HamiltonNews | Dundas' Ellen Osler Home celebrates 'Windows on Justice' success HamiltonNews The Windows on Justice project at Ellen Osler Home in Dundas has involved more than window replacement and other building upgrades. After 13 years of quietly providing a 12-bed Salvation Army-managed community residential facility for female offenders ... |
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Dundas' Ellen Osler Home celebrates 'Windows on Justice' success - HamiltonNews
The brick walls of La Salle-Peru Township High School are covered in mortar dust.
Last week was ceremonial hammer time when the school broke glass on a fake school window to kick off the project. Now, reality hammer time is underway as students have left for the summer and the schools $38 million renovation project accelerates into high gear.
Bricks in the wall
A drive-by glance might tell you the brick looks good for another 100 years. Standing and watching workers tuck-pointing the mortar, with a construction superintendent pointing out details, changes everything.
A lot of this looks good but for maintenance and the life of the building, there is water intrusion in there, said Jerry Kunzer, site superintendent with Pepper Construction, Barrington. This water intrusion has become visible inside, said Matt Baker, school spokesman.
The tucking and pointing
The mortar and brick work is the most visible, and audible, labor going on now. Workers are using grinding wheels to remove old mortar, which will be replaced with new mortar, a process called tuck-pointing, sometimes known as re-pointing. Some bricks also will need replacing. This work started before school let out in late May and will continue into August. The contract for tuck-pointing and masonry restoration went to Evans-Mason Inc., Springfield, for $908,883.
What theyre basically doing is grinding out all the joints, the horizontal and the head joints, Kunzer said.
Its called tuck-pointing, where new mortar is tucked and pointed into a groove made by a grinding wheel, Kunzer said. The circular grinding wheels run easiest along horizontal joints, but its trickier between short, vertical ends of bricks. Here, the wheel leaves half-moon grooves in the vertical seams. If the worker grinds too far up or down, the wheel touches the brick, a no-no. So, workers have to finish this joint by using small, chipping tools.
The crew is shooting for a three-quarter inch recessed groove where mortar needs replacement. Kunzer pointed to an area where mortar has been removed, revealing gaps and holes in the original mortar.
You can see as you get in here, theres some holes back in here. You get more of that on a head point than you do on the horizontal. Thats what that tuck-pointing will help take care of. Theyll get this tucked all the way back in there and that helps stop any water infiltration, he said.
This problem stems from basic bricklaying. The wet mortar lays better on the horizontal joint with the help of gravity. The vertical mortar must be pressed to the ends of bricks, as gravity wants to pull it off.
Because when theyre using their trowel and theyre putting it on the head joint, sometimes it falls off, Kunzer said.
Kunzer is toying with calculating the total feet of mortar joints across the entire exterior of the school.
We have an intern coming out in the next week or two. I was going to challenge him, he said.
Counter-weighted swing stages
On a large area of flat wall, three workers stood on a scaffolding platform, specifically a swing stage, held by cables attached to counter-weighted booms on the roof. The cables run through motorized pulleys so the stage can move up and down. The workers start grinding near the roof edge and work their way down. On a nearby roof edge, three more workers looked down on the wall.
I think theyre trying to figure out where to move the swing stage to next, Kunzer said.
The three workers on the stage were grinding mortar into clouds of white dust. They wore breathing masks. Pulsating vacuum hoses attached to the grinding tools sucked up some of the dust.
Every person on that swing stage is required to have a full-body harness, and thats tied off to a separate structural point, Kunzer said over the grating buzz of grinding.
Other walls, like the ends of the south wings, have complicated cornices and pilasters and will not allow a hanging stage. Here, a worker on a hydraulic lift grinds away the more convoluted mortar joints.
Matching colors 1927-1963
It is a challenge to match new mortar and bricks with old materials. Mortar takes on the color of the sand it contains, and brick is colored by the local clay used. The school includes Streator brick from the 1920s.
A test site has been set up on the northeast side of the main building, the exterior of Matthiessen auditorium, which was tuck-pointed in the 1990s, Baker said.
