ft., concrete repair and replacement of 3,500 lineal feet of expansion joints.

“Our remedial work was done within a new construction project,” explained David Neal, Chamberlin’s Dallas-based Vice President of Operations, “We were literally working on the inside of the existing stadium and new construction was being conducted around us. The situation required a lot of coordination among all those on site.”

Chamberlin worked closely with Flintco. Inc., the project’s general contractor, and others to ensure time-tables were met and construction processes didn’t conflict. Chamberlin has enjoyed a relationship with Flintco on other projects including the Sam Noble Museum project, also on campus at OU. In fact, Chamberlin’s reputation for delivering a job well done, on time on past projects with Flintco, played a part in the company’s decision to hire Chamberlin again.

With just 20 weeks until the season literally “kicked-off,” Chamberlin moved in to do their scope of work and “kept their eye on the ball.” According to Joe Kuchta, Senior Superintendent on the project, the schedule was compressed by a couple of months during the course of the job. As a result, Chamberlin finished out a Friday afternoon with a 6-man crew and came back Monday morning with 36 men.

Kuchta commented, “We had to bump it up to get the job done in time. Instead of running each part of the job separately, we ran all three processes at the same time; including concrete repair, expansion joint replacements and deck coating. In the end we were more than able to meet the new schedule. We actually finished early.” He went on to say, “Our guys knew the work had to be done right and it had to be done quickly. They were committed to that. And they didn’t let me or our client down.”

Just weeks after the Chamberlin team set foot on the stadium’s turf, they finished up and left with time to spare on the “game clock.” Chamberlin completed its portion of the job in time for new stadium seating to be installed prior to the season opener.

New construction at the stadium continues this spring and is scheduled to be complete in time for football season this fall. When all is said and done, the stadium will feature a new upper deck on its east side and a fully renovated west side. All this is the fruit of a $100 million fund-raising initiative deemed by university officials as the “Great Expectations Campaign for Sooner Sports…. designed to provide OU’s football program with a national championship-quality facility.“

The renovation and expansion of Memorial Stadium is one of the largest scale projects the university has embraced. (Though anyone who works or studies at OU will tell you the entire campus seems to be undergoing improvements.) The university’s Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, has been quoted as saying, “It is our dream, our mission, to give OU’s football team and fans a facility in keeping with our status as one of the country’s most storied football programs.”

Chamberlin is proud to have played a small role in adding to the story and the stadium. And as a Texas based contractor, our staff of tried and true Texas college football fans are looking forward to watching our home state teams face off against the Sooners this football season.

30-Jul-10 2:00 PM

Employee Profile

Monica Keels — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Abel Flores

Superintendent – Waterproofing & Caulking

Houston, TX

Abel is one of the luckiest people we know. When he enters an office pool or submits a bracket for March Madness he almost always comes out a winner. Some call it luck, he calls it skill. Luckily for Chamberlin, coming up with winning basketball brackets is not the only skill Abel has.

Experience:

It was 1985 when Abel first began his career installing waterproofing and caulking systems at Chamberlin. By 1998 he worked his way up to a job site foreman then was promoted to superintendent a few years later. Though his background is in sealants and remedial construction, he has become a well rounded superintendent that knows the ins and outs of both new and retrofit projects from below-grade waterproofing to garden roofs. During his tenure at Chamberlin he has worked on both large and small jobs from parking garages to luxury condominiums and high rise office buildings. Most recently he completed the Hurricane Ike remediation of 5000 Montrose at the Museum Condominiums in Houston and is currently working on the new Fort Bend County Courthouse.

Outlook:

“Abel is a very goal-oriented person,” said Chamberlin Executive Vice President, Art Canales, “He pays attention to the details and tackles problems head on.”

But, Abel knows success is not attainable without a strong team. “I like spending time with my waterproofing crew teaching them about the products they are applying and why,” said Abel. The “why” part of the equation is significant to Abel because it explains the importance and necessity of the waterproofing work he and his team are performing.

Outside the Office:

Abel loves to barbecue. When he is not barbecuing, he is talking about it, and when he is not talking about it, he is thinking about it. He is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 803, and often participates in cook-offs with his brother Knights. His team recently won first place for chicken, first place for chili and second place for brisket at University of Houston’s annual Frontier Fiesta cook-off.

We asked Abel to choose from this list of random items to help us learn a little more about him:

Abel’s Absolutes

Hotdog or Burger

Hunting or Fishing – Every time I can!

Al Pacino or Robert DeNiro

Domestic or Import

Snail Mail or Email

26-Jul-10 9:00 AM

Moisture Protection - The Building Envelope

Robert Zdenek — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

By: Robert “Zeke” Zdenek,

President, PSG Consultants

The “building envelope” is the exterior skin or shell of a building that protects the indoor environment from the outdoor elements. So, what are the components of the building envelope that are so important? Starting at the top and working to the bottom, they are as follows:

Roofing System
- Window System
- Sealants
- Air, Water & Vapor Barrier
- Cavity/ Rainscreen & Barrier Walls
- Waterproofing System

The long-term success of the individual building envelope components not only involves a good design and proper installation of the products, but relies heavily on an annual maintenance program. Like a car or an elevator, the building envelope needs to be maintained. In the following discussion of each envelope component, maintenance items that need regular attention are listed for easy reference so building owners and managers can develop key points within their maintenance plan.

Roofing System

Currently, some local building codes require a roof surface that has a reflectivity of 70 or better. This limits the choices of roofing materials to only white membranes or coatings. However, the roofing material selection depends on the type, use and/or function of the roof itself; shape of the building; the possibility of both horizontal and vertical expansion and the importance of the visual impact of the roof. An example of these considerations would be the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has a 43 acre roof with 17 acres of skylights. The key maintenance issue for the project was snow removal, so a gray, granulated SBS Modified Bitumen roof system was installed since it could resist the abuse of snow blowers. When damage occurred, the gray granules were scuffed off the capsheet and the black modified asphalt membrane was exposed, which is easily visible and repairable during the annual roof inspection.

One area that has seen the largest growth during the past few years is green or garden roofs. Green roofs have a lot of advantages, but recently some of the negatives have come to the foreground. A few of the advantages include using rain water to feed vegetation, producing better air quality around the building and hiding the appearance of the “ugly” asphalt gravel roof. The negatives are damage that can be caused by vegetation components to the underlying waterproofing membrane layer, the cost of sprinkler system installation and its maintenance, and the potential for costly replacement of the garden materials.

The key to a successful roof selection is matching the specific membrane to the building owner’s needs, which includes the initial budget for the installation and the long-term performance of the roof system.

Ongoing maintenance items:

Repair membrane and flashing deterioration.
Membrane seams
Roof drainage
Roof top equipment installation and repairs
Foot traffic wear and tear
Maintain items listed in the warranty documents.

Window System

This component of the building envelope receives a lot of attention in the initial design, yet often seems to be value engineered during the preconstruction process. A common money-saving approach for multifamily, retirement and college residences is to use a low budget crank window assembly in lieu of a higher performing system. This type of window is, more often than not, a poor choice for these types of facilities. Other low budget systems that are sometimes used are the “weepless” and the nailing-flange windows. There are plenty of attorneys working on cases to resolve water infiltration issues with regard to these types of window assemblies. When a window frame is over 15 feet tall and the design shows a storefront in place of a curtain wall assembly, it should cause enough concern to question the design of the proposed assembly.

Ongoing maintenance items:

Check the placement and condition of the gaskets.
Make sure weeps are visible and not caulked shut or filled with debris.
Inspect window frames to be certain metal joinery is not open.
Observe interior finishes below the windows for signs of moisture intrusion (i.e. staining, discoloration, mold, etc.).
Make certain the landscape and sidewalks are not higher than the bottom of the window sill.
Adjust sprinkler system so it does not spray directly on the windows.

Sealants

In the preconstruction process sealant joints must be properly designed. This means that the joint width and depth must be designed and installed in an hour glass shape with the width being greater than the depth. Sealant joints should be in a compressive and elongated condition, thus minimizing the shear movement on the sealant joint.

