Western Specialty Contractors’ Chicago Facades Branch recently completed Phases 1-5 of a multi-phased, interior AVB (Air & Vapor Barrier) and exterior facade repairs to a building at a medical center campus in the north suburbs of Chicago.
Western was subcontracted by Michuda Construction (CM/GC) in early 2024 to perform mock-up repairs to the building’s interior precast panels and mechanical shafts, exterior precast panels, and roof transitions. All work was performed under the direction of consultants Wiss, Janney, Elstner & Associates. Upon successful completion of the mock-up repairs, subsequent phases were commenced in August 2024.
The 20-year-old, multi-use building features administrative and medical offices on its ground level and first floor, labor/delivery, and post-op recovery on its second and third floors. The building was experiencing ongoing air and water infiltration into various mechanical shafts, leading to visible moisture damage and poor air quality throughout portions of the building. The infiltration and condensation developing within the mechanical shafts were related to various roof and precast sealant joint condition failures as well as HVAC ductwork leaks within the mechanical shafts.
Western was contracted to do the following work to resolve the issues:
- Replace 100% of the exterior precast panel secondary backer rod and sealant
- Replace exterior precast panel, primary backer rod, and sealant as necessary
- Replace 100% of the exterior window perimeter sealants
- Replace 100% of the exterior door, louver and lantern sealants at work areas
- Install new exterior window glazing, wet seals, and pre-formed sealant over frame splice joints
- Install new backer rod and sealant at all Interior window perimeters and precast panel joints
- Install new pre-formed silicone sealant at all precast panel-to-window and precast panel-to-mechanical shaft transitions
- Apply new AVB system and joint sealants at interior mechanical shaft walls
- Perform cast-in-place epoxy crack injection and sealant repairs
- Perform miscellaneous roofing repairs at the leading edge transition to precast panels
Because the building was a fully occupied and operational hospital facility, Western’s work was performed in phases, both vertically and horizontally, to allow for the hospital to manage office and patient room areas impacted by the work.
Work locations were phased out to allow the hospital to relocate staff temporarily as the repairs were performed within interior containment areas. At times, Western’s workers needed to be fully suited up to enter work areas and then remove their suits before leaving those work areas.
Western’s team managed noise, dust and smell interferences with containment equipment and ventilation.
Western completed Phases 1-5 within budget and on schedule in August 2025 to the satisfaction of the CM/GC, consultant and building owner. Phases 6-10 are expected to begin in fall 2025.
Have a project you need completed? Contact the Chicago Facades branch today https://westernspecialtycontractors.com/chicago-branch/
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.