Were not sure what they used originally, Kunzer said. Theyre trying to come up with a color and texture sample. Right now were doing a lot of the grinding until we get all the mockups approved on the mortar samples. As were doing this, there are several areas where the architects are trying to match the old 1927 brick because of the additions. There is a 37 and a 63 where its a different brick. This addition here was 1963. Theres a 1937 in back of it. You can see the difference in the brick colors here.
The brick layout is different between additions. The oldest part alternates full and half-brick pieces, what is called Flemish bond pattern. Newer brickwork has a running bond, showing full brick faces. Its a subtle clue to boundaries between old and new, Kunzer said.
Old radiators and window AC
Last week, workers were repainting the lintels the horizontal steel brick supports across the tops of windows. The lintel painting contract went to D.E.S. Painting, Chicago, for $19,635.
Window replacement will start in late June-early July.
They have been taking out all the window air-conditioning units because those will be gone when they replace the windows, Baker said. The tricky thing is, until they get the new AC system up and running, we will have these big temporary units that will get rolled in.
This week, mobile classrooms began arriving. These large rectangular units, carpeted and with windows, will be brought together to form one mini-school in the east parking lot. A storage garage in the middle of the lot was torn down to make way. This will allow classes on the three floors to be displaced by interior work.
Last week, old radiators were removed from classrooms and piled onto moving carts. A maintenance worker tore out a partition in the yearbook room.
You might remember two large trees on the east side just south of the clock tower. Those were cut down about three months ago because they were overgrown and in the way, Baker said.
The school board is scheduled this week to award more bids for fire protection, electrical and mechanical utilities and asbestos abatement, as well as approve two change orders.
Jeff Dankert can be reached at (815) 220-6977 or lasallereporter@newstrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @NT_LaSalle.
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The dust is flying at LP High as renovations kick into summer gear - LaSalle News Tribune
YWCA receives needed repairs By STEPHANIE UJHELYI sujhelyi@the-review.com Published: June 7, 2017 3:00 AM
When the Ohio History Connection's Building Doctors were in town last fall, something caught their eye.
Although the YWCA of Alliance had been awarded $18,000 in Community Development Block Grant money from the 2016 allotment for window replacement, the west wall of the local landmark appeared problematic and needed to be a priority, explained agency director Gloria Whiteley-Magrath, whose office is one of two potentially affected by the issue revealed during an environmental review.
"A contractor said that the wall was still structurally sound but did note the issues," she said, adding that the funds award also had included replacement of the historic brackets on the building's eaves as well as repairs to the building tower. "The top priority was definitely the wall, as the contractor agreed that the windows would hold."
Throughout this week, employees from Coon Restoration enjoyed good weather while making the masonry changes.
Magrath said that due to the YWCA's local landmark status, the Alliance Historic Preservation Commission also was consulted on the project.
Richard Lott, the city's community development planner, did confirm that officials still haven't received their final 2017 CDBG numbers yet; however, if the allotment stands true to prediction -- equal to last year's -- then the YWCA of Alliance will receive $24,400 to replace those 11 windows.
The Building Doctors also visited the city's other public facility applicant, Alliance Fire Department's Station No. 3 (Mount Union), which apparently impressed, according to Lott. Assistant Fire Chief Danille Kemp's application for facade work to help with energy efficiency and repair the roof also was funded in this year's cycle.
The Ohio History Connection was "thrilled that the station is still in use after all these years and well maintained," he concluded.
Attempts to contact a representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development were unsuccessful Tuesday.
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Brick by Brick: YWCA receives needed repairs - The-review
June 6th, 2017 by DWM Magazine
A bill that would require window manufacturers to include replacement and labor costs in product warranties has passed the Connecticut State Senate and is making its way through the states House of Representatives, and its facing opposition from the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).
The legislation would also require manufacturers to settle claims and make payments within 30 days of receipt of a warranty claim. According to WDMA, the vague language of the bill could open the door for warranty coverage ofimproper installation or use of aproduct.