In the last several years silicone sealant technology has come a long way. Designers now have multiple choices depending on the challenge at hand. Architects should be cautious in specifying the use of “new and improved” products. Many of the new products do not have long-term testing to support their claimed performance. The basic building envelope sealants are typically comprised of silicone or urethane. Other chemical based sealants are available for specific uses such as acrylic latex, which is an interior sealant.

Ongoing maintenance items:

On masonry walls, inspect the sealant used for control joints, windows, penetrations and the façade material changes.
On tilt wall and precast buildings, inspect the panel joints, and penetration/termination joints for windows, signage, slab-edge, etc.
On stucco buildings, inspect the window joints, floor expansion joints, penetration joints at the intersection of dissimilar façade materials, windows, pipes, signage, etc.
On EIFS buildings, check the window joints, floor expansion joints, change of the façade materials and all penetrations.

Air, Water & Vapor Barriers

In recent years there have been many “new and improved” air, water and vapor barrier products from both new and old manufacturers. The use, or non-use, of air, water and vapor barriers has become driven by marketing plans rather than the experience/performance in the local market place. Since the building envelope and interior environment must function in harmony to prevent condensation issues, it is extremely important that both the exterior envelope consultant and the mechanical engineer are involved in the process of choosing which product to use. Yet many mechanical engineers are seldom asked about their building settings.

On a recent large office project the mechanical engineer assumed the wall and roof assemblies to have R-values of 13 and 19 respectively. The engineer was informed the designed wall assemblies had an R-value of 33 and, that due to the design of the roof, a large percentage of it had an R-value over 72. After the mechanical engineer picked himself up from the floor, he jokingly stated all that was needed for the mechanical design to function was ice cubes in the summer and wooden matches for the winter with some properly sized fans! Subsequently, the mechanical engineer calibrated the equipment to run appropriately. One can only imagine what would have happened if the equipment had been set to his original figures. This is why dew point calculations are recommended on all roof and wall assemblies. The dew point calculation should be material and site specific, not just generally completed for a similar environment.

Cavity/Rainscreen & Barrier Walls

Most buildings have cavity/rainscreen, barrier walls, or a combination of both. Some examples of cavity or rainscreen wall assemblies are brick, metal panels, stucco and any other wall system that has a drainage and/or air cavity behind the façade element. These types of wall assemblies have a backup system for moisture protection and an integrated weep system to allow water and condensation to escape.

A barrier wall assembly is one that as the precipitation hits the exterior surface of the wall assembly, the moisture is stopped. Common barrier wall assemblies include, but are not limited to, non-drainable EIFS, some metal panel designs, tilt up and precast panels. There may, or may not be, an air, water and/or vapor membrane incorporated into these assemblies. Key components of cavity and barrier wall assemblies are end dams at the intersection of changing façade elements, the presence of expansion joints or soft joints at floor levels and a weep system for the accidental moisture that can be present.

Buildings designed with these two wall assemblies have different planes of intersection, but typically do not have details to illustrate how these critical points of intersection are to be waterproofed. The most common areas of failure in wall assemblies are at the intersection of products or differing wall assemblies.

Ongoing maintenance items:

Inspect the barrier material and sealants for cracks.
Look for water stains at the weep system locations and the presence of effloresce on the wall surfaces as these conditions may be evidence of a system that is not properly functioning.
Inspect the EIFS walls for damage, exposed reinforcing mesh and the thickness of the EIFS finish coat.

Waterproofing System

The selection of below-grade waterproofing materials depends on the findings presented in the soils report, location of the project and commonly used products in that particular marketplace. For example, on the “doughnut” expansion project of the Texas State Capitol, the waterproofing had to resist both the soil loads and local soils of Austin. The products that best fit the design and findings of the soils report was a bentonite based product on the vertical walls and a hot rubberized asphalt on the horizontal areas. One of the most critical details was at the intersection of these two products. The underlying challenge was that these two waterproofing systems are chemically different. To resolve the issue, technical persons from each manufacturer met to create a warranted tie-in detail.

Ongoing maintenance items:

Make certain the landscaping is sloped away from the building.
If applicable, ensure that the subsoil drainage is functioning properly.
Verify that there are no new penetrations created by other trades after the waterproofing is in place.

Note: For elevator pits, place the waterproofing on the positive side of the wall leaving the interior (negative) side of the wall available to waterproof just in case there is leak!

The building envelope requirements have been challenged with a bombardment of different elements over the years. Keep in mind that gravity always works, so a drainage system is important. Also, if water never gets to the waterproofing, leaks will not occur. There are always two or more choices in the world of moisture protection systems. The key is to have the proper information to make the right choice first.

PSG is a building envelope moisture protection consultation firm that has worked on projects around the world. PSG works with architects in the design phase, general contractors and installers during the construction phase, owners and property managers during the building operation phase and attorneys when these different phases are not complimentary to the building operation phase. Mr. Zdenek has combined his chemistry background, understanding of moisture protection products and knowledge of construction to scientifically determine product compatibility with long-term performance and to professionally solve problems. He also works as an expert witness on building envelope issues including roofing, window systems, various building façade elements, flashing details and air, water and vapor barriers. Mr. Zdenek can be reached at 763-755-4777 or psgzeke@earthlink.net.

26-Jul-10 8:00 AM

Fair Park: Restoring a Texas Landmark

Monica Keels — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:15:00 GMT

Fair Park is a unique National Historic Landmark that is home to entertainment facilities, cultural centers and the Texas State Fair. Located two miles east of downtown Dallas, Fair Park boasts eight museums, four performance venues, the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Cotton Bowl Stadium, the nation’s tallest Ferris wheel and, of course, Big Tex. The park encompasses 277 acres with the world’s largest collection of 1930s Art Deco style architecture. Over 749,000 square feet of space can be rented for conferences, markets, trade shows, festivals and sporting events.

The Texas State Fair is one of the largest attractions that bring people to Fair Park annually. Each year 3.5 million people flood through the Parry Avenue gates, past the ticket booths and Central Tower and end up near the Esplanade before dispersing to the different exhibits throughout the park. The Esplanade, a 700-foot-long reflecting pool with three fountains, was originally built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition.

Chamberlin was hired by general contractor, Rogers O’Brien, to perform roofing and waterproofing work to restore the Parry Avenue gate entrance, ticket booths, Central Tower, Esplanade Fountain and pylons.

For the project, Chamberlin had two goals to accomplish: work within the Historic Landmark Commission requirements, and finish the project before the State Fair opened.

Parry Avenue Central Tower

A registered historical building requires specific approved methods for its remediation. The Parry Avenue Central Tower had at least four layers of paint and putty caked on its walls. Due to the historical nature of the project, Chamberlin was limited to certain means of chemical removal; no abrasive materials or high pressure equipment were allowed. So, Chamberlin was faced with the challenge to remove multiple layers of paint without conventional types of chemicals. After sampling multiple paint strippers, Chamberlin found two approved for use by the Historic Landmark Commission that could remove the majority of the paint without damaging the substrate.

Since time was of the essence, Chamberlin developed a plan to restore the Central Tower in the most efficient manner. The first step involved determining the amount of time it took to apply the paint stripper to the tower and allow it to dry, also known as the “dwell time”. This process revealed the dwell time to be 15 minutes. After it dried, the paint stripper was then removed but could only be done so using a low pressure, cold water wash. This limited the amount of area that could be completed at one time. As a result, Chamberlin split the project into sections, dividing each wall in half. Once the work areas were separated, Chamberlin started at the top of the tower, applied one coat of paint stripper then moved to the second section of the tower and repeated the process. By the time the second section was coated, it was time to pressure wash the first section. The cycle was repeated until both sections of each wall were clean. This approach significantly contributed to Chamberlin’s ability to meet a tight schedule by limiting the work to only one pass around the tower to remove all paint and prepare the substrate for restoration and recoating.

