Remsen Hall, Queens College, Queens, NY

Roof Replacement

Remsen Hall Science Center Building is a 3-story high structure that contains chemistry laboratories and offices.   Several years ago, extensive alteration work was conducted on the second-floor chemistry laboratories, which are located directly under the scope of work area for this project’s roof replacement.  During the alteration project, several new equipment units were added to both the lower and main roofs.  The building contains a total of 11 roof areas that vary in elevation and are separated by parapet walls.  The southern portion of the main roof and the lower adjacent level roof on the west side were experiencing water infiltration and the roof membrane had exceeded its life span and manufacturing warranty.

The building has a glazed brick façade with concrete masonry backup walls.  The roof parapet walls are constructed of multi-wythe brick capped with limestone coping.  The original roofing assembly was an inverted system, consisting of tile set in mortar bed over insulation board and built-up roof.

At the time of the project, the southern portion of the main roof at Remsen Hall was experiencing several water infiltration conditions and the roof membrane had exceeded its lifespan and warranty, requiring immediate replacement.  Diaz Architect & Associates, P.C. provided a restoration plan to address the following:

• Fabric reinforced liquid membrane directly on sloping concrete. This roofing system was able to maintain the required flashing height for warranty
• Overburden consisting of drainage composite, insulation and pavers
• Rais through wall flashing to accommodate the thick insulation
• Removal of coping and introduction of flashing
• Cladding inboard face of one parapet to conceal a gang of conduits mounted to it