Intermountain Contractor: Utah Governor's Mansion 'Roof and Tile' Small Restoration Project

Project Members Owner: State of Utah General Contractor: Utah Tile & Roofing, Inc. Engineering Team Structural: Willmore Cole Structural Engineers, Bountiful Mechanical: Bennion Associates Engineers, Murray Key Subcontractors Mechanical: U.S. Mechanical, American Fork Stonework/Concrete: State Stone, SLC; Lynn Randall Concrete, SLC Painting: Dave Horn Painting, SLC Roofing: Utah Tile & Roofing, SLC; (consultant) Innovative Roofing Consultants, SLC

This two-year project originated as a relatively modest roof survey and assessment of drainage system problems and ended up as a complete reroof, stone restoration and seismic upgrade that preserves the 1902-vintage mansion's architectural character, while adopting some modifications to improve the building envelope's functionality and durability.

The project replaced not only the roof, but restored the damaged stonework, porches and other architectural and structural elements. Performance Based Procurement ensured experienced craftsmanship, the highest quality of materials and the flexibility to address the many anticipated unknowns. In addition to the new roof and limestone restoration, the scope of work replaced and improved the drainage system, added a closed-loop hydronic snow/ice melt system, and upgraded the structure's seismic design.

More than 26,000 man hours went into replacing the copper roof, drainage system and other related upgrades. The project required 7,500-sq. ft. of architectural standing seam roof system supplied by Butler Manufacturing Co. of Kansas City. The 16 in. wide panels were factory formed from 20-oz. copper material. Stainless steel clips are the primary fasteners to the structure, drip edges and valleys. More than 600 3 ft. by 10 ft copper flat stock were used on the project, which proved to be one of the most intricately detailed projects ever encountered on a historic building by Butler.

For the seismic upgrade, the old roof and underlying deck were stripped down to the existing structural support framing and the connections verified or upgraded wherever needed at interfaces with the building's perimeter, roof valley and ridges. Stainless steel bracing was added at interfaces with the four chimneys, and safety anchors added at strategic locations around the roof.

The two-year-long project also repointed, refaced or replaced the ornate stonework, along with rebuilding the mansion's front and back porches. Matching replacement stone was taken from the original quarry in Utah, as well as others in Indiana, Kansas, and Texas. More than 1,900 stones were addressed by this work, which required 38,000 man hours.

©December 2000 Intermountain Contractor