Five Stages of Waterproofing the Esplanade Fountain

Schedule coordination with other trades was critical on the Esplanade Fountain. Roger’s O’Brien demolished the original fountain structure, specifically the floor and small containment walls around the perimeter. Then the highly organized process of rebuilding the fountain commenced one section at a time. Work began on the east side and progressed in sequential segments until the 700-foot-long reflecting pool was reconstructed. As each section was completed, Chamberlin would follow with five stages of waterproofing as well as the installation of submersible sealants in the fountain joints, cast stone, glass block and stainless steel channels at the fountain weirs.

Chamberlin’s five stages of waterproofing work began by shot blasting the concrete slab and grinding all vertical walls and edges to obtain proper profile for waterproofing material adhesion. Next, a vapor barrier was applied, which required 24 hours of cure time before any other product could be installed on top of it. Once the vapor barrier cured, a waterproofing primer and neoprene flashing was applied to all vertical and horizontal intersections, which called for another 24 hours of cure time.

The fourth step consisted of two separate GacoFlex-UB-64 waterproofing base coats being applied to the primed concrete. Each coat had to cure for 48 hours. Finally, the process was completed by applying two top coats of GacoFlex-UA-60 waterproofing with 48 hours of cure time between each coat and 72 hours of cure time after final application.

Due to this multistep process there was a great risk of creating significant construction delays. In order to maximize production and maintain a steady work flow, Chamberlin setup an application schedule. The schedule tracked work-in-progress zones, product cure time and when the next area would be ready for the subsequent step in the process. The development and use of this schedule was critical to the timely completion of this project. Without it, work could have easily been completed improperly resulting in costly project delays.

All’s Fair

While all projects have a time limit, this project had some unique challenges, particularly the start of the State Fair of Texas. The State Fair takes place every fall and lasts three weeks. As a contract requirement, all work was to be complete by mid-September prior to the start of the Fair. With this in mind, Chamberlin had to stay ahead of the schedule every step of the way regardless of the summer heat’s affect on materials, potential rain delays and the arrival of early State Fair setup crews.

Several weeks before the Fair opened, car stages, snack booths, rides, and personnel beganpreparing the grounds. When this process was announced, the schedule became even more compressed causing Chamberlin to accelerate their efforts in order to avoid any conflict with Fair staff. Project manpower was increased and daily production schedules were continually monitored for any issue that might create a delay.

As a result of meticulous planning, even schedule surprises did not affect Chamberlin as final touches of paint, sealants and waterproofing were completed in time for the opening of the Texas State Fair.

23-Jul-10 9:15 AM

Reliant Stadium: If You Build It, They Will Come

Monica Keels — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:00:00 GMT

This famous movie line has traditionally been applied to baseball, but Houston football fans followed suit when Reliant Stadium opened this fall. As the Houston Texans suited up for their first home game, the Chamberlin crew that had spent close to two years on site at Reliant Stadium, took a big deep breath.

So did the hundreds of others who worked on the project in partnership with Manhattan and Beers, the joint GC team on the project. Their project was complete. In just 20 months the $400 million stadium was ready for the 69,000 Texan fans who converged there opening day. Chamberlin’s portion of the job included the sub-roof system, the expansion joint systems and required waterproofing.

Given the logistics of coordinating a project of this size, an on time completion was a feat. But add several “firsts” in construction history to the list of the regular scheduling obstacles and you have a notable accomplishment. The stadium’s retractable roof is the one and only of its kind. This has put Reliant Stadium in history books, much like its predecessor, the Astrodome, was 37 years ago. Likewise, the palletized grass playing field is the only of its kind in an NFL stadium.

What else would you expect from a team called the Texans? Everything is bigger and better in Texas and the motto certainly rings true when it comes to Reliant Stadium. “Bigger” was a key component to Chamberlin’s portion of the job. In fact, the $3.6 million contract is nearly two times the size of what the company typically considers to be a “large” project. But the experienced Chamberlin team took it in stride. Duane Duffy, Project Director for Manhattan/Beers commented, “Chamberlin was prepared to take on the scope of the project. From previous experience, we knew they had the management expertise, manpower and a scope of services that was especially appealing.”

Chamberlin actually began work on the project in October of 2000. The firm’s first contribution to the job was a value engineered design/build solution for the sub-roofing that ultimately shaved approximately $320,000 off of the owner’s cost. Credit for this savings is attributed to three key factors: the company’s experience with a similar system at Minute Maid Park, the expertise of the Chamberlin estimating team and Chamberlin’s partnership with Law Engineering, the firm that re-engineered the original plans.

Chamberlin’s package was as comprehensive as it was extensive. To be more exact and provide an idea of the scope of these projects, consider these numbers. Chamberlin was responsible for applying 25 miles of sealants in the “bowl” of the stadium; 11 acres of concrete sealer on the pre-cast seating; and installing over a mile of expansion joints including 15 different varieties.

“The expansion joints are an interesting part of this job,” explained Chamberlin’s Senior Project Manager Shane Hubbard, “What’s unique about the stadium is that it’s actually six different structures that are two to four inches apart. The expansion joints connect them and compensate for the expansion and shrinkage that occurs in the concrete structure due to variable conditions in the weather.”

The waterproofing portion of the job was also unique. The waterproofing needs inside the stadium were special to say the least. “When the roof of a building opens, the waterproofing needs inside change dramatically,” explained Jonathan Winkles, Chamberlin’s On-Site Project Manager for the Reliant project. Just a few of the services Chamberlin provided to ensure the waterproof integrity of the stadium included: elastromeric coating, below–grade dampproofing, deck coating, slab-on-grade sealants, architectural pre-cast caulking/sealer, standing seam roofing and miscellaneous sheet metal and flashing.

The Reliant job entailed an incredible commitment to safety and communication for all those involved. Chamberlin is proud to report a record number of man-hours were recorded on the job without a single injury. The firm worked closely with other subs and the general contractor throughout the duration of the project. Jonathan Winkles commented, “I spent as much time in the Manhattan trailer as I did anywhere else. We had to make sure we all communicated with one another in order to schedule each portion of the job. We have an excellent relationship with the people at Manhattan/Beers. We work well together; they know they can count on us.”

The company brought to the project the ability to provide ingenuity, but more than that, Chamberlin brought the ability to provide ingenuity in regard to a broad scope of services. In fact, Chamberlin’s charge included services that may have otherwise required Manhattan/Beers to enlist three separate subcontractors. Truth is, Chamberlin was the only local specialty subcontractor with the ability to provide the convenience of this one-stop-shop solution.

John Kafka, Chamberlin CEO commented, “We are equipped to handle sophisticated jobs. We have the expertise and capabilities to perform complex and schedule driven work in a safe and productive manner without sacrificing quality. Our clients know they can trust in us to get the job done right.”

And the job is done. The stadium now stands as a reminder of the ingenuity, scope of services, and teamwork that went into constructing it. Reliant Stadium: a bigger and better stadium for the Houston Texans.

21-Apr-10 3:00 PM

Benefits of Independent Third Party Waterproofing Inspections

Jay Webster — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT

By Jay F. Webster

Building Envelope Consultant

Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc.

It costs less to build a structure once. It costs less to fix mistakes while the building is still under construction and even less to design it right while still on paper. Independent third party inspections can benefit the owner, architect, general contractor and the installer or subcontractor and help reduce construction call backs due to water infiltration from the roof and windows.

No one intentionally installs windows backward, but it happens. On some large buildings, complexes and campuses, the labor force can outnumber the project supervision by 10 times. With new products being installed and multiple trades working on the same wall or window opening, some strange things can happen. Regardless of whether it is the roof, below-grade waterproofing, walls or windows, any one of these installations done incorrectly can be costly to repair and damage professional credibility. And no one wants to sit across the table from an unhappy owner and their attorney.