The bill would also apply to roofing and siding.
WDMA says the new lawisnt needed because consumers are already covered by product warranties that protect them from legitimate product defects or failures, and many of those warranties will cover replacement costs. In addition, manufacturers provide specific instructions for the installation of products, along with maintenance and other important documents.
The association says that making all warranties cover all labor costs for product defects is unreasonable because products can fail for many reasons, such as improper installation, misuse or modification after its installed, or improper maintenance.
As in other industries, a window manufacturer should not be held responsible for every single instance of a products failure, WDMA says, and forcing manufacturers to pay for all labor costs to replace a window thats been improperly installed or maintained is unfair and unreasonable.
WDMA is urging window companies that could be affected by this bill to reach out to their representatives via this form.
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Connecticut Window Warranty Bill Concerns Industry - DWM Magazine
Q: I own a unit on the first floor of a small condominium building. At my expense, I replaced my kitchen window; however, when it rains, I still see water dripping into the window frame. The window installation company inspected the window, stated the installation was correct and opined the water is coming in from deteriorated tuckpointing near the window. The association board refuses to take any action, claiming the water infiltration issue is my problem because I replaced the window. Thoughts?
A: Section 18.4(a) of the Illinois Condominium Property Act says a board of directors is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing the common elements. If the common element tuckpointing and/or waterproof membrane underneath the masonry is insufficient or deteriorated such that water is penetrating into the building cavity, the board must repair the water infiltration as a common expense.
The board's failure to maintain, repair and replace the common elements is a breach of its fiduciary duties. If the board continues to refuse to maintain the common elements to stop the water infiltration into the building cavity (and thus, your windows), a unit owner has the right to file a lawsuit against the board members for breach of fiduciary duty, or more practically, may seek board approval for the owner to take corrective action to stop the water infiltration. After the repair, the unit owner can decide whether to pursue legal remedies against the association for reimbursement.
Q: I am a board member of a condominium association, and there is a unit owner who routinely harasses the board with endless questions and demands for documents. The most recent demand was for all financial records and statements of the association for the last 10 years, which equates to thousands of pages of documents. The requestor's alleged "proper purpose" as required by the Condominium Property Act is to determine if there is financial mismanagement by the board. What is considered a proper response?
A: Section 19(a) of the Condominium Act states that unit owners are entitled to inspect and obtain copies of books and records of account for the current and 10 immediately preceding fiscal years. According to Section 19(e) of the Condominium Act, the unit owner must state a proper purpose for such records and the records must be produced within 30 business days of the unit owner's request.
The association may charge the unit owner the actual cost of retrieving and making the requested records available for inspection as well as the actual cost to the association for such copies.
A proper purpose under Illinois case law cannot be for purposes of harassment and retaliation. A mere statement alleging financial mismanagement may not be sufficient depending on the facts and circumstances of the request, and the past conduct of the unit owner toward the board.
Q: I am on the board of a self-managed condominium association, and the association needs access to a penthouse unit to investigate and repair water infiltration coming from the roof. However, the unit owner will not allow access to the unit unless the board provides a copy of the contract with the association's architect and answers other questions. Can a unit owner condition access upon delivery of a contract and information?
A: Legally speaking, a unit owner cannot condition the board's access to a unit for maintenance, repair or replacement of the common elements when emergency repairs are necessary to prevent damage to common elements. Section 18.4(j) of the Condominium Act expressly gives the board such authority to access a unit for the above purposes.
However, as a practical matter, seeking court intervention to exercise such a right would cause a significant delay in investigating and making such repairs, even though the board would be able to recover its legal fees according to Section 9.2 of the Condominium Act.
The practical solution is to give the unit owner reasonable information to solicit his or her cooperation. Unit owners are entitled to inspect copies of contracts to which the association is a party upon stating a proper purpose, according to Section 19 of the Condominium Act.
