Committee approves Messing Roof bid to repair leaking atriums at 200 West Front Street

The McLean County Property Committee voted to approve a bid from Messing Roof and Construction to repair leaking atriums on the east and west sides of the 200 West Front Street building.

Scott Folger, the county project manager, said staff had been unable to use the atrium areas for about four months because of water infiltration. After consultations with roofing contractors, he said the county expects to seal the top membranes and restore the spaces rather than undertake full replacement. “We at first thought we were going to have to do major repairs and possibly remove them or replace them, but after discussing with roofing contractors, we believe we can get it sealed and watertight and be able to be usable again,” Folger said.

Folger described prior below-grade work to address groundwater, the installation of drain tile to the storm sewer and sealing of a significant gap around a seal plate. He said after those repairs, heavy rains that previously caused water to enter through the floor have stopped. “In the large rains we've had where we were getting water coming in through the floor of the building, that has stopped completely,” he said.

Committee members asked about the potential for follow-on repairs and timing for returning occupants to the atrium spaces. Member Layman asked whether additional repairs or “sprucing up” would be needed; Folger said contractors will flood-test the seals after work and fix any leaks, and that previous sealant choices had failed because they did not flex with temperature. He said crews will remove the old sealant, add aluminum flashing and use a flexible sealant. Folger estimated the spaces should be ready for occupants to return in about one to two weeks after the work is completed.

The motion to approve the bid was made by Member Lehman, seconded by Member Tompkins, and the committee voted to approve the bid.