Successful waterproofing installations are the result of solid design, quality products and proper installation, but an on-site construction inspector can lend an additional bit of insurance. Using a team approach can make it easier to get the long-term performance expected from any waterproofing system, and third party inspection can help provide the following:

Design Assistance – System design and specification guidance regarding the type of waterproofing system that is best suited to the project’s site conditions and construction type.

System Review – The manufacturer’s and consultant’s technical staff can provide a thorough review of the specifications and details for constructability and completeness. This is referred to as a “peer review.”

Complete Product Offering – Some manufacturers can offer a variety of products and systems including membranes, waterstops, drainage products and detailing accessories with assurance of compatibility.

Job-Specific CAD Details – Job and product specific CAD generated details minimize field decisions and confusion which are always schedule and cost motivated.

Quality Assurance – Includes a mandatory pre-construction meeting, site photos, installation observation and reports for review of installation with all involved parties.

Material Installation by Experienced, Approved Applicators – Assures proper material installation within manufacturer’s guidelines by professionally trained applicators and secures manufacturer’s warranty.

Independent Inspection – Verifies proper installation and ensures materials are not damaged prior to coverage of work.

Contractual Accountability – A manufacturer’s warranty should provide a direct contract between the building owner and waterproofing manufacturer.

Financial Assurance – A reliable material and labor waterproofing warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Owner’s Insurance – With the use of certain procedures it may be possible to obtain lower insurance rates for the use of better products, third party observation and testing.

Contractor’s Bonding – With fewer call backs and problems, the general contractor will see an increase in bond rating and amount as well as an overall increase in profits.

Owners

Independent third party inspections benefit owners in many ways. In addition to getting a finished product where materials are designed and installed correctly, the building will provide excellent service and have fewer problems with moisture and air intrusion. The greatest impact will be realized with lower operating costs on higher performing buildings. This translates right to the bottom line on building efficiency and a faster return on investment.

Architects and Engineers

The design community can use a peer review and third party inspection as a way of ensuring the constructability of the drawings and that the design intent is carried out in the field. This contributes to risk management and reduces the exposure to construction errors. It’s a lot easier to address a question when the design is still on paper than when it is already built. The architect and engineer’s liability insurance may also decrease if these are standard practices endorsed by their insurance carrier.

General Contractors

General contractors can be well served by independent third party inspections. Fewer call backs mean more of the profit is kept as profit rather than spent on service calls, or worse yet, attorney’s fees. In addition, third party inspections are a good check on how the construction crew is doing. A contractor’s reputation is best maintained with a good quality product delivery.

Qualified and Approved Applicators

Because leaks are most often the result of improper material installation, the best solution is to have a trained and experienced applicator install a properly designed waterproofing system. Using an approved applicator provides these advantages:

Ensures installation quality for maximum performance;
Minimizes risk of moisture damage and long-term repair costs;
Experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about waterproofing applications install the materials with efficiency and in a timely manner.
More and more construction product manufacturers require applicators to be factory and field certified before they will offer warranties on products and installations. The cost to come back a year after the building has been completed can be twice as much as the original contract for the services.

Independent Inspection

When it comes to the waterproofing on a building, problems are difficult and expensive to resolve. The materials are usually difficult to access, being mostly installed within the wall or roof cavities. In a large number of cases repair costs can quickly escalate to many times the cost of the initial installation. Most leaks occur not because the materials were defective but because of these primary causes:

Improperly designed and/or installed waterproofing systems;
Poorly prepared substrates;
Damage after installation by subsequent construction traffic and operations;
“Field” solutions to specific job site needs which can lead to incomplete or faulty installations to keep the project on schedule and the initial expense down.

Working with an independent inspection firm can help eliminate these issues and offers an additional layer of assurance to the project by providing the following services:

Pre-construction meetings;
Design review;
Observations, inspections and reporting;
Recommendations;
Testing systems.

Ultimately, team work has always been the best formula for the successful construction of a building. Adding independent third party inspections to the team can be the element that ensures the building envelope components are correctly designed and installed to create a more air and water tight building.

Mr. Webster joined Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc. in June 2008. Mr. Webster’s primary focus is the investigation of air and water infiltration into the building envelope. In addition to on-site observations and testing, Mr. Webster is involved in the design of below-grade waterproofing systems and performing peer review of construction documents and specifications. He can be reached at 210-699-9090 or jwebster@rkci.com.

21-Apr-10 10:00 AM

A Fast-Trak Roofing Project Gets Over $60,000 in Energy Rebates for Austin Building Owner

Monica Keels — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Like everyone else across the country, building owners are looking for creative ways to reduce their cost without sacrificing quality. Recently, an opportunity came along in Austin, Texas for TCP Realty to do just that.

Austin Energy offered local commercial building owners the opportunity to receive a significant rebate if they reroofed their building with an energy efficient, reflective roof. The company also added an incentive: an extra 20% construction bonus if the project was completed and inspected by Austin Energy before April 1, 2010.

TCP Realty, a long-time Chamberlin client with properties throughout Texas, looked to Chamberlin’s roofing professionals to reroof their multi-building Springwood Business Center and complete the work in just 28 working days – rain or shine. Chamberlin was able to quickly respond to TCP’s request for a proposal and provide the manpower necessary for the project.

“We have met tight deadlines before, and this one was a real challenge,” said Roofing Project Estimator Russell Johnson. “We wanted to do whatever was needed to achieve TCP’s goals and help them receive all the rebates offered by Austin Energy.”

“Chamberlin has been working for me on roofing and waterproofing projects for over 25 years,” said TCP Realty Senior Vice President, Rubin Kremling, CPM, CCIM, “and they always go the extra mile to make sure we are 110 percent satisfied with their work.”

The Springwood Business Center is an office/warehouse park with five buildings. Each building is covered with a standing seam metal roof totaling 90,000 sq. ft. The buildings were beginning to experience leaks on a regular basis. A damaging hail storm was the final nail in the coffin for the metal roof, and the energy rebates offered an excellent reroofing opportunity.

Chamberlin installed a 15 year warranted roof system consisting of three-inch expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation board, which was custom cut to fit the existing metal roof configuration. A one-half-inch heavy duty cover board was placed over the EPS, which was mechanically fastened to receive a 1-90 wind uplift rating. To finish off the roof system, a white, reflective .45 mil thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single ply membrane was mechanically fastened throughout the field of the roof and fully adhered at all openings, flashings and perimeter. Chamberlin’s sheet metal fabrication shop also formed and installed pre-finished metal edge, gutters, downspouts and copings.

Because the April 1 deadline left no room for weather delays, the Chamberlin team worked long hours on clear days, including some weekends, to complete the project in time to have it inspected and approved by Austin Energy for the rebates.

“Weather was not an excuse to extend the project in the eyes of Austin Energy,” said Johnson. “With this fast-track pace, we were extremely cautious about the safety of our workers and the multiple tenants that occupied the buildings during construction.”

Chamberlin completed the project in time to file the proper rebate application forms with Austin Energy. Next, an Austin Energy representative will perform an inspection to verify the roof installation and determine the final rebate amount, which is estimated to be over $60,000.

Careful and thorough project management makes for a successful fast-track roof replacement. Superintendent Danny Taft and Foreman Pedro Balderas guided the team, meeting all standards and deadlines. Their dedication to safety and a quality installation amongst a quick deadline demonstrate the Chamberlin objective to meet and exceed client expectations on every project.

21-Apr-10 9:00 AM

Our Team Wins KinderCare Trust

Monica Keels — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:15:00 GMT

KinderCare Child Learning Center is a daycare company that provides early childhood educational services needed to build a child’s critical thinking skills. The KinderCare Company was founded in 1969 and operates over 1,244 learning centers throughout the United States . It is the largest professional private daycare company in the nation for children ranging from six-weeks to 12-years of age. These 1,244 daycare facilities are located in 39 states, and Texas leads the count with 108 followed closely by California with 103.

Early in 1999, the Chamberlin office in Houston had the opportunity to meet with KinderCare Child Learning Centers. KinderCare’s Mr. Dave Seiter, Senior Tech Representative, who is responsible for over 180 facilities in Texas and New Mexico . Mr. Seiter was dealing with a number of issues regarding the proper maintenance of roof systems at KinderCare Centers in Texas . KinderCare was utilizing multiple roofing contractors to maintain their roofs which had, in too many instances, resulted in poor response time, dirty job sites, unacceptable workmanship and poor communication. Mr. Seiter had heard about Chamberlin’s Roof Maintenance and Leak Repair department from a colleague.

A meeting was held with one of Chamberlin’s Project Managers, Ed LaMont, to discuss and understand the services that the KinderCare Company desired, and to communicate Chamberlin’s Roof Maintenance and Leak Repair Department’s capabilities. Subsequent to the meeting, an agreement was reached for Chamberlin to begin working with KinderCare on a trial basis. The first assignment that Chamberlin received was to stop leaks at three different facilities that had been left unresolved despite several attempts by other roofing contractors. In short order, Chamberlin’s leak repair technicians located the problem leaks and made permanent repairs. Chamberlin’s timely response, professional approach and commitment to getting results began a relationship which continues stronger today.

Like many of Chamberlin’s clients, KinderCare wants and needs an immediate response to active roof leaks in their facilities. The KinderCare facilities were built over a period of years, and there are a number of different types of roof systems from shingles to BUR to single ply and more. Depending on the severity of the roof leaks, a Chamberlin technician is dispatched to the facility to determine what temporary repairs can be made to slow or stop the water infiltration.

While at the site, Chamberlin’s technicians work to determine the source of the leak. Chamberlin’s roof repair maintenance technicians are trained on the proper procedures for all types of roof systems. Permanent repairs are scheduled and completed once weather and schedule permits. The exact scope of work required to stop the leaks is often unknown. Much of the time the leak repair work is completed in a service arrangement method with KinderCare paying only for the actual hours and materials utilized. Mr. Seiter said, “Chamberlin’s attention to detail and quick response time to our roofing needs by Ed LaMont and Chamberlin’s Roof Maintenance and Leak Repair team has been excellent. Chamberlin is always responsive in getting technicians to the facilities quickly and finding and fixing the problem. I would recommend and have recommended Chamberlin to anyone who seeks a professional roofing contractor.”

Today, as Chamberlin visits a new facility, a roof survey is completed providing detail regarding the type of roof, approximate age, and an estimate on the next three years maintenance needs. Also, with KinderCare’s approval all preventive maintenance required for the subject roof system is scheduled and completed. Since some of the roof systems are at their useful service life limits, the existing roofs are being removed and replaced. Other roofs, which will need to be replaced in the next one to three years, are being budgeted for replacement with Chamberlin’s assistance. Chamberlin’s recent reroofs for KinderCare have been completed by removing the existing roof system and replacing with a Firestone modified bitumen roof system, which carries a 12-year labor and material warranty. Since Chamberlin has been given the Firestone Master Contractor Award for eight consecutive years for quality workmanship, KinderCare is assured of a high quality roof system at a competitive price.

Currently, Chamberlin is providing leak repair, roof maintenance and reroofing services for KinderCare in Houston, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Austin, San Antonio and plans to continue going and growing in Texas where ever we are needed by KinderCare.

Not so long ago, Dave Seiter dreaded rainy days because of all the leak calls he would get from his facilities directors. Today, he is confident that unresolved leaks are a thing of the past due to Chamberlin’s Roof Maintenance and Leak Repair department. “We now have a handle on our worst roofs and currently we are following a proactive roof maintenance program to extend the service lives of our remaining roofs,” said Mr. Seiter.

6-Apr-10 8:15 AM

Mold Problems & Challenges

Monica Keels — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:00 GMT

By C. Vipulanandan, Ph.D., P.E.

Chairman and Professor of Civil Engineering

Director, Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT)

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Houston

Introduction

Mold (fungi) and mildew are commonly used interchangeably, although mold is often applied to black, blue, green and red fungal growth and mildew to whitish growths. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds thrive on a great many organic substances and provided with sufficient moisture, they rapidly disintegrate wood, paper and leather. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; they way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

The growth of mold is pervasive throughout the outdoor environment. Given the proper conditions, mold may also proliferate in an indoor setting. Because Americans spend 75% to 90% of their time indoor, they are exposed to molds that are growing indoors. Molds readily enter indoor environments by circulating through doorways, windows, heating, ventilation systems, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air also deposit on people and animals, making clothes, shoes, bags, and pets common carriers of molds into indoor environments. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria.

Experts say the increase in cases of toxic mold infestations in both public and private buildings is partially due to the use of imitation masonry materials commonly referred to as exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) that allow building leaks and subsequent trapping of water inside the walls. This provides a perfect breeding ground for toxic mold. The problem is far more prevalent in humid areas like Houston and is compounded by flooding.

Molds can destroy wooden studs and supports and can even make a house structurally unstable, but chronic health problems, including upper respiratory problems and skin rashes, are its most devastating effect. Many building materials are suitable nutrient sources for fungal growth. Cellulose substrates, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products are particularly favorable for growth of some molds. Other substrates such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation material, dry wall, carpet fabric and upholstery commonly support mold growth.

Some indoor molds have the potential to produce extremely potent toxins called micotoxins. Species of mycotoxin-producing molds include Fusarium, Trichoderma and Stachybotrys. In general, the presence of these molds indicates a long-standing water problem.

The toxic effects from mold exposure are thought to be associated with exposure to toxins on the surface of the mold spores. There are published reports on the effect of Stachybotrys on kids, adults, and animals. Little is documented about the prevalence of toxigenic molds in homes, and it is not clear how many extensive measures must be taken to achieve environments sufficiently free of molds to avoid disease. In removing molds caution must be used, because it is possible that homeowners could actually increase the levels of mold spores in the air by attempting extensive clean-up efforts without guidance from a professional (an environmental health or ventilation engineer).

Besides being destructive, however, molds also have industrial uses, such as in the fermentation of organic acids and particular flavors of cheeses. Penicillin, a product of the green mold, revolutionized antibiotic drugs after its discovery in 1929.

Mold Clean up

The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing in other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent material such as carpet that becomes moldy may have to be replaced.

Mold remediation is a very serious undertaking, and could employ techniques used for asbestos and lead abatement along with others used for radon reduction. The situation is reminiscent of asbestos, because attempts to remove a substance can cause it to become airborne, creating a large hazard.

Fixing a mold problem is a two-step process: cleaning up the contamination itself (most of it is generally hidden from view) and correcting the building defects that caused the problem to arise in the first place. Because so many mold problems are caused by infiltration of water vapor from the soil, the technique used for radon remediation is useful for preventing a recurrence once the contamination is addressed.

What Should You Know About Mold?

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment: the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem in your home, school or workplace, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the source of water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-50%) to decrease mold growth by ventilation using air conditioners, dehumidifiers and exhaust fans.

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials to prevent mold growth. Clean mold off hard surfaces with a mixture of water and detergent and dry completely.

7. In areas where there is a continuous moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

SUMMARY

In areas where flooding has occurred or where there has been water leaks, prompt cleaning of walls and other moisture-damaged items with water mixed with chlorine bleach, is necessary to prevent mold growth. Mold remediation is a serious undertaking and must be done with the help of professionals. Solving a mold problem is a two-step process: cleaning up the contamination itself and correcting the building defects that caused the problem. In some cases, if toxic mold is found, the only recourse may be to abandon the home and all its contents.

Standards of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set and currently there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. Additional research is needed before the most appropriate recommendations for home clean up can be determined. Until then, interim guidelines must be adopted with the help of professionals.

6-Apr-10 8:00 AM

Roof Uplift Testing: Know the Parameters and Use the Information Wisely

Monica Keels — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:00:00 GMT

By: Jerry L. Abendroth RRO, RRC, CDT, CSI

Principal and President

Building Exterior Solutions, LLC

Factory Mutual (FM) Global Insurance Company recommends that field uplift testing be conducted for most adhered roofing systems in the hurricane prone regions of the United States and the Caribbean. Although this test procedure simulates the laboratory test, there is much controversy regarding the use of the test in the field and the variables which can affect test results.

Test Methods

FM Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-52 (FM 1-52), “Field Uplift Tests,” provides for two methods of testing wind uplift resistance: the negative pressure test and the bonded uplift test. The negative pressure test utilizes a five foot by five foot dome that is placed over the roofing membrane surface. Negative pressure is then applied to the dome starting at an initial pressure of 15 pounds per square foot (psf). The pressure is increased in increments of 7.5 psf with each increment held for one minute until 1.5 times the design test pressure is reached or failure occurs. A deflection bar positioned in the center of the chamber measures upward deflection of the roof membrane. This test is sometimes referred to as the “bubble test.” In years past, the test was often conducted using a durable skylight dome. In recent years, test pressures have been increased substantially requiring the use of negative pressure domes constructed of stronger materials.

The FM negative pressure test is based, at least partly, on American Society for Testing and Material’s (ASTM) E907, “Standard Test Method for Field Testing Uplift Resistance of Adhered Membrane Roofing Systems.” The two tests are similar however there are some significant differences. FM recommends that the chamber be placed “between roof supporting beams or joists (where practical), except when testing roofs on pre-cast concrete roof decks, in which case locate the test site over the joints in the pre-cast concrete deck.” ASTM E907 does not include placement in their test discussion, but they do indicate that roof surface stiffness may be influenced by the roof deck and framing stiffness.

Another notable difference between the FM and ASTM uplift test is that the FM 1-52 test requirements for allowable deflection are more restrictive than ASTM E907. When using FM 1-52 test, the maximum allowable roof surface deflections are one quarter of an inch for pressures to 60 psf and one half of an inch for pressures between 60 psf and 120 psf. Whereas, when using ASTM E907, a one inch deflection is allowable at any test pressure.

The FM 1-52 “Field Uplift Tests” also provides for testing by bonding to the roofing membrane surface to simulate negative pressure. The bonded uplift test utilizes two, two-foot by two-foot pieces of plywood connected to a tripod. The two pieces of plywood are fastened together and attached to the tripod with mechanical fasteners. The plywood is then adhered to the smooth roof surface with steep asphalt, cold adhesive or a material which is compatible with the roof system. After a curing period, the roofing membrane is cut at the perimeter of the plywood. The attached plywood/roof assembly is then attached to a scale/tripod assembly and upward force is applied in increments of 7.5 psf starting at 15 psf and held for one minute at each increment until 1.5 times the design pressure (or failure) is obtained.

Test Variables and Concerns

Major roofing contractor groups, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) have expressed concerns with the use of field uplift testing and have issued bulletins to their members regarding the use and significance of these types of tests. The NRCA has stated the following concerns utilizing wind uplift testing:

·         Deck deflections of the magnitudes of the deflection limits allowed in FM 1-52 are common for metal roof decks given the high testing loads.

·         Both the ASTM and FM test methods can be sensitive to test operators and yield variable results.

·         Movement of persons around the test chamber can affect the test.

·         Research has not been conducted to validate the field test method.

The NRCA recommends field uplift testing results be kept in proper perspective and FM 1-52, by itself, not be relied on as a quality assurance measure. The NRCA maintains that the best, most reliable means of assessing the quality of a newly installed roof system is through continuous observation of the application by a knowledgeable roofing professional at the time of installation.

Changes to FM 1-52

The most recent version of FM 1-52, issued in April of 2009, includes several significant changes. The most significant change is that the test is currently not recommended for new roof systems which are mechanically attached to certain roof deck types provided the roof fastener spacing is adequate. These roof deck types are steel (minimum 22 gauge), wood, cementitious wood fiber plank, and structural concrete (minimum 2,500 psi).

Another modification provided in the April 2009 FM 1-52 is to increase the allowable deflection for metal decks. For wide rib steel decks where the test pressure exceeds 60 psf, FM now allows an additional one quarter of an inch deflection for each 60 psf increment of testing. If an intermediate or narrow rib deck is used, FM now allows the deflection to be twice the previous limit up to a maximum of one inch deflection.

In addition, FM recommends that all roof top observers who are not directly involved with the test equipment should not stand directly adjacent to the test area during testing. Other changes to the standard include guidance for those conducting testing on how to interpret the results.

Examples of Field Uplift Testing versus Actual Performance

During recent hurricane observations and investigations, several testing agencies used wind uplift testing to determine the viability of existing roof systems. In one such instance testing was conducted on a 25 to 30 year old roof system which had been mopped directly to lightweight insulating concrete. The roof system had withstood the hurricane with little ballast displacement and little water penetration into the building; however, it could not pass the FM 1-52 test. Therefore, while it did not meet the FM 1-52 deflection criteria, it was able to endure a hurricane with minimal damage to the roofing system.

In another example, a 25 year old built-up roof system which had a partial blow-off during a hurricane event was tested to FM 1-90 wind uplift criteria. The roof consisted of 3-ply built-up system over tapered perilite insulation. All layers had been mopped in steep asphalt. The remaining sections of the roof system passed the FM 1-52 test even after adjacent sections of the roofing system had blown off during the hurricane.

Field Uplift Testing – Evaluation

As with any testing, field uplift tests must be conducted in a manner which follows the parameters set forth in the test protocol. However, when performing the testing and after the results are obtained, common sense must be used in the selection of the test areas, performance of the testing, and in the interpretation and use of the results. The specifications for new roof systems should include the type of testing, test information, test pressures and any other relevant information so that the contractor can plan for installation of a successful roofing system. Roof monitoring during construction is an important element of a successful roofing installation. However, despite concerns and difficulties, field uplift testing is a viable tool to help determine a roof system’s ability to withstand potential wind events.

Mr. Abendroth joined Building Exterior Solutions, LLC in September 2008. Mr. Abendroth has been primarily involved with the evaluation and design of roofing, waterproofing, and curtain wall systems. He has also managed consulting services on buildings for the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center and managed design services for three re-roofing projects for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, both in Houston. Services included design and design review, mock-up design and testing, and construction administration and observation. Jerry can be reached at 713-467-9840 or jabendroth@buildingexteriorsolutions.com.

29-Jan-10 9:00 AM

Chamberlin Honored with Firestone's Distinguished Roofing Industry Award

noemail@chamberlinltd.com — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Firestone Building Products Company, recently presented Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing with its prestigious 2010 Firestone Master Contractor Award. Firestone presented the firm with this honor for its consistent excellence in commercial roofing installations over the past year.

"We congratulate Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing for upholding Firestone's high standards in roofing system installations and demonstrating superior craftsmanship", said Mike Vall, president of Firestone Building Products. "Firestone is honored to recognize the roofing firm for its dedication to roofing system excellence."

Since 1988, the Master Contractor program has applauded outstanding roofing firms for achieving the company's set level of criterion. This year marks the 13^th time Chamberlin has been named a Firestone Master Contractor. Firestone annually awards Master Contractor status based on Quality Points accumulated for exceptional inspection ratings and total square footage for all Firestone Red Shield warranted EPDM, TPO, metal and asphalt roofing system installations completed the previous year.

National Gold Circle Safety Award

noemail@chamberlinltd.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Chamberlin was recently honored with National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) one and only 2010 Gold Circle Safety Award. The exclusive award was presented to Chamberlin for their roofing work on the Mercantile National Bank building, also known as “The Merc,” in Dallas, Texas. The award recognizes accident-free projects where public protection challenges are in the forefront of the job elements and dominate the scope of work, demanding creative safety solutions and implementation of safety procedures that are uniquely challenging or extensively involve multiple trades.

NRCA’s Gold Circle Awards program is an annual tribute to contractors in the roofing industry. The awards program is designed to recognize NRCA members and nominated contractors in the categories of “Outstanding Workmanship,” “Innovative Solutions” for both new construction and reroofing, and “Service to the Community.”

Chamberlin was nominated in the “Innovative Solutions: Reroofing” category for their work on The Merc. The structure was built in the 1940s and was the only major skyscraper constructed during World War II, but it was abandoned in 1993. Chamberlin was contracted by Hensel Phelps to perform the roofing restoration portion of the project. As part of the exterior renovation, Chamberlin’s scope of work focused on transforming the roof areas into outdoor terraces to be utilized by the condo owners and retail merchants in the building.

Chamberlin was a finalist in their competition category, but achieved a greater honor by winning the national Gold Circle Award for safety. The Gold Circle Safety Award is not a nomination category but a special honor awarded by the Gold Circle Award judges. Because safety is an integral part of every roofing application, all Gold Circle Award nominations were reviewed for safety preparedness and success, and Chamberlin exceeded the standards.

Excellence in Safety & Construction Recognized by ABC

noemail@chamberlinltd.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recognized the nation’s top 2009 construction projects and safest firms during its 20th annual National Excellence in Construction (EIC) and National Safety Excellence Awards celebration in San Diego, California on February 4, 2010. Chamberlin’s waterproofing work performed at Texas Women’s University (TWU) in Denton, Texas, earned the company a first prize Eagle Award in the “Exteriors – Masonry, Precast, Stone” category. During two years of exterior restorations to three occupied college buildings at TWU, Chamberlin devised a solution that saved the owner more than half the original installation cost and cut the schedule by a third. “ABC congratulates Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing for its exceptional work on the TWU Weatherproofing project,” said Kirk Pickerel, ABC president and CEO. “This project is an outstanding example of the innovation and commitment to superior craftsmanship...

Dallas County Community College District Earns More Recognition for Chamberlin

noemail@chamberlinltd.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) is one of Chamberlin’s most decorated projects to date. Not only did it take home a North Texas Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Excellence Award last year, but it also won a National ABC Eagle Award. This year DCCCD has gone on to take home three more awards.

DCCCD recently won International Concrete Repair Institute’s (ICRI) Outstanding Concrete Repair Merit Award in the “Historic Structures” category. Project Manager Andy Wharton accepted the award on Chamberlin’s behalf at ICRI’s Annual Convention in Tempe, Arizona. Winning ICRI projects follow strict guidelines and demonstrate certain qualities including project uniqueness, use of state-of-the-art methods and materials, functionality, value engineering and aesthetics.

DCCCD also took home the Texas Construction magazine’s Best of 2009 Award. Texas Construction magazine hosts an annual awards competition that recognizes commercial construction firms across the state of Texas and Oklahoma. This year, with over 150 nominated projects, Chamberlin won the Best of 2009 Award for Specialty Contracting. Projects were awarded based on safety, innovation, contribution to the community or industry, construction quality, craftsmanship, function and aesthetic quality of design. All entries were sorted by project type and each category had one “Best of” award winner.

In addition, Chamberlin submitted the DCCCD project to AGC’s North Texas Summit Awards and won the “Outstanding Project” award in the “Masonry” category. This was Chamberlin’s first time to submit a project in this award competition.

To date Dallas County Community College District has received five awards. Chamberlin looks forward to cranking out more top-notch projects in the coming years.

Chamberlin Receives Three New Project Awards from ABC

noemail@chamberlinltd.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chamberlin has been honored with three awards from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) local Excellence in Construction Awards competition in Houston and North Texas, receiving two Excellence Awards and one Merit. Chamberlin submitted two projects to the North Texas chapter awards competition. Both projects won Excellence awards. Children’s Medical Center Legacy Campus competed in the “Specialty Construction Less than $1 Million” category. Chamberlin was hired by Austin Commercial to perform the waterproofing scope of work on the project. This new project consisted of a four story hospital, a four story Children’s Ambulatory Care Pavilion, a central utility plant and an underground tunnel that connects the utility plant to the hospital. When work wrapped up on Children’s Medical Center Legacy Campus in the fall of 2008, the new campus was not only watertight but was also ready to provide children a peaceful facility to get the medical attention...

Roofing Superintendent

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:22:33 GMT

Title: Roofing Superintendent
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for roofing superintendents for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Technical knowledge of flat roofing systems including EPDM, TPO, BUR, Modified Bitumen, etc., and their application methods.

This Job Requires the Follow Skills:

Must have leadership and organizational skills to lead construction crews.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Project Manager

Contact info:

Danny Taft (Add to Contacts)

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

1515 Dungan Lane, Ste 210

Austin, Texas 78754
US

Roofing Mechanic

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:19:07 GMT

Title: Roofing Mechanic
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for experienced roofing mechanics for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Basic knowledge of flat roofing systems including EPDM, TPO, Modified Bitumen, BUR, etc.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Roofing Superintendent

Contact info:

Danny Taft (Add to Contacts)

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

1515 Dungan Lane, Ste 210

Austin, Texas 78754
US

Sheet Metal Superintendent

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Sheet Metal Superintendent
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for sheet metal superintendents for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Technical knowledge of fabrication and installation of sheet metal products such as coping, flashing, counter flashing, metal wall panels, gutters, collector heads, downspouts, fascia, trim, soffits.

This Job Requires the Follow Skills:

Must have leadership and organizational skills to lead construction crews.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Project Manager

Contact info:

Danny Taft (Add to Contacts)

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

1515 Dungan Lane, Ste 210

Austin, Texas 78754
US

Sheet Metal Mechanic

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Sheet Metal Mechanic
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for experienced sheet metal mechanics for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Experience with fabrication and installation of sheet metal products such as coping, flashing, counter flashing, metal wall panels, gutters, collector heads, downspouts, fascia, trim, soffits.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Sheet Metal Superintendent

Contact info:

Danny Taft (Add to Contacts)

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

1515 Dungan Lane, Ste 210

Austin, Texas 78754
US

Sheet Metal Mechanic

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:17:29 GMT

Title: Sheet Metal Mechanic
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for experienced sheet metal mechanics for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Experience with fabrication and installation of sheet metal products such as coping, flashing, counter flashing, metal wall panels, gutters, collector heads, downspouts, fascia, trim, soffits.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Sheet Metal Superintendent

Contact info:

Art Canales (Add to Contacts)

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

7510 Langtry

Houston, Texas 77040
US

Sheet Metal Superintendent

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Sheet Metal Superintendent
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for sheet metal superintendents for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Technical knowledge of fabrication and installation of sheet metal products such as coping, flashing, counter flashing, metal wall panels, gutters, collector heads, downspouts, fascia, trim, soffits.

This Job Requires the Follow Skills:

Must have leadership and organizational skills to lead construction crews.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Project Manager

Contact info:

Art Canales (Add to Contacts)
Fax (713) 880-8255

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

7510 Langtry

Houston, Texas 77040
US

Roofing Superintendent

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Roofing Superintendent
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for roofing Superintendents for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Technical knowledge of flat roofing systems including EPDM, TPO, BUR, Modified Bitumen, etc., and their application methods.

This Job Requires the Follow Skills:

Must have leadership and organizational skills to lead construction crews.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Project Manager

Contact info:

Art Canales (Add to Contacts)
(713) 880-1432
Fax (713) 880-8255

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

7510 Langtry

Houston, Texas 77040
US

Roofing Mechanic

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Roofing Mechanic
Description:

Chamberlin is looking for experienced roofing mechanics for commercial construction projects.

Required Experience:

Basic knowledge of flat roofing systems including EPDM, TPO, Modified Bitumen, BUR, etc.

Education Required: High School
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Roofing Superintendent

Contact info:

Art Canales (Add to Contacts)
(713) 425-9033

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

7510 Langtry

Houston, Texas 77040
US

Roofing & Waterproofing Manufacturers

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:14:58 GMT

Chamberlin installs the following manufacturer's products. For further information on products and applications, contact one of our locations, or call 1-800-749-1432.

Roofing, Waterproofing & Restoration Services

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:06:44 GMT

Waterproofing & Caulking Roofing & Sheet Metal Building & Garage Restoration Roof Maintenance & Leak Repair Estimating / Value Engineering / Conceptual Pricing Expect More from Chamberlin (Click to watch video) Chamberlin's team has extensive knowledge of products, product systems and their appropriate use. We know and understand cost efficiencies available. This enables us to better identify practical ways to economize without sacrificing long-term performance. Sometimes it is possible to save money by utilizing another product or another detail. Other times we advise against doing so because our experience tells us that the cost efficiency doesn't translate to a quality solution. Our installations are backed by some of the biggest names in the business, such as: Firestone, Carlisle, G.E., Tremco, W.R. Grace and BASF, to name a few....

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Industrial / Warehouse Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:24:45 GMT

New Construction: Cisco Data Center - Allen, TX New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $2,700,000 (approx.) Owner: Cisco Systems Architect: Corgan Associates General Contractor: Holder Construction Scope of Work: PVC roofing system, plaza waterproofing, caulking, firestopping, joint sealants, expansion joints, flashing and sheet metal Project Description: 160,000 sq. ft. data center Thermal Energy Corporation - Houston, TX New Construction Waterproofing Contract Amount: $2,500,000 (approx.) Owner: Thermal Energy Corporation Engineer: Burns & McDonnell Engineering Consultant: BDA Associates, LLC - Engineering Consulting Group General Contractor: Burns & McDonnell Engineering Scope of Work: Hot-applied waterproofing, thermoplastic waterproofing, concrete wear pads, dampproofing, flashing, joint sealants and expansion joints Project Description: Chilled water and thermal...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Higher Education Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:23:41 GMT

New Construction: Texas A&M University - Texarkana- Texarkana, TX New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $1,200,000 (approx.) Owner: The Texas A&M University System Architect: Gensler General Contractor: Gilbane Building Co. Scope of Work: TPO and standing seam roofing systems, flashing, sheet metal, cold-applied waterproofing, joint sealants, water repellents, insulation, air barrier and pavers Project Description: Library and central plant University of Oklahoma Utility Plant & Tunnel - Norman, OK New Construction Waterproofing Contract Amount: $500,000 (approx.) Owner: University of Oklahoma Engineer: Jacobs Engineering General Contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction Scope of Work: Dampproofing, joint sealants, below-grade waterproofing, bentonite waterproofing and epoxy waterproofing Project Description: Campus physical plant Jones AT&T Stadium East Side Expansion - Lubbock, TX New...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Religious Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:22:17 GMT

New Construction: Chapelwood United Methodist Church - Houston, Texas New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $750,000 (approx.) Owner: Chapelwood United Methodist Church Architect: Merriman Holt Architects General Contractor: Brookstone, L.P. Scope of Work: SBS Modified Bitumen roofing with gravel surfacing, sheet metal flashing and trim, bentonite waterproofing, fluid-applied membrane air barrier, through-wall flashing and joint sealants Project Description: Expansion of church campus Great Commission Baptist Church - Ft. Worth, Texas New Construction Roofing Contract Amount: $400,000 (approx.) Owner: Great Commission Baptist Church Architect: Gossen Livingston General Contractor: Century Builders Scope of Work: Mechanically attached TPO roof system and metal standing seam roof system Project Description: New sanctuary, classrooms and office building Overcoming Faith Christian - Arlington, Texas ...

Awards & Honors

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:42:33 GMT

Chamberlin is proud to be the recipient of numerous awards and honors for outstanding achievements in the construction industry. Each year the company and its employees receive recognition from industry associations for excellence in service, safety and performance. Here are a few of our most recent awards. 2010 National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Gold Circle Safety Award Associated Builders & Contractors - National Excellence in Construction Award Category: Exterior - Masonry, Precast, Stone - Texas Womens University, Denton, TX Associated Builders & Contractors - National Safety Merit Award 2009 International Concrete Repair Institute - Outstanding Concrete Repair Merit Award Category: Historic Structures - Dallas County Community College District McGraw Hill / Texas Construction Magazine Best of 2009 Award Category: Specialty Construction - Dallas County Community College District ...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Healthcare Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:42:12 GMT

New Construction: Texas Children's Hospital Maternity Center - Houston, TX New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $3,300,000 (approx.) Owner: Texas Children's Hospital Architect: FKP Architects, Inc. Consultant: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. General: W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation Scope of Work: SBS Modified Bitumen and single-ply roofing systems, sheet metal flashing, self-adhered sheet dampproofing, hot fluid-applied waterproofing, liquid elastomeric waterproofing, expansion joints, CMU wall sealants and fire sealants Project Description: High risk obstetrics and neonatal medical facility Mission Trail Baptist Hospital - San Antonio, TX New Construction Roofing Contract Amount: $700,000 (approx.) Owner: VHS San Antonio Partners, LLC Architect: Earl Swensson Associates, Inc General Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Scope of Work:...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Hospitality Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:39:23 GMT

New Construction: The Westin - Memorial City - Houston, TX New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $1,600,000 (approx.) Owner: Memorial City Hotel, LLC. Architect: Morris Architects Consultant: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. General Contractor: Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd. Scope of Work: SBS Modified Bitumen roofing system, sheet metal flashing, joint sealants, expansion joints, cold-applied waterproofing, pavers, deck coating, air & vapor barrier and flashing Project Description: Multi-use hotel and condominium Embassy Suites Hotel Riverwalk - San Antonio, TX New Construction Waterproofing Contract Amount: $600,000 (approx.) Owner: Blanco Rio, Ltd. Architect: Mitchell Carlson Stone, Inc. General Contractor: Zachry Construction Corporation Scope of Work: Below-grade waterproofing, split slab waterproofing, cold-applied waterproofing, pedestal and paver system,...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Parking Garage Projects

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:30:34 GMT

New Construction: Dallas County Underground Parking Garage - Dallas, TX New Construction Waterproofing Contract Amount: $300,000 (approx.) Owner: Dallas County Architect: J.E. Jacobs General Contractor: Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd. Scope of Work: Below-grade waterproofing, joint sealants, traffic coating, sheet membrane waterproofing Project Description: Parking garage beneath Dallas County Historical Plaza Devon Energy World Headquarters Parking Garage - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma New Construction Waterproofing Contract Amount: $1,600,000 (approx.) Owner: Devon Energy World Headquarters Architect: Kendall/Heaton Assoc., Inc. General Contractor: Holder-Flintco Scope of Work: Split slab waterproofing, expansion joints, vertical waterproofing, horizontal waterproofing, deck coating, repellents and sealants Project Description: 10 story parking garage Texas Medical Center Garage #19 - Houston, Texas New Construction Roofing &...

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Office / Commercial Projects

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:59:54 GMT

New Construction: Devon World Headquarters - Oklahoma City, OK New Construction Roofing & Waterproofing Contract Amount: $7,000,000 (approx.) Owner: Devon Energy Architect: Kendall/Heaton Associates, Inc. General Contractor: Flintco/Holder, A Joint Venture Scope of Work: Slab waterproofing, vertical waterproofing, split slab waterproofing, blindside waterproofing, hot fluid-applied waterproofing, traffic coating, expansion joints, water repellents, joint sealants, façade sealants, fire resistive joint sealants, deck coating and garden roof assembly Project Description: 51 story Devon Energy office tower American National Bank - Dallas, TX New Construction Roofing Contract Amount: $100,000 (approx.) Owner: American National Bank Architect: McCleary German Architects General Contractor: James R. Thompson Scope of Work: Modified Bitumen roofing system, flashing and sheet metal, standing seam roofing Project...

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:21:35 GMT

Chamberlin team rolling out Modified Bitumen roofing cap sheet. www.chamberlinltd.com

Below-grade waterproofing

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:21:35 GMT

Below-grade waterproofing installation at 2727 Kirby high rise condos in Houston, TX. www.chamberlinltd.com