CondoAdviserQuestions@lplegal.com
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Water leaking into your condo unit? - Chicago Tribune
OTTUMWA The initial report from a consulting firms May site visit has the county wondering what additional work will have to precede the replacement of windows in the courthouse.
In March the county board of supervisors agreed to have Chairman Jerry Parker contact Victor Amoroso of A and J Associates for recommendations on replacing windows in the courthouse. There are certain things we can and cannot do, said Parker, because the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Amoroso and architect Douglas Steinmetz examined the windows in May. Parker told supervisors last week that Steinmetz and Amoroso found some things they thought we might want to address before we do the windows.
Two concerns that Parker mentioned were sand in the fifth floor front window and sporadic fire protection.
Sand in the fifth floor front window may indicate that the masonry is pulling apart, Steinmetzs report says. Photographs and observations made at the time of the site visit were inconclusive though there does appear to be an area of missing exterior mortar, Steinmetz said.
According to the report, exploratory construction will be needed to evaluate the situation. In addition, the missing center pier at this window will have to be reconstructed. This will help with structural concerns and also reduce the glass area helping to reduce solar gain in the office located by this window, the report says.
Steinmetz called the fire protection system at the courthouse spotty. System does not provide full coverage along designated exit routes, his report says.
County Auditor Kelly Spurgeon told supervisors last week that the courthouse is inspected every year, and she doesnt understand why the deficiency hasnt been mentioned before.
It might be good to have the fire inspector look at it, said Parker at the May 30 board meeting.
Supervisor Greg Kenning suggested that the county address the sprinkler issue before proceeding with the window project.
Supervisors instructed Spurgeon to look into Steinmetzs concerns in collaboration with courthouse Building Maintenance Manager Andrew Birch.
I still havent read the report yet, said Spurgeon Monday. Her office is busy with fiscal budgets this time of year. Spurgeon said the courthouse is inspected every year, and spotty coverage of the sprinkler system has never been brought to her attention.
Parker said Monday that there are no sprinklers on the fifth floor of the courthouse. We dont know that they are required to be there, he said. The floor is used only for storage.
Parker said the county also has questions about some fire escapes and exit routes. Some of the bolts going into that old stone are loose, said Parker. If the fire escapes are needed, their stability will have to be addressed.
Another issue supervisors want to address involves the escape route through the main courtroom on the third floor. We keep that door locked, Parker said. They were afraid people visiting the courthouse could slip a weapon in there, so we were required to keep that door locked.
However, the courtroom is designated as an escape route, Parker said. If the fire inspector requires that access to the courtroom be unrestricted for fire safety, the county will not be able to keep the courtroom locked as law enforcement requested.
Anyone in the courtroom has an escape route, Parker said, but when court is not in session, the room is locked, and a different escape route has to be used.
Parker said that hes contacted Ottumwa Fire Chief Tony Miller to request that the citys fire inspector look into the issues addressed in the Steinmetzs report.
Reporter Winona Whitaker can be contacted at wwhitaker@ottumwacourier.com and followed on Twitter @courierwinona.
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County addresses courthouse fire safety - Ottumwacourier
UK (May 31, 2017) Doors, windows and roofline are important components of any property and often bay window replacement and other installation is required to maintain the property and provide security and safety. At Renov8 Home Improvements, one can find multitude of options in terms of windows, doors, roofline, conservatory, orangery, skylight and much more!
Roof is what gives the house first line of protection. At Renov8 Home Improvements, every element of roof is taken care of that ranges from flat roofing repairs and guttering to fitting new soffits and fasciae. Besides, they also supply and install windows and doors. There are various types of windows available- casement windows, coloured u-PVC windows, cottage style windows, tilt and turn windows, bay windows and sliding sash windows to name a few. Depending on the space, budget, aesthetics and preference, one can choose from these many types. Among the Aluminium window companies, Renov8 Home Improvements has the best product range, quality and experts who will help the customers from appropriate selection to installation.
They have lots of amazing ideas that will update, extend and refurbish the property. One such bright idea that will bring life to the property is skylight. These reputed skylight installers use the latest technology which incorporates the solar control glass for effective solar control all year round. These advanced and modern skylights can be customized to suit the requirement. Those looking for decking up options of their property with bespoke conservatories can get a new conservatory by booking an appointment with one of the top conservatory installers, Renov8 Home Improvements.
About Renov8 Home Improvements Having skill, experience and products to improve all aspects of the property, they offer their customers with bespoke conservatories, windows, doors, roofline and much more!
For more information, please visit http://www.renov8homeimprovements.co.uk/
Contact Renov8 Home Improvements Phone: 01935 412505 Mobile: 07734 698982 Email: office@renov8homeimprovements.co.uk
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Renov8 Home Improvements Ranks High In Offering Windows and ... - MilTech
Susan Vela Staff writer @susanvela
WINNEBAGO After voters twice rejected proposals to issues bonds to pay for a new school and majorrepairs, school board members now are considering borrowing what they can without voter approval to pay for state-mandated improvements.
A list of potential repairs doesn't includeeverything Winnebago Board of Education members say they need to meet building safety codes, but they're focusing on the highest-priority fixes.
The board will vote June 12 on whether to issue up to $3.2 million in bonds to pay for roof replacements, asbestos removal and other repairs required by the state.
Voters on April 4 rejected a proposed $12 million bond issue after previously defeating a $25.6 proposal in November. The 1,400-student school system still can issue bonds worth up to $5.4 million without voter approval.
Some board members say pursuing $2.2 million less than the maximum amount allowed will leave the district with a financial cushion for any surprises.
Board members say property taxpayers 2017 bills would not be affected and actually should drop.
The buildings need to be repaired. Theres no ifs, ands or buts. We do not have that money in our budget, board Vice President Todd France said. The more we put this off, the more damage we do to those buildings.
If board members approve the $3.2 million bond sale, construction could begin this summer. Dorothy Simon Elementary School, 309 S. Benton St., would get a new roof and boiler this summer.
Also planned are additional roof repairs, window replacement at both elementary schools, removal and replacement of asbestos floor tile at Simon, and installation of a system to ensure heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are functioning efficiently.
You cant have a big building that leaks water when it rains, France said. We basically have to shut down the second floor (when it does)
A facilities inspection revealed the district must spend at least $10 million on repairs and maintenance at its four schools to remain in compliance with state school building safety codes.
The failed Nov. 8 bond referendum would have paid for a 75,000-square-foot elementary school at the districts main campus near East McNair Road and Elida Street.
Superintendent Scott Bloomquist had hoped to getthe new elementary school built before he leaves for a new job June 30 as the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Educations assistant regional superintendent.
Hes looking forward to remaining a part of the district as a parent with four children attending Winnebago schools.
Susan Vela: 815-987-1392; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela
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Winnebago School Board may pursue $3.2 million in bonds after referendum rejections - Rockford Register Star
Steps
1
1
Take the width measurement from inside-to-inside of the window frame.
2
3
Check the window frame for plumb and level. Since the new unit will need to be installed at least close to plumb, adjust your measurements accordingly. This will ensure that you have the largest size window that can be installed plumb, and level in the opening provided.
4
Reduce both the width and height measurements by by 1/4. This is due to the fact that replacement windows are made to order in increments of 1/4.
1
2
1
Use a putty knife or flat-bar to remove any old sealant or paint chunks from the inside of the jambs, the exterior window stops, and the inside edge of the windowsill. If the original window was an older, weighted window, there may be pulleys at the top of the jamb that need to be removed. Clear any dust from the bottom corners of the frame to ensure a good bond with the sealant.
2
Clean the surrounding area thoroughly. If there were weights, remove the pulleys and apply a small amount of caulk to any holes.
1
Locate the sill flashing and the four long installation screws after unwrapping the new vinyl window and discarding of that pesky header expander. Sill flashing for a vinyl window is an L shaped piece of vinyl that is the same width as the replacement window unit. The vertical part of the L shape is slotted, allowing it to clip onto the bottom, outer edge of the window unit and shed water away from the bottom of the window.
