Restoring Rich Detail While Repairing Decades of Damage and Degradation

Project Background

• Completed in 1974, First Presbyterian Church was constructed using a hybrid masonry wall consisting of CMU backup with a mortar-filled collar joint separating the backup wall and ashlar coursed sandstone facing
• The church’s sanctuary is constructed in a crucifix configuration with a center steeple
• Designed as a crucifix in plan, the sanctuary extends to each compass point and is terminated on the exterior with a masonry gambrel gable
• Richly detailed masonry includes cut Indiana limestone copings and complex window surrounds at intricate stained glass features
• Years of continual interior leakage had caused staining and degradation of the masonry walls and interior finishes

Project Challenges

• Access for evaluation and repair was difficult because of a tight center city location and numerous adjoining building additions
• After extensive testing by SKA Consulting Engineers, a multi-phase repair project, including masonry repairs, roof replacement, and steeple repair, was instituted
• To receive the best value, system scaffolding was used to support all trades, minimizing both costs and project duration

Project Approach

• To make the hybrid masonry wall water-resistant, extensive new flashing was installed at all rising walls and above masonry limestone trim components
• All limestone coping components were removed and lead-coated copper through-wall flashings were added; flashings included a projecting copper receiver to accommodate removable counterflashing that integrated multiple roof interfaces
• Complex step flashing was installed at all rising wall interfaces, which was complicated by variations in the random sizing of sand stone ashlar masonry
• Each step pan flashing included a projecting counterflashing receiver and foam drainage weep integrated for optimal performance