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 pre-cast panels and mechanical shafts, exterior pre-cast 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 and labor/delivery and post-op recovery on its second and third floors. The building was experiencing on-going air and water infiltration into various mechanical shafts throughout the building, leading to visible moisture damage and poor air quality throughout portions of the building. The infiltration and condensation developing within the mechanical shafts was 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 pre-cast panel secondary backer rod and sealant
• Replace exterior pre-cast 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 perimeter and pre-cast panel joints
• Install new pre-formed silicone sealant at all pre-cast panel-to-window and pre-cast 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 leading edge transition to pre-cast 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 containment areas on the interior. At times, Western’s workers needed to be fully suited up to enter work areas, then remove their suits prior to 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.