2
Lay the sill flashing centered on the windowsill. Mark both sides where it hits the exterior window stops. Remove the lower part of the L shape on both sides as marked to allow the sill flashing to fit into place. Once trimmed, lay the sill flashing back in place and trace the outside edge with a pencil.
3
Apply a 3/8 bead of silicone or silicone fortified sealant to the inside surface of the exterior stops. Make sure you get both sides and the top. Then, apply a 1/4 bead directly to the wood sill on the inside of your pencil line.
4
Snap the sill flashing onto the bottom, outer rim of the new window unit.
5
6
Using the four provided screws, fasten the window to the frame at the four pre-drilled locations. (These are usually located about four inches from the top and bottom on both sides.
7
Tighten the screws until they hold the window firmly in place. Be sure the window is centered in the window opening. (Keep in mind that vinyl is much softer, and more flexible than wood. Over-tightening the screws can damage the frame of the window.)
1
Fully close and lock the window.
2
Fully open the window by lifting the bottom sash.
3
4
Stop adjusting once the gap is even.
1
Use a rag with water or paint thinner (depending on your choice of sealant) to clean any excess sealant from the frame of the window.
2
Check the perimeter of the window for good contact with the exterior window stops. If necessary, apply a thin bead around the perimeter to eliminate any voids, and leave a smooth, weather-tight seal.
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6 Ways to Install Replacement Windows - wikiHow
Awning Windows open up and out, adding graceful accents to every room. Create an elegant interior and exterior design for your home with these easy-to-operate window designs.
Bay Windows are a beautiful addition to the interior and exterior of your home. The three-dimensional design expands interior spaces, increasing natural light transmittance and creating more inviting rooms.
Bow windows, like Bays, also extend outward from the exterior wall, enhancing the overall look of your home. Bow windows usually consist of three to five window panes and come in a variety of material and design options.
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Double-hung windows combine convenient design with a stylish, contemporary look. They are ideal for homeowners who want to ventilate from the top and bottom and be able to tilt them into the inside to clean safely.
With our garden windows, you can have fresh flowers or herbs growing in your home throughout the year, right in the room where they will bring you the most value.
The hopper is a bottom-hinged window system that opens inward for ventilation. Solid vinyl construction provides strength and durability. Great for basements or bathrooms!
With our energy-efficient sliding windows and doors, you get beautiful natural light and outdoor views. Horizontal slider windows come in two or three section design and are easy to operate.
Choose from dozens of custom-shaped window options to add unique character to interior and exterior architecure. We can turn your creative dreams into three dimensional reality!
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Swing & Clean Sliding Windows are the pinnacle of style, performance and ease of maintenance. You can swing the window sashes inward to clean the exterior glass!
A picture window gets its name because it is designed to provide a clear view of your surroundings, acting as a non-ventilating picture frame for outdoor scenery.
Tilt-Turn windows are among some of the most popular window styles in Europe. They are designed to open by tilting in at the top, or by swinging into the room like a door.
Our new PVC resin vinyl windows are available in three solid colors- white, beige or bronze. Or for the appealing look of natural wood, choose optional stainable or prefinished laminte in light oak, dark oak or cherry woodgrain finishes.
With beautifully intricate bevel designs available in different colors, these windows complement decor and architectural styles. Decor Windows are also more cost effective than leaded, beveled or stained glass. Decor windows are custom overlays applied to new or existing windows.
North Georgia Replacement Windows offers premium Oasis vinyl sunrooms by Joyce Manufacturing. Our sunrooms are constructed to offer strong thermal and aesthetic superiority over conventional metal sunrooms.
Our custom designed Porch, Patio, and Garage enclosure systems can transform under-used spaces into a private retreat, spa, rec room or greenhouse.
North Georgia Replacement Windows' variety of maintenance-free composite, vinyl and fiberglass shutters to compliment any architecture perfectly. Our window shutters are available in many styles.
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Residential Window Replacement Atlanta | NG